Where are they now? Cymru Premier managers at the start of the decade
As we approach the end of the decade, the Cymru Premier has seen a vast amount of changes, including the managers who took to the dugouts.
A total of 18 clubs had managers in the dugout at the start in 2010 but after a reduction in the number of competing teams, we now only have 12.
There has also been a recent rebrand, whilst the league saw a reduction in teams from 18 to 12 in 2010.
Cefn Druids, Caersws, Welshpool, Porthmadog, Connah’s Quay were all relegated on their position whilst 2008/09 winners Rhyl were relegated for failing to obtain the licence.
Have a look below at who was in charge of the clubs at the start of 2010 and what they’re up to now.
The New Saints: Andy Cale
Andy Cale was part of the decade of dominance for The New Saints.
The New Saints claimed the Cymru Premier title back after Rhyl had won it in 2008.
They would only concede the title once more to Bangor City in 2010 before winning their sixth title in 2012 and then their 13th in 2019.
Cale would move on to Newtown in the summer after winning a fifth Cymru Premier title in three separate spells.
The multiple title-winning manager is listed on the University of Worcester’s website as a lecturer in Sports Coaching Science.
Llanelli: Andy Legg
The former Reds player-manager recently left his post as manager of the Cardiff City Under-23s.
Legg briefly managed Bangor City in 2016, before suddenly leaving due to the Citizens’ desire for a full-time manager.
Port Talbot Town: Mark Jones
Port Talbot’s highest finish in the Cymru Premier came under Mark Jones.
Commonly known as Jonah to those in the Welsh domestic scene, Mark is now tasked with choosing the very best of Wales in his post as Cymru Premier manager.
Jonah also works as an English commentator alongside Tomi Morgan for Sgorio.
Aberystwyth Town: Alan Morgan
Morgan was appointed manager of his hometown team in November 2009 and achieved their joint highest finish in this last decade, leading Aber to fourth.
He would later move on to manage Llandudno before his shock departure in 2017.
The 46-year-old would quickly return to management, taking over Colwyn Bay in one of their last few seasons in English football before returning to Wales.
Morgan would add Craig Hogg to his coaching staff, who would later go on to manage Colwyn Bay.
In 2018, Morgan was appointed as assistant manager to Neil Young at Marine.
Bangor City: Neville Powell
The last manager to have his hands on the Cymru Premier trophy that wasn’t at The New Saints – Neville Powell was adored by Citizen fans.
However, he was moved in 2016 to make way for Andy Legg as the club embarked on a new era.
Powell is still involved in the Cymru Premier, working alongside Gavin Allen and Matthew Bishop at Aberystwyth Town as Director of Football.
Rhyl: Alan Bickerstaff
The UEFA Pro Licence holder briefly had a spell as manager of Caernarfon Town, losing in the Europa League play-offs.
Airbus UK: Craig Harrison
Managed Bangor City in the Cymru North briefly after a stint at Vanarama National League outfit Hartlepool United after their relegation.
Harrison now works alongside Andy Morrison as his assistant manager at the Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Prestatyn Town: Neil Gibson
Having avoided relegation in 2009, Prestatyn would become a steady eddie under Neil Gibson.
Their highest accolade would be a Welsh Cup win in 2012, where they would defeat Latvian side Liepajas Metalurgs on penalties.
Gibbo returned to Prestatyn for a second spell last season after the Seasiders were on course for a second consecutive relegation.
He was a coach at the Connah’s Quay Nomads before returning to the Motion Finance Stadium.
Neath: Andrew Dyer
Neath would only exist for two further seasons before being wound up at the High Court in May 2012.
Dyer returned to the Welsh top flight last season, working as a coach to then Llanelli boss Andy Hill.
He left Llanelli along with Andy Hill earlier this season.
Carmarthen Town: Deryn Brace
Former defender Deryn Brace was player-manager during his time at Carmarthen Town.
Brace would once have to don the goalkeeper gloves in 2009 as The Old Gold boss would defeat Port Talbot Town – managed by former Carmarthen boss Mark Jones – on penalties.
The 44-year-old would return to playing with Tenby and Carmarthen Town, following his departure from Carmarthen.
Brace featured for Wrexham Legends in a Charity match earlier this year.
Bala Town: Colin Caton
Colin Caton has been at the helm at Maes Tegid for over 15 years, overseeing a dramatic rise of the Lakesiders.
The Scouser has led Bala to numerous European campaigns and their first Welsh Cup win in 2017.
Caton remains as hungry as ever in the Cymru Premier as he looks to bounce back from Bala’s Europa League playoff disappointment.
Haverfordwest County: Derek Brazil
He was briefly a consultant with Pontypridd Town last season but works mainly with Cardiff City in hospitality these days.
Brazil can be regularly seen in the media commenting on all things Manchester United due to his connection with the Red Devils.
Newtown: Darren Ryan
Darren Ryan began the decade in charge of Newtown after succeeding Roger Preece in 2016.
The former Shrewsbury player would make way for Andy Cale in 2011, but after Cale’s departure after just a season, Ryan would leave his post after just 17 days.
In 2017, Ryan was appointed as the Academy Under-18s coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Connah’s Quay: Mark McGregor
After their relegation in 2010, Connah’s Quay would win two Cymru Alliance titles under the stewardship of player-manager Mark McGregor who was afforded the opportunity to bring the Nomads back up.
McGregor entered the Nomads’ Hall of Fame for guiding the club back to the Cymru Premier.
He would later be succeeded by Alan Bickerstaff before Andy Morrison would lead the club into numerous European campaigns.
The 42-year-old would return to playing with the Cefn Druids in 2015, but would then move to Runcorn Town to work as their assistant manager.
Porthmadog: Tomi Morgan
Morgan in 2009, branded the Welsh Premier League ‘a joke’ due to the then-exiled six of; Cardiff City, Colwyn Bay, Merthyr Town Newport County, Swansea City and Wrexham playing across the border in England.
He would return to Carmarthen in 2011 for a second spell after previously spending five years at Richmond Park between 1998 and 2003.
Morgan once came on to the field as a 53-year-old substitute, making himself the league’s oldest player.
Now a commentator alongside former Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones.
Welshpool Town: Huw Griffiths
Huw Griffiths led the Cefn Druids into the Europa League after defeating Cardiff Metropolitan in 2018.
Under Huw Griffiths, Welshpool had been a regular mainstay of the Welsh top flight for seven years.
In May 2010 though Welshpool would suffer a second consecutive relegation in 2011 and haven’t recovered since.
Their finish of second in 2017 was the closest they’ve got to a return to the second tier.
Caersws: Micky Evans
Caersws in 2010 were managed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers youth defender Mickey Evans.
Evans was a legend for Wrexham, making over 383 appearances between 1966 to 1979.
Son Graham Evans would take charge of Caersws to make it a family affair.
Evans had a 15-year tenure at Caersws during his first spell with the Mid Wales club.
An oil worker, Evans was Caersws manager at the start of the Cymru Premier in 1992.
He would later move to a Director of Football in 2014. Evans still works for Caersws in off-the-field duties.
Cefn Druids: Wayne Phillips and Lee Jones
The Ancients finished bottom of the Cymru Premier after a reduced playing budget forced the Ancients into playing a youthful side.
Managerial duo Wayne Phillips and Lee Jones were to depart and be replaced by Welshpool Town manager Huw Griffiths.
Phillips, 49, now does radio with BBC Radio Cymru.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell and Matthew Lofthouse)
