Sean Cresser installed as Carmarthen manager as Kris O’Leary moves on

Carmarthen Town have named Sean Cresser as their new first-team manager after the departure of Kris O’Leary. 

Cresser – previously manager of Haverfordwest County – has been in charge of their last two competitive matches and takes over from O’Leary, who will now focus on managing Swansea City’s Under-23s.

Long-serving defender Craig Hanford, who scored the winning penalty in one of their League Cup wins, has also left the club.

A statement read: “Carmarthen Town wish to thank both Kristian O’Leary and Craig Hanford for their professional service to the club. They will both be missed at Richmond Park, particularly Craig Hanford given his considerable contribution to the club as player and coach.”

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Former Old Gold boss Mark Aizlewood returns to Richmond Park as part of Cresser’s coaching staff. 

Aizlewood, aged 61, was previously manager of Carmarthen from 2012 to 2018 and found success winning the League cup in 2013 and 2014, as well as guiding the club to a joint record third-place finish in the latter season. The former Wales international left his role in February 2018.

Former Haverfordwest player and manager Chris O’Sullivan also joins Cresser’s backroom staff to replace the outgoing Craig Hanford and Kristian O’Leary. 

Carmarthen stalwart Handford first joined the Old Gold from Haverfordwest in 2010 and has chosen to step down due to work commitments after nine consecutive years as a player and then coach. 

Aizlewood and O’Sullivan were present as Carmarthen drew 1-1 away to Pontypridd in their opening Cymru South game of the season, their first second-tier tie since 1996.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)