Bay’s assistant-boss was Phil Staley, a major figure – and character - in North West non-league football 20 years ago. He is perhaps best known for leading Accrington Stanley, then an NPL premier division side, into the second round of the FA Cup in 1992.
Staley’s managerial career began in the 1970s, and among other clubs he was in charge at Ashton United and Macclesfield. In the late Eighties he reappeared at Droylsden and won promotion to the NPL premier division in 1990 despite having 11 points deducted. He returned to Hurst Cross in 1995.
Among his discoveries were striker Tony Naylor who scored more than 100 goals in a long Football League career at Crewe, Port Vale and Cheltenham.
“One of my first signings at Accrington was Ashley Hoskin. When Ashley was appointed manager at Colwyn Bay at the start of the summer he got in touch with me straight away because although he’s a great coach, he needed non-league contacts,” Staley explained.
“I’m assistant-manager but the fans are calling me the recruitment guru as we only had four players when I got involved. One of our goals against Hyde was scored by former Everton boss Graeme Sharp’s son Chris.
“Even at the age of 70 I’m still there haunting Tameside. I never expected to be back in the game at my age but I’m young at heart and still have my passion for football. I’m really looking forward to the trip to Ashton United in a few weeks when I’ll be able to meet some old friends.”
While clearly delighted with the victory over Hyde, Staley insisted both sides contributed to an excellent game of football and he sees a good season ahead for Gary Lowe’s Tigers.
“Hyde are a decent young side and played well. I think they’ll be up there and will finish in the top six. We still need to strengthen a little at Colwyn Bay and I’m looking to sign a defender and midfielder. But no one is going to give us a trouncing,” said Staley.