Merthyr Saints v Quar Park Rangers: Father & son set to do battle in Welsh Cup
A father and son will go head-to-head in the opposite dugouts this weekend in the JD Welsh Cup.
Rhys Llewellyn will manage his first Welsh Cup match with Merthyr Saints against Merthyr League side Quar Park Rangers, managed by father Hywel.
23-year-old Rhys left Rangers after two seasons, where he was assisted by his dad.
Hywel, who assisted Rhys to a League Cup and a title push at Quar Park, took the reigns of the eighth-tier side, following one of his son’s departure to Merthyr.
“I couldn’t believe the draw when it happened, said son Rhys.
“My dad said to me when I left Saints, “I’m going to enter the Welsh Cup next season so that we have a chance of playing you.
“Unbelievably it has happened and bragging rights in our house are very much on this game.”
The two sides will do battle at the ICI Rifle Fields, home of both clubs, following Llewellyn’s lofty ambitions at QPR,before his exit.
Rhys’ brother Rhydian, who plays for Quar Park Rangers, could be involved. Mum Dionne will also be on hand to help with match day refreshments in what will be a historic day in the Llewellyn household.
“There is more than just a cup run riding on this game for us two,” said son Rhys.
“When I was growing up my Dad would always support everything I’d do from football to golf. It didn’t stop the competitive side of things though.
“We are constantly challenging each other and wanting to be the best in the house from FIFA to Darts.
Rhys has chosen a path in coaching as his career profession, having begun further education five years ago at the University of South Wales,
Some inspiration will have come from his dad, who worked tirelessly in the community during his childhood.
Rhys said: “My dad would always be involved coaching the team with other parents, our team would always be the best run in the area as a credit to him.
“Whatever he does – he does it 110% and goes that extra mile.
“As a coach, he was always knowledgable and loved his football and this has carried into me.
“We’re both passionate people who always want to win and be the best that we can. This is where I got my attitude in always striving to be better.
“I had aims of completing my UEFA B Licence and targeted further education in the game to give myself the best chance of being successful – this has all come from my Dad.”
Not only will Rhys be taking on his dad on Saturday, but he could be one of the youngest managers in Welsh Cup history.
At an age where some players could still be considered a prospect, he has prioritised a career in management.
Rhys possesses the UEFA B Licence and is one of Wales’ up and coming coaches, having learnt under Pontypridd Town boss Jonathan Jones.
“As a kid, I played Football Manager every day of my life, sleepover and football manager was in my plans every weekend in school, said the qualified PE teacher.
“Never did I think I’d be anywhere near a football manager at 23, even at this level.
“Being one of the youngest managers is a good achievement, but silverware and promotions are the only achievements that I’ll really be proud of.”
(Featured Image: Luke Gardner)
