Colne F.C. announce new management duo

Colne Football Club has announced the appointment of Stuart Mellish and Peter Band as the new club joint managers, following the departure of Paul Weller in May.

The club said Mellish and Band were the standout candidates and spoke passionately about their beliefs, philosophy and expertise.

New joint manager, Stuart Mellish said:

Stuart Mellish

"Both myself and Pete are delighted to accept the offer given by Colne F.C. to form a joint management team.

We are under no illusions of the task that lies ahead, particularly for this coming season, however, in our careers as players and managers we always faced challenges head on, and that’s certainly what we will be doing at this great club.

We have both won leagues and cups in our managerial careers and we will strive to get this club successful again! That starts with the terrific fanbase getting behind us and the lads from the off. 

We are both looking forward to meeting and speaking to the fans in the coming weeks."

Mellish was former manager of Glossop North End from 2021-2023, replacing his now joint manager, Peter Band, who had left for Macclesfield.  

Mellish played as a central midfielder during his professional career. He began his football at Altrincham in 1985, and played for likes of Blackpool, Rochdale, Witton Albion and Southport.

Peter Band

He moved into management in November 2013, joining Warrington Town as assistant manager, before taking over as interim manager in 2016 from Shaun Reid and being made permanent manager in Feb 2017. He also spent time as manager at Clitheroe.

Peter Band has left his role as First Team Coach at Macclesfield Town after three years to become joint manager at Colne F.C. and return to management.

He previously managed Glossop North End and Mossley AFC before joining Macclesfield Town, and played as a defender between 1998-2012 for Hyde United, Mossley, Woodley Town, New Mills AFC, Altrincham and Northwich.