Browse Sections

• Stockport County FC
• Sale Sharks
• Local football
• Local cricket

Hancock sits tight

Simon Smedley
15/ 9/2004

ALTHOUGH Tony Hancock is thoroughly enjoying life managing UniBond League new boys Woodley Sports, he has admitted that he would be interested should he be offered the chance to take charge at struggling Stalybridge Celtic.

The Tameside outfit are currently still winless in the new Conference North, and boss Dave Miller is rumoured to be on the verge of the sack.

Hancock told the Express: "There were one or two rumours flying about during the summer linking me with the Stalybridge job, but nothing ever came of them.

"To even be linked with a job in a higher division like that is very flattering of course, and I have said before that I'm ambitious. I love it at Woodley, but if anything did happen to Dave Miller then I would definitely be interested if I was ever approached by Stalybridge. I'm confident in mine and (Hancock's assistant at Woodley) Paul Kirkham's capabilities, we could definitely be successful at a higher level."

Former Stockport County striker Hancock guided Woodley to promotion and a superb Cheshire Senior Cup win last season, and they have now settled comfortably into life in the UniBond League.

The Steelmen drew 0-0 at home to league leaders Gresley Rovers on Saturday, a game they ought to have won having missed numerous chances, but this weekend attention returns to the FA Cup when Hancock's side travel to Shildon for a first qualifying round tie.

"We're looking forward to that one," added Hancock, "On paper we should win against a Northern Counties East side, and we've got a full squad available.

"There's also £2,500 up for grabs for the winner, so our chairman will be breathing down my neck all the way up to the North East!"

Woodley have a home league game against AFC Telford United on Tuesday, September 21, should Saturday's cup game not be drawn.

• HANCOCK has signed sought-after Nantwich Town midfielder Melford Knight for £1,000, a fee received two weeks ago for former striker Gregg Brickell who has moved to Coppull United.

• INJURY-ravaged Cheadle Town drew 0-0 at home to Eccleshall on Saturday. Martin McDonald came closest for Town when his shot grazed the Eccleshall crossbar.

This Saturday Cheadle travel to league leaders Padiham.

• STOCKPORT Georgians had an excellent 1-0 win at second-placed Springhead on Saturday.

The Manchester League outfit won the game in the 65th minute when Alex Crowe played in Phil Connolly and he smashed the ball home from 25 yards.

Georgians are at home to Highfield United on Saturday (2.30pm kick off).