Trafford Football Club is delighted to announce the appointment of its new manager, Karl Marginson.

Marginson is best known for his 12-year spell in charge of FC United. He was appointed as the Red Rebel’s first ever manager on its formation in 2005. Under Karl’s guidance FC rose from the North West Counties Division 2 to National League North in ten seasons. Three league titles were secured plus a fourth promotion via the playoffs. In addition to this, Karl led the club to two NW Counties League cup triumphs, and a Manchester Premier Cup victory before leaving Broadhurst Park in October 2017.

As a player, “Margy” appeared in the Football League for Blackpool, Rotherham, and Macclesfield. He then had a long and distinguished career in Non-League football playing for clubs such as Ashton United, Stalybridge Celtic, Droylsden, Chorley, Barrow, Salford City, and Hyde. Aged 35 he took the FC United job, and later spent some time as a football director and interim manager at Radcliffe Borough following his departure from FC.

Karl has recently been coaching within our own Trafford Youth set-up and has been a key figure in the successful establishment of our Under-21’s team this summer.
Chairman John Eadie said of his new appointment:

“Karl Marginson has vast experience and knowledge of non-league football. He has already brought his abilities and wisdom to our youth teams, and I believe he will now enhance the first team too. His track record is impressive, and we are keen to continue the link between ourselves and our youth section. I am looking forward to working with Karl.”

Joining Marginson at Shawe View will be assistant manager Harry Winter – a former Trafford captain who has also played for FC United and Stockport County. The new team is completed with coach Steve Tobin, who played for Leeds United’s FA Youth Cup winning team in 1993 prior to a long career in semi-professional football. Over the last few years, Tobin has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of Trafford FC Youth. Physio Paul Roberts and goalkeeping coach Paul Chapman remain with the club.

Of his new role Marginson himself said:

“I’m extremely grateful and unbelievably excited to be back in the game that has provided me with some of the greatest experiences and life lessons that I’ve been blessed to receive. This gratitude is firstly to the chairman and directors of the club for showing belief in my abilities as a manager to take charge of the next stage of Trafford Football Club’s development. I’m absolutely certain that the first team’s current position is a false one and I’m confident the quality squad of players that Danny has put together have the right kind of attitudes, behaviours and footballing ability, and are more than capable of producing the positive results and exciting performances that the directors, volunteers and supporters of Trafford Football Club deserve. This will lead to our current league position being turned around.

“Joining our backroom team are two people I’ve known for a long time and whom I have the utmost respect for, in Harry Winter and Steve Tobin. Harry and Steve are just as excited as I am about the prospects of the team’s development and I believe these appointments will enhance the quality staff already present whilst bringing additional expertise to the team. This I’m sure will enable a successful transitional period with minimal disruption which will be vital at such an important time. We can then move forward to what I’m hoping will be a successful period for the Club. I’m looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday – Onwards and upwards!!! Margy”

Karl’s duties as first team manager will commence immediately, and as alluded to in his statement, he takes charge of his first game this coming Tuesday at Shawe View when Runcorn Linnets are the visitors in Northern Premier League action (kick off 7.45pm). Welcome to Trafford, Karl!