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Andy Welsh
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Andy Welsh
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Andrew Peter David Welsh (born 24 January 1983) is an English football coach and former player.

Key Information

Playing career

[edit]

Stockport County

[edit]

The left-footed Welsh wrote to the club asking for a trial run and made his professional debut for Stockport County in October 2001,[2] going on to make 75 league appearances in his four-year stint at the club.[3] His final match was a 3–0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday in League One.[4] He also made six appearances on loan at Macclesfield Town in 2002.[5]

Sunderland

[edit]

After impressing in a three-day trial with Sunderland in November 2004, Welsh signed with the club for £15,000, and could have included a compensation for amount of time on the field stipulation to £35,000. Upon signing for Sunderland he was assigned the vacant number 11 shirt, and made his club debut on 1 January 2005 in a 3–2 defeat to Preston North End, replacing Marcus Stewart in the 68th minute. He scored two goals in eight appearances during the 2004–05 season for Sunderland.[6]

Welsh made his first start for Sunderland a week later on 8 January 2005, scoring a free kick in a 2–1 victory against Crystal Palace. Welsh went on to make eight appearances that season, scoring again, against QPR at Loftus Road on 2 April.

After Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, Welsh retained the number 11 shirt, starting the season in place of injured defender George McCartney. However, Welsh was controversially sent off in only the second game of the season against Liverpool at Anfield on 20 August 2005, although the decision was later overturned on appeal.

Welsh found himself out of the Sunderland team after Christmas, and many thought he had played his last game for the club after he was loaned to Championship club Leicester on 1 March 2006. Welsh went on to make ten appearances for Leicester, scoring one goal, helping to stave off relegation for the Foxes.

Four days after playing his last game for Leicester, Welsh was back at Sunderland, playing in the club's last two games, against Fulham and Aston Villa, under new caretaker manager Kevin Ball. Following the transfer of popular midfielder Julio Arca to Middlesbrough in the summer, Welsh was expected to start the season as first choice winger, however injury hit early on in pre-season.

Welsh picked up an injury during a pre-season win against League of Ireland club, Shelbourne, prompting Quinn and new manager Roy Keane to sign Swedish winger Tobias Hysen and Celtic midfielder Ross Wallace to fill the left-midfield role. Welsh subsequently re-joined Leicester on loan when he regained fitness, although he managed only four league starts for them, and returned to Sunderland in the New Year. Coincidentally, Sunderland's next game was against Leicester at the Walkers Stadium, where Welsh was named as an unused substitute.

Toronto

[edit]

After failing to break back into Sunderland's first team, it was announced in March 2007, that Welsh would be heading to Canada for a medical before signing a contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Toronto, after the clubs agreed a deal to end his contract at Sunderland.[7]

On 16 May 2007, Welsh scored his first goal for Toronto in a rain soaked 1–0 home win over defending MLS champions, Houston Dynamo.[8] Fans subsequently voted him "Man of the Match" on the club's official website. However, after the first few games Toronto struggled to find points hard to come by, Welsh was in and out of the team and soon decided to return to England.

Blackpool

[edit]

On 30 August 2007, it was reported that Welsh would be leaving Toronto for Blackpool, [9] whom he signed for the following day.[10] During the 2007–08 season he made 21 appearances in the Championship, mostly as a substitute.[11] On 7 May 2008 he was released by Blackpool.[12]

Yeovil Town

[edit]

In August 2008 Welsh went on trial at Football League One club Yeovil Town.[13] On 3 September, Yeovil manager Russell Slade confirmed that the club had a verbal agreement to sign Welsh with him due to have a medical at the club the following day.[11] Welsh signed a contract with the club until the end of the 2008–09 season.[14] Welsh played 38 games for Yeovil in his first season,[15] becoming a fans' favourite when the team went on a four-game winning streak scoring four goals direct from his set pieces. He ended the season with Yeovil's most assists (seven) and most crosses (80) in his 38 appearances.

