Iain Bennett raring to go with Colwyn Bay after return from South Korea
Imagine waiting five months to take to the dugout… that’s the story of Colwyn Bay’s Iain Bennett.
Bennett, who joined the Cymru North outfit after an end to his time in Korea, joined the club in July alongside John Gilbertson.
Five months on from his appointment, the club are preparing for their first competitive match since March.
Their first competitive test in a considerable time will be against the Bucks in Round One of the Nathaniel MG Cup this Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to it as I think everyone is at the club,” said Craig Hogg’s right-hand man. “It’s been a long time coming and we all know how fortunate we are to finally get going.
“Ever since joining from when I was away in Korea, I’ve been looking forward to starting. I just didn’t realise I’d be waiting this long but it will be great to get started on Saturday.
The Globe will come as a familiar setting for Bennett, who was previously on the coaching staff under Tom Taylor.
In the season in which Bennett spent time with Buckley, they survived relegation in the then Cymru Alliance.
Reflecting on his albeit short time with the club, it is one which he reflects positively on: “I was only there for a short time towards the end of the season a few years back with Tom Taylor as the manager and we managed to escape relegation which was just rewards for the hard work done on and off the pitch.
“The draw was something to get interested in and was a good buzz around training that night as we all arrived the draw was taking place, to be honest we were happy to get anyone as long as we had a game.”
The UEFA A Licence holder, who worked with Liverpool, added that his return coincided with his personal commitments.
“I have to say going away from Wales to work has not only improved me as a coach and a person it’s a great challenge and one I’m glad I went to do.
‘The timing was right to return as I’ve recently had a little boy so I was always looking forward the right move and club to come back to.”
His recent opportunity came when he saw that Mark Orme would be departing Llanelian Road, which saw a vacancy open up amongst the coaching staff.
Making the club aware of his desire to work for the club, a conversation was held between manager Craig Hogg and Bennett.
“I was on Twitter and saw that Mark Orme who I know has stepped away, I know Craig and Neil from Llandudno and Rhyl also and contacted them to make myself available.
“I hadn’t imagined that Craig would contact me back so quickly and we ended up having a chat at about 2 am in Korea.”
“It was pretty easy really, from an outside looking in it’s always been a club that have played in England but have always attracted big crowds.
“The ground is excellent and they have big aspirations of pushing on and becoming a driving force in welsh football.
“I spoke to Neil and he passed me onto Craig and within two phone calls I was sold, Craig spoke so highly of the people there and the plans they have for the club and it sounded like a perfect fit.”
