Josh Richards: USW student to make managerial debut with Mighty Oaks
It will be a big weekend for Cyncoed Ladies manager Josh Richards, as he takes charge of his first competitive game in the Welsh Premier Women’s League.
A Football Coaching student in the University of South Wales, Richards stepped up from his previous role as assistant manager in June this year.
The Cyncoed boss believes the course at USW has put him in good stead to succeed with the Mighty Oaks.
Richards said, “The course at USW was great, it really gave me an insight into the football club culture, and without it I wouldn’t have found, or been given this opportunity at Cyncoed.
“There was massive help from the lecturers to really get the best out of me, and that’s one of the reasons why I’d recommend it,” he added.
Richards shows an immense amount of commitment to his role at Cyncoed, travelling from Devon to manage the Mighty Oaks every week.
The new Cyncoed Ladies first-team manager insists that the opportunity to manage in the Welsh Premier Women’s League is one worth travelling for.
“I enjoy driving and I enjoy coaching so it doesn’t phase me too much,” Richards said.
“I may get tired from the drives but I’ll get used to it. And this is a great opportunity for me so I’ll do what it takes to make it work.
At just 22 years old, Richards is the youngest manager in Welsh top flight football, but insists that does not phase him in his role at Cyncoed Ladies.
Richards said, “I haven’t really thought about it, it doesn’t bother me. I want to coach football, and I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to do exactly that.”
“So using all the experiences I have from coaching and playing, and by using the knowledge from my degree, I’m going to give it the best go I can regardless of any challenges or barriers.
“I want to do the best I can, and at the moment it’s helping develop and promote Women’s football. I’ll do my best at this and hopefully it can take me to the next step in football.
“I’d like to see myself at a top known club in Women’s football and be doing my best to develop the young potential into great players, but for now it’s all about Cyncoed and getting them to be a well known top club,” he added.
Cyncoed Ladies get their Welsh Premier Women’s League campaign underway this weekend when they face Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Richards insists that he is expecting a difficult test from the five-time title-winners.
“I’m expecting it to be a tough game,” Richards said. “Met are a class side, with great talent and a fantastic setup but we are focused on the football and I think we are ready to make a name for ourselves.
“No doubt it’s a tough opening game but all we can do is give it our best.
“I’d like to do the best we can, and any manager would love to win the league this year.
“Last year, we finished fifth so all I can ask of the girls is to give it everything to do better than last year.
“I’m a new coach with different styles to Fern and change takes time, so for now stepping up from last year will be fantastic. I’d be over the moon with a top three finish.”
It will be a historic weekend for women’s football in Wales as the South-Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City will be the first Welsh Premier Women’s League to be shown live on television.
Richards believes Sunday’s fixture on Sgorio is a massive step in the right direction.
The Cyncoed boss said,”It’s fantastic. A real step forward and I’m looking forward to what it’s going to bring to the game.
“I’m looking forward to the day when all the games are televised like the men’s game,” he added.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
