Pontypridd Town sign Cymru Premer trio as coaching staff takes shape
Clayton Green at Caernarfon, Wales 30 March 2022. International Challenge match between Wales C and England C. Credit: Will Cheshire
Pontypridd Town have begun their summer recruitment drive by signing experienced Cymru Premier duo Ashley Morris, Clayton Green, and Joe Evans.
The Dragons are preparing for their first season in the top flight and have signed up three players that possess a vast amount of experience at that level.
Joining first is midfielder Green who moves on from Barry Town United after four years, leaving them after their relegation.
The 28-year-old combative midfielder is a two-time Wales C international, has more than 100 appearances for the Linnets and Carmarthen in the Cymru Premier.
Upon his move, Green said: “I look forward to supporting all involved at Pontypridd Town in achieving their ongoing ambitions.
“On a personal level it’s great to be working with Savs again and will do all I can to bring success to the club.”
Joining him at the USW Sport Park is former BUCS teammate Joe Evans, who makes the move from league rivals Cardiff Met.
Evans was a player at Cyncoed Campus for three years and made 65 top-flight appearances for the Archers.
Before joining Met, he was part of the Cambrian & Clydach Vale side that reached the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Pontypridd Town AFC future vision,” said the 24-year-old who plays primarily as a centre-back.
Topping off their transfer business is Ashley Morris, who left Welsh Cup runners-up Penybont. Morris moved on after two-and-a-half seasons with Rhys Griffiths’ men.
The 37-year-old has more than 400 appearances at a top-flight level and was also at Llanelli Town and said: “I’m really pleased to be joining Ponty.
“Paul and Steve’s ambitions for the club are really exciting and I wanted to be part of that. I’ve come here to be successful! I have great respect for Savs and look forward to working with him once more.”
Andrew Stokes, who has moved up two tiers of the Welsh pyramid after leaving Pontardawe Town, has also begun assembling his coaching staff.
Joining as assistant manager is Danny Thomas, who held the same role at Carmarthen Town, working alongside Neil Smothers.
The 37-year-old played over 100 times for the Old Gold, as well as Haverfordwest County and Bridgend Town. As a coach, he holds the UEFA A Licence and previously had a caretaker manager spell at Richmond Park.
“I’m looking forward to being part of this ambitious club and being back in the JD Cymru Premier,” said Thomas. “It’s exciting times on and off the pitch and as part of the management team, I will strive to keep the club moving forward to achieve our aims and objectives for next season.”
Andrew Whittington, who recently left Cardiff City after nine years in various roles including as a Head of Academy Elite Performance Coach, will become the first-team coach.
Whittington like Stokes and Thomas holds the UEFA A Licence and also has a Sports Science background with experience with the FAW Trust.
Commenting on his appointment, he said: “Looking forward to joining the coaching staff and being part of an exciting new challenge for both the club and myself personally.”
Garry Taylor will not be part of the backroom staff however and will instead succeed Stokes in the hot seat at Parc Ynysderw, leading the Swansea side to the 2022/23 Cymru South season.
