IT IS never the best sign when a football club starts the season with an apology, but that is the case at Stalybridge Celtic.
And if manager Jon Macken sees a repeat of the first half showing in their final friendly at Hyde United, expect a similar reaction.
Celtic’s attempt to get promotion from the Northern Premier League’s West Division has seen several changes over the pre-season.
Andy Scarisbrick’s capture showed the ambition of co-owners Nigel Jones and Paul Bowden after joining from National League North side Marine for an undisclosed fee.
Other arrivals include defender Jack Byrne, part of Widnes’ title-winning campaign last season, and striker Dylan Scott, who has tasted League One action with Burton Albion.
The former, snapped up when Widnes folded, said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to get on board with Stalybridge Celtic. They’ve always been a standout club in my eyes.
“To finally start working with Jon Macken after nearly working together previously meant that as soon as he reached out, it was a no brainer for me.
“It was really a sad ending at Widnes after such a high last season so to have interest straight away is always a nice feeling.”
And Macken was delighted to land Scarisbrick, saying: “This is a really good signing for the club and I’m thrilled Andy is joining us.
“He’s a top player who will slot into our squad really well. It’s a credit to the club that we’ve been able to attract Andy to join us and I can’t wait to see him out on the pitch for us.”
But the manager hopes his new frontman is part of an improved side when Celtic’s competitive action begins with a trip to Vauxhall Motors on Saturday, August 9 before the first match at Bower Fold three days later against Atherton Collieries.
Things were that grim in the final friendly, a 2-0 loss at Tameside rivals Hyde United, he said sorry to the fans.
“I don’t think we worked hard enough in that first half,” Macken told the club. “I don’t think we played any quality football.
“We’ll be working hard to make sure the lads totally understand what’s at stake, what the first game means and the importance of putting on a performance.
“I’m certainly not going to accept that level of performance we gave in the first half at Hyde. The club doesn’t deserve that and the players are miles better than that – the fans deserve a lot better.
“There could be four or five different players in the starting 11 at Vauxhall compared to the Hyde game and we showed we need to sharpen up in a few areas.”