‘Exciting’ – Aberystwyth Town star opens up ‘fresh’ new manager and outlines ambitions
ABERYSTWYTH, CEREDIGION, WALES - 11th FEBRUARY 2024 - Aberystwyth huddle before Aberystwyth Town Women vs The New Saints FC Women in round 14 of the Genero Adran Premier Phase 1 at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Having secured a place in the Adran Premier top four last season, Aberystwyth Town are determined not to relinquish their grasp this season.
The Seasiders shocked many by securing a spot in the top four on the final day of phase one with a thrilling 3-3 draw at home to TNS.
For defender Rebecca Mathias, she credits the success to the sheer determination the squad put in.
“It was a great achievement for us as a club, and I don’t think many people expected it. It was testament to all the hard work the girls put in. A lot was said about how young our squad was, so to just pip TNS to the post was a great feeling.”
It’s been a busy summer for those at Park Avenue. There’s a new face in the dugout, with former Swansea City gaffer Chris Church taking on the role.
The managerial merry-go-round at Aber was notable last campaign, but Mathias says the former Swan has settled into life in West Wales well.
“It was well documented last season that we didn’t have the most stable of managerial structures, but it’s great to have some stability now right from the start of the season.
“Chris has brought in some fresh ideas to the club, and with the coaching staff he’s put around him as well, we’re all embracing everything that he’s put in place so far.
“We’ve always been known as a side who defends pretty well, but Chris wants to develop our threat going forward. He wants to take the club to the next level, and it’s going to be exciting to see what we can achieve this season.”
There has, however, been a few notable names who’ve departed Aberystwyth.
Goalkeeper Margot Farnes has left, while the trio of Gwenllian Jones, Elin Jones, and Niamh Duggan have landed at Adran Premier rivals Cardiff Met.
The loss of some key figures may be a cause for concern, but Mathias is confident the team can strengthen well.
Mathias added: “With Gwenllian and Elin, we knew as a club they were moving because of university, so you can’t do much about that.
“We, unfortunately, didn’t get to use Elin as much as we wanted to because of injury, and it’s such a shame that she went through that, but it’s good she managed to play towards the end of the season and see her time out at the club.
“Niamh was obviously a playmaker in the midfield, she scored and assisted, and it’s about finding a way to replace that.”
This is an Aber team who last season put a real emphasis on youth. A number of players who came through the development team made their debuts last season, and they thrived against some of the country’s elite teams.
With a season already under their belt, Mathias is excited to see what they can do this campaign.
“This is such an exciting time to be a part of Aberystwyth Town.
“When you see the likes of Lily Moralee-Hughes, Lleucu Mathias, Modlen Gwynne coming through and having had a full season in the bank so young, it’s exciting to think what they can achieve in their second season.
“There aren’t many players in the league who have been key parts to their team at the age of 16.”
On the subject of this season, attention turns to what this Aberystwyth team can achieve.
The teams around them, such as TNS and Barry Town, have strengthened their squad well and will certainly be aiming to catch the Green and Black Army.
But for Mathias, she and the team do want to relinquish their top-four spot.
“There are a lot of teams who are going to be an unknown quantity this season. For us, top four is always the aim. We’re in a position where we know what it takes to get into the top four having achieved it in two of the last three seasons.
“We don’t just want top four; we also want to look at how can we improve from last season. How can we be more competitive in certain games. We could have been more ruthless last season and probably picked up a few more points.”
If they are to repeat last season’s success, Aber will have to start the season well, and their first game sees them matched up against newly promoted Briton Ferry.
“Ferry are probably the most unknown of quantities in the league this year, but we’ve met them a couple of times in cup competitions lately. We won one, and then they beat us in the Welsh Cup semi-final, and that is still a massive disappointment for us. Both teams have come a long way since then.
“I think Tija Richardson is a great signing for them, but we won’t underestimate them. It’ll be nice to start at home and have that support, and hopefully we can give the fans a win.”
There clearly is a subtle optimism around Aber for what they could achieve this season.
For Mathias, she believes as long as the team work hard and leave everything on the field, they can yet again shock the league.
“We just want to improve on last season. That’s not just in terms of league position, but our gameplay and what we can add to it. We want to add another dimension in terms of going forward, and we want to be competitive and pick up as many points as possible.
“As one of the more senior players, I also want to help the youngsters who are breaking into the team, help them settle in and encourage them where I can.”
