STALYBRIDGE Celtic’s new manager Dave Jones says he is determined to get the club “climbing the table” after being appointed as Jon Macken’s successor at Bower Fold.
The 26-year-old arrives from Atherton Laburnum Rovers, where he enjoyed considerable success during three-and-a-half years in charge, including leading the club to a historic treble in the 2024/25 season.
“I’m incredibly proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to manage Stalybridge Celtic Football Club,” he told the club’s media team.
“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!”
Jones takes over with Celtic 13th in the Northern Premier League West Division, having collected 15 points from their opening 12 league games.
His appointment follows the departure of former Preston North End and Manchester City striker Macken on October 4, after just short of two years in charge. Macken was dismissed following a disappointing start to the campaign, with Celtic having gone five matches without a win.
Interim coaches Liam Tongue, Greg Wilkinson and Aaron Chalmers oversaw Saturday’s 3-1 home victory over Kidsgrove Athletic and will also take charge of Tuesday night’s home fixture against Stafford Rangers, with Jones watching from the stands.
The new manager is set to take charge for the first time when Celtic host Prescot Cables at Bower Fold on Saturday (October 17). His backroom team will be confirmed in due course.
Jones was appointed manager of Atherton Laburnum Rovers in May 2023, aged just 23, and quickly established himself as one of the standout young coaches in non-league football.
After finishing second in the North West Counties League Division One North in his first season, he guided Atherton to a remarkable campaign in 2024/25, winning the league title, the Edward Case Cup and the Champions Cup to complete the first treble in the club’s history.
His spell at Crilly Park also included a run to the last 16 of the FA Vase, a strong FA Cup campaign and a 21-game unbeaten streak.
Across 164 matches in charge, Jones recorded 104 victories, giving him an impressive win rate of 63.41 per cent.
Stalybridge chairman Nigel Jones said the new manager had stood out during a thorough recruitment process.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dave to Stalybridge Celtic,” he said. “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.”
The chairman also highlighted the new manager’s work in developing Atherton’s footballing structure and youth section, adding that his ambition extended beyond results on the pitch.