Huw Griffiths’ first words as Bangor City manager as job offers revealed and ‘passion and pride’ message sent

Huw Griffiths has revealed why he chose to return to Bangor City after turning down approaches from other clubs.

The former Bangor defender is back in management for the first time since March 2023, taking charge of a Citizens side currently seventh in the Cymru North table.

Bangor are four points off second place following a 6-2 defeat to Buckley Town and the latest round of results, while Brickfield Rangers sit eight points clear at the top after winning eight of their opening nine games.

Brickfield’s only defeat so far came against Bangor, in Michael Johnston’s final game in charge.

Griffiths’ appointment brings added intrigue given his most recent managerial role was at Caernarfon Town, with the two north Wales clubs sharing a fierce rivalry.

‘It’s fantastic’ – Griffiths on being back at Bangor

Griffiths has previously represented Bangor as a player and later worked as assistant manager, but the chance to take charge of the club himself was something he had not yet experienced.

“It’s fantastic,” he said to the club’s official media channels.

“When I spoke to the board and had the meetings there, I talked about being a player, and as an assistant, the gap that was missing was being the manager and trying to experience Europe.

“There’s a long way to go before that. I had a little look at the boys the other week.

“I’m lucky to inherit a fantastic squad that are challenging already.

“Hopefully we can add a few bits and bobs to it and try and push on; that’s the most important thing.

“I’m really looking forward and very proud to be a part of this football club.”

Why Griffiths chose Bangor after other approaches

Griffiths had been out of management for nearly three years and admitted he had received approaches from other clubs during that time.

However, he explained that those opportunities did not offer the same appeal as the project at Bangor.

“I’ve been out of the game now for nearly three years,” he said.

“I’d been approached by a couple of clubs and, no disrespect to them, they were middle-of-the-road clubs.

“Clubs you’d be looking to compete to try and get to Europe but try and avoid relegation every time.”

It was Bangor’s wider infrastructure and potential that ultimately attracted him back into management.

“The deal with Bangor is off the field; it is in fantastic shape with the facilities and the infrastructure,” Griffiths said.

“Hopefully I’m just adding to it. I believe it is a club that can go on to challenge not only at this level but the level above.

“It was the big pull for me, the history I’ve got with the club, the fans, and everybody.

“That’s been the big pull for me, and the new desire. I’m looking forward to getting back into it now.”

What can Bangor fans expect from Griffiths?

Griffiths is no stranger to Bangor, having spent three seasons with the club as a centre-half during his playing career.

He scored in a Welsh Cup final during his time with the Citizens before later returning as assistant manager to Peter Davenport at Farrar Road.

Now, he wants to bring the same passion and standards into his first spell as Bangor manager.

“For those who do remember me, I know it’s a long time ago now, you will know what I was like as a player,” he said.

“It’s certainly that passion and pride will be brought into the football club.

“I expect high standards, and not accepting anything less than a win.

“We need to win games of football. We can add that little bit of structure to them now, let them develop and keep winning games.”

New Bangor boss ready to reconnect with supporters

Griffiths has already had the opportunity to watch the squad and is now preparing to begin his first spell in charge.

He is also looking forward to seeing Bangor supporters again, having already encountered some familiar faces during his recent visit.

“It was lovely to pop there the other day and see some old faces,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new ones too.

“It’s a big step now.”