Last week Corwen F.C. announced that former Ruthin Town defender, Danny Jellicoe had taken over from Steve Crompton to for the top job at the Denbighshire club.
Jellicoe has been no stranger at Corwen having coached the under 7’s and under 8’s for the past two seasons. His last season of playing was at local rivals Ruthin Town which unfortunately was marred with injuries, it seemed inevitable that he would try his luck at management and with Crompton’s departure, Jellicoe seemed the obvious choice.
The 40 year-old has a wealth of experience to his playing career having played for Caernarfon, Newtown, Connah’s Quay, Hednesford Town, Denbigh and his most recent club Ruthin but this is his first senior role as a manager and it will see him attempt to improve on the excellent job Crompton did in the four years he was there.
Corwen have progressed well in the league the past few seasons, finishing the current season in a very respectful fourth place and with aspirations of playing in the second tier, Jellicoe is aware of the challenge ahead of him.
“Maybe after the first season they can push for promotion, but given the ambitions for a chance to play in the Huws Gray Alliance they will still give their all come next season. It was obvious speaking to Danny, he has a long-term plan for the club, having talked about what he would like to achieve in the next four years.
Jellicoe seems confident to stick with his current players, but did say that if players who became available to him that could improve the club, then he would consider signing them.
Crompton’s departure came somewhat of a surprise but Jellicoe believes that to take Corwen to the next level a fresh face was called for.
He has high praise for his predecessor Crompton, saying: “He did an excellent job in his time and his experience has helped pushed the club forward.
He is under no illusions that next season will be a tough season, with the relegation of two big Huws Gray Alliance teams in Mold and Buckley ensuring a difficult league to get out of, however Jellicoe and co aspire to go further. Corwen proved to be a stubborn side to beat having finished with the second best defensive record in the WNL Premier Division, something that Jellicoe, as a defender himself would want to see continue.
Corwen have faith they have the right man for the job and another strong season will be expected from the Dee Valley side, his wealth of experience playing for some of Wales’ top teams could prove to be a wise appointment.
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