At the end of the 2008–09 season, Welsh signed a new two-year deal keeping him at the club until the summer of 2011. In the 2009–10 season Welsh started well and was the divisional top goal maker with seven assists. However, formation changes saw him slip out of the side, making most of his appearances from the subs bench. However, he was Yeovil's leading creator for the second consecutive season (10 assists),[16] and he scored his first two goals for the club, in a 2–0 win over Brentford and a 4–1 win over Wycombe.

Welsh scored in his second game of the 2010–11 season, against local rivals Exeter City, and against Tranmere Rovers two weeks later. Welsh was again one of Yeovil's outstanding performers, leading the way in assists. He secured Yeovil's league one status for another season with an 85th-minute equaliser at home to Oldham Athletic the day after his first child was born.[17]

At the end of the 2010–11 season, he and six other Yeovil players were told they would be re-signed.[18]

Carlisle United

[edit]

On 1 June 2011, Welsh became Greg Abbott's first signing of the summer when he joined Carlisle United on a two-year deal.[19] On 27 May 2013, Welsh was not offered a new contract and would no longer be a Carlisle United player after the end of the 2012/13 season.[20]

Scunthorpe United

[edit]

On 24 June 2013, Andy Welsh become Scunthorpe United's 5th signing of the summer where he has signed a one-year deal for the League Two club with an option of a further year. After playing all games up to the start of October, Welsh required knee surgery which ruled him out until February 2014. At the end of the season he decided to pursue the remainder of his degree in psychology and coaching.

Non-League

[edit]

On 12 September 2014, Andy Welsh signed for United of Manchester.[21] In December 2014, Welsh made the move to Farsley Celtic, closer to his home in Bradford.[22]

Managerial career

[edit]

In September 2017, Andy Welsh became player/head coach at Ossett Albion. Welsh led a team that was struggling (second bottom in the league on seven points at Christmas) on an unbeaten run, finishing safely in the league.

He then took over at the newly merged club Ossett United, finishing fourth in the League (making the playoffs) with the league's best defensive record. The club also enjoyed cup success against Guiseley, a team two divisions higher.

On 29 July 2020, Welsh was selected from 750 applicants to become the first manager of Bury AFC,[23] but the first season was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bury were crowned champions of the NWCFL Division One North in the club's second season.[24] Welsh led Bury to the title; the side finished 11 points clear, winning 27 out of 36 games, boasting the highest goals total and best defensive record in the division.

On 5 June 2023, upon the merger of Bury FC and Bury AFC, the two team's histories were combined — retroactively counting Bury AFC's seasons as seasons for Bury FC and also retroactively counting Welsh as Bury manager since 2020. On 17 September 2023, after a run of form that saw two wins in eight games, Bury parted company with Welsh.[25]

Welsh was appointed Guiseley manager in October 2023.[26]

Welsh departed on April 2, 2024.[27]

Career statistics

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Stockport County 2001–02[2] First Division 15 0 1 0 0 0 — 16 0
2002–03[5] Second Division 13 2 0 0 0 0 1[a] 0 14 2
2003–04[3] Second Division 34 1 1 0 2 0 3[a] 0 40 1
2004–05[4] League One 13 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 15 0
Total 75 3 2 0 3 0 5 0 85 3
Macclesfield Town (loan) 2002–03[5] Third Division 6 2 — — — 6 2
Sunderland 2004–05[4] Championship 7 1 1 1 0 0 — 8 2
2005–06[28] Premier League 14 0 1 0 2 0 — 17 0
2006–07[29] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
Total 21 1 2 1 2 0 — 25 2
Leicester City (loan) 2005–06[28] Championship 10 1 — — — 10 1
2006–07[29] Championship 7 0 0 0 1 0 — 8 0
Total 17 1 0 0 1 0 — 18 1
Toronto 2007[6] MLS 20 1 — — — 20 1
Blackpool 2007–08[30] Championship 21 0 1 0 2 0 — 24 0
Yeovil Town 2008–09[15] League One 37 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 38 0
2009–10[31] League One 42 2 1 0 1 0 1[a] 0 45 2
2010–11[32] League One 34 4 2 0 0 0 1[a] 1 37 5
Total 113 6 4 0 1 0 2 1 120 7
Carlisle United 2011–12[33] League One 21 0 0 0 2 0 1[a] 0 24 0
2012–13[34] League One 12 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14 0
Total 33 0 2 0 2 0 1 0 38 0
Scunthorpe United 2013–14[35] League Two 4 0 0 0 1 0 1[a] 0 6 0
Career total 310 14 11 1 12 0 9 1 342 16
  1. ^ a b c d e f g Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 16 September 2023
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D2 L Win %
Bury1 29 July 2020 17 September 2023 115 73 25 17 063.5
Total 115 73 25 17 063.5

