STALYBRIDGE Celtic have begun the search for a new manager following Simon Haworth’s resignation after four years in charge.
The future of out-of-contract Haworth, 45, had been due to feature high on the agenda at the board meeting at Bower Fold tonight (Thurs).
Haworth, the former Wales international striker, pre-empted those discussions by resigning late on Wednesday night.
He was known to be frustrated by the financial restraints at Celtic who compete in a Northern Premier League division which had full-time side South Shields and other clubs like champions Buxton with big budgets.
A statement posted on Celtic’s website early on Thursday afternoon read: “The board today announces that Simon Haworth has resigned as manager of Stalybridge Celtic Football Club.
“Simon worked for the club for four years during a turbulent, Covid-hit period. Pictured here with Rob Gorski (left)
“Chairman Rob Gorski said ‘I shall miss Simon as an individual and manager. He had so many attributes and I am sure that he will succeed in whatever he does next, and I thank him sincerely for all his hard work.
“He will always be welcome at Bower Fold, and we naturally wish him every success in his future career’.
“A statement about Simon’s successor will be made in due course.”
Mr Gorski told The Correspondent: “The board had differing views on whether to keep Simon, but ultimately it was Simon’s choice.”
Celtic’s chairman also addressed the issue of two recently departed players.
He explained: “Contrary to myths, Scott Bakkor and Ntumba Massanka did not leave because we cut the budget.
“They left because of their own personal circumstances, and it was not a cost-cutting exercise.”
Haworth, a striker who played for Cardiff City, Coventry City, Wigan Athletic and Tranmere Rovers, joined Celtic in 2018 having previously managed NPL club Clitheroe.