Llandudno boss Iwan Williams aiming for European adventure
Llandudno manager Iwan Williams says that qualifying for Europe would be a dream for him.
The former Caernarfon boss who took over in November previously played for Llandudno but never experienced a European adventure with The Seasiders.
The club qualified for Europe back in 2015/2016, playing Swedish side IFK Goteborg in a 7-1 aggregate defeat.
Llandudno finished 10th in the Welsh Premier League last season after the departure of Alun Morgan to Colwyn Bay.
Williams said: “I’m not embarrassed to say that experiencing European adventures is a dream of mine.
The aim is to compete for a Top six place. I have a fantastic board behind me and although there are many people talking about our resources, as a club we have a long-term vision on and off the pitch.
Hopefully, that’ll happen sooner rather than later but we are realistic so to challenge for a top-six place is the immediate aim.”
Llandudno have been busy in the transfer market, with a squad overhaul taking place this summer.
Only Danny Hughes, Toby Jones and assistant manager Matty Williams have been retained, as others have been moved on.
The latest signing is former Airbus UK Broughton striker and brother of Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Alfons.
“It’s been a huge transition period at the club but one that needed doing,” said the Llandudno boss.
We’ve brought in a mixture of experience and players who want to prove themselves in the WPL and the way they’ve bonded and interacted has been very pleasing.
They’ve put incredible work in over the summer so again, yes I’m happy with our business.”
Both Kai Edwards and Mike Pearson played a part in the Wales C defeat to England in March, alongside Toby Jones and the returning John Owen.
But international experience won’t guarantee a starting berth, with competition for places heating up in a squad full of depth.
“Yes we have four Wales ‘C’ Internationals but that doesn’t guarantee them a starting place!
I think we’ve proven in the time we’ve been here that we’re not afraid to make decisions!
We want to keep everyone on their toes and to be fair to the four Internationals, they’re not the type to rest on their laurels anyway.
We have a good stock of lads and them four are prime examples of the identity we’re hoping to create here next season.”
To help the new recruits gel together, there have been taster days for fans and younger players to come along and attend.
The social media aspect of the football club has improved, bridging the gap between the squad and supporters.
“We’ve done a lot of team bonding work in pre-season. Social events such as footgolf and the odd day out here and there has served us well.
Our Media Team has played a huge part in bringing us together as have the Senior Players. They now drive the standards of the squad and it’s quite refreshing to hear some of the squad members saying how much they’ve enjoyed the last six weeks together.
We’re in a good place physically and mentally so hopefully, we can get off to a good start.”
Other clubs have been busy in the transfer market, including Bala Town who have recruited Andy Mangan, Danny Gossett and Henry Jones this summer. The Lakesides have been earmarked as one of the sides who have recruited well.
“I’d have to say Cefn Druids and Bala. Druids have brought in very technically gifted players to add to their grit and organisation.
Bala have recruited extremely well with players who have experience in abundance. TNS have already proven that their signings have bedded in well so will be a strong animal again.
The league keeps getting stronger though which is only good news for Welsh domestic football.”
Llandudno kick off their season away at Aberystwyth Town at Park Avenue on Friday evening.
(Featured Image: Chris Howells)