1Upon the merger of Bury FC and Bury AFC, the two team's histories were combined — retroactively counting Bury AFC's seasons as seasons for Bury FC
2Two cup matches drawn; one won on penalties and one lost. Score at 90 minutes counted as drawn game.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Andy Welsh

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Andrew Peter David Welsh (born 24 January 1983) is an English professional football coach and former player, best known for his journeyman career as a left across multiple clubs in and , followed by a successful managerial tenure in . Welsh began his professional playing career with Stockport County in 2001, making appearances in the Football League before moving to , where he featured in the during the 2005–06 season. He later joined for their inaugural season in 2007, contributing as a winger, and subsequently played for clubs including , Yeovil Town, Carlisle United, and Scunthorpe United over a 15-year professional stint that spanned nine teams. Transitioning to coaching, Welsh took his first managerial role at Ossett United before joining Bury AFC in 2020, where he oversaw 101 matches with a 74.55% win rate and led the team to promotion as champions of the North West Counties Football League Division One North in their debut full season, achieving a goal difference of +122. Welsh managed Bury F.C. until September 2023, followed by a stint as manager of Guiseley A.F.C. from October 2023 to April 2024. As of 2025, he serves as owner and coach at Forza Football Academy, continuing his involvement in football development.

Early life and education

Childhood in

Andy Welsh was born on 24 January 1983 in , , to parents of Scottish descent, which later influenced his eligibility to represent at the international youth level. His family background was rooted in Scottish heritage, with his grandfather having emigrated from and becoming a lifelong Manchester United supporter who held a and attended every home game. Welsh shared a close bond with his grandfather, who significantly shaped his early affinity for football. Growing up in the area, Welsh experienced an early immersion in local football culture, playing informally in the streets and drawing inspiration from his grandfather's passion for the sport. By his mid-teens, this foundation led him to join the youth setup at Stockport County at age 15.

Academic background

During his professional playing career, Welsh enrolled in a part-time degree program to further his intellectual development.

Playing career

Early professional years at County

Andy Welsh joined County's youth academy at the age of 16 in 1999, having previously trained at the FA's Tameside centre of excellence. After impressing in the youth setup, he signed his first professional contract with the club in 2001, marking the start of his senior career at his boyhood team. Welsh made his senior debut for Stockport County on 27 October 2001, coming on as a substitute in a 0–4 home defeat to in the First Division. Over the next three seasons, spanning the First Division (now ), Second Division (now ), and League One (now ), he accumulated 85 appearances and scored 3 goals across all competitions, often featuring as a squad player during the club's efforts to stabilize in the lower tiers of English professional football. As a left-footed versatile left winger, Welsh provided width and creativity on the flank, contributing to Stockport's survival in the Second Division during the 2002–03 season after their relegation the previous year. To gain further experience, Welsh was loaned to nearby Macclesfield Town in the Third Division (now ) on 2 September 2002 for an initial one-month period. He made 6 appearances and scored 2 goals during the spell, before being recalled by at the end of the loan. This brief stint helped him adapt to the physical demands of lower-league football while honing his attacking contributions from the wing. His consistent performances at culminated in a transfer to in November , representing a significant step up to a higher division.

