After Steven Schumacher was confirmed as the new Bolton Wanderers manager this week, the newly appointed gaffer has now revealed the backroom staff that will be joining him.
The former Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle and Southport boss was announced on Thursday evening, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal with Bolton after being dismissed from his role in Staffordshire back in September after just nine months in charge.
Once a midfielder himself (having played for both Oldham and Bury), the 40-year-old’s dismissal earlier this season was seen as premature by many at the time, but now Schumacher is back in the dugout and will lead his Bolton squad for the first time this Saturday, 1 February against 10th placed Reading.
Caretaker trio Julian Darby (ex-Leeds United assistant), retired Sheffield United defender Andy Taylor and player-coach Andrew Tutte had been put in charge for the interim, however, Schumacher has now named the key figures among his first-team staff.
Announced on Friday (31 Jan), Schumacher’s former right-hand man at both Stoke and Plymouth, Mark Hughes, will be joined by fellow coach Richie Kyle, who was last employed at second divison side and recent Premier League promotees, Luton Town, where he served as assistant manager.
The latter will take up the same role at the Toughsheet Stadium while Hughes will be third in charge as Assistant Coach. Speaking in an official club statement, manager Schumacher said: “I’m delighted to have made Mark and Richie my first two appointments since joining the club.
“They are going to be very important additions, alongside the staff already here, who I know will make a huge contribution to the work we plan to do.
“I have worked closely with Mark for a number of years and know exactly the impact he will have on the squad in implementing our plans and I’m looking forward to now working with Richie as someone who brings so much knowledge and coaching experience from a high level to us.
“I know they will both settle in and make a positive impact straightaway as we work together to build on what we have here and move the team forward.”
The trifecta of new hires come just over a week after previous head coach Ian Evatt left by ‘mutual agreement’ following nearly half a decade in charge of the Whites, having lifted them back from the precipice of non-league and winning the EFL Trophy in 2023.
As for his replacement, Schumacher said of his next challenge: “This means everything to me. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m really grateful to be given it by [chairman] Sharon [Brittan] and the ownership group.
“It’s a fantastic club with a rich history and the journey and the project here is something I can’t wait to get involved with. It’s been an interesting career journey for me so far and I’m now at a fantastic club, a club which I believe can go on and do great things this season and in the future.”
Meanwhile, while it remains unclear exactly what the future holds for Darby, it is likely Taylor and Tutte’s will continue in their roles overseeing the B-team.
The club have also been sure to keep the positive news coming as they prepare to enter a new month and a fresh chafter after also confirming another attacking signing before deadline day, with Cardiff’s 6’6″ striker Kion Etete joining on loan for the rest of the season – their third deal of the January window.
Stockport County release ‘classic’ and historic third kit as a charitable nod to their past
Danny Jones
Stockport County have released their third kit for the 2025/26 season, and the stylish nod to their history has not only gone down as an instant hit among the fan base, but it also doubles as a vital fundraiser for grassroots football.
County are gearing up for their second season back in League One after just missing out on back-to-back promotions and a glorious return to the Championship in the previous campaign.
Enjoying life under manager Dave Challinor, the Greater Manchester club has come a long way over the past few years, and they’ve made sure not to forget their past either.
Unveiling the new third shirt with a moving kit reveal video that harkens back to their past as part of the local sporting community.
Reverting to their historical cross crest for the 25/26 third kit, the striking green strip pays tribute to the nearby origins, having spent their foundational years as a footballing outfit at Green Lane in Heaton Norris – a Stopfordian suburb and one of the four thriving Heatons.
Before Stockport went by County, they were called Heaton Norris Rovers, and so they decided to rewind the clock and bring back the old badge for this noteworthy kit drop.
“Players from the Men’s first team and Academy, as well as members of the Ladies team and individuals from our community groups through the Stockport County Community Trust, all took part.”
Teaming up with local photographer Andrew Findlay to tap into that authentic, old feeling in the images, using vintage 35mm film to create a “timeless quality, perfectly matching the historic crest and the nostalgic feel of the location where our journey began”, the results speak for themselves.
