Chris Willcock, who just missed out on promotion with Workington Reds last season, has been relegated with Stalybridge Celtic.
Willcock was within one goal of winning the NPL West last season with Reds but his contract wasn’t renewed.
He quickly found a new job, taking charge of Stalybridge where he lives.
But the season – marred by financial problems at the club – has proved a disaster and last night’s 4-2 defeat at Marske meant they are relegated to NPL West.
They had been 2-0 down at half-time, and then 4-0 down before two late goals made the scoreline a little more respectable.
Celtic took a coach of 50 supporters to the game but they couldn’t lift Willcock’s men.
If Reds had won at bottom club Market Drayton last season instead of drawing 1-1 they would have pipped Warrington Rylands to the title.
They were then taken to extra-time by a last gasp Marine goal in the play-off semi-final at Borough Park – and lost.
This time round Willcock has been fighting a different kind of battle but Celtic’s dismal finish to the season – one win in 16 games – has cost them dearly.
