Ardal South East: Manager returns to former club, 12 days after shock exit as ex-Cardiff City star joins
Marc Ingles is returning to the manager's hot seat at Chepstow Town. (Pics by John Smith/Same Old Smith Photography/FAW)
An Ardal South East club have announced the return of a former manager in a bid to avoid relegation.
Chepstow Town have reappointed Marc Ingles, replacing Jason Pritchard in the hot seat at Larkfield Park. Ingles’ return comes just 12 days after it was announced that he would be making the surprise decision to leave promotion-chasing Goytre.
Since Ingles’ departure, Eston Chiverton has taken the reins at Goytre. They lost ground in the promotion race, losing 3-0 to Cwmbran Town, before a goalless draw with Blaenavon Blues. A must-win match against league leaders Caerphilly awaits.
At Chepstow, Ingles will be assisted by Alex Stewart, who made the move with him to Goytre. Lloyd Griffin remains in his post as coach with Matt Jackson as Kit & Equipment Manager. Former Cardiff City and Wales forward Paul Parry comes back to the fold as coach.
Since he departed from the Monmouthshire club for Plough Road, the Jockeys’ fortunes have shifted dramatically, from pushing for promotion and reaching cup finals to battling for survival. They lost to Ynyshir Albions in the Ardal Leagues Play-Off Final last year, having finished second, and also tasted defeat to Cardiff Corinthians in the Ardal South League Cup final, having led 2-0.
Ardal South East current standings
Ingles inherits a Chepstow side currently sitting 14th in the table, five points clear of the relegation zone. They also hold three games in hand over both Tredegar Town and bottom-placed Abertillery Bluebirds. Aber Bluebirds recently announced that long-serving boss Lee Thomas would be standing down from his post at Cwm Nant-Y-Groes.
Two teams will be relegated from the Ardal Leagues this season due to the Cymru Premier’s expansion. As a result, only one team drops out of JD Cymru South: Cwmbran Celtic.
Chepstow are among the lowest scorers in the division, with only Abergavenny Town and bottom-placed Abertillery Bluebirds netting fewer, while they are level with Tredegar. Their top scorer this season is Mason Keepin-Davies, who has eight goals in 15 appearances.
However, they boast a solid defence, having conceded fewer goals than current league leaders Caerphilly Athletic, something their returning boss can build a solid foundation on.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
| 13th | Risca United | 26 | 8 | 1 | 17 | 42 | 68 | -26 | 25 |
| 14th | Chepstow Town | 21 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 31 | 33 | -2 | 24 |
| 15th | Tredegar Town | 24 | 4 | 7 | 13 | 31 | 62 | -31 | 19 |
| 16th | Abertillery Bluebirds | 24 | 1 | 6 | 17 | 25 | 77 | -52 | 9 |
Chepstow Town’s remaining fixtures
Ingles faces a tough start to his second spell in charge, with his first three matches all away from home. That run includes a difficult trip to Cwmbran Town, who are still in contention for the title, although a play-off place appears the more likely outcome.
April 18 – Cwmbran Town (A)
April 21 – Undy (A)
April 25 – Croesyceiliog (A)
April 28 – Caldicot Town (H)
May 2 – Abertillery Bluebirds (A)
May 5 – Undy (H)
May 9 – Abergavenny Town (H)
May 16 – Croesyceiliog (H)
May 23 – Brecon Corries (A)
Tredegar’s remaining fixtures are away trips to Risca United, Croesyceiliog, Goytre and Abergavenny Town, along with home matches against Abercarn United and Lliswerry.
Abertillery Bluebirds, meanwhile, face Croesyceiliog, Abergavenny Town, Chepstow Town and Blaenavon Blues at home, before travelling to Croesyceiliog and Brecon Corries.
