Under 21s - U21s Appoint Matt Ross As New Manager
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Author: Taran Dhamrait - Tue 11 Aug 20

Celtic are excited to announce the appointment of Matt Ross as the clubs new U21s Manager/Head Coach.

Celtic's U21 side will continue to play in the North West U21s Development League for the 2020/21 season.

Matt joins with a broad range of coaching and mentoring experience across North West football academies, the FA and grassroots football. Matt will combine this voluntary role alongside other coaching duties which involve coaching BTEC Academy students as part of the 'City in the Community' programme.

Speaking upon joining Celtic, Matt insists that together, something special can be created for the club. He said: 'I am excited to become a part of Stalybridge Celtic Football Club and can't wait to meet my new players.

"I believe that together, we can create something special for our club, fans and the community to be proud of.

"I am up for the challenge and with my trusted team, we will strive to be a force to be reckoned with.

"I really look forward to working closely with Simon Haworth and supporting his First-Team objectives in the best way possible.

'Thank you to the club for putting your faith in me.'

Celtic First-Team Manger Simon Haworth added: "I'm so pleased with Matt coming on board, his coaching CV stood out and he interviewed well.

"I'm looking forward to him bridging the gap between the Academy and First-Team and being able to help me build an increasingly younger, First-Team squad.

"Matt's efforts will be vital in recruiting and preparing players from the U21s with the right attitude and ability who can figure in our First-Team plans."

Academy Chair Ian Milligan detailed what Matt's aims and objectives will be as he takes on the managerial reigns, Ian said: "I'd like to welcome Matt and his team and wish them all the best with the U21s set up, with the aim that it becomes a productive pathway to our First Team.

"With Simon building a younger squad, Matt's brief is to recruit and develop the best local and regional talent with First Team and beyond potential.

"Coming well qualified as a coach, Matt and his team also have strong local football connections."

"Ian also paid his thanks to departing U21s Manager, Craig South. Ian added: "I'd like to thank Craig South who has been involved with Celtic sides from the U7s Juniors and has made a massive commitment over the years.

"Craig is stepping down due to business commitments but has also helped drive this process to take the U21s to the next stage."