Sunderland period and loans

Andy Welsh joined from in November for a fee of £15,000, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract as part of manager McCarthy's squad-building efforts ahead of the –05 season. He quickly integrated into the team, making his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 win over Gillingham on 27 November and contributing to the side's strong campaign. Welsh was a squad member during Sunderland's promotion-winning 2004–05 season, where the club clinched the title with a record 94 points, securing automatic promotion to the . In that season, he made 7 league appearances and 1 outing, scoring twice—including a free-kick goal in a 2–1 third-round victory over on 8 January 2005. The following year in the (2005–06), opportunities remained limited, with Welsh featuring in 14 league matches (mostly as a substitute) and 2 games, but without adding to his goal tally as Sunderland suffered relegation. Overall, across his three seasons at Sunderland (2004–07), he accumulated 24 appearances and 2 goals in all competitions, often competing for wide positions against other established squad members. To address his frustration with irregular first-team action and build match fitness, Welsh was loaned to Championship side Leicester City on two occasions. The first loan, from March to May 2006, saw him make 10 appearances and score once—a close-range finish in a 2–0 win over on 7 April 2006—helping Leicester avoid relegation. His second loan, starting in October 2006, added 7 appearances without goals, providing further experience in the second tier amid Leicester's mid-table campaign. These spells totaled 17 outings and 1 goal, aiding his development despite ongoing challenges like an ankle injury sustained in a 2005 match against Derby County, which sidelined him briefly, and intense competition within 's squad under managers McCarthy and then . Welsh's time at ended with his release in summer 2007, paving the way for an overseas transfer.

Move to Toronto FC

In March 2007, following the termination of his contract with , Andy Welsh joined expansion side on a free transfer, marking his only professional move abroad. The 23-year-old, who had been on the fringes of 's squad after their promotion to the , underwent a medical in before signing a deal that provided the club with midfield depth during its inaugural MLS season. Welsh adapted to the North American style of play as a left midfielder, featuring regularly in Toronto's lineup and contributing to their competitive efforts in the Eastern Conference. Over the course of the 2007 regular season, he made 20 appearances, including 16 starts, while logging 1,336 minutes on the pitch and recording 1 goal along with 1 assist. His sole goal came on May 16, 2007, a set-piece strike in the 25th minute that secured a 1–0 home victory against defending champions Houston Dynamo, providing one of Toronto's few highlights in a campaign that ended with a playoff berth but an early exit. This performance underscored his role in the team's defensive solidity and occasional attacking threats during an otherwise challenging debut year for the franchise. Despite initial promise, Welsh's tenure proved brief, as Toronto FC transferred him back to English club Blackpool on August 30, 2007, in a free deal that freed up space amid roster adjustments. The move ended his transatlantic adventure after six months, during which he gained valuable international exposure in a league known for its physicality and wide-open play, though he struggled to fully settle in the North American environment.

Return to England: Blackpool, Yeovil Town, and Carlisle United

After returning from , Andy Welsh signed a one-year contract with an option for a second year with on 31 August 2007, reuniting him with English football in the . During the 2007–08 season, he made 21 league appearances without scoring, contributing as a versatile winger in a squad that finished 16th and secured mid-table stability following their promotion from League One the previous year. Welsh's role emphasized squad depth, providing rotation options amid a campaign marked by inconsistent form but no serious relegation threat. In July 2008, Welsh transferred to League One side Town on a permanent deal, where he established himself as a consistent performer over three seasons. He featured in 113 league matches, scoring 6 goals, and became integral to the team's efforts in avoiding relegation, with Yeovil finishing 18th, 15th, and 17th in successive seasons. In 2009, Welsh extended his contract for two years after a strong debut campaign of 38 appearances, highlighting his growing importance in providing width and creativity from the flanks during survival battles. His reliability as a squad mainstay helped maintain defensive solidity and occasional attacking threat in a competitive lower mid-table environment. Seeking further opportunities, Welsh joined Carlisle United in June 2011 on a two-year agreement after failing to renew with , aiming to elevate his career trajectory. Over the next two seasons in League One, he appeared in 33 league games without goals, serving as a rotational and winger under manager . Welsh contributed to midfield depth during Carlisle's 12th-place finish in 2011–12 and a tougher 20th-place survival in 2012–13, adapting to tactical shifts in relegation skirmishes. His tenure underscored a dependable utility role, bolstering the team's resilience without standout individual accolades.

