Pontypridd opportunity hard to turn down says ambitious Beddard

Pontypridd Town manager Gavin Beddard said the opportunity to manage the Dragons was too hard to turn down after being unexpectedly appointed manager.

The experienced Welsh League forward was appointed as the successor to Damien Broad, who guided the Dragons to promotion last season.

Beddard who was a signing under the Broad duo has taken his first steps into Welsh league management with Pontypridd, but had previously been in charge of Cogan Coronation.

He will be assisted by Chris Sims and former Manchester United defender Derek Brazil.

Beddard said: “I didn’t expect to be a Welsh League manager this season but I have previous experience of managing at a lower level. 

Sometimes when a great opportunity arises, you have to take it and when myself and Chris the chance to manage Pontypridd Town we saw it as an opportunity that we could not turn down and so we had no hesitation in accepting the roles.”

Despite being appointed as manager of Pontypridd, Beddard who has been influential for his side this season with his experience has forward, has opted to continue playing.

This means that Chris Sims who was assistant manager under the previous regime, will work closely with former Haverfordwest County boss Derek Brazil, who joined the coaching staff last week.

“With regards to myself still playing, it’s something that I want to keep doing for the rest of this season. 

“I’m lucky to be able to be in a position where I still can play, as with Chris and Derek on the touch line, there is great experience and knowledge to be able to change games, the team is in great hands with them. 

“I’ve only been working with Chris and Derek for a couple of weeks but already they have had a massive influence on the Pontypridd Town squad. I will be looking to learn from them each week and also develop as a coach and manager myself.

This allows me to be able to can concentrate on my own game.”

The Dragons are currently second from bottom, but have a fixture backlog of number of home games, following a wait until October for their first league game.

Having only been promoted last season, Pontypridd’s short term aim is to survive the drop, as they aim to be part of the first FAW Championship, which is launched next year.

Beddard has listed the clubs current ambitions, as well as a philosophy he would like to implement on his squad.

“We do have a style of football that we are looking to implement on the Pontypridd Town squad, the main philosophy being play in the right areas, that’s something that Chris and Derek will be working on in training.

“As a club we are looking to solidify our position in Welsh League Division One, we are looking to move up the table and by the end of the season finish in the top half of the table.”

Pontypridd welcome Haverfordwest County to Leckwith Stadium this afternoon, ahead of a busy festive period.

(Featured Image: Darren Griffiths)