Mochdre Sports manager Jason Williams has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, less than 24 hours after the club’s historic Welsh Cup third-round appearance.
Williams’ 18-month spell in charge at Swan Road has come to an end, with his backroom staff Dylan Evans, Geoff Strauch and Lee Wilson also leaving the club.
The departure comes after Mochdre suffered a 6-0 defeat to two-time Welsh Cup winners Connah’s Quay Nomads, bringing their memorable cup run to an end.
Goals from Jordan Hodkin, Conor Partridge and Alfie Jones put the Nomads in control, before substitute Max Woodcock added another. Hussein Mehasseb then scored twice to complete the victory.
Despite the heavy defeat, reaching the third round represented a landmark moment for Mochdre, who had never previously progressed that far in the competition.
Jason Williams explains decision to leave Mochdre Sports
In a statement, Mochdre chairman Martin Brady revealed that the demands of the managerial role, alongside Williams’ personal commitments, had led to the decision.
Williams, who lives in Gaerwen on Anglesey, had faced a regular journey to manage the team, making it increasingly difficult to balance football with his work and family life.
Brady said: “Jason made this very difficult decision because of the time the role demands. The regular journey from his home in Gaerwen on Anglesey has made it increasingly difficult to balance managing the team with his work and family life.
“We completely understand and respect his decision. Jason puts 200% into his coaching, and balancing that with more personal commitments is very difficult to sustain.
“I’ve known him for almost a decade. He was given the role because we knew he’d eat, breathe, and sleep it, and he has absolutely done that.”
Historic Welsh Cup run and first-ever Cookson Cup triumph
The Welsh Cup achievement was one of two significant milestones during Williams’ 18 months in charge.
He also guided Mochdre to their first-ever Cookson Cup triumph in May, adding another piece of silverware to the club’s history.
Brady paid tribute to the departing manager and his coaching staff, highlighting the strength of the squad they leave behind.
“He and his staff leave us with arguably the strongest squad we’ve ever had. Bringing together a blend of very experienced players and talented youngsters. We’ve got a great future ahead.
“On behalf of everyone at Mochdre, I want to say thank you to Jason, Dylan, Geoff, and Lee for the hours you’ve given to this club, and the memories you’ve given to our supporters. You’ll always be welcome here. At Swan Road.”
Mochdre Sports begin search for new manager
Mochdre will now begin the search for a new first-team manager and coaching staff, with development team manager Curtis Leuty set to take temporary charge of first-team affairs.
The club is inviting applications for the vacant position, with interested candidates able to contact chairman Martin Brady personally or email the club.
Brady added: “The search starts now for a new manager and coaching team. One that can build on the strong foundations and help this team realise its full potential. There’s so much talent in the squad.”
Mochdre currently sit second from bottom of the North Wales Coast League, although their league position comes with the important caveat that they have played just four matches this season.
They have at least three games in hand on the likes of Conwy Borough, Llandudno Amateurs and FC Mountain, who are currently above them in the table.
With a historic cup campaign, their first-ever Cookson Cup success and a squad the chairman believes is among the strongest in the club’s history, the next appointment will be tasked with building on the foundations laid during Williams’ time at Swan Road.
