The story of the musculoskeletal physiotherapist who is preparing for his first full season in Welsh League management

This is the story of the musculoskeletal physiotherapist who has education to thank for introducing him to the Welsh Football League, where he is gearing up for his first full season in management. 

From Taunton in Somerset, Mark Dunford learnt his trade playing county level in the south west, before arriving in Wales in 2003 after his studies took him to Cardiff University where he completed a degree in Physiotherapy.

A member of the South West England Colleges at under-19s level, he had trials for Tottenham Hotspur before making the decision to study Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Exeter, where he played in university Championships as well as the Devon and Exeter League.

Detailing his move to Wales, he said: “Further studying in the form of a degree in Physiotherapy at Cardiff University brought me to Wales in 2003 where I became integrated within the Welsh League with Maesteg Park FC in the old Division One.

“After two very enjoyable seasons I moved to Goytre Utd where I picked up a League Cup winners medal in 2004-5 after scoring the opener in the final against Pontardawe Town.

“I transferred to Pontardawe Town at the beginning of the following season and we achieved runners up in the same competition.

He talks about how his work commitments stepped up after he graduated, and how that brought about another change in club.

“Work became busy following graduation as a Physiotherapist and a team closer to home was required, and I duly signed for Dinas Powys enjoying two successful seasons – picking up the golden boot in one of them.

“I eventually took the reins as Player-Manager part-way through 2011-12 and continued in this role to the end of 2012-13, picking up manager of the season award at the club presentation evening.

“At this stage, and aged 32, I decided that I needed to continue my playing career and put management on the back burner.

“I signed for Bridgend Street for a short spell and then moved on to Pontypridd Town, winning Welsh League Division Three and then to Ely Rangers and Newport City – where I retired at the end of the season just passed.”

Dunford had no doubt that he wanted to remain in football following the conclusion of his playing days, and explains how the role at Trethomas came about.

“Earlier this year, Trethomas Bluebirds contacted me for an informal chat about becoming their manager for the coming season.

“The link here was Adam Raymond, who was my captain at Dinas Powys and has now taken the role of Player / Assistant Manager to me along with Bobby Briers; and I have also recently recruited Richard Yarr as part of the coaching staff.

“This management structure, consisting of a wealth of Welsh League experience along with the clubs ambitious mentality was too good to turn down considering I had made my decision to retire from playing.

“I transitioned into the role from April 2019 which enabled me to get to know the club and more importantly playing staff in preparation for taking over fully for the start of this campaign.

“The squad oozes quality and it was always my target to retain the current playing staff and add three or four to improve the depth and quality of the squad.

“The signings of Jordan Needs from Risca and Gareth Hole from Newport City have moved us forwards in the direction I was hoping and have added to, as already mentioned, a very strong squad.

“I can also confirm the signings of Charlie Davies, who has experience with Haverforwest County and Taffs Well, along with Ed Moore and Dafydd Pearce from Tongwynlais and Cardiff Medicals respectively.”

The Caerphilly side kick-off the new season with a home game against AFC Porth on Friday evening, in Division Two’s curtain raiser, and Dunford has given his thoughts about the upcoming campaign.

“Our aim is to improve on last season’s outcome of finishing fifth.

“It is always difficult to predict outcomes coming into a new club but we will be taking each game as it comes and see where we are at  come Christmas.

“I do think that the league will be wide open this season. Pontyclun will be looking to go one better, as will Penrhiwceiber, who both finished above us last season.

“New sides coming into the Welsh League always pose an unknown threat so look out for them too.

“From my experience in the Welsh League it will come down to the team that handles the changing conditions between pitch quality and opposing styles of play that will come out on top this season; and ultimately who wants it the most.”

(Featured image: Stephen Handley)