Stalybridge Celtic are an Englishsemi-professionalfootball club from Stalybridge in the Northwest of England. They traditionally play in the colours of blue and white. The club's ground is Bower Fold. They have achieved very few major trophies throughout its history, but have won several local cup and league competitions and was a Football League club for two seasons between 1921 and 1923. The club's formation is usually given as 1909 but may have been as early as 1906 when an amateur club with the same name was formed. There were players called Storrs and Manwood who played in the 1906 and 1909 teams, and a player called Rhodes who played in the amateur's first game; a Herbert Rhodes was a significant benefactor of the 'later' Celtic.[1] In 2001, the club had one of the best seasons in its entire history, achieving "the historic treble" winning the Cheshire Senior Cup, the Presidents Cup and the Unibond Premier Division, thus being promoted back to the Football Conference, though they were soon relegated again. The club currently play in the Conference North. Until the end of 2006/2007 season the manager was John Reed, who had extensive experience as a manager in English non-league football, including three successful seasons as manager of Harrogate Town. Northern Nomads ground-shared with The Celts for several years. On 30 May2007 Steve Burr was appointed as a manager.
There has been a ground at Bower Fold since 1906 but the main stands stem from construction starting in the 1970s and finishing in the mid '80s. The main stand holds about 700 people, is all seated. It is possible for the ground to be segregated with self-contained areas which include separate turnstiles, refreshment facilities and toilets (though this is rarely necessary). The away fans' area in this case is uncovered. The next area (clockwise from the away fans' area) around the ground is the Lockwood and Greenwood stand which is a covered standing area. This area is popular with home fans when Stalybridge are kicking towards this goal. Next is an uncovered standing area, followed by the Family Stand (a seated area) with a capacity of approximately three hundred. Next is a small uncovered area followed by the covered Joe Jackson stand. The Club shop and bar are behind this stand. Away fans are allowed to use the bar and there is no admission charge. Next are the main turnstiles, refreshment facilities and disabled spectators' area. The ground's capacity of approximately 6,500 has not been reached recently. The attendance was nearly 4,000 when Chester visited. The Unibond attendance record was broken when Stalybridge faced Emley towards the end of the 2000/2001 season, when 3,500 attended. Disabled visitors are advised to call the club to reserve a car parking space. Access is via the centre turnstile. Bower Fold is of a good standard in non-league football.
