Llanelli Town: Former Cardiff City, Crystal Palace, and Newport County defender resigns from job after just one win in 23 matches
Terry Boyle's time as Llanelli Town manager has come to an end. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Llanelli Town have parted company with first-team manager Terry Boyles after a difficult run of results left the Reds bottom of the Cymru South table.
The club have confirmed that Boyles and general manager Colin Staples have both resigned from their respective positions with immediate effect, bringing an end to their time at Stebonheath Park.
The announcement comes after a challenging period for Llanelli, who have struggled for consistency since the end of last season and are now facing an uphill battle to climb away from the foot of the Cymru South. A 6-0 defeat to Caerau Ely was Boyle’s last match in charge.
The Reds have recorded just one win in their last 23 matches, with that solitary victory coming at the end of March when they defeated Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier.
Their current league campaign has been particularly difficult, with Llanelli yet to win any of their 11 Cymru South fixtures. Two draws and nine defeats have left them six points behind nearest rivals Llantwit Major and seven points adrift of safety.
Terry Boyles leaves Llanelli Town with the club bottom of the Cymru South
Boyles took charge of Llanelli in January, initially stepping into the role on an interim basis after Lee John departed. He was subsequently appointed permanently over the summer as the club looked to build for the new campaign.
The former Crystal Palace, Newport County, Cardiff City and Swansea City player arrived with considerable experience of the Welsh football scene, but results have proved difficult to come by during his time in charge.
Llanelli’s struggles have left them with a significant gap to close if they are to move out of the relegation positions, with the club now facing an important period both on and off the pitch.
Despite the disappointing results, the club acknowledged Boyles’ contribution in providing opportunities for younger players to progress into senior football.
In a statement, Llanelli Town said: “Terry Boyles, during his time as First Team Manager this season, has provided valuable opportunities for a number of our development players to make their senior debuts.
“His commitment to giving young players a pathway into senior football will undoubtedly prove to be a valuable asset as the club continues to build and develop its on field future.”
Reds have undergone significant squad turnover amid difficult start
Llanelli have experienced considerable change to their playing squad, with several established figures moving on during a period of transition.
Experienced players including Sean Cronin, Jamie Baker, Danny Williams, Alex Pennock and Bradley Gibbings all left the club, joining the likes of Afan Lido, Penybont and Pure Swansea.
The departures represented a significant loss of experience for the Reds, who have subsequently looked to bring younger players into the squad.
Calum Salter was among those recruited, although his stay proved short-lived, with the youngster swiftly moving on to Afan Lido.
The squad changes have coincided with a difficult start to the season, as Llanelli have struggled to find the consistency required to compete in the Cymru South.
Their position at the bottom of the table means there is little margin for error in the coming weeks, with points needed urgently if they are to close the gap on the teams above them.
Colin Staples also resigns as Llanelli consider next steps
Alongside Boyles’ departure, general manager Colin Staples has also resigned with immediate effect.
The club paid tribute to Staples’ work behind the scenes, highlighting his role in shaping its longer-term plans and helping establish a strategy aligned with the Football Association of Wales’ future development plans.
Llanelli also pointed to a successful club development evening held last year, which brought together key individuals and stakeholders to discuss the club’s ambitions and future direction.
The statement added: “Everyone associated with Llanelli Town AFC would like to wish both Terry and Colin every success in their future endeavours, whether within football or beyond, and thank them once again for their contributions to the club.”
Club chairman Wayne Stephens and club secretary Peter Tiffin are now discussing the next steps and the future direction of Llanelli Town.
Those initial discussions will be followed by further meetings, including consultations with the full board, as the club considers its options and looks to make decisions in the best interests of its long-term development.
Further updates are expected in due course.
Afan Lido up next as Llanelli look for a response
Llanelli’s immediate attention turns to their next Cymru South fixture against Afan Lido on October 23, with the match presenting an opportunity to respond to the managerial departures.
The encounter will also bring several familiar faces back into the picture, with former Reds players among Afan Lido’s ranks.
Sean Cronin, Jamie Baker, John Hall, Alex Giardelli and Jackson Hall are among those associated with the Lido squad, while former Llanelli manager Lee John is assistant to Lee Surman.
The fixture is the first of a demanding run of matches as the Reds attempt to turn their season around.
Llanelli’s upcoming fixtures are:
- October 23: Afan Lido (home)
- October 30: Pontypridd United (away)
- November 6: Pontardawe Town (home)
- November 20: Caerphilly Athletic (away)
- November 27: Cardiff Draconians (home)
With the club winless after 11 league matches and seven points from safety, the coming weeks could prove crucial to their hopes of climbing the Cymru South table.
The immediate priority will be finding a way to turn performances into results, while the board works through its next steps following the departures of Boyles and Staples.
