Goytre United appoint Cymru South title-winning manager
Briton Ferry coach Karl Lewis during half time. Briton Ferry Llansawel v Taffs Well in the Welsh Blood Service Cup at Old Road on the 14th October 2022.
Goytre United have appointed Karl Lewis as their new first-team manager. The Glenhafod Park Stadium club parted ways with Mark Pike and his coaching staff on Sunday and have moved quickly to appoint the new boss.
Pike’s last act as Goytre manager was to oversee a 5-1 defeat to Llanelli Town, who are managed by Pike’s predecessor Lee John. The result left them bottom of the Cymru South, level on points with Ynyshir Albion and a point behind Abergavenny Town.
Goytre United are four points adrift of safety and have struggled this season with just two wins from their opening 12 league matches. Several players have departed and moved to different clubs and have been replaced by players from the lower divisions of Welsh football.
Karl Lewis, most recently assistant coach to Andy Hill at Briton Ferry Llansawel will take the reins, in the hope of keeping the club in the division.
Lewis led Llantwit Major to an unlikely Cymru South title last season, winning the division comfortably. He stood down from his post following their success with the Vale of Glamorgan club denied promotion to the Cymru Premier.
He joined promotion-chasing Briton Ferry along with several members of Llantwit’s title-winning squad, but ended his time at Old Road earlier this month.
Lewis will be assisted by Laurie Marsh. Marsh leaves his role as first-team coach of Ardal South East outfit Tredegar Town after three years.
“Goytre United Football Club are delighted to announce the appointment of Karl Lewis as their new Head Coach.
As a previous JD Cymru South league winner our club were deeply engrossed with Karl’s vision for returning Goytre United as competitive heavyweights at this level.
Karl is a proven winner and we were very impressed with his enthusiasm, ideas, and appetite to succeed together with his focus on leading the club back to success. We welcome Karl to Goytre United.”
