​Following the departure of manager Shaun Airey back to Silsden AFC, Settle United AFC are delighted to announce that his Assistant Manager Danny Bathers has stepped up to become the First Team Manager ahead of the 2022/23 season. Danny will lead the side into the East Lancashire Premier Division following promotion last season in our first season back in the East Lancs leagues. 

Chairman Craig Dinsdale said: “Danny has been part of the First Team management set-up for a few seasons now and we’re delighted he has taken the opportunity to lead the club forward as manager following Shaun’s departure. Of course, we were disappointed when Shaun took the offer from Silsden to go back there, his experience in the higher divisions brings so much to a club like ours. But that’s done and we now have a manager in Danny that is hugely passionate about Settle United AFC on and off the field.

Shaun will take over with immediate effect, returning back to Bridge End following a hugely successful semi-professional career. The former Barnoldswick Town, Silsden AFC and Thackley FC player is to be joined by assistant Danny Bathers, who recently managed the first team in a joint-manager capacity.

Best known for his distinguished playing career in the North East and North West Counties divisions, Shaun has forged a reputation as one of the finest centre halves within the counties leagues for well over a decade.

As the Craven Division 3 season neared the halfway point, United’s 3rd team headed to Cononley on Saturday hoping to maintain their impressive start to the season and one that still has a 100% win record away from home.