Gavin Chesterfield receives an award to celebrate his 400th game in charge of Barry Town United. (Image: Rhys Skinner)
The New Saints proved to be too good for Barry Town United as they moved to the top of the JD Welsh Premier League but manager Gavin Chesterfield expressed his delight at reaching a landmark 400 games for the Linnets.
A Greg Draper penalty and Joash Nembhard header helped The New Saints see off the challenge of Barry Town United, who were second best on the day at Jenner Park.
This game for Barry was about celebrating an incredible manager in Gavin Chesterfield – who has now reached 400 games in charge of the Vale of Glamorgan outfit since their 3-0 win over Garden Village in Welsh League Division Two, in 2007.
“400 games, wow, that has flown by,” said Chesterfield, amazed.
He then went onto add: “It has been enjoyable, exhilarating and daunting. All those things rolled into one, but generally quite an emotional experience.
“I am thankful to have reached this landmark. I have had outstanding people behind the scenes, so it is something to be really proud of and hopefully it will continue into the future.”
Chesterfield also spoke highly of his current squad, saying that it is the best bunch of players he has had since arriving at the club, in 2007.
“This is the best group of players I have had at this club. There is no doubt about it,” he admitted.
“I have got players on that bench, who deserve to be starting week in, week out. It is a competitive squad and they will keep improving, and like I said before, we currently sit on the top of the league.
“But the thing which excites me the most is how far this team can possibly go.”
The Barry manager remains calm about his side’s title challenge this season and is more eager for the team to establish themselves in the Welsh top-flight in their second season back in the JD Welsh Premier League.
“We need to establish ourselves in the top six first and then we can earn the right to dream. In the future, who knows what this group of players will go onto achieve because I think they can grow and get better.”
(Featured image: Rhys Skinner)
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