Cymru South: Shock as Play-Off winning manager departs
Christian Evans celebrated won Friday with Pontardawe Town winning promotion to the Cymru South. (Pic by Jamie Edwards)
The Cymru South’s newest club will begin the campaign under a new manager, just days after confirming their place in the second tier.
Pontardawe Town became the final team to secure promotion to the Cymru Leagues after defeating Cwmbran Town in the Ardal Leagues Play-Off Final. Goals from Sammy Harrison and Jake Barrow at Cambrian United sparked jubilant celebrations as Pontardawe booked their place in the Cymru South.
However, the victory proved to be the final game of Christian Evans’ tenure at Parc Ynysderw. In a surprise development, Evans has stepped down from his role, bringing an end to his time in charge.
It means both managers who occupied the dugouts in last Friday’s play-off final have now left their respective clubs. Less than 24 hours after the defeat, losing finalists Cwmbran Town announced that Dale Clark would be departing.
Christian Evans’ association with Pontardawe Town
Evans first joined the club in 2008 and spent 13 years there before moving to Morriston Town in 2021. Despite his departure, he remained a key figure at Pontardawe, continuing to play an active role within the club’s academy.
He later returned as player-manager and made a handful of appearances during the campaign. In total, Evans featured seven times, including a full 90 minutes in the club’s final league match of the season. He also guided the club to the final of the FAW Amateur Trophy, losing to Bangor City 1876.
Pontardawe Town confirmed Evans’ departure in a statement, paying tribute to the role he played in the club’s recent success and thanking him for his years of service.
A club statement read: “After 18 months in charge, Christian Evans has made the difficult decision to step down as First Team Manager due to family commitments.
When Christian took over, the club found itself in a difficult position and fighting to avoid relegation. Through hard work, belief and endless commitment, he helped turn our fortunes around, guiding us from the verge of relegation to securing promotion back to the Cymru South.
“But Christian’s impact goes far beyond results.
“The hours put in behind the scenes, the standards set, the care shown for the players and the passion for this football club have been second to none.
“A player, coach and manager, Christian has been a huge part of Pontardawe Town and leaves with the respect and gratitude of everyone connected to the club.
“From everyone at Pontardawe Town AFC, thank you for everything, and we wish you and your family all the very best.”
Return to the Cymru South
Pontardawe’s season did not conclude until Friday, May 29, with their extended campaign owing in part to a run in the FAW Amateur Trophy.
The club played nine matches during May and lost just once, drawing only with fellow play-off contenders Penrhiwceiber Rangers. Their form heading into the promotion decider was particularly impressive, with their last league defeat coming against champions Pure Swansea on April 1. Across the entire calendar year, Pontardawe suffered just two defeats.
A key figure in that success was Kyle Copp, who scored 25 goals in 29 appearances after arriving from St Josephs last summer.
Having inherited a side that endured a difficult start to life back in the third tier, Evans oversaw a remarkable turnaround, guiding Pontardawe to a fourth-place finish and ultimately promotion via the play-offs.
The club last competed in the Cymru South in 2023/24, finishing third from bottom after placing ninth the previous season.
With Pontardawe having previously enjoyed a nine-year stay in the second tier between 2005/06 and 2013/14, the challenge for Evans’ successor will be to ensure the club can not only avoid relegation but establish itself once again at Cymru South level.
