Long-serving manager leaves Cymru North club

Dewi Llion Jones the head coach / manager of Denbight Town during the Novira Cymru North game between Ruthin Town and Denbigh Town at the Memorial Playing Fields, Ruthin

Dewi Llion moves on from Denbigh Town having become their longest-serving manager in their history. (Pic by James Baylis/FAW)

Denbigh Town manager Dewi Llion has stepped down after eight years in charge of the Cymru North club.

Llion’s departure brings the curtain down on the longest current managerial reign in the North Wales second tier and an eight-year spell which also saw him become Denbigh’s longest-serving manager.

The manager leaves having taken charge of more games than anyone else in the club’s history.

His decision comes amid a difficult start to the new Cymru North campaign, with Denbigh winning just once in their opening seven matches.

Dewi Llion of Denbigh before CPD Porthmadog vs Denbigh Town in Round 1 of the JD Welsh Cup at Y Traeth, Porthmadog
Dewi Llion guided Denbigh Town to the Ardal North West title and established them as a Cymru North club again. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)

Promotion to Cymru North, silverware and a historic Welsh Cup run

Llion enjoyed the finest moments of his Denbigh reign during the 2022/23 season, guiding the club to promotion back to the Cymru North.

The campaign proved to be a triumphant double-winning season, with Denbigh also lifting the Ardal Northern League Cup. Llion additionally guided his side to the final of the FAW Amateur Trophy.

In the seasons that followed, he established Denbigh as a Cymru North club, overseeing three solid finishes of sixth, ninth and eighth.

He also led the club to the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup, a historic achievement which saw Denbigh reach the last eight of the competition for the first time in their history.

Denbigh Town Manager, Dewi Llion Jones during the JD Cymru North fixture between Denbigh Town and Holywell Town at Central Park Stadium, Denbigh. 4th of January, Denbigh, Wales
Dewi Llion was an immensely popular figure at Denbigh Town. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)

Denbigh pay tribute to long-serving boss

Denbigh Town paid tribute to Llion following his departure and thanked him for his contribution during his eight years in charge.

A club statement read:

“Everybody at the club would like to place on record their sincere thanks to Dewi, and wish him nothing but the best as he steps away from the game.”

Llion’s record at Denbigh Town finishes with 267 games in charge, 141 wins and 648 goals scored during his eight-year tenure.

He leaves with a 65% win ratio, underlining the impact he had during his time at the club.

His assistant manager Simon Roberts also paid tribute to Llion, thanking him for the opportunity and the role he played in his development.

Roberts said: “The one who gave me the opportunity and made me his assistant, I’ll forever be grateful for what he’s done for me and what he’s taught me. All the best, Gaffa.”

Llion leaves having made a significant mark on Denbigh Town, with his eight-year tenure making him a central figure in the club’s recent history.