Pike replaces Latham in Trefelin hot seat

Out-of-form Welsh League Division Three outfit Trefelin BGC have announced that Mark Pike is to take over as first team manager with immediate effect.

The news comes on the back of previous boss Chris Latham’s decision to step down as manager due to work commitments, although he will continue to be involved as a member of the club’s board.

It means Pike, who joins from local rivals Port Talbot Town, will now be responsible for first-team matters at Ynys Park.

He arrives having earned himself a strong reputation for developing young players, winning the FAW Regional Development Coach of the Year award back in 2015.

BREAKING News:
The club are pleased to announce this morning that @markpike1967 will be taking control of our 1st team with immediate effect

— Trefelinbgc (@trefelinbcg) March 9, 2017

We would like to thank @PortTalbotTown for they’re co,operation with mark joining us for the rest of the season .3/3

— Trefelinbgc (@trefelinbcg) March 9, 2017

The club would like to thank @chrislatham20 for all his hard work so far this season Chris is stepping down as manager to work commitments

— Trefelinbgc (@trefelinbcg) March 9, 2017

We are lucky as a club that @chrislatham20 is staying on board with the current hard working committee 2/2

— Trefelinbgc (@trefelinbcg) March 9, 2017

His coaching role at Port Talbot Town has been supplemented by his position as manager of the Wales U18 academy side, who recently surrendered their John Coughlan Memorial Cup title after a 1-0 defeat to Ireland at Newtown.

Pike faces a testing task in trying to turn round the fortunes of Trefelin, who after winning promotion to Division Three last season, have not recorded a league win since December.

However, he will be greeted by a familiar face when he takes over, with Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Matthew Stanton also making the move to the club last week.