Llanrumney United gear up for new beginnings at new Riverside Park home

Tomorrow evening,  Llanrumney United will play their first game at their new Riverside Park home.

Throughout the summer, volunteers of the club, including members of the coaching staff have doubled up to help add railings and dugouts, as well as maintaining the pitch.

Chairman, Gareth Morgan rejoined the committee earlier this year and kick-started the plans, of the club moving to a new home, to match their ambitions.

“The way everyone clubbed together this Summer – supported by our local councillors and the Cardiff Council Parks department for advice & guidance has been inspiring.

We must also thank Rumney RFC who supported our move because they could have really delayed it had they not been so accommodating.”

Morgan who took over as manager this summer had previous managerial experience at clubs like AFC Porth, Llanwern and most recently STM Sports.

“It really was the only club that got in touch that I even considered off the bat.

But Llanrumney is a club close to my heart so I started asking a few questions of those asking me to come on board.

“When I finally agreed I wanted to get some off-field things right first, and the Committee has really impressed me with their will to drive the Club forward.

A lot of Morgan’s backroom staff like trusted coach members Dom Dwyer and Rhodri Morgan have followed him from his previous Welsh League clubs, to drop down to the seventh tier of Welsh football.

One player who has joined the club, is former WPL goalkeeper Christopher Golton, formerly of the Cardiff Grange Quins.

“He’s the best around in my view. Having just moved into his new home a few hundred yards from our ground it also played a part, but we took him to STM, like several of that team.

It’s a Football bond we have all had for six years now really. I’m delighted it will continue.”

Joining Golton at Llanrumney, are players who have previously departed the club, making their return.

It’s been a summer of rebuilding as described by Morgan, as the club assembles itself for the upcoming South Wales Alliance League campaign.

Morgan said: “85% of the first team squad has changed and we’ve gone for a mix of experienced performers, such as Dwyer, Andrew Rowley, Michael Fellows, Golton, Joe Carmody, Chrissy Davies, Liam O’Brien, Lawrence Porch.

I have a lot of excitement about this group though. I certainly don’t expect another relegation battle that’s for sure.”

Having seen the success of Cardiff clubs like Canton Liberal, Cardiff Draconians and Grange Albion, who have held their own and competed in the South Wales Alliance League’s Premier Division, Morgan is expecting a bit more of the same from the Capital based teams this season.

What better way to start the opening of their new ground, than at home to fellow Cardiff based side St Albans.

“I do expect success from Cardiff based Clubs in our league this season.

Going from what I know this summer it looks pretty clear St Albans, STM Sports Old Boys and Cardiff Cosmopolitan are going to be right up there with a few others.

St Josephs were also very strong when I saw them last season.”

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)