Cymru South: Former Barry Town United and Newport County figure appointed Caerau Ely boss
Ben Stait is making a return to the Cymru South after time with Barry Town United. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Cymru South side Caerau Ely have wasted little time in appointing a successor to Dean Wheeler, with Ben Stait taking charge at Cwrt-yr-Ala.
The Young Guns have moved to bring in the experienced coach with the season already underway, and Stait will get little time to settle into the role with a Bank Holiday double-header immediately on the horizon.
His first assignment comes away to Baglan Dragons on Friday, August 28, before he takes charge of his first home game at Cwrt-yr-Ala against Ynyshir Albions on Monday, August 31.
Cymru South: Ben Stait faces immediate Caerau Ely challenge
Stait inherits a Caerau Ely side who have won just once so far this season, with that victory coming away at Trethomas Bluebirds.
They opened their campaign with defeat at Carmarthen Town before being held by Ynyshir Albions, while last week’s home fixture against Pure Swansea also ended in defeat.
The new boss therefore faces an immediate task to turn around the Young Guns’ fortunes, with two games in the space of four days providing an early test.
Stait, though, is relishing the opportunity to take charge.
“A huge thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to lead a very talented group of players,” he said.
“Off the pitch a lot of progress has been made and the ambition across the club is clear to see. As staff, we will do everything we can to bring success on the pitch.”
Caerau Ely appoint coach with strong Cymru South experience
The appointment represents a return to Welsh football for Stait, who previously managed Llantwit Major.
He guided the club to Cymru South safety during the 2023/24 campaign, with their second-tier status confirmed on the final day of the season.
Stait then led Llantwit Major to a ninth-place finish the following season and was also in charge for their memorable Fenix Trophy victory over BK Skjold.
He subsequently spent the 2025/26 season as First Team Coach at Barry Town United, playing his part in the Linnets’ impressive third-place finish in the Cymru Premier.
Stait had also taken charge of English non-league side Newent Town this summer, but his spell there lasted just two months before his move to Caerau Ely.
Caerau Ely boss Stait’s coaching journey began at Newport County
Stait has built an impressive coaching CV despite being relatively young in his senior management career.
A student of the game, he gained academic honours in Football Coaching and Performance from the University of South Wales before beginning his coaching career with Newport County.
He spent six years with the Exiles, progressing from coaching within the club’s Development Centre into the academy structure.
Stait eventually became Lead Youth Development Phase Officer, overseeing the development of players between Under-13 and Under-16 level.
In 2021, he moved to Barry Town United, initially working within the club’s academy before taking on the role of Development Team Manager.
His career then progressed into senior football, with First Team Coaching roles at Welsh clubs Risca United and Llantwit Major.
A return to Barry followed most recently, with Stait working as First Team Coach during a campaign in which they won the Nathaniel MG Cup and an impressive third-placed finish.
Now, his attention turns to Caerau Ely and the challenge of pushing the Young Guns up the Cymru South table.
