Cymru North club sack manager after six games without a win
Paul Moore and Rhyl 1879 have parted ways. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
Rhyl 1879 have parted company with manager Paul Moore with immediate effect after a disappointing run of results left the Cymru North club trailing the promotion contenders.
The Lilywhites confirmed the decision on Saturday, October 10, bringing an end to Moore’s spell in charge after taking over in November 2024.
In a club statement, Rhyl said recent results had not met expectations and that a managerial change was necessary as they continue to pursue their long-term ambition of reaching the top tier of Welsh football.
Moore leaves the Belle Vue outfit having overseen some significant achievements, including a run to the Welsh Cup semi-finals last season and a fifth-place finish in the Cymru North during the club’s first campaign at that level.
However, the current Cymru North season has proved more challenging, with Rhyl struggling to find consistency and establish themselves among the leading sides in the division.
Rhyl 1879 confirm Paul Moore departure
In a statement announcing the decision, the club said: “CPD Y Rhyl 1879 announces that Paul Moore has parted company with the club as Men’s First Team Manager, with immediate effect.
“The club would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Paul for his tireless dedication over the last 2 years and the significant successes he brought to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 since taking over in November 2024.
“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the men’s team through important milestones.
“Paul’s efforts and his positivity both on and off the pitch will be fondly remembered and deeply appreciated by everyone connected to the club.
“While recent results have not met our expectations this season, everyone at the club remains committed to our ambitions on and off the pitch, and we believe that now is the right time to make a managerial change.
“This decision was not made lightly and is aligned with the club’s long-term goal of reaching the top tier of Welsh football.
“We will begin the process to recruit a new manager immediately.”
The decision marks a significant moment for Rhyl, who will now begin the search for a successor to help turn their season around.
Welsh Cup semi-final and fifth-place finish under Moore
Moore leaves with credit for helping Rhyl make an impact during their first season in the Cymru North.
The Lilywhites reached the Welsh Cup semi-finals last season, producing a memorable run before narrowly losing to eventual winners Caernarfon Town.
They also finished fifth in the league in their first campaign at that level, providing encouragement that they could compete with some of the division’s established sides.
Expectations were consequently high heading into the new season. When predictions were published at the end of June, Rhyl were tipped to finish fourth, with hopes that they could build on their progress and challenge closer to the top of the table.
Those ambitions have not translated into consistent results, however, and the club have found themselves well short of their expected position.
Rhyl sit 10th after six games without a win
Rhyl currently sit 10th in the Cymru North table, 12 points behind second place and 18 points adrift of the league leaders.
The Lilywhites have won just twice this season and are now six matches without a victory.
Their last win came at the end of August, when Rhyl defeated Denbigh Town 3-1. Since then, results have failed to improve sufficiently to move the club up the standings.
Their Welsh Cup campaign also ended in disappointment, with Rhyl knocked out by Brickfield Rangers.
Moore’s final match in charge came on Friday, October 9, when Rhyl drew 1-1 with Ruthin Town.
Joshua Jones put Rhyl ahead, but Ruthin found an equaliser to deny the Lilywhites all three points. Reece Fairhurst was then sent off for Rhyl in stoppage time, adding to the frustration of another match without a victory.
The draw extended Rhyl’s winless run to six games and proved to be Moore’s final match before his departure was announced.
Rhyl also shared the points in a 3-3 draw against Buckley, underlining their struggles to turn promising moments into victories.
Rhyl 1879’s last five results:
- Ruthin Town 1-1 Rhyl
- Rhyl 2-3 Brickfield Rangers
- Gresford Athletic 3-1 Rhyl
- Brickfield Rangers 2-1 Rhyl
- Rhyl 3-3 Buckley
Rhyl begin search for new manager
The club have confirmed that the process of recruiting a replacement will begin immediately, with the next appointment likely to be crucial to their efforts to get the season back on track.
Rhyl’s stated ambition remains to reach the top tier of Welsh football, and their next manager will be tasked with turning around a difficult run of form while restoring the momentum generated during Moore’s first campaign.
The challenge will be to close the gap on the teams above them and deliver more consistent performances in the Cymru North, where their early-season struggles have left them with significant ground to make up.
Moore’s departure brings an end to a spell that included a notable Welsh Cup run and a respectable first season in the division, but the club have decided a change is needed as they seek to move towards their longer-term goals.
