Season Fixtures: Stalybridge Celtic

After four years at the helm during a turbulent period both on and off the pitch, Simon Haworth resigned from his position as Staybridge Celtic manager in April.

The former Wales international has been replaced by Chris Willcock, an experienced manager who has previously enjoyed time in the dugout with Glossop North End and Ramsbottom United.

Willcock, who is from Stalybridge and grew up watching the club, joins Celtic having guided Workington to the NPL West playoffs last season, only to be beaten by Marine in the semi-final. Most notably, Willcock took Glossop to the FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium in 2015, losing 2-1 to North Shields.

Celtic begin their season with a trip to South Shields, who missed out on promotion last season after losing to Warrington Town in the playoffs semi-final. The Mariners are managed by former Southampton and Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips.