George Hughes hails impact of mentor Sean McAllister following retirement

Newtown’s George Hughes has hailed the impact of Sean McAllister during his time at the club, following his retirement from his playing career. 

McAllister joined the Robins in 2019 from Chester, having previously played over 100 games in the Football League, with spells at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Shrewsbury Town and Scunthorpe United. 

The veteran midfielder was a key part of the Newtown side that defied the odds to win the European play-offs at the end of last season, earning a Europa Conference League tie with Dundalk this summer, in which Chris Hughes’ side fell to a 5-0 aggregate loss.

With McAllister since hanging up his boots, Hughes expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from a player of his experience.

“He’s been brilliant. When he signed, having someone of that calibre coming in, with all the games he’s played in the Football League, he’d be a big loss for any team in this league. 

“I’ve learned loads from him. He’s always been really good with me, taught me the little things. Even off the pitch stuff that I probably needed to be a bit better at, he’s been absolutely brilliant for me. 

Despite McAllister’s retirement, he is to remain at Latham Park, having joined Chris Hughes’ coaching staff. 

Midfielder Hughes insisted that McAllister’s presence at the club will be of huge benefit. 

“It’s a big loss on the pitch, but we’re lucky enough to keep him on the coaching staff. His knowledge of the Football League and experience is going to be a massive help. Even if with it not being on the pitch, just having him around the changing room will be massive. 

“He’s not only a good player, but also a really good coach, so him taking some of the sessions and being around the place, having his voice around is going to have a massive impact on us as players.”

Newtown get their Cymru Premier campaign underway as they host The New Saints at Latham Park. 

The Saints head into the fixture on the back of a valiant Europa Conference League campaign, having claimed the scalps of Glentoran and Kauno Zalgiris this summer. 

Anthony Limbrick’s side bowed out of Europe as a result of a heartbreaking defeat on penalties to Viktoria Plzeň.

Despite the challenge of facing an in-form Saints side, who will be looking to regain the Cymru Premier title from rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads, Hughes insisted that the Robins can compete. 

“The New Saints have been dominant in Welsh football in the last ten years and to see the way they’re playing at the minute in the Europa Conference League is a little bit intimidating. 

“They’re playing extremely well and it’s going to be a challenge for us, but I don’t see, if we put a plan in place and stick to it, why we can’t compete with them. 

“Everyone knows against The New Saints that it’s going to be hard work, especially with the amount of possession that they have. 

“I think if you have the right plan, work hard and take your chances, it is possible to get a result. 

“They’re extremely good at what they do, so you need a bit of luck, but it is possible to get a result and we’ll be giving everything to do that.”

(Featured Image: Will Cheshire)