Stockport Town appoints an ex-Premier League player – and the man himself hints he could hints at potentially coming out of retirement.
The North West Counties League Division One South outfit have announced Matt Jansen as their new manager and looks likely at making an appearance for the 10th tier club.
The 43 year old is a former professional footballer who played as a striker, starting his career with hometown club Carlisle United.
He also played for Crystal Palace, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers as well as a loan spell with Coventry City.
A goalscorer in Blackburn’s League Cup victory in 2002, his career declined after a near-fatal motorcycle accident later that year.
He won six England under-21 caps and was called up once to the senior national team.
After three years out of contract, Jansen went into non league football with Wrexham, Leigh Genesis, and Chorley. He later went on to manage Chorley from 2015–18.
We are absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of our new manager Matt Jansen 😎
Matt brings in an absolute wealth of experience to the club from playing and managing. He has also signed non contact forms, making him eligible to play for Town.
Welcome to SSV Matt 👋 pic.twitter.com/CCNxj32Thz
— Stockport Town FC (@StockportTownFC) July 17, 2021
In a statement on social media, Stockport Town said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of our new manager Matt Jansen.
“Matt brings in an absolute wealth of experience to the club from playing and managing.
“He has also signed non contract forms, making him eligible to play for Town.
“Welcome to SSV [Stockport Sports Village] Matt.”
The boss said: “Really excited to get stuck in to this new adventure with a great team around me!”
Stockport Town, who formed in 2014, have had major changes behind the scenes that will see them provide a pathway for local footballers to find their way into the game as well as challenge at a competitive level. It also creates strong links with neighbours Stockport County although Town will be ran independently. Both Stockport clubs have released a statement today to clarify the changes.
The Club can announce that owner Mark Stott has acquired a majority stakeholding in Pro Football Academy. The acquisition supports Mark’s passion for creating opportunities for everyone to get more out of football and create pathways for young footballing talent in Stockport and the wider region.
Pro Football Academy is a Nationwide football coaching business, catering for footballers aged 4 to 16 years. It offers young footballers a range of coaching sessions from weekly group sessions to 1:1 coaching with FA/UEFA qualified coaches. Carlos Roca will remain as Managing Director of Pro Football Academy.
Pro Football Academy owns Stockport Town, a semi-professional football club competing in the North West Counties League and are based at Stockport Sports Village. The FA, EFL and North West Counties League have all approved the transaction subject to conditions that ensure Stockport Town is operated independently from Stockport County.
A dedicated team has been recruited with Matt Jansen appointed as Manager and will be joined by Mike Jeffries as his assistant. Jonathan Smith has been promoted as Matt Jansen’s replacement as Head of Recruitment at Stockport County. County legend Paul Turnbull has also signed from Curzon Ashton and will captain the team.
The acquisition further strengthens the towns’ footballing credentials and will help to retain and provide pathways for promising local talent.
JANSEN’S CAREER:
Youth career
1993–1995 – Carlisle United
Senior career
1995–1998 – Carlisle United – 42 games (10 goals)
1998–1999 – Crystal Palace – 26 games (10 goals)
1999–2006 – Blackburn Rovers – 153 games (44 goals)
2003 → Coventry City (loan) – 9 games (2 goals)
2006 – Bolton Wanderers – 6 games (0 goals)
2009 – Wrexham – 3 games (1 goal)
2009–2010 – Leigh Genesis – 30 games (9 goals)
2010–2014 – Chorley – 41 games (4 goals)
Total – 310 games (80 goals)
National team
1999–2000 – England U21 – 6 games (0 goals)
Teams managed
2015–2018 Chorley
Fans reacted as Stockport Town appoints the ex-Premier League player, see what everyone said below…
Hope Stockport Town fans are treated to a few of these celebrations @mrmjansen pic.twitter.com/ayDPyUFwQO
— Nick Seaman (@nickotherovers) July 17, 2021
@andywatton: Stockport Town have just gained a load of Rovers supporters as followers. Good luck, we all want you to succeed @mrmjansen 👌🏻
@BobScot85448227: But for that bike accident would have had a long and distinguished international career. What was, what is and what might have been. LEGEND
@JayBee24271: Great appointment… good luck Matt 👍
@Dave_Winbod: Good luck Matt ❤💙
@Iuke1875: Need a Stockport vs Preston friendly he just subs himself on and scores
@AndyMax69: Good luck – hope things go fantastic for you … we need a friendly with @Rovers – Blackburn fans would love that
@DavePearce9: Good luck to you Janny. Just stared your book and so far it’s a great read. All the best.
@bennytatts: Congrats super @mrmjansen
@Mr_O_OakICT: Best of luck Matt! See it as another step on that journey to the Ewood hot seat 😉😎
@petebrd: Good luck Matt go well.
@ThomasEvansAdur: YOU LEGEND MATT.
@millsie1987: All the best @StockportTownFC @mrmjansen! Will be rooting for you along with the rest of the @CPFC family! ❤️💙
@Collycoaster: Matt did excellent for Chorley. Stockport have got themselves a real gem of a boss. Good luck Matt
@pacynkodaniel_p: One Matt Jensen COYB
@kielsmith26: Congrats Matt, would love to see you banging in a few goals for them!
@Ben_Met: Outstanding appointment. 🙌
@bazdoh: Good luck @mrmjansen you will smash it
@Jab_bd: Take care of him. Good luck @mrmjansen I’m sure you’ll smash it!
@nicholasbeach78: Nice one pal carry the Stockport name 💪🏻
@ulyssesjoe: #uptherovers from a @TuffleyRoversFC fan of course all the best for the coming season
@davidbradshaw8: Superb appointment. 👍⚽️
@Ukhilal1957: Congratulations legend go well 🦅🦅🦅🦅
@PalaceLambeth: Good luck Matt.
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