‘Intelligent’ – Newtown manager appointment verdict made by former Man City and Blackpool man
Jay Owen is taking on the reins at Newtown, and his former manager has had his say. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Newtown have made a “fantastic” appointment in the ‘intelligent’ Jay Owen, according to a former Manchester City and Blackpool defender.
The Robins unveiled the 35-year-old as their new first-team manager on Monday evening. It marks his first senior managerial role in football, having begun his coaching career with Colwyn Bay earlier this season.
He takes charge of a side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the Cymru Premier last term, with his task now to guide the historic club back to the Welsh top flight.
Reacting to the appointment, Andy Morrison, who played for Blackpool and Manchester City, shared his backing of Owen. Morrison previously worked alongside him at both Airbus UK Broughton and Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Andy Morrison verdict on Newtown appointment
Morrison has suggested that Owen could follow in the footsteps of John Disney, who enjoyed an impressive first year in charge after being appointed permanent manager of Connah’s Quay Nomads, succeeding Billy Paynter.
Disney transformed the club’s fortunes, guiding them from an eighth-place finish in the previous season to a second-place finish in the Cymru Premier. That turnaround secured qualification for the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds, bringing a significant financial boost to the club.
His achievements were widely recognised across Welsh football, with Disney named Cymru Premier Manager of the Season.
Taking to X, Morrison said: “Fantastic appointment.
“Like John Disney, an incredibly intelligent footballer. I’m sure, like Dizz, that will transcend into management.”
Playing spell at Connah’s Quay Nomads
Owen signed for the Nomads in May 2016, making his debut against Stabæk in the club’s first-ever Europa League fixture. He went on to make 144 competitive appearances, including 100 in the Cymru Premier.
During his time at Deeside Stadium, he won his first major honour in 2018, lifting the Welsh Cup after a 4–1 victory over Aberystwyth Town. He later added JD Cymru Premier and Nathaniel MG Cup winners’ medals to his collection in the following seasons.
Last season proved to be Owen’s final campaign as a player, during which he made just four appearances. He did, however, begin transitioning into coaching after joining the staff at Colwyn Bay, where he worked alongside former Mike Wilde.
While part of the coaching setup, the Seagulls achieved their highest-ever finish in the Cymru Premier era, securing a place in the European play-offs.
