Glantraeth manager Warren Gibbs says his sides transfer movement in the summer is a key factor in their Welsh Alliance League win.
The league title winning boss said he and his backroom staff identified targets and said that recruiting more players to give them a bigger squad is one of the key reasons why it is Glantraeth with the league trophy.
“We (myself, Neil and Sion) decided in the summer to recruit younger players who were hungry to learn and gain experience. We’ve been lucky enough to bring in players from clubs in higher leagues where maybe they weren’t quite ready for that level. Also after last seasons experiences in the running it was clear we needed a bigger squad.2
With more players at Glantraeth, it created more competition for a place in the starting eleven and Gibbs feels that has been a positive.
“With the extra competition for places, standards have improved and the results are showing on the pitch.
Very much like Asa Thomas at Treaddur Bay last season. Having a natural goal scorer gives you a chance in any game.”
One of the summer recruits has been Caernarfon Town striker Corrig McGonigle who has scored over 50 goals for Glantraeth this season, a club record.
“I was delighted to bring Corrig in, he’s a good lad with a willingness to improve his game all the time. I’m sure he’d be the first to acknowledge his teammates though for creating the number of chances they have. Neil Hughes has also reminded him he’s 2nd best striker at the club while he’s still playing!”
Gibbs has spent a long time at Glantraeth and as a manager, this title win has long been coming.
“It means a lot to me personally as I spent most of my playing time at the club. The committee have always been very supportive of me from when I first played for the club as a teenager so it’s great to be able to give something back.”
Glantraeth’s last league defeat stretches back to February, where they fell to defeat to Greenfield and when the two sides met once again last weekend, Greenfield gave Glantraeth a guard of honour, highlighting the respect between the two sides.
“Our last defeat was at home to Greenfield who deserved the result on the day for the effort they put into the game so it was a very nice touch by them to applaud the lads onto the pitch. “
One thing that will be on the minds of many is if Glantraeth push forward after the title win and accept promotion to the second tier, the Huws Gray Alliance. The Glantraeth boss is keeping close lipped but says his squad is more than capable of holding their own.
“Should we pass the second inspection the committee, sponsors and management will need to sit down and discuss our option. Until then I’m just concentrating on keeping the squad fresh before our 2 finals and preparing the squad as best as possible.
If we do go up the squad would need strengthening but I’m also confident a large number of the players could more than hold their own in the HGA.”
(Featured Image: Tomos Wyn Jones)
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