Stalybridge Celtic Football Club, nicknamed “The Celts,” is a non-league football club based in Stalybridge, Cheshire.
Established in 1970, they currently compete in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One West, which is part of the eighth tier of English football. The team calls Bower Fold their home ground.
At the time of writing, James Kinsey is the current manager with experience at Wythenshawe Town among his past roles.
History
Stalybridge Celtic, founded in 1909 by Herbert Rhodes, has a rich history marked by both achievements and challenges. Rhodes developed Bower Fold and designed the team’s strip. Initially competing in the Lancashire & Cheshire Amateur League, Celtic quickly turned professional, joining the Lancashire Combination and later the Southern League, where they earned promotion by finishing runners-up.
Post-World War I, Celtic became founders of the Third Division (North) in 1921. Financial constraints, however, led to their resignation from the football league, and they joined the Cheshire County League. In the 1980s, under Peter Wragg, the club enjoyed success, including winning the Bass NW Championship. Phil Wilson, managing in the 1990s, brought the team back to prominence with a League Cup and Cheshire Senior Cup victories, and a promotion to the Conference.
The 2000s saw fluctuating fortunes, with the club participating in the Conference North and experiencing managerial changes. Despite a play-off final appearance under Steve Burr, financial limitations led to a youth-focused strategy. Recent years have been challenging, with relegations and managerial changes, including Chris Wilcock’s appointment ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Celtic’s FA Cup history includes notable appearances and reaching the second round in 1993 and 1999. Their best FA Trophy performance came in 2001, reaching the final but losing to Stevenage Borough.
Legal
Stalybridge Celtic Football Club Limited (The) is a registered company in England and Wales under company number 00292254 .
Staff
Current management and coaching staff
Alumni
Former players and managers elsewhere in the non-league pyramid