Pike up for the challenge as Trefelin boss

Recently appointed manager Mark Pike says that he is up for the challenge of keeping Trefelin in the division, after his move from Port Talbot.

Replacing Chris Latham, who will remain with the club, Pike has the task of keeping Trefelin up after their promotion last season.

The FAW Academy National team manager has seen reasons to be optimistic and has a message for his players.

“These lads have done ever so well since getting into the welsh league, they have had a great run upto Christmas and since not had the best of luck. However now is the time to earn the right to play, be confident and play with no fear. Confidence has been low and I can see that, but looking forward I do expect these lads to react in a positive way till end of season.”

Due to the close proximity of Port Talbot and Trefelin, the new man will be no stranger to the set of players due to the partnership between the two sides, with joint fundraising nights and Port Talbot using Trefelin’s facilities and vice versa.

I know the vast majority of the lads and I am hoping come Saturday the lads will be in positive frame of mind to compete. All our games till end of season will be cup finals, our aim is to finish as high as we can and remain in the league which will be a great achievement for their first season at this level.

Despite leaving Port Talbot, the former Port Talbot coach has said that he cannot see any Port Talbot players other than Stanton coming to Trefelin. “I don’t foresee any port talbot players coming this way” said Pike.

Pike’s first match will be against Cwm Welfare, who just like Trefelin are fighting for survival in the division, but Pike says the preparation will be no different to how he has approached things before. The unfortunate news is though that Trefelin will be without two key players for this vital clash.

“My approach to this game will be no different whether it youth, national academy squad or senior players, managing senior players will be no different so long as we are on a positive environment we can create belief and the results will come again.

A win on Saturday is important not just for me but for the players and the club as whole and we will chuck the kitchen sink at if we have to do, one thing is for sure we be going for a win in a positive and confident mood.

Unfortunately we be without two massive players Mathew Bynon and Connor Harris who are both suspended. On a positive note the signing of Mathew Stanton in goals is a massive signing his qualities in the sticks will help bread the confidence.”

From now until the end of the season, the task will be to pick up points and under Pike, they may just do so as he looks to inject a new lease of life into the club.

“Every game is a must win game, in which we will set up and go for it and I expect the same from the opposition. I can’t wait to get going, it’s going to be hard work and many challenges will come in our way from now till the end of the season but myself and my players will be up for the challenge. I am confident we will achieve safety with this group of players.”