Taffs Well appoint former Aber Bluebirds, Barry and Abergavenny boss
Josh Anderson (R) has left Pontypridd United and joined Taffs Well as their manager. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW.
Taffs Well have announced the appointment of Josh Anderson as their new first-team manager.
The 28-year-old takes the reins of the Rhiw’r Ddar club two weeks after they parted company with Geza Hajgato and Nathan Cotterall. Chris Hooper managed the team on an interim basis, with defeats to Baglan Dragons, and Llanelli Town.
Anderson has left his role as assistant manager of Pontypridd United to take up the role. He was the second person to depart the USW Sport Park after Gavin Allen announced that he would be leaving in the next two games.
This is Anderson’s second job as a manager in the Cymru South having previously worked as manager of Aber Bluebirds. His record with the Blaenau Gwent outfit was two wins, four draws, and 11 defeats in 17 games.
He was also in charge of the Women’s teams of Abergavenny Town, and Barry Town United in the Adran Premier. Anderson possesses a UEFA A Licence, which is the qualification that allows coaches to manage at this level.
Josh Anderson reveals reasons behind Taffs Well move
“I think it was a great opportunity for me to take,” said Anderson after he was announced by the club.
“Coming from Pontypridd it’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I think the process that the club went through in terms of scrutinising people was great and a learning curve for me and I’m excited to get going.
“The main thing for me is the pedigree that Taffs Well had within the Welsh League. They’ve been in tier two for a number of years now and seeing where they currently are within the division is worrying because ultimately they are a team that should be in tier two facilities-wise, player-wise, and what they are doing off the pitch as well.”
“That was my main attraction in terms of what they do. Their community element. For me, I’m a massive community person and it’s something that makes me tick. To be a part of that, and hopefully keep this football club rightly where it belongs is something that made me apply for the role.”
His reign as manager will begin when Taffs Well host Goytre United on Friday, November 1 at 7.30 pm. He inherits a side rock bottom of the division, four points adrift of safety. They are seven games without a win in all competitions, and haven’t won in the league since mid-August.
He added: “There are challenges at the bottom of the league and there are challenges at the top of the league. I’m open to challenges, and it’s something I am looking forward to.
“I know the boys are understanding of where we currently are. On the field and off the field, if you get things right to make sure us as management can give the boys everything they’ve got and the tools to go out and perform. Ultimately the boys go and perform and get us out of the situation we’re currently in.
“I’m confident we can do that. I think we’ve got a really good group of boys, I’ve watched a couple of games previously.
“I’m excited in all honesty. Yes it’s a challenge, I’m definitely not going to shy away from it. It’s important now we kick on come Friday, first game at home against Goytre, and we’re raring to go.”
