Paul Scholes: Man Utd legend secretly helps Stalybridge Celtic

Paul Scholes

Ex-Manchester United star Paul Scholes has taken training at Stalybridge Celtic, it has emerged.

The former England international, 38, who coaches United's Under-19s side, helped out after manager Jim Harvey left the Conference North club.external-link

"He wanted it kept private and the lads, although they were really excited, were brilliant in not letting it out," revealed chairman Rob Gorski.

Scholes retired for a second time this summer after winning his 11th title.

He has close ties with Stalybridge as his son Aaron is part of their youth set-up and Scholes has previously played in a charity gameexternal-link for the club, who are in the sixth tier of English football.

"I asked Paul, in a private moment, to be honest with me about the lads and their ability and he was sincere when he said that he'd watched Oldham play a couple of times this season, and he thought that many of our players were technically their equal," added Gorksi in a post on the club's website forum.external-link

"Paul is going back to work with the United Under-19s but he's gone back with great memories and everyone's really appreciated having him around. A truly class guy."

Stalybridge have now appointed Keith Briggs and Andy Fearn as their new management team.