Three managers who could succeed Niall McGuinness at Flint Town United
Flint, Wales. 26 September 2020. JD Cymru Premier match between Flint Town United and Barry Town United
Flint Town United are on the hunt for a new manager after they announced they have parted ways with Niall McGuinness.
After he was backed during the summer following their promotion, McGuinness hasn’t been able to get the Silkmen fully motoring in the Cymru Premier. He leaves the club 11th in the table.
The club are now on the hunt for his successor and here are three names who could fill the vacancy.
Neil Gibson
The most obvious appointment for Flint would be Neil Gibson, who has a vast amount of managerial experience.
He’s already been touted for the post with the The Rhyl Journal revealing that Gibson is the lead candidate for the role
Gibson already passes a key criteria which is that he is a UEFA Pro Licence holder which allows him to manage on his own in the Welsh top flight.
The 41-year-old is currently out-of-work after leaving Prestatyn Town following their failure to secure the Tier One Certificate.
Flint were promoted at the expense of his Cymru North title-winning side but could Gibson now find an alternative route to managing again?
Alex Jones, Ben Maher, Kai Edwards and Rob Hughes were all part of the squad which led Prestatyn to their success last season, so Gibson would be working with some familiar faces.
Add to that the chance to work with the likes of Mark Cadwallader, Nathan Craig, Wes Baynes and the prospect of taking over Flint becomes enticing prospect.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeville Powell
For years he kept Aberystwyth ticking along as they preserved their top flight status under his stewardship, but could Powell have a new place to call home?
Local to the area, having previously managed Connah’s Quay, Powell could be considered an option given his time in the Cymru Premier.
Previously the Director of Football at Aber, Powell stood down from his role in February 2020, which means he is free to speak to any club as he wishes.
One potential drawback is not possessing the Pro Licence, but this did not deter McGuinness, who himself only possess the UEFA A Licence.
Embed from Getty ImagesKen McKenna
Currently out of work after leaving AFC Fylde in the summer having worked as assistant manager to Jim Bentley, McKenna would be a coup.
McKenna led The New Saints to three consecutive league titles from 2004 to 2007, as well as a Welsh Cup.
The 60-year-old hasn’t managed in Wales since 2008 and has instead worked in the professional game as a right-hand man to Jim Bentley at Fylde and Morecambe.
His experience of management in Wales has been at the top but with someone like him at Flint with an extensive contact book, he could guide the Silkmen up the table.
(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)
