Pontypridd United boss announces he is leaving club – three points off Cymru South top spot
MERTHYR, WALES. 18TH OCTOBER 2024: Pontypridd United manager Gavin Allen arrives ahead of the match. Penydarren BGC v Pontypridd United in the JD Welsh Cup at The Bont Playing Fields on the 18th October 2024. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Gavin Allen has announced that he will stand down from his role as manager of Cymru South club Pontypridd United.
The 48-year-old is bringing to an end his nine-month reign as manager after being appointed as Anthony Stokes’ successor in January.
Allen had to give up his role as manager of Aberystwyth Town’s Women’s team to take up the job and is now standing away from his job at the USW Sport Park.
Allen will remain in his post for the next two matches as Pontypridd enter a period of transition, as they seek his replacement. A change in his work commitments, along with having to regularly travel from mid-Wales has been cited as the reasons for his departure.
At the time of his announced departure, Pontypridd find themselves third in the league, three points off league leaders Trethomas Bluebirds. Allen will be in the dugout for games against Ammanford on November 1, and Carmarthen Town on November 9.
Gavin Allen’s parting statement to Pontypridd United
In a post shared on X on Wednesday night, he said: “This week I have made the decision to step down from my role as Manager of Pontypridd United.
“It’s not been an easy one, but due to new working commitments, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the regular travelling from Guilsfield, Mid-Wales.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at the club; the highs and lows. It’s a club with such great potential, and some fantastic people involved.
“It’s been a positive season so far (2nd place!); we’ve had some excellent results and I hope this good form will continue after I leave.”
His overall record as manager of Pontypridd is 10 wins, six draws, and nine defeats from 25 games. Pontypridd were relegated from the Cymru Premier whilst Allen was in charge, however, he took over after they were hit with a nine-point deduction, and were relegated after ultimately failing their Tier One licence application.
Josh Anderson, who joined the club as assistant manager this summer, will also be leaving his role. Anderson, who managed Abergavenny Women, has left to pursue a new management opportunity.
A new management team will be announced in ‘due course‘ according to the club in their official club statement. They reluctantly accepted Allen’s resignation and wished both Allen and Anderson well.
