Cymru Alliance winning manager Neil Gibson makes shock return to Prestatyn Town

 Prestatyn Town have tonight announced the return of Neil Gibson as their first team manager. 

The pro-licence manager is leaving his coaching role at current JD Welsh Premier League leaders Connah’s Quay to take up the hotseat at Bastion Gardens once again.

Gibson is regarded as the greatest manager in Prestatyn’s history, having won the Welsh Cup in 2012/13, and led the side to a first qualifying round victory in the Europa League the following season.

Gibson said on his return to Prestatyn: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me come back to my hometown club, and one that I couldn’t walk away from considering the situation the club is in.

With the backing of the new owners and the support of the fans, I believe Prestatyn Town can and will return to where it belongs.”

Dealing with many ups and downs for the Seasiders during a 12-year spell, he guided the club to promotion in the 2016/17 season after a dominant Huws Gray Alliance campaign.

But in January 2018 , he departed his hometown club to join Connah’s Quay Nomads as a first-team coach.

Working alongside manager Nomads’ Andy Morrison and first-team coach Jay Catton, Gibson was once again part of a Welsh Cup winning team with Nomads triumphing in May’s final against Aberystwyth Town.

Gibson’s return serves as a big statement from Prestatyn’s new ownership, which plans to install a 3G pitch and a new two-storey clubhouse at the Motion Finance Stadium as part of an ambitious club development plan.

‘Gibbo’ will be tasked with steering the club away from the bottom of the Huws Gray Alliance, with the club currently 15th with just one win from nine games.

The first game of his second spell at the club is at eighth place Gresford Athletic’s Clappers Lane ground this Saturday 13 October at 2:30pm.

Featured Image: NCM Media