Why Broad duo can hold their heads up high after end of Pontypridd adventure

Damien Broad last Wednesday evening brought to an end, a six-year involvement with Pontypridd Town.

Damien and his brother Dominic transformed the club dramatically in the years they were in charge. The pair took them from a side which looked to be dropping out of the Welsh League, to an ambitious outfit playing in the second tier.

Gavin Beddard has been tasked with the job on an interim basis and managed to get a point in his first game in charge, against fellow new boys Ammanford.

But Beddard was signed by the former management team, who have assembled a squad, capable of competing in Divison One of the Welsh League.

It’s a shame the club currently sit bottom of Division One, yet to play a home league game at the temporary home of Leckwith Stadium. But the management duo have created fantastic memories that will be remembered for the rest of their lives with the current playing squad.

Pontypridd’s players have come up against some top former professional players like Danny Murphy, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Etherington, Dietmar Hamann and former Wales international Simon Davies. They’ve played abroad in Spain, playing against Spanish giants Valencia in a pre-season friendly which attracted mainstream media attention. That itself gave domestic football in Wales, a much-needed boost.

The story in itself got so many people involved with the club and it proved the potential the club has when everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Three promotion in four years, including a memorable Division Three title win, mixed with big games against TalkSport and Valencia

The move to Leckwith Stadium is one that has been discussed by many. The Dragons though have found themselves in a tough predicament. I believe it was the right decision to make the temporary move to Cardiff.

A number of clubs have had to play away from their spiritual game, but a progression of a club is important. Pontypridd does have ambitions to return to their borough, but for the time being Leckwith Stadium will be the place they call home.

Even though they’ve left, the Broads did a job that Welsh football appreciate. They came, they saw and they created something they can be proud of.

(Featured Image: Darren Griffiths)