Cwmbran Celtic, Abergavenny Town and Treowen Stars make manager appointments

Three Gwent clubs across the Cymru South and the Ardal South East; Abergavenny Town, Cwmbran Celtic and Treowen Stars have announced new managers. 

The season is over for Celtic and the Pennies and both clubs announced that changes would be made to their management structure. James Kinsella announced he would stand down and now his replacement has been sought.

Simon Berry, who took was previously in charge of Risca United is now the man in the hot seat at Celtic Park. He was previously offered the job in 2019 but remained with the Cuckoos.

Berry was in charge of Risca for seven-and-a-half-years after replacing Paul Michael who left for Cinderford Town. His managerial career began managing the youth team at Monmouth Town and he was also in charge of Newport Civil Service. 

Abergavenny Town who were relegated from the Cymru South this season have appointed Rhys Llewellyn as their new first-team manager. The Pennies made several managerial changes over the course of the season Nicky Morgan departing for Danny Elliott and then in February, Elliott was replaced by Darren Brown. 

Llewellyn has built up experience working at various different clubs at varying levels. He was the first team manager of Merthyr Saints and held that role for more than two years.

Jonathan Jones offered him the opportunity to work with him at Pontypridd United and he was his first-team coach for two years. Llewellyn departed the USW Sport Park in February 2024 because of the Dragons’ financial implications.

He worked as assistant manager to Matthew Driscoll at Cinderford Town this season and helped them win promotion from the Hellenic League Premier Division. Llewellyn after playing supporting roles to different managers is now back in the dugout as his own man.

In a club statement announcing the appointment, Abergavenny said: “We are delighted to announce Rhys Llewellyn as the new 1st Team Manager of Abergavenny Town FC.

“He will be tasked with setting out a footballing structure throughout the club which will form a clear pathway for our young stars to progress straight into the 1st team.

“With all our key figures now in place to fully prepare for the 2024/25 season, it’s exciting times ahead for the club as we look to go again and move up through the Leagues.”

“Welcome to the club Rhys.”

Treowen Stars meanwhile have announced that Ben Murphy will take the reins for the 2024/25 season. He was most recently manager of Aberbargoed Buds, and they are currently eighth with teams around them still with games to play.

He has experience of winning the South East, having lifted the title with Abertillery Bluebirds in 2023. Murphy will now get to call Bush Park his new home.

Announcing the appointment, the Stars said: “Muff will pick up the first team manager role from Stars legend Dean Randall on an incredible foundation that Dean and Matthew Hughes have built through their years managing the first team.

“With Muff in high demand, we knew we had to move quick to get the deal done and we are delighted to hear that we were the club he wanted to join. Whilst we look back with fondness and sadness, we also look forward with excitement and expectation.”

Treowen Still have four games remaining in their current campaign. They host already relegated Hay St Marys on May 14, before playing Undy next Saturday (May 18) and then rounding off their season with a Goytre doubleheader on May 21 and May 23. 

(Featured Image: Darren Griffiths)