Former Barrow and Chester City man lands first manager’s job
Jay Owen is taking on his first job in management with Newtown. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Newtown have unveiled their new manager ahead of the 2026/27 Cymru North season.
The Powys club began their search for a new boss after parting company with Nathan Leonard following a single season in charge at Latham Park.
Jay Owen, 35, steps into his first senior managerial role and will be tasked with guiding the Robins back to the Cymru Premier.
The former midfielder had been offered a coaching position at Colwyn Bay but has opted to leave the Seagulls and take his first step into football management with Newtown.
Owen’s playing involvement was limited last season with Colwyn Bay, making just four appearances in all competitions.
The veteran had to wait until late October for his first league outing of the campaign and went on to feature once in the Nathaniel MG Cup and once in the Welsh Cup, as his focus increasingly shifted towards his non-playing responsibilities.
What is he inheriting at Newtown?
Newtown finished fourth in the Cymru North last season, ending the campaign 12 points behind third-placed Holywell Town, who claimed the final promotion place to the Cymru Premier from the northern division.
The promotion picture becomes even tougher in 2026/27. Only the Cymru North champions will be guaranteed promotion, while the runners-up will enter a two-legged play-off against their counterparts from the Cymru South. The winner of that tie must then overcome the side finishing 14th in the Cymru Premier to secure a place in the top flight.
Ahead of Owen’s arrival, Newtown moved to strengthen the foundations of their squad by securing a host of key players on new deals. Tom Pritchard, Scott Moncrieff, Devon Torry, Arnie Roberts, Tom Jones, Steff Jones, Findlay Starkey-Jones, Aidan McCann, Alfie Clark, Jo Jo Harries, Kieran Mills-Evans, Dave Jones, Charley Edge and Jamie Hyne have all agreed contract extensions with the Robins.
With a settled core of players retained and a new manager at the helm, Newtown will be hoping Owen can guide them back into promotion contention as they target a return to the Welsh top-flight.
Background on former Barrow and Chester City man
Owen enjoyed an extensive playing career, beginning at Chester City before also featuring for Barrow.
He went on to represent Airbus UK, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Flint Town United and, most recently, Colwyn Bay, building a wealth of experience across the Welsh football pyramid before making the move into management.
Following seven senior appearances for Chester City during the club’s final years in the Football League, Owen departed before the club was eventually wound up.
A move to North Wales rivals Wrexham appeared on the cards, and he spent time on trial with the Dragons, but a permanent deal failed to materialise.
Instead, Barrow secured his signature, and Owen quickly established himself as an important figure at Holker Street as the Bluebirds battled to retain their league status. Before joining Airbus, Owen had made 108 appearances for Barrow across three seasons, scoring twice during his time with the Bluebirds.
Following Barrow’s relegation to the National League North in 2013, the Caernarfon-born midfielder opted for a move to the Welsh top flight with Airbus UK.
Owen spent three seasons with the Wingmakers, making 72 appearances while contributing one goal and two assists. During his time at Airbus, he featured in three consecutive European qualifying campaigns under manager Andy Preece, with Andy Morrison serving on the coaching staff.
His relationship with Morrison would prove pivotal in the next stage of his career, as the former Nomads boss brought Owen to Connah’s Quay Nomads.
It was at Connah’s Quay where Owen enjoyed the most successful spell of his playing career. He made 156 appearances for the Nomads, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, while helping the club secure back-to-back Cymru Premier titles and lift the Welsh Cup in 2018.
