The 2025/2026 season will undoubtedly go down as one of the most successful ones in recent times.

In the preceding 36 years, on only three occasions has our current league position at the end of the campaign (1990/1991, 1991/1992 and 2000/2001) been bettered. On the only other occasion that a third place finish was achieved (2007/2008) then any positive result today will see us eclipse that points tally.

If that wasn’t enough, in terms of the senior team, the Club is also delighted to note that its U21’s have also had a magnificent year and at the time of writing have already claimed their own County and League Cups, showing that the future is bright.

The winners of individual awards will be announced after today’s game but we wish to place on record our appreciation to what Jon Macken, Steve Atkinson, Luke Gibson, Phil Jackson, David Pover, Ethan Cust and Sapphire White have achieved this season. A big well done and thanks also goes to each and every member of the playing squad for their hard work and efforts over the campaign.

It can be easy to think that running a non league football club is simple and that staging matches, with all it entails, just somehow happens. However, this is far from the truth and behind the scenes huge efforts, in terms of work and time, have been made by many people to ensure that the Club can operate on a daily basis and stage each and every matchday successfully. Whilst some functions are paid, many are done so freely by people who do it for the benefit of the Club that they love.

NIGEL JONES & PAUL BOWDEN – Without you then we wouldn’t have a club and we look forward to many years with you at the helm with success on the field at the same time.

JILL JONES – The unsung hero. As General Manager, Jill leads on the day to day running of the football club, organising and staging our matches as well as running a business on a daily basis. She is also crucial to the running of Oldham Rugby games and dedicates almost every day to ensuring the Club is thriving and developing. Most of this goes unseen but it is safe to say that without her then we would be lost.

PHIL HALL – Our Football Ops Director and Club Secretary and much more. In addition to the many duties that a secretary has on both a matchday and during the week then Phil also currently acts as our kitman all while working a full time job. He is a key part of our team and vital representative of the Club to both the league and FA. Knows every rule and regulation and ensures the Club is on track with adhering to the many rules and regulations we have to follow and is a key support to the first team.

TARAN DHAMRAIT – Our Media and Communications Director who puts all the communication, media and social interaction side of the club to the outside world together. Again, it might sound easy but Taran is the one who has to juggle several demands on a daily basis in addition to a full time job and leads our media team of volunteers. Part of our Executive Committee and supports Jill and Phil with day to day activities.

MARY GIBBONS – Although one of our public faces in terms of representing the Club on matchdays, Mary rarely sees a home game. In addition to her duties in hospitality on a matchday, looking after our guests and players, she can be found at the ground each and every week either setting things up for our next fixture or just generally cleaning and tidying. If that wasn’t enough then she also does all this for our current rugby tenants. A game simply can’t happen without her.

MICHAEL BRIERLEY – Again, one of our public faces and just a general go to person on matchdays over many years for just about every possible job.

ASH MIRTORABI, ANDY SEDDON & LAUREN BOSWELL – Our Commercial and Community Executives who help bring vital sponsorship and legions of future fans into the Club. Lauren also takes responsibility for looking after the many junior teams and schools that come to games.

GORDON GREENWOOD – A wealth of experience and knowledge, who again can often be found at the ground fixing and mending.

DAVID POVER – What more can we say. David is our Head of Medical and manages our player’s medical and recovery needs and leads our medical team.

ETHAN CUST & SAPPHIRE WHITE – For their work in supporting David to keep the team fit and ready for action.

BEV, GRANT, SARAH – First to arrive and last to leave on a matchday. Producing meals and keeping things ticking over in terms of food and drink.

ALL HOSPITALITY & BAR STAFF – Thank you for hard work over the season. No matter the number of matches then we couldn’t do it without you all and thank you for being so quick and adaptable on the day.

DEBBIE TAYLOR – Our tannoy announcer, website manager and regular match reporter.

MIKE PELECH, CONOR PELECH, JOSH BRIERLEY, JOSH HIBBERT – Brilliant videography and photography to ensure a record of all games is stored in records.

RICHARD GREENWOOD & ASH LOCKWOOD – Richard collates and produces the official matchday programme, whilst Ash produces our social media graphics and designed our current away shirt.

PAT BESWICK & JAY LUCAS – Pat keeps all matchday finances in order, whilst Jay is on hand to provide an initial warm welcome to visiting officials and guests.

SIMON, ANDREI & ALL STEWARDS – Simon and Andrei head up ground safety but need a strong army to help support them.

LIZ & VICTORIA CABLE – Come rain or shine, our programme and golden goal sellers, as well as official mascot minders.

TOM THACKERAY & ALL TURNSTILE OPERATORS – Tom is our lead turnstile operator and was also instrumental in arranging summer work parties.

NICOLA JACKSON – Acting as our Welfare Officer and involved with our junior and U18’s team. Nicola had helped out throughout the season on a matchday.

MICHAEL BEECH – For helping out around the ground, putting on a fantastic Cricket pre season party and for supporting with kit and media duties.

WAYNE BOSWELL – Supports and helps out on matchdays.

JUDITH GASH – For helping out around the Club on a matchday.

SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION – For their fundraising efforts and arranging away travel to games.

TO ANYONE WHO HAS SPONSORED A MATCH – Thank you, we are grateful for your continued support of the Club.

TO ANYONE WHO HAS HELPED PROVIDE A SERVICE OR DONE ODD JOBS AROUND THE GROUND – Thank you, your efforts are much appreciated and help us save vital money which can be used in other areas.

It is always very risky to list names in thanking people, just in case somebody is inadvertently forgotten. Many apologies in advance to all those who may have been missed for work they have done over the year. It certainly isn’t intentional and more importantly is very much valued.

Finally, the biggest mention goes to each and every one of you, the fans. By coming through the turnstiles each and every week and supporting the team on the road then your backing has undoubtedly helped us have a successful year.

To all who have committed time and effort to Stalybridge Celtic over the last twelve months then thank you, without you all then we wouldn’t be able to exist.

MIKE BRIERLEY

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD & COMMITTEE OF STALYBRIDGE CELTIC FC