Mold Alexandra have confirmed who will take charge of the first team following Barry Owen’s departure to Cymru North rivals Rhyl 1879, with preparations now under way for Saturday’s meeting between the two clubs.
First Team Coach Gareth Thomas will oversee Mold’s preparations for the home fixture on Saturday, October 31, with support from the existing backroom staff and senior players.
Owen has left Mold to take up the role at Rhyl, but will not officially begin his new position until November 1. As a result, caretaker boss Steve Giblin will remain in charge of the Lilywhites for the weekend’s encounter.
The timing of the managerial change adds another layer of intrigue to the fixture, with both clubs preparing for a meeting that will see a familiar face on the opposing touchline in the coming weeks.
Cymru North club Mold Alexandra confirm interim manager
Mold Alexandra confirmed Thomas’ temporary appointment in a club statement, explaining that preparations for the Rhyl fixture would be overseen by the First Team Coach while the club considers its next steps.
The statement read: “Following the departure of the First Team Manager and Assistant Manager, Mold Alexandra can confirm that preparations for Saturday’s home fixture against CPD Rhyl 1879 will be overseen by First Team Coach Gareth Thomas with support from the current backroom staff and senior players.
“Everyone at the club remains fully focused on Saturday’s match, and the priority is to ensure the players are prepared and ready to perform in front of our home supporters.
“The club will begin a recruitment process for the vacant positions shortly after Saturday’s fixture.
“We thank our supporters and sponsors for their continued backing and look forward to seeing you at the match.
“Up The Alex!”
The immediate priority for the Cymru North side is to ensure the squad is ready for the visit of Rhyl before beginning the recruitment process to fill the vacant managerial positions.
Gareth Thomas brings more than 25 years of football management experience
Thomas joined Mold’s management team in January after a spell in charge of Prestatyn Town and brings more than 25 years of experience in football management.
The 54-year-old has also managed Buckley Town, Denbigh Town and Rhyl, alongside spells with other clubs across North Wales football.
His time at Prestatyn lasted 14 months, with the club sitting fourth in the Ardal North West at the time of his departure. They had also reached the quarter-finals of the FAW Amateur Trophy and the last 16 of the Ardal Northern League Cup.
Thomas previously managed Buckley Town between 2009 and 2013, guiding the Bucks to a third-place finish in the 2011/12 campaign and helping establish the club as a second-tier side.
He has also served as assistant manager at Flint Town United and taken on challenges with FC Nomads of Connah’s Quay and Conwy Borough.
Former Rhyl manager enjoyed trophy success across North Wales
Thomas’ previous experience at Rhyl could prove particularly relevant as Mold prepare to face their upcoming opponents.
During his time with the Lilywhites, he helped the club secure the North Wales Coast East Premier Division title without losing a match, while also lifting the Cookson Cup.
His achievements with Conwy Borough were equally notable, inspiring the Tangerines to a treble of the Welsh Alliance League title, FAW Amateur Trophy and Cookson Cup.
That record of success across several North Wales clubs underlines the experience Thomas brings to Mold during a period of change.
With Saturday’s Cymru North fixture against Rhyl approaching, his immediate task will be to help the squad maintain its focus and deliver a performance in front of the home supporters.
Mold will then turn their attention to the recruitment process, with the club confirming that work to fill the vacant positions will begin shortly after the match.
