Author: paul

Club Statement – Keil O’Brien

Trafford FC have appointed Keil O’Brien as the club’s new Assistant manager

We can announce this evening that Tom Baker’s Assistant Manager will be KEIL O’BRIEN. 

“I’m absolutely delighted to be back at Trafford FC and be given this opportunity. I accepted Tom’s offer to become his assistant because I firmly believe if anyone can get us out of the position we are currently in, he certainly can – and I will do everything in my power to help. All I ask of you fans is be loud, and get behind the lads as I’m sure you all will. Up the super whites!”

Keil is another man well known at Shawe View having made 109 appearances as a player for the club in two spells between 2017 and 2023. Welcome home Keil!!!

Club Statement – Tom Baker

Trafford FC have appointed Tom Baker as the club’s new manager

Tom is of course well known at Shawe View having been in charge from 2015 to 2020. His previous spell was Tom’s first managerial role after retiring from playing due to injury aged just 30.

In 2020 Tom stepped down following the abandonment of football due to Covid. During his five years at the helm, Tom brought silverware to Shawe View in the form of the Northern Premier League Cup in 2019. He also guided the team to a place in the League Play-offs in 2018.

Under Tom’s leadership the club never finished outside the top ten in the league. He also led us to two Manchester Premier Cup Finals, one was lost on penalties to FC United, the other was not played due to Covid.

Since leaving the role five years ago, Tom has focused on his family and his business, whilst keeping in touch with the non-league scene by carrying out scouting, most recently for Altrincham FC.

Tom’s work commences immediately – he will take training this week, and will be in the dugout for Saturday’s home game versus Shifnal Town. In terms of support staff – further announcements will be made in due course.

Tom has the following message for the club and its supporters: “I am really excited to be back at Trafford, and for the challenge ahead. I look forward to meeting the players and getting to work with them straight away. We should be under no illusions that the task ahead is a difficult one. We need everyone at the club backing the players if we are to get out of the position we’re in. I will give it my all to try and reverse our fortunes, and I cannot wait to get started”

Everyone at Trafford FC is excited by the return of a man who is viewed as a successful manager in the club’s history – a trophy winner, and a thorough professional. Welcome home Tom Baker!

Trafford New Signings

Trafford FC are delighted to confirm 3 new signings!

Ben Horne

Defender/Midfielder Ben Horne has joined on a three month loan deal

Luke Jackson

Forward Luke Jackson has signed for Trafford, previously played for Charnock Richard.

Alex Bowker

Midfielder Alex Bowker has also joined the team.

Manager, Karl Marginson said:

Luke is a tricky winger who will add much needed pace and invention to the forward line
Alex is a holding midfielder who has a fantastic physical presence and has impressed in training
Ben is a left back who comes on loan from Ashton Utd where he’s started really well

All 3 players are available for the squad for Saturday’s away game against Kidsgrove Athletic.

Welcome to Trafford Ben, Luke & Alex, we’re delighted to have you here!

Trafford Sign Taylor Dyson

Trafford FC are delighted to confirm the re-signing of Taylor Dyson.

Taylor first joined Trafford in February 24, playing 11 times for the Whites before departing to test himself at a higher level moving to Norther Premier side Hyde United, playing 12 times.

Hyde Manager Martin Coyne said ”With the team’s current form Taylor hasn’t been getting as much game time as he would have liked so when Trafford came in it made sense to let him leave, we thank him for his contribution and wish him well going forward.”

Trafford boss Karl Marginson said “We are delighted to have Taylor back, he was excellent for us last year and his quality was recognised by a team from a higher level. I’m sure he’ll play a big role in the rest of our season.”

Taylor is available for the squad for Wednesday’s away game against Lower Breck.

Welcome back to Trafford Taylor, we’re delighted to have you here!

Trafford Sign Striker Tom Lawrence

Trafford FC are delighted to confirm the signing of striker Tom Lawrence.

