Stalybridge Celtic part company with James Kinsey

The news was confirmed less than 24 hours after the club's heavy 3-0 defeat at NPL West Division leaders Widnes on Wednesday night. 

Nevertheless, they have still won five of their opening 12 league games and sit four points off top spot, although all three of the sides above them have games in hand.

Kinsey first joined the club in May 2023 after a successful five-year stint with Wythenshawe Town.

He led his former club to promotion from the Cheshire Premier Division then a pair of third-placed finishes in the NWCFL, and famously took them to the FA Vase quarter-finals during the 2021/22 season.

Stalybridge have also confirmed that Kinsey's coaching staff have left the club, with Liam Tongue taking charge on an interim basis until Kinsey's successor has been appointed.

Current Celtic players Greg Wilkinson and Aaron Chalmers, as well as former striker Phil Marsh, will support Tongue during their upcoming fixtures.

Chairman Nigel Jones said: “This was a difficult decision, and I would like to thank James and his management team for their hard work since they were appointed in May 2023.

“Together, their commitment to the job in hand has never wavered, and I know how much effort they have put in to try to make things work.

"Having come to Celtic at a difficult time following our takeover last year, they successfully managed to rebuild the squad at short notice and put together a competitive team during the first half of last season. However, we feel that a change is now needed.

“On behalf of the club, I’d like to wish James and his team the very best for their future.”

Photo credit: Sean Walsh