Cardiff Metropolitan University announce Allison as new manager

Welsh Premier League side Cardiff Metropolitan University have announced today that former Bristol City striker Dr Wayne Allison has been appointed as their new first team manager following a coaching reconstruction.

Director of Football Christian Edwards will continue in his role as Director of Football but will instead hand the reigns of the first team management to Wayne Allison, due to Christian’s role at the university making it difficult for him to fulfil his managerial duties.

The former Swansea City player took Cardiff Metropolitan from the Welsh League Third Division to the Welsh Premier League, as they gained promotion to the top flight, after missing out on promotion in the previous season. 

Edwards also guided the Archers to a top six place in their first season in the Welsh Premier League and recently oversaw the two defeats to Guilsfield in the JD Welsh Cup and The New Saints in the first game of Phase Two.

Speaking to the Met official website on his decision to step down as manager, Edwards says that nothing will change on a grander scale and that the focus will be on tomorrow’s fixture.

“It’s a natural progression for us, Wayne has been fantastic for the club and understands my position within the university. I will still take the lead on directing the club forward and have the involvement on match days which is good for me. However, it’s not about me or Wayne it’s about the players and making them the best they can be. For us the focus is on Bala and the remaining games ahead.”

Allison who made over 750 appearances in a playing career that spanned for over 21 years has already had involvement with Cardiff Metropolitan University, as well as coaching roles at Chester City, Bury, Tranmere and most recently Bradford City.

The ‘Chief’ earned his title as a ‘Dr’ back in 2010, where he studied for 7 years at Sheffield Hallam University in Coaching, Sport and Exercise Science. He has also worked for the English Football Association as a Coach Inclusion and Diversity manager. 

Allison also backed up Edward’s emphasis on focusing on the fixture tomorrow, as well as being delighted to be given the chance of becoming a first team manager.

“I’m delighted to step in to manger the team in light of Christian’s on-going commitments at the university. I have been with the squad for a while now, so it’s just about progressing forward together. Nothing will change from a footballing point of view as the players are doing well. We look forward to Bala and gaining the 3 points that we need.”

Allison will be in the dugout at Maes Tegid tomorrow as he takes charge of his first game against Bala Town in Met’s second game of Phase Two in the Welsh Premier League.

PHOTO BY AARON CULBERTSON PHOTOGRAPHY