Stalybridge Celtic part company with boss Jon Macken

Macken leaves after nearly two years in charge of the club. During that time, he has led Stalybridge to successive top-six finishes, as well as reaching both the Cheshire Senior Cup final in his first season at the helm then the NPL West Division play-off final last term.

However, a difficult start to the campaign leaves the club 17th in the NPL West, two points above the relegation zone..

They have won just three of their opening 11 league matches, with Macken's final game in charge a 2-0 defeat at league leaders Bootle on Saturday.

“This has naturally been a difficult decision," chairman Nigel Jones said.

"Jon and his management team are fantastic people who have contributed so much to the Club since taking charge, and we hoped we’d be able build on the significant progress we made as a team under Jon’s leadership.

“However, it’s just not panned out the way both Jon and I expected, and we believe a change is necessary to give the club the best possible opportunity to achieve our ambitions.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Jon for his hard work, commitment and professionalism during his time at Stalybridge Celtic.

"Jon’s professionalism from beginning to end has been first-rate, and I personally would like to wish him and his team all the best for the future."

Stalybridge are next in action at home to Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday 10 October.