Final professional stint at Scunthorpe United

In June 2013, Andy Welsh signed a one-year contract with Scunthorpe United, becoming the club's fifth addition of the summer as they prepared for the 2013–14 League Two campaign. The deal followed his release from Carlisle United and marked a return to the north of for the versatile winger, who brought experience from previous spells in the Football League. During his stint at Scunthorpe, Welsh made six appearances across all competitions, without scoring any goals. He primarily served as a fringe squad member, providing depth in midfield and on the flanks amid a competitive roster, as mounted a strong challenge that saw them finish seventh and reach the League Two play-offs. His limited involvement reflected the challenges of breaking into the starting lineup regularly at age 29. Welsh was among eight players released by at the end of his contract in May 2014, bringing his professional tenure at the club to a close at age 30. Seeking greater playing opportunities and a pathway into coaching, he opted to transition to rather than pursue further professional contracts. This move concluded a 15-year professional career that encompassed 333 appearances and 14 goals across multiple clubs.

Non-league transition

Following his departure from Scunthorpe United in 2014, Welsh transitioned to by signing for on 12 September 2014. During the 2014–15 season in the Premier Division, he made 10 appearances, including 2 as a substitute, and scored 1 goal, reflecting limited involvement as he adjusted to semi-professional level at age 31. In December 2014, Welsh moved to Farsley Celtic, a club closer to his home in , where he remained through the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division. His play was sporadic due to lingering effects from a prior knee injury and his advancing age, though he contributed 8 goals in 20 appearances during his time there, emphasizing enjoyment over professional pressures. This move allowed him to maintain fitness while prioritizing local involvement and family proximity, setting the stage for his shift toward . Welsh joined Ossett Albion in the 2017–18 season in the Division One North, taking on a role in December 2017 that bridged his playing and managerial careers. Appearances remained low amid ongoing injury challenges and his growing coaching responsibilities, with exact statistics limited but indicative of minimal on-field contribution at age 34–35. He retired from playing in July 2019, fully transitioning to management while continuing to prepare through semi-professional experience that kept him connected to the grassroots level.

International career

Scotland youth teams

Andy Welsh, born in Manchester to parents with Scottish heritage, held dual English and Scottish nationality, making him eligible to represent at international level. In early 2001, at the age of 17, Welsh received his first call-up to the Scotland under-19 squad while playing for County's youth team. Welsh earned his debut cap as a substitute in a Three Nations tournament match against , which won 2-0; the team had earlier defeated 3-2 in the competition. This appearance marked the extent of his documented involvement with the under-19 side. The international exposure provided Welsh with valuable experience competing against international peers, contributing to his development during his early professional years at Stockport County. No further youth caps or senior call-ups followed after 2001.

Managerial career

Ossett United

In September 2017, Andy Welsh was appointed as player-manager of Albion in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, taking over from previous management to steer the club away from relegation. He guided Albion to safety that season, earning a contract extension into the following campaign. Following the merger of Albion and Town in June 2018 to form Ossett United, Welsh transitioned to the role of full-time manager at the newly created club, which was placed in the Division One East. As manager, he focused on integrating players from both predecessor clubs through competitive selection based on form, building a cohesive squad amid the challenges of the merger. During the 2018–19 season, Welsh's United finished fifth in the Division One East with 18 wins, 13 draws, and 7 losses, accumulating 67 points. The team boasted the league's best defensive record, conceding just 37 goals in 38 matches, which underscored Welsh's emphasis on organized play and defensive solidity. This strong finish, including qualification for the promotion play-offs where they were eliminated in the semi-finals, helped establish stability for the merged club in its inaugural season. In May 2019, Welsh agreed to a one-year contract extension with assistant Paul Quinn for the 2019–20 season. However, after a poor start to the 2019–20 season that left the team at the bottom of the table, Welsh resigned in November 2019, concluding his 2+ year tenure at the club.

