Rhyl have confirmed the departure of a key figure from their coaching staff as new manager Barry Owen begins putting his own management team in place at Belle Vue.
Assistant manager Steve Giblin has left the Cymru North club, just over 24 hours after taking charge of his final game as caretaker manager.
The UEFA A Licence holder joined Rhyl in July to assist former manager Paul Moore but was handed the managerial reins following Moore’s departure.
Giblin took charge of two matches during his spell in temporary charge, overseeing a 2-2 draw against Newtown before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Mold Alexandra.
Owen was appointed as Rhyl’s new manager last week but officially took up the position on Sunday. He has since begun assembling his backroom staff, bringing assistant manager Liam Groves and Meilyr Williams with him to Belle Vue.
Rhyl thank Steve Giblin after caretaker spell comes to an end
Rhyl managing director Adam Roche paid tribute to Giblin’s contribution, thanking him for stepping forward during a period of transition at the club.
He said: “I want to sincerely thank Steve for his support of Paul and for stepping in to lead the team through the preparation and on matchday against Newtown.
“Steve has given his time, commitment and support at an important time for our club, and that willingness to step forward and put the team first is something I genuinely appreciated and will never forget.
“His professionalism and contribution have not gone unnoticed, and I am extremely grateful for everything he has done.
“Thank you, Steve. Your support meant a great deal to everyone at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and we all wish you the best on your next exciting chapter.”
Giblin’s son Joel also joined Rhyl during the summer after arriving from Ruthin Town.
Barry Owen brings Liam Groves and Meilyr Williams to Belle Vue
Owen’s arrival has already brought changes to Rhyl’s coaching structure, with Groves and Williams joining his management team.
However, first-team coach Zion Hopkins will remain at the club following discussions with the new management team.
Confirming his continued involvement, Hopkins said: “Over the moon to announce I’m staying at the football club.
“I’d personally like to thank Barry and Liam for giving me the opportunity to stay here and I can’t wait to work with them both.
“It’s a special football club and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Hopkins’ decision to remain provides some continuity as Owen looks to establish his own approach and guide Rhyl into a new chapter.
Rhyl physio Matt Lewis also departs after three-and-a-half years
Giblin is not the only departure from Belle Vue, with club physio Matt Lewis also stepping down after three-and-a-half years in the role.
Lewis has left due to personal circumstances and the time he can dedicate to the position, explaining that he did not want to compromise the standards expected of the role.
He said: “I don’t ever want to drop below the high standards the role deserves.
“I think the club has made a fantastic decision with Barry and his team and I wish them all the best as they enter an exciting new era for the club. One I’ve no doubt will be very successful.”