Putting our own allegiances aside, this simple and stripped-back shirt design isn’t just an instant classic among most County fans, but it’s one of our favourite football shirts to come out of Greater Manchester for some time.
Ok, stop what you're doing — consider #SCFC's latest drop exhibits C-Z!? 🔥
The shoot itself was even held at their former ground on Green Lane, with players, fans and youngsters gathering in front of the historic Nursery Inn pub, as well as on the bowling green, right next to where they used to play their home matches back in 1889 before moving to Edgeley Park in 1902.
As the club goes on to write: “This launch is more than just a new kit; it’s a celebration of our grassroots history. The green colour scheme reflects not only the Green Lane ground, but also the Club’s deep roots in the local community.
“To honour this legacy, we are committed to supporting the next generation of local talent. For every third kit sold, £2 will be donated to Stockport County‘s Grassroots Football Fund, helping to ensure that football continues to thrive at a local level.
“This new kit is a tribute to our past, a commitment to our present, and an investment in our future. We can’t wait to see the County faithful wearing this piece of our history with pride.” You love to see it.
If you’re interested, you can grab one HERE and help donate to regional grassroots support.
Featured Images — Stockport County/Andrew Findlay (supplied)
Sport
Manchester Storm announce signing of ‘proven goalscorer’ Brandon Cutler ahead of new season
Danny Jones
Local ice hockey side Manchester Storm have announced a promising new signing in the form of Canadian forward, Brandon Cutler – a player they have already dubbed as a “proven goalscorer.”
Cutler arrives from DEL2 (DEL2 (Deutsche Eishockey Liga 2) outfit EC Kassel Huskies over in Hessen, Germany, where he spent his maiden campaign outside of North America.
Now set to remain on the European circuit for a sophomore season and first here in the UK, the Alberta-born winger and Western Hockey League (WHL) youth product comes with a great pedigree and stat pack even at just 25.
Officially revealed on Tuesday night, 5 August, Storm didn’t hide their excitement over the acquisition of the soon-to-be Elite Ice Hockey League debutant.
Having notched multiple AHL call-ups and represented teams such as the Abbotsford Canucks, Belleville Senators, Hartford Wolf Pack, and Colorado Eagles, as well as the Victoria Royals and Red Deer Rebels, he’s amassed plenty of worldly experience and a broader knowledge of the sport.
It’s this foundation, along with a record of 25 points (11G, 14A) across 40 appearances in his first season across the pond, that has seen him identified as a viable attacking threat for Manchester Storm.
Writing in a statement on the club website, they noted how “Cutler enjoyed a highly productive spell with the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL), where he amassed 122 points (61G, 61A) in just 127 games.”
During his five cumulative seasons with the Royals and the Rebels, he racked up more than 250 appearances and developed a reputation as one of their most prolific and industrious players.
Newly-installed head coach and former veteran player, Cam Critchlow, said of the latest recruit: “Brandon is a dynamic forward who brings a great work ethic and a solid two-way game.
“He’s proven he can produce offensively at the professional level and will be a key part of our forward group this season. He’s hungry to win and will fit right into the culture we’re building here in Manchester.”
📝 A PROVEN GOAL-SCORER
25-year-old Canadian winger Brandon Cutler arrives from EC Kassel Huskies (DEL2), as he looks to extend his stay on the European circuit. In 40 DEL2 appearances, Cutler recorded 25 points (11G, 14A) in his debut season outside North America.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) August 5, 2025
Cutler follows the announcement of fellow new signings Brad Jenion, along with Storm academy graduates Tyler de la Bertouche and Jace Gledhill, who recently arrived in Altrincham from Chester’s Deeside Dragons.
This also comes after another announcement detailing a treble of two-way deals, which will see Noah Kääriäinen, Josh Crawley, and elite development squad product Theo Malone spend time with fellow affiliated partners Hull Seahawks as part of their ongoing collaboration.
Already a Manc ice hockey legend, Critchlow confirmed his retirement (again) back in March, but was quickly unveiled as the new Storm boss just a couple of months later.
Safe to say there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the 2025/26 season inside the Storm Shelter.
Critchlow will be watching from the sidelines at Planet Ice this year.
Danny Jones -
31st January 2025 
