Cefn Druids appoint Niall McGuinness as their new first-team manager
Cefn Druids have hired Niall McGuinness as their new first-team manager, appointing him on a two-year deal.
The UEFA A Licence holder returns to management six months after being relieved of his duties at Flint Town United.
He replaces Bruno Lopes, who had been let go from The Rock in March after six months at the helm. In Lopes place stood Jayson Starkey, who managed the club on an interim basis.
McGuinness has already held discussions with the Druids hierarchy on assembling his own coaching staff and amendments to the playing squad.
Commenting on the appointment, chairman Des Williams said: “Niall is a very good coach and he’s highly underestimated because others see him as being too young for the league and yet he knows the league well and has a depth of player knowledge that this club needs.
“When we spoke recently, he expressed his desire to push on with the way we were using the academy for development and he buys into the need for the club to develop its own players.”
Other than McGuinness’ three-month spell at the Essity Stadium, his other experience in the Welsh top flight was during his time at Rhyl.
He was the youngest manager to manage in the league, taking charge of the Lilywhites at the age of just 25-years-old.
Alongside McGuinness’ appointment, the Druids have announced that their plans for a full-time/part-time hybrid training system have been shelved.
The Cymru Premier is set to lose a European spot place after falling below 51st in the coefficient rankings. As a result, one fewer club will be in receipt of European money.
