Hyde United has appointed Nick Spooner as manager for a second tenure following the departure of Michael Clegg. The change came after the club’s inconsistent start to the new season left them in 14th place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Spooner previously led Hyde United to their first Cheshire Senior Cup victory in 27 years in 2024 before stepping down in September 2025, citing a need for a break from football. He initially joined the club in February 2022 and became a popular figure at the Greater Manchester club during his first spell.
Michael Clegg took over managerial duties in January 2026 with the team just above the relegation zone. Under his leadership, Hyde United improved their standing to five points clear of danger. Clegg’s departure comes alongside his assistants Aaron Wade-Young and Joe Bunney, just weeks after his marriage to England Lioness Ella Toone.
Hyde United chairman Steve Hartley acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized the club’s need for a new approach. “These decisions are never easy, and we will be forever grateful to Michael for keeping us in the division,” Hartley said. “But having had a chat after Saturday’s game and with the position we are in, we agreed that the club needed to take a different direction.”
The club also announced the return of Gavin McCann as Spooner’s assistant. Hartley expressed confidence in the duo, highlighting Spooner’s readiness and refreshed mindset after his break. “We are delighted to welcome Nick back. He was successful in his first stint as manager, and when he left, we always left the door open for him to return at some point. Now he’s had time to reflect, he’s ready and refreshed and wants to help the club back up the table,” said Hartley.
Spooner is set to meet the players and lead training ahead of Hyde United’s FA Trophy fixture against Avro on Saturday. The club and its supporters will be looking to the former Bolton Wanderers right-back to steady the team and improve their league position in the coming weeks.