Rhyl make manager decision after Ardal North West defeat

A general view of Rhyl's Belle Vue Stadium, a club that plays in the Ardal North West.

Rhyl are searching for a new manager after they parted ways with first-team manager Gareth Thomas.

Thomas was relieved of his duties on Sunday, with the Lilywhites opting to go in a different direction. Rhyl suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ardal North West league leaders Porthmadog, and that has left them seven points adrift of the top, and five off a play-off spot.

His departure from Belle Vue brings to an end a four-year association with Rhyl, having been appointed as the phoenix club’s first-ever manager. In their first season, they won the North Wales Coast East League title, going the entire season unbeaten, scoring 116 goals, and conceding just 20, picking up 74 points from a possible 78.

In their two seasons in the third tier, Rhyl secured back-to-back third-placed finishes, missing out on a second-placed finish by six points on two occasions. The Denbighshire outfit have decided now is the time to change their manager, and achieve their goal of promotion this season.

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A general view of the Ardal play-off winners trophy. A trophy for Ardal North West and North East clubs.
Rhyl are vying for promotion to the Cymru North. Porthmadog have had a good start to the Ardal North West season. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)

Rhyl’s parting statement

A statement posted on the official club website on Sunday read: “The club would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Perry for his tireless dedication over the last four years and the significant successes he brought to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 since our inception as a club in 2020.

“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the men’s team through important milestones, including an unbeaten season that saw us crowned league and cup winners and two strong third-place finishes in recent campaigns.

“Perry’s efforts, both on and off the pitch, will be fondly remembered and deeply appreciated by everyone connected to the club.

“While recent results have not met our expectations, and as we remain committed to our ambition of securing promotion from the Ardal North West League into the Cymru North, we believe that now is the right time to make a managerial change. This decision is not made lightly and is aligned with the club’s long-term goal of reaching the top tier of Welsh football.

“We as a club are incredibly grateful for everything Perry has done during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours. He will always be a valued part of the CPD Y Rhyl 1879 family.”

Rhyl have since put out an advertisement for a new manager outlining what their ideal candidate is. They want a coach that has a UEFA B Licence or is working towards one. In their statement, they say it’s an opportunity to ‘step up to a new challenge’ even if it means ‘stepping down a league’ which suggests they may even look to appoint someone from the Cymru North.

Anyone interested in taking up the Rhyl hot seat are encouraged to contact Adam Roche at adamroche@rhylfc.co.uk by Monday, November 4 at 5.00 pm.

(Featured Image: Sam Eaden/FAW)

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