Tom spent his youth career at Chester before being released at the end of last season. Over the summer, he has been developing his game and now makes the move to Shawe View.

He arrives with a strong reputation as a powerful centre forward, combining pace with an eye for goal and a clinical finishing touch.

Manager Karl Marginson had the following to say about Tom’s arrival:

“Tom comes highly recommended and has shown really well in training and I’m confident he’ll fit in with us”

Tom comes straight into the squad for Saturday’s home game against Sporting Khalsa.

Welcome to Trafford Tom, we’re delighted to have you here!

New Signing – Winstanley Signs for Trafford

We are excited to confirm the arrival of central defender Harry Winstanley.

“Harry has been on our radar since last season and I am delighted he’s agreed to join us. He’s a left footed defender who has good quality and I’m sure he’ll fit right into our squad” said manager Karl Marginson.

Harry began his football journey as a scholar at Blackpool, before spending three seasons at Colne and more recently at Ramsbottom United. 

Harry is available for tonight’s trip to Witton Albion.

Welcome to Trafford, Harry!

 

Trafford FC vs Bury FC Update

Trafford FC welcome Bury FC to Shawe View on Tuesday, October 7th kick off 19:45 for the first ever league game between the two sides.

A larger than average crowd is expected. There will be no segregation in place and in order to speed entry to the ground, arrangements have been put in place for the match to be ticketed.

Trafford season ticket holders can gain entry by producing their season tickets at the Players’ and Officials’ gate.

Tickets purchases can be made online via Bury’s ticketing platform https://buryfc.co.uk/tickets from 9am (Thursday 25th September) or from Trafford’s Shawe View ground next week.

Normal entry prices will apply of £10 Adult, £6 Concession (Over 65’s & 17-18’s) and £2 U16s.

In person purchase will be available from Shawe View at the following times:

• Monday, September 29th: 5pm – 8pm
• Wednesday October 1st: 5pm – 8pm
• Thursday, October 2nd: 5pm – 8pm
• Saturday, October 4th: from 1pm at Trafford’s home game against Sporting Khalsa

A further announcement will be made should any tickets remain after Saturday October 4th,

Transport and Travel arrangements

There is limited parking at Shawe View and supporters are encouraged where possible to travel by public transport or share vehicles with fellow supporters.

Public Transport

Train:

Shawe View is 300 meters from Chassen Road train station with trains direct from Manchester.

Buses:

248, 253 and 255 all stop within a short walking distance from the ground.

245, 247 and 256 all stop at Trafford General Hospital, which is a short 8-minute walk from the ground.

Greater Manchester Bee Network Journey Planner is available HERE

Travelling by car

Supporters who have no option but to travel by car are advised that the car park on Pennybridge Lane is likely to be full by 19:00.

Supporters should attempt to park away from the ground and walk a short distance to the match. This will ease congestion around the ground and make it easier for supporters to get away after the game. There is parking on Bowfell Road and Moorside Road both of which are a short walk from the ground.

We would ask all visitors to respect our local neighbours and not to park across driveways or restrict access to residential properties.

Roadworks

There are currently roadworks taking place outside the Bird I’ th’ Hand pub on Flixton Road. These roadworks are traffic light-controlled and are causing delays to traffic. Supporters are asked to avoid Flixton Road and park away from the ground.

Squad Update: 16th September 2025

Trafford FC  would like to wish the best of luck to Ollie Culkin and Ryley Smith, who have departed the Away Day Care Shawe View Stadium. 

Since signing for Trafford in the Summer of the 2024/25 season, Ryley Smith made 40 appearances scoring 5 goals. 

Ryley departs to join fellow Northern Premier League West opponents Avro FC.

Ollie Culkin joined Trafford in 2024 and made a total of 14 appearances, his most memorable performance was in the 1-0 victory away at Hednesford Town, where Culks saved a penalty late in the second half to secure all 3 points for Trafford. Ollie departs to drop to the North West Counties league side Alsager Town.