Stalybridge Celtic is excited to announce the appointment of Dave Jones as the club’s new First-Team Manager.

Jones arrives at Bower Fold having established himself as one of the most exciting young managers in non-league football, building an impressive record of sustained success during three-and-a-half years in charge of Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

Appointed in May 2023 at just 23 years of age, Jones quickly set about building a team and a footballing environment capable of delivering long-term success and has spearheaded their impressive rise. His first season saw Atherton finish second in the North West Counties League Division One North, before he guided the club to a historic campaign in 2024/25, winning the league title, the Edward Case Cup and the Champions Cup to secure the first treble in the club’s history.

His time at Atherton has included an impressive run to the last 16 of the FA Vase, a strong FA Cup campaign, a 21-game unbeaten run and the development of a competitive and ambitious squad. Beyond his success on the pitch, Jones has played a significant role in building the club over three-and-a-half years, strengthening its footballing structure, attracting supporters back to Crilly Park and helping to raise the club’s profile. His tenure has been defined by sustained success, effective recruitment and the creation of an environment in which players and the wider club could continue to progress.

During his successful tenure at Crilly Park, Dave has recorded a remarkable 104 wins from 164 games with a win percentage of 63.41%. Across his time at the club, he has demonstrated an ability to build successful teams, strong talent identification and has created an environment driven by high standards, togetherness and a desire to improve each year.

Speaking on the appointment, Chairman Nigel Jones said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dave to Stalybridge Celtic. He has been an outstanding candidate throughout what was a thorough recruitment process. We had some fantastic people apply for the role, and it was impossible to respond to everybody, but Dave stood out as a person who can help bring both short-term and long-term success to the Club.

“This is evidenced by the success at Atherton LR over the last three years or so and his achievements there have been hugely impressive. This includes not only the development of a strong footballing structure around the first team but also the growing of a youth section which tells you a great deal about his ambition to grow the Club at all levels and again help us to future-proof success.

“We are delighted to have attracted someone of Dave's calibre to the football club. He has a clear drive and hunger to succeed, a real desire to be here and the ambition to move Stalybridge Celtic forward. We believe he has the qualities, experience and vision to make a positive impact, both immediately and over the longer term.

“We look forward to welcoming Dave to Bower Fold and him getting started.”

Dave Jones added: “I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage Stalybridge Celtic Football Club.

“I fully understand the size, history and expectations of this football club, and I’m determined to give absolutely everything to help move us forward.

“There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but myself and my staff will be doing everything we possibly can to get this club climbing the table and to give the supporters good times!

“I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

Dave's backroom team will be confirmed in due course.

Liam Tongue, Greg Wilkinson and Aaron Chalmers will take charge of Tuesday night's game vs Stafford Rangers, with Dave watching from the stands.

Dave will be in Grays Now around 6:30pm where supporters will be able to meet our new manager for the first time.

Welcome to Stalybridge Celtic, Dave!

Image: Connor Pelech