Curzon Ashton stalwart Adam Barton takes charge following Mark Bradshaw’s exit

Adam Barton has been promoted to player-manager of Curzon Ashton after the club parted ways with Mark Bradshaw following a difficult run of results.

The Nash confirmed Bradshaw’s departure after Tuesday’s 4‑1 defeat to Spennymoor Town, which left the club 16th in the National League North table with seven games remaining and an eight‑point cushion above the relegation zone.

Barton, who joined from Farsley Celtic in 2021, has since made over 200 appearances for the club.

His career has taken him across the EFL, National League, and Scotland, with spells at Preston North End, Coventry City, Partick Thistle, and Wrexham.

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Stepping up

Alongside Barton, defender Jordan Richards steps up as assistant manager. Like Barton, Richards joined from Farsley Celtic and has racked up over 200 appearances for the Greater Manchester-based outfit.

Both will continue as first‑team players for the rest of the season, backed by the existing coaching team: Kieran Bentley (goalkeeping coach), Jack Salkeld, and Rory Shadbolt (first-team coaches).

Chairman Jim Newall commented on the appointment: “We are delighted to promote Adam and Jordan to the positions of manager and assistant manager,” Curzon Ashton chairman Jim Newall told the club’s website.

“Both men have given so much to the club as players and we as a board believe they are more than capable of stepping up into management and driving us forward.

“We have seen in previous seasons how promoting from within can bring great success and we hope with this appointment the club can continue to progress.

“We recognise that this season hasn’t gone as well as we would have hoped and we want to give Adam and Jordan adequate time to put their stamp on the team and prepare for next season.”

Period of transition

Bradshaw took charge at the Tameside Stadium in June 2025 following Craig Mahon’s departure to take the head coach role at AFC Fylde.

The 56-year-old had been involved with the club in various capacities over the past two decades, but this season has been a struggle, with results falling short of expectations and the team sliding down the National League North table.

This managerial change also comes amid a period of transition at the club, with Newall appointed chairman this week to succeed John Clayton.

Speaking on the departure of Mark Bradshaw, Newall added: “On behalf of the board, we also want to say a huge thank you to our previous head coach Mark Bradshaw on his long time service to the club.

“Mark has given everything in his roles as coach, assistant manager and manager and we wish him well for the future.

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