Phil Staley Player Profile

Biography

Phil was brought to London Road by Alan Ball snr in January 1964 having played for Cheshire Boys. Also spent time on the books of Blackpool, Stockport County Reserves (61/62) and started the 1964/65 campaign with Crewe Alexandra Reserves. After leaving Nantwich, he appeared for Hyde United Reserves (65/66) in the Manchester League and made a solitary appearance for Ashton United (March 1967), before joining Manchester Northern (1966-67) at the tail end of the season. Briefly returned to London Road in August 1968 at the start of the Dabbers’ first season back in the Cheshire County League. Later kept goal for New Mills (1974-75), before becoming Manager of Bethesda Athletic late that season. Guided the Welsh outfit to league and cup double the following season and appointed Manager of Ashton United for the 77/78 campaign. Then held the reins at Chorley and Macclesfield Town (1978-80). Was a coach for Bangor City, returning to management with Mid-Cheshire League Grove United who he took to the 1988 Cheshire Amateur Cup Final. Took over the hot seat at Droylsden (1988-91), earning the Bloods promotion to the top tier of the Northern Premier League in 1990. Left to take over at Accrington Stanley, guiding the club to the Second Round of the FA Cup – losing to Crewe. After leaving the Crown Ground, managed Fleetwood Town and returned to Droylsden (1994) before being appointed boss at Congleton Town in February 1995. Returned again to the hot seat at Ashton United in April 1995, staying until November 1996 and then serving Assistant Manager of Caernarfon Town (1997).
Returned to Nantwich to become Assistant Manager in February 2013 but retired a month afterwards due to health issues. After returning to full health, he was appointed head of recruitment at Colwyn Bay in May 2015. Phil light-heartedly captured his colourful career in non-league in his book, ‘Get Those Sheep Off The Pitch!’ Later entered local politics in Nantwich.