Flint Town United appoint former Lilywhites boss Niall McGuiness as new manager

Former Rhyl FC manager Niall McGuiness has been appointed as the new manager of Flint Town United, just weeks after departing the Lilywhites.

The Huws Gray Alliance outfit had been without a manager in recent weeks, after Andy Holden had departed the club, but have finally found their man to lead the club forward.

McGuiness has only previously held one managerial role, as he spent time as manager of Rhyl from 2016 until just a few weeks ago.

The inexperienced manager was handed the reins, after spending time as Academy Director at the club, when Mark Owen was dismissed, with the club languishing in the relegation zone with the season coming to an end. However, they were reprieved from relegation after Port Talbot Town failed to gain the domestic license to remain in the top flight.

Last year was a difficult one for the North Wales outfit, as under his tutelage the revamped side struggled to maintain form. They were ultimately relegated from the Welsh Premier League, and the club’s poor form continued into the current season in the Huws Gray Alliance. The youngster departed the club after their 2-0 loss to Llandudno Albion in the Welsh Cup just a few weeks ago.

However, McGuiness is already back in management as he has landed the vacant role at fellow Huws Gray Alliance side Flint Town United.

In a press release by the club, it is stated that the side had clear criteria for Holden’s replacement with a top six finish and the ability to maintain the domestic license for the top flight a priority. With McGuiness already holding the Youth A License and working towards his senior A license, pending assessment, it seems that the youthful manager was well suited to the role.

Chairman Darren Williams said “I am delighted that Niall has come on board. It was a pre-requisite that we not only obtained the services of a suitably qualified coach but to also recruit someone who has the ability and character to fit into our existing structure and work with our current coaching staff.

Niall absolutely meets that criteria. We are hopeful that Niall and Aden, supported by Timmy, and the backroom staff of Johnny Hill and Paul McAdam can now galvanise the squad and propel us to a top 6 finish, whilst off the field we endeavour to retain the coveted Domestic Licence as we continue to build for the future of this great club”

McGuiness will be able to fully assess his squad in the coming weeks but will be present in the dugout for their away match against Gresford this coming Saturday.

(Featured Image: Paul Evans)