Bury AFC

Andy Welsh was appointed as the first manager of Bury AFC on 29 2020, following the club's formation as a phoenix club in the wake of the original Bury FC's expulsion from the in 2019 due to financial issues. Selected from over 750 applicants, Welsh brought experience from his prior role at United, where he had honed his managerial skills in . During his tenure from 2020 to 2023, Welsh managed 129 games, achieving 80 wins, 28 draws, and 21 losses, for a win rate of 62%. His most notable success came in the 2021–22 season, when he led Bury AFC to the Division One North title with 89 points from 36 league games, securing promotion to the Premier Division as champions and earning him the league's Manager of the Year award. Welsh built the squad from scratch, emphasizing players with local ties to foster community engagement and reflect the town's identity, which helped rebuild supporter connections in the club's early years. In the 2022–23 season, Bury finished 4th in the Premier Division. Welsh's departure was announced on 17 September 2023 by mutual agreement, following a dip in form with only two wins in eight games, amid the club's growing ambitions after merging with another entity to return to .

Andy Welsh was appointed as manager of on 23 October 2023, taking over the Northern Premier League Premier Division side mid-season following the departure of interim management. At the time of his arrival, the team sat 13th in the table, and Welsh inherited a settled squad under contract, which presented immediate integration challenges for his tactical vision. Drawing from his prior experience at Bury AFC and Ossett United, where he had achieved playoff finishes, Welsh sought to instill a proactive style while leveraging his background in youth development to bolster the club's long-term setup. During his tenure, which spanned approximately five months and included around 23 league matches—many of them away fixtures in a demanding —Welsh guided to an improved eighth-place standing by early April 2024, just three points shy of the playoffs with a game in hand. However, the side struggled to fully adapt to his methods amid the mid-season transition, with inconsistent results hindering a sustained push for promotion contention. Defensive vulnerabilities were evident in several late-season defeats, including a 3-2 home loss to Lancaster City on 30 March 2024, which highlighted ongoing issues in maintaining clean sheets against competitive opponents. Despite these hurdles, Welsh's emphasis on youth integration provided a brief positive influence, introducing elements from his established Football Academy to nurture emerging talents within the first-team environment. Welsh's dismissal was announced on 2 April 2024, just three days after the Lancaster defeat, as the club cited recent poor results as insufficient for their playoff ambitions and opted for a change to maximize remaining fixtures. In response, Welsh publicly expressed disappointment on , noting that the club had not outlined playoff expectations upon his appointment and emphasizing the progress made from 13th to eighth place under difficult circumstances. His short stint at underscored the challenges of mid-season turnarounds in , leaving a modest legacy of tactical intent and youth-focused initiatives before his departure paved the way for further academy-oriented roles.

Post-playing coaching roles

Forza Football Academy

Andy Welsh founded the Forza Football Academy, a youth-focused football development program in , where he leverages his professional playing experience to and mentor young players. The academy operates through FORZA FOOTBALL ACADEMY LIMITED, a private company incorporated on 14 November 2022 and registered at 679 Thornton Road, Thornton, , , BD13 3NW, with Welsh appointed as director on the same date; its nature of business is classified as sports and recreation education (SIC 85510). Welsh runs sessions for juniors, emphasizing skill development and engagement, as demonstrated during the lockdown when he provided online sessions via the academy's platform to keep participants active and entertained. His background includes studies toward a BSc (Hons) in , which informs his approach to junior leadership and player motivation in . As of November 2025, the academy remains an independent entity without formal affiliation to any professional club, continuing to engage local talents through its programs in the area, including elite training camps and tournaments.

3V3 Soccer UK

In addition to Forza, Welsh is the founder and director of 3V3 Soccer Limited, incorporated on 26 2016 and registered at 679 Thornton Road, Thornton, , , BD13 3NW. The company organizes 3v3 football events and programs aimed at junior teams to enhance skills through increased ball touches and engagement, promoting creative play under the slogan "#KeepTheBallRolling". As a football coach, Welsh has been actively involved in developing this format for youth development since its inception, with ongoing events as of November 2025.

