Rebuilding job of Cymru North winners tough says Prestatyn’s Ben Heath
Prestatyn’s new manager Ben Heath has overseen a drastic squad rebuild and an overhaul in playing style after taking over from Neil Gibson.
Much of the 2019/20 Cymru North winning squad have either followed Gibson to Flint Town United or have sought pastures new.
That is to be expected when the Seasiders were denied promotion to the Cymru Premier, owing mainly to not having the appropriate gantry.
It prompted change at the club, out went the chairman Salih Colakolglu and in came Scouse businessman Jamie Welsh.
Welsh identified Penycae boss Heath to lead forward a club that knows only of success in the lower levels of Welsh football and in came the rebuilding job.
“I’ve worked my socks off really in a month to build what we have and it’s not been easy.
“The rebuild was tough and took many calls and messages to get things done but we always had faith we would be able to build a strong hardworking team.
“But we have made some outstanding signings and I am honoured that they want to play for me and the club. It shows they all want to be a part of the journey now and try to be as successful as they can over the coming seasons.
“We are the defending champions and it is a hard thing to accept as we’ve had to rebuild the whole squad but it’s the club’s title and yes, of course, we will be reminded am sure along the way to try and defend it as best we can.”
Rather than look in the division, Heath’s appointment may have surprised some, given the higher profile of managers on offer at the time, but his boss would have seen something in him to take the team forward.
It is safe to say though, he has done the graft to get this role. After coaching at Wrexham, he moved to Corwen and managed them for a few years.
He also boasts playing experience at Connah’s Quay and Caernarfon, as well as spells in Northern Ireland with Cliftonville and Glentoran.
“Managing in the Cymru North is a very exciting challenge and something I’ve wanted for a while but just had to wait my turn.
“I believe I’ve had to take whatever opportunities were out there to stay busy and in the shop window. My previous club’s coaching and managing I’ve enjoyed and learned so much from but the main goal was always to get into this exciting league and see what we can do.”
And he won’t be alone in the dugout, the experienced Tom Taylor, has returned from a break from football to help assist him.
Taylor previously managed Buckley Town in the former Cymru Alliance.
“I want to say how welcoming and supportive the real local fans and committee have been with me Tom and all the new additions. We will try to show our appreciation on the pitch.
“I really just want the fans to enjoy a game of football and back the club and badge going forward which hopefully will help.”
With plenty of big clubs like the fallen Bangor City, the previously exiled Colwyn Bay, and ambitious clubs like Guilsfield, it is not going to be easy to successfully defend their title.
Heath said: “We want to win every game we have and if we do that then you know the outcome but we are experienced to know that this is a very tough exciting league that will challenge us and the players week by week.”
“I’d honestly go as far as saying this league will be more competitive with a larger audience than the league above.”
It was a winning start for the Prestatyn boss last week, defeating Llangefni Town 2-1.
They booked their place in the next round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
They had fielded a side that included the experienced Jamie Reed, as well as club captain Ian Kearney who chipped in with a goal, and Ashley Ruane.
Reflecting on the game, he said: “We enjoyed our first game last week and learned a few things but week by week am sure will learn more about the league and our players to determine how much we can achieve this season
And looking ahead to tomorrow’s fixture against Llanrhaeadr? “For our opponents Llanrhaeadr on Saturday, I don’t know much about them really other than they’ve had few changes on and off the pitch.
“They have many years of experience so it will be always a tough game that we both want to win to get off to a good start.”
