‘Fireworks’ – Bangor City chairman lifts lid on Huw Griffiths appointment after 35 applications

Bangor City chairman Nick Pritchard has revealed why Huw Griffiths emerged as the standout candidate from a field of 35 applicants to become the club’s new manager.

The 49-year-old was appointed following the shock departure of Michael Johnston at the end of August. Johnston had guided Bangor to the Ardal North West title, the Ardal North League Cup and the FAW Amateur Trophy last season.

Pritchard has now lifted the lid on the appointment process and explained why Griffiths ultimately came out on top against a group which included candidates with international experience.

‘There wasn’t a talk of money’, as Griffiths made his desire clear

According to Pritchard, Griffiths’ determination to take the job quickly became obvious during the recruitment process.

The new Bangor boss previously played for the club and also served as assistant manager to former England international Peter Davenport.

Pritchard said there was little doubt about how much Griffiths wanted the opportunity to lead Bangor back towards the Welsh top flight.

“There’s not much more he could have done,” Pritchard said on a video posted on his personal channels.

“Huw wanted it. There wasn’t a talk of money. There wasn’t a talk of contracts. There wasn’t talk of anything other than the want and need to manage Bangor into the Welsh Premiership.

“Through the whole process, Huw showed how much he really wanted it. Even during whilst we were interviewing other managers, Huw was in the ground, he was doing his homework.

“Huw was asking for the Veo, and asking to watch the other games, whilst he was away. What a great appointment.”

Pritchard had previously revealed that Bangor received 35 applications for the position, with some of those candidates boasting experience at international level.

But Griffiths’ knowledge of the club, combined with his determination and preparation, ultimately helped him secure the role.

Griffiths has already guided a Welsh club into Europe

The appointment also brings considerable experience to a Bangor side with ambitions of reaching the Cymru Premier.

Griffiths has previously managed Cefn Druids and knows what it takes to compete at the top end of the Welsh domestic game.

In May 2018, he guided Cefn Druids to victory in the European Play-Off final against Cardiff Met, securing European football for the club.

His Bangor appointment also carries an obvious personal significance.

Griffiths has achieved a lifelong goal by taking charge of the club he once represented as a player, while his previous spell as assistant manager gives him an understanding of the environment he is now returning to lead.

The club’s predecessor last competed in the Cymru Premier in 2018, when Kevin Nicholson guided Bangor City to a second-place finish.

However, the club failed to obtain both a Tier One and UEFA Licence and was subsequently relegated.

Bangor City continued for another two seasons before its record was expunged in February 2022.

Bangor City 1876 was subsequently formed in 2019 as the phoenix club alongside the demise of Bangor City.

Steve Evans appointment adds another promotion-winning coach

Griffiths has also wasted little time putting his own coaching team together, with Steve Evans joining him as his number two.

It is a significant addition given Evans’ own experience of winning promotion in the Welsh pyramid.

Evans guided Colwyn Bay to the Cymru North title in 2023 and was most recently assistant manager to former Wrexham midfielder Lee Fowler.

Fowler and Evans were part of the management setup at the Silkmen before the club parted company with Fowler last week, with Danny Holmes appointed in his place.

Pritchard believes the combination of Griffiths and Evans could give Bangor the leadership required to push towards the Cymru Premier.

“In an act of strength and confidence, Huw has appointed Steve Evans as his number two,” Pritchard said.

“What a formidable partnership that is going to have. Huw Griffiths and Steve Evans as number one and number two. This is going to be the team to drive the team to the Cymru Premier.”

Pritchard promises ‘fireworks’ as Bangor target the Welsh top flight

Pritchard is clearly relishing the new era at Bangor and believes the arrival of Griffiths and Evans has given the club fresh momentum.

The Citizens chairman has made no secret of his passion for the club and says supporters should expect plenty of intensity from the new management team.

“We all know I’m a bit whacky. I’m a bit passionate. Sometimes it comes across in a difficult and uncomfortable way,” he said.

“We are going to see fireworks on the pitch. We’re going to see fireworks on the bench. We’re going to see passion and drive.

“I tell you what, I feel so fricking confident right now after the year that we’ve had. I am focused and driven, and back on that railroad track to getting Bangor back to the Prem.

“Blue Army, boys in the changing room, get ready for Wednesday. Get ready to fight. Your platoon leaders have been appointed.

“If I was going to battle, I couldn’t pick two better men to take us there.”