Cambrian & Clydach Vale appoint Welsh League winner Dane Williams as new boss

Cambrian & Clydach Vale have identified Dane Williams as the man to lead the club forward, following Craig Hughes departure.

Williams was assistant manager to Hughes, who left his managerial role due to family commitments but remains at the club in an advisory role.

He will be assisted by Cambrian legend Lee Matthews, who had also been around the club this season. Dane and his assistant Lee were part of the playing staff that won the Division One title back in the 2011/2012 season. The club later challenged for the title again but finished runners-up the year later.

Blaenrhondda AFC’s Liam Williams has left his role as manager to rejoin the club as First Team Coach, having lead Blaen to a League and Cup double, where they remained unbeaten in their league campaign.

“I would like to wish Craig all the best in his new role at the club. I’m sure he will continue to support the club and take it forward off the pitch the way he has on it,” said Williams after being appointed as the new manager. 

He has built a solid foundation that Lee, Liam myself and the club hope to build on next season.

Cambrian is very much about bringing people thought the ranks, whether that be players, coaches or managers.

Lee, Liam and myself have all coached and played at Cambrian and now we are excited to work as a team and continue on the good work already done.”

Having spent a number of years at the club as a player and now in a coaching capacity, Williams appointment coincides with the clubs ambition.

The club is gearing towards the plans set in place by the Football Association of Wales, who will introduce a ‘FAW Championship’ in the 2019/2020 season.

“I and the club chairman feel it is very important to have stability in preparation for the new changes of the Welsh Football Pyramid in 19/20,

Our aim is simple, we want to be in the new tier 2 FAW championship. ” said Cambrian’s Director of Football, Mark Morgans. 

I for one personally feel that rewarding from within is a big part of the identity of the club, and as such I am very pleased to announce that legend Dane Williams will continue his work with the club as Manager for the 18/19 season.”

In the first act of management, the club has signed Afan Lido’s Andre Griffiths to the club for the upcoming season.

Players from last season’s campaign which saw them finish fourth in the division have committed to the club for the upcoming season, with a few more faces expected to join Griffiths at Cambrian.

“As a management team we are over the moon that every player from last year has agreed to stay and with a few more additions we are hoping to build further on last season.

Liam coming back to the club after a very successful season at Blaenrhondda is a massive plus with his coaching abilities and connections to the club.” 

The Academy structure has also been altered, with Ben Hammond being promoted to Youth Team Manager, following success with the U16s side. Liam William’s assistant Dale has joined him at Cambrian, as the new youth team assistant.

(Featured Image: Cambrian & Clydach Vale BGC)