Personal life

Family

Andy Welsh welcomed his first child, a daughter named Lily, in 2010 while he was playing for Yeovil Town in League One. This personal milestone occurred during a transitional phase in his professional career, as he balanced on-field commitments with emerging family responsibilities. The Welsh family established their base in the area of in the mid-2010s, aligning with his shift toward coaching and academy development in the region. This relocation provided stability after earlier career moves, including his short stint with in during 2007, and has supported his ongoing work with local youth programs. Welsh has consistently kept details of his family life private, emphasizing a low-profile approach that prioritizes support for both his personal relationships and football endeavors.

Interests and pursuits

Welsh pursued a degree in during his professional playing career, taking time from his studies to participate in media interviews as early as . Beyond football, his personal interests include being a lifelong supporter of Manchester United since the age of seven, as well as enjoying food, , and vacations in hot destinations. Welsh demonstrates strong community involvement in through his leadership of the Forza Football Academy, where he serves as director and focuses on youth development to give back to local aspiring players. During the in , he organized free online coaching sessions via the academy for children and adults, delivering live skill challenges on platforms like and to maintain with football while promoting at home. The academy operates without major business ventures beyond its core mission of grassroots coaching, hosting sessions and camps in local venues such as Dixons Allerton Academy to support regional youth football events. Following his departure from Guiseley A.F.C. in April 2024, Welsh is currently seeking his next club management position as of November 2025 while continuing to build the academy's legacy in player development.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Andy Welsh accumulated 329 appearances and scored 15 goals in his professional career across leagues and cup competitions, primarily in the and , including loan spells. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club, including all competitions where data is available; non-league statistics from spells at clubs like United are unavailable or estimated to contribute minimally to his professional totals.
ClubSeasonsDivision(s)AppearancesGoals
Stockport County2001–2005Third Division / League Two853
Macclesfield Town (loan)2002Third Division62
2004–2007 / 252
Leicester City (loan)2006181
2007201
2007–2008210
Yeovil Town2008–2011League One1136
Carlisle United2011–2013League One330
United2013–2014League One / League Two80

Managerial record

Andy Welsh began his managerial career in non-league football, initially serving as player-manager at United from 2018 to 2019, where the team achieved a fourth-place finish in the Division One East, qualifying for the play-offs while posting the league's best defensive record. His tenure emphasized defensive organization, contributing to a solid foundation for the club in its inaugural season following the merger of Ossett Albion and Ossett Town. At Bury AFC from 2020 to 2023, Welsh compiled an impressive record over 101 games, securing 69 wins for a 68.3% win percentage; this period included a successful promotion from the (NWCFL) Division One North in the 2021-2022 season, where the team finished 11 points clear at the top with the highest goals scored and best defensive record in the division. Welsh's time at Guiseley AFC from 2023 to 2024 covered a partial season in the Premier Division, marked by a lower win rate amid inconsistent results, culminating in his departure in April 2024 after three consecutive league defeats. Across his managerial career, Welsh has recorded one promotion from the NWCFL and has not held any senior international management positions.
ClubYearsPldWDLWin %
Ossett United2018–20195028121056.0
Bury AFC2020–202310169131968.3
2023–202428871328.6
Total2018–2024179105324258.7

