Buxton return home for their opening game of pre-season.

By Elliot Steadman

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Buxton begin their pre-season campaign on Saturday, 4 July, as they welcome Droylsden AFC to the Silverlands Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 pm.

Jordan Broadbent

Following John McGrath’s departure to Halifax Town, Buxton took their time in the search for his successor before appointing former Sheffield Wednesday coach Jordan Broadbent as the club’s new manager.


Broadbent has signed a two-year contract at the Silverlands and arrives after working with both Sheffield Wednesday’s first team and academy setup, earning a strong reputation as a coach.

He is joined by experienced assistant Stuart Watkiss, who previously held the same role at Kidderminster Harriers, adding a wealth of National League experience to Buxton’s new-look coaching staff.

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New signings

Following the departures of Luke Brennan to Scunthorpe United, Joe Young to Morecambe and George Ward to Boston United, Jordan Broadbent has wasted little time strengthening his squad ahead of the new campaign.

The first new arrival was midfielder Kian Scales, who joins the club after previous spells with Scunthorpe United and Bradford City.

Next through the door was defender Finn Cousin-Dawson, another former Bradford City player, who signed a two-year deal with the Bucks. The 23-year-old has made over 200 senior appearances in his career and has represented Northern Ireland at youth international level.

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George Cooper became the third signing of the summer after leaving Mansfield Town at the end of last season. The young defender already has National League experience from loan spells with Kidderminster Harriers and Truro City.

Another defensive addition followed as left-back Luke Daley joined the Bucks. After coming through the ranks at Huddersfield Town, Daley gained valuable National League experience during loan spells with Radcliffe, Gateshead and York City.

The club then announced a triple signing in a single day.

Dylan Mantle returned to his hometown club after an impressive campaign with Rossington Main. The forward is no stranger to Buxton, having previously progressed through the club’s academy.

He was joined by winger Max Woltman, who arrived following a spell at Southport last season. Woltman came through Liverpool’s academy and made his senior debut against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League.

Completing the trio was Susa Tuntulwana, who signed from Gainsborough Trinity for an undisclosed fee. Having begun his career as a full-back, Tuntulwana has since developed into an attacking player with a keen eye for goal.

Opposition facts

Droylsden AFC are a football club based in Greater Manchester. Founded in 1894 as Droylsden United, they have a long and proud history in non-league football.

Nicknamed The Bloods, they play their home matches at The Butcher’s Arms, a ground named after the pub under whose name the club originally played.

Chairman Dave Pace also serves as the club’s first-team manager.

The club’s record goalscorer is Ernest Gillbrand, who scored an incredible 275 goals in just four seasons, helping Droylsden win league titles in 1931 and 1933.

Last season, The Bloods won promotion by triumphing in the North West Counties Football League First Division North play-off final, winning on penalties.

They also lifted the Manchester Premier Cup for a record 13th time last season.

In 1921, Droylsden recorded their highest-ever attendance when 15,000 supporters watched their match against Hyde United.

The club has reached the second round proper of the FA Cup on two occasions and made it to the FA Vase quarter-finals last season.

Former Buck

Former Buxton manager Paul Phillips is now part of the coaching staff at Droylsden, returning to the Silverlands in a different role.

Phillips took charge of the Bucks in February 2018 and guided the club to the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs for the first time in 11 years.

However, the following campaign proved far more difficult. With Buxton sitting third from bottom of the table, Phillips resigned from his position during the season.

 

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