Atherton Collieries appoint ex-player as manager after Michael Clegg steps down

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Michael Clegg quits Atherton Collieries in step away from football management

Local Northern Premier League club, Atherton Collieries AFC, have quickly appointed a new head coach following the resignation of Michael Clegg.

The Greater Manchester outfit has announced former player Daniel Lafferty as the new gaffer, stepping up from his position as assistant manager.

A past Atherton player himself, he returned to the side in September 2024 as part of the backroom staff and a member of the squad.

He first represented the Collieries back in 2009, making over 300 appearances, and now he’ll be leading them from the dugout.

As for Clegg, the former Warrington Rylands and Macclesfield FC boss, Altrincham scout, and two-time Colls coach – who also has a long association with the well-established miners’ club – he is stepping away from football management altogether for the time being.

Sharing his own statement on social media, he began by writing: “575 games. 41 years old. It’s time for a little break from football for me. See you all soon.”

“Today, I’ve made the decision to step down from my role at Atherton Collieries”, he continues. “Coming back to the club over the last 14 months has meant a great deal to me.

“The aim was to help the club move away from relegation and then leave it in a secure mid-table position, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. I want to thank everyone at the club – players, staff, volunteers and supporters — for making me feel so welcome again.

“I’ve genuinely loved my time back at the Colls. The team is in very good hands with Danny and Tom [Bentham], and there’s a strong playing squad in place. I leave knowing the club is in a positive position.”

As mentioned, fellow coach Tom Bentham will remain in post supporting Lafferty during his transition into the top job, as well as provide some consistency in terms of leadership.

Meanwhile, Clegg signed off with the following: “Over the next few months, I want to reflect, watch football at different levels, and decide what I want next from the game.

“I’m hopeful that in 2026 I’ll be able to free up time and look to return from next summer. Thanks again for the support, and I wish the club every success moving forward.”

He also went on to congratulate his successor following confirmation of his replacement, commenting, “One of the best. Go and smash it, mate.”

As for his employers, they added: “We would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contributions, managing the Black & Whites for a total of 369 matches across his two spells, including last season’s historic ‘Great Escape’.”

‘Cleggy’ has long been considered a bit of a non-league cult hero, and we have every faith he’ll work wonders whatever he does next.

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Featured Images — Atherton Collieries (via X)/Silkmen TV (screenshot via YouTube)

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