References

  1. https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/andy-welsh/
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.com/andy-welsh/profil/spieler/34515
  3. https://buryfc.co.uk/staff/andy-welsh/
  4. https://buryfc.co.uk/introducing-andy-welsh/
  5. https://www.skysports.com/football/player/10308/andy-welsh
  6. https://tipofthetower.com/2018/06/28/toronto-fc-flashback-andy-welsh-journeyman-career/
  7. https://www.nwcfl.com/news-articles.php?id=9206
  8. https://guiseleyafc.co.uk/lions-appoint-andy-welsh-as-new-manager/
  9. https://guiseleyafc.co.uk/club-statement-andy-welsh/
  10. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andy-welsh-00a29016
  11. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/welsh-to-press-scottish-claims-1593324
  12. https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2017/11/22/16667052/roker-report-meets-former-sunderland-winger-andy-welsh
  13. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/welsh-plans-to-bounce-back-stronger-1140642
  14. https://soccernightexclusive.wordpress.com/2012/10/23/andy-welsh-soccer-night-exclusive-interview/
  15. https://www.macclesfield-live.co.uk/sport/anglo-scot-welsh-out-to-impress-2543083
  16. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/1620006.stm
  17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/macclesfield_town/2230936.stm
  18. https://fbref.com/en/players/4c24dc67/Andy-Welsh
  19. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/andy-welsh/transfers/spieler/34515/transfer_id/100314
  20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stockport/4019387.stm
  21. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/sunderland-fc/andy-welsh-5012/league-appearances_a18938/
  22. https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-welsh-sunderland-team-spirit-20237272
  23. https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/andy-welsh/leistungsdaten/spieler/34515
  24. https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/7158174.welsh-dig-mccarthy/
  25. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2006/apr/08/match.crystalpalace
  26. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/leicester-city-fc/andy-welsh-5012/league-appearances-for-the-foxes_a18939/
  27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/5212922.stm
  28. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/6468427.stm
  29. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/former-sunderland-player-joins-toronto-fc-1.673444
  30. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/welsh-signs-on/article961570/
  31. https://www.houstondynamofc.com/news/dynamo-0-toronto-fc-1
  32. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/welsh-cut-loose/article1081017/
  33. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/blackpool/6973559.stm
  34. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/y/yeovil/8123002.stm
  35. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/13617835
  36. https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/23795557.former-carlisle-united-winger-andy-welsh-leaves-bury-fc/
  37. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11725/8790589/scunthorpe-snap-up-welsh
  38. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27332529
  39. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/andy-welsh-rues-decision-to-pull-plug-too-early-on-proud-professional-career-2550104
  40. https://fc-utd.co.uk/players/andy-welsh
  41. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45171971
  42. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/12745-andy-welsh
  43. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/andy-welsh/81632
  44. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/welsh-in-scottish-call-up-1174796
  45. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/other-sport/welsh-is-a-hot-shot-scot-1174820
  46. https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/sport/football/andy-welsh-and-paul-quinn-agree-one-year-extension-at-ossett-united-973718
  47. https://www.ossettutd.com/news/article/welsh-leaves-united-/
  48. https://www.burytimes.co.uk/sport/18615573.bury-phoenix-club-appoint-former-premier-league-winger-first-boss/
  49. https://www.rochvalleyradio.com/news/local-news/breaking-bury-fc-part-company-with-manager-andy-welsh/
  50. https://www.nwcfl.com/news-articles.php?id=8731
  51. https://www.burytimes.co.uk/sport/18630078.play-pride-passion-enjoy-journey-says-bury-afcs-first-ever-boss-andy-welsh/
  52. https://thefsa.org.uk/news/bury-afc-prepare-for-a-new-life-in-the-north-west-counties-league/
  53. https://guiseleyafc.co.uk/lancaster-loss-leaves-lions-lamenting/
  54. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/24234149.guiseley-see-ex-boss-hit-back-no-playoff-aspirations/
  55. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/14483170
  56. https://www.youtube.com/c/ForzaFootballAcademy/videos
  57. https://www.facebook.com/ForzaFA/
  58. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/10348197
  59. https://www.facebook.com/3v3SoccerUk/
  60. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11719/7784891/welsh-ready-to-boost-cumbrians
  61. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/atGhrTzGukx_pejKm4mPh3B2cF4/appointments
  62. https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/sport/football/former-premier-league-player-offering-free-online-coaching-lessons-during-lockdown-2540171
  63. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=26820
  64. https://www.transfermarkt.com/andy-welsh/leistungsdaten/spieler/34515
  65. https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/mar/30/so-proud-bury-afcs-promotion-marks-first-big-step-on-a-different-path
  66. https://www.thenpl.co.uk/articles/andy-welsh-departs-guiseley-81204
  67. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/former-sunderland-leicester-city-and-blackpool-man-axed-by-yorkshire-non-league-club-4576939
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