Five managers Llanelli Town could consider after Terry Boyle resignation as Reds face huge rebuild

Llanelli Town are on the search for a new manager following Terry Boyle’s resignation, with the Reds facing a difficult challenge to turn their season around in the Cymru South.

The club sit rock bottom of the table, six points behind their nearest rivals and seven adrift of safety, leaving whoever takes charge with a significant task on their hands.

There is also uncertainty surrounding the wider direction of the club following the departure of general manager Colin Staples. Chairman Wayne Stephens and club secretary Peter Tiffin are currently in discussions over the next steps and the future of the club, with Llanelli confirming that fixtures will continue as normal.

That announcement comes at a time of considerable change behind the scenes, and the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining the direction the Reds take.

There has been no confirmation that any of the managers mentioned below have applied for the vacancy, nor is there any suggestion that the club have formally approached them. However, with Llanelli needing a fresh start, here are five names who could be worth considering for the role.

Dean Wheeler

Wheeler left Caerau Ely in August after doing an impressive job with the Young Guns, establishing himself as a manager capable of getting the best out of his players.

The 41-year-old guided Caerau to the Ardal South West title before helping them compete towards the top end of the division. His work at the club demonstrated an ability to build a competitive side and develop young talent.

One example is George Shephard, who was given an opportunity under Wheeler and developed into one of the standout young players in the league. That ability to identify potential and give emerging players the platform to perform could be particularly valuable at Llanelli.

The Reds face an uphill battle to climb away from the bottom of the Cymru South, and Wheeler’s experience of building a successful side at Ardal League level could make him an interesting candidate.

With the right backing and a clear plan, he could be someone capable of bringing renewed energy to Stebonheath Park.

Antonio Corbisiero

Few potential candidates would have a stronger connection with Llanelli Town than Antonio Corbisiero.

The 41-year-old spent eight years with the Reds as a player, making more than 200 appearances for the club. That experience means he already understands the club and its supporters, something that could be important during a period of uncertainty.

Corbisiero’s experience also extends beyond his playing days. He previously managed Aberystwyth Town, leaving the role in May 2025, and worked as assistant manager to Gavin Allen at Penrhyncoch.

His spell at Aber included guiding the club to a League Cup final, giving him experience of leading a team through a cup competition while managing the demands of Welsh football.

As a player, Corbisiero also featured in the Champions League, UEFA Cup and Europa League qualifiers, bringing experience of competing at a high level of the game.

Llanelli would need someone capable of handling the immediate pressure of a relegation battle while helping establish a longer-term vision. Corbisiero’s knowledge of the club, combined with his managerial background, could make him an appealing option if the Reds want someone who understands what the badge means.

Neil Smothers

Neil Smothers is another name worth considering, having spent a significant period working alongside Mark Aizlewood at Carmarthen Town.

That experience would have given him valuable insight into the demands of managing within the Welsh domestic game, particularly at a club where expectations and results can bring considerable pressure.

Smothers has also had experience of management in the Cymru Premier, meaning he would not be stepping into an entirely unfamiliar environment if he were to take charge at Llanelli.

The Reds need more than a short-term fix. While their position in the table makes the immediate priority clear, the club’s wider uncertainty means the next appointment could also play an important role in shaping its future.

Smothers’ experience of working within an established management setup, alongside his own managerial background, could be useful as Llanelli look to regain stability.

Whether he would be interested in the challenge remains unknown, but his experience in Welsh football makes him a name that could enter the conversation.

Gruff Harrison

Gruff Harrison’s familiarity with the Cymru South could be a significant advantage if Llanelli decide to appoint someone with detailed knowledge of the division.

Harrison spent time managing Ammanford, giving him experience of the league and the challenges that come with competing at that level. He is now in charge of Ynysygerwn, where he has spent the past year as manager.

His knowledge of the Welsh domestic pyramid was also recognised when he was appointed manager of the Cymru South Select XI for the UEFA Regions’ Cup.

That role suggests he has a strong understanding of the players and teams operating within the division, something that could be particularly useful for a Llanelli side needing to close the gap on their rivals.

The Reds will need to identify where they can improve quickly, whether that is through recruitment, organisation or getting more out of the players already at the club. A manager who knows the league inside out could help them make those decisions.

Harrison would still face a major challenge at Stebo, particularly given the club’s position and the changes taking place behind the scenes. However, his experience in the Cymru South makes him a candidate worth keeping in mind.

Michael Smith

Michael Smith could be an intriguing option for Llanelli, particularly if the club want a manager with a proven record of winning matches and building a high-scoring side.

Smith has enjoyed considerable success with Rockspur Fords, guiding them to a league and cup double during the 2024/25 season. Rockspur also won the West Wales Premier League the year after, and last season and have continued their impressive form this campaign.

They currently sit top of the league again and have reached the third round of the Welsh Cup, having beaten Evans & Williams, a side from the tier above, along the way.

That result is another indication of Rockspur’s ability to compete against higher-ranked opposition, while their attacking approach has helped make them one of the more productive teams at their level.

His record of delivering silverware, producing goals and maintaining a winning team makes him an interesting name for the Reds to consider.

Who should Llanelli Town turn to next?

Llanelli’s next managerial appointment will be about more than results on a Saturday afternoon. The club need to address their position at the bottom of the Cymru South while also navigating a period of uncertainty behind the scenes.

Wheeler offers a track record of developing young players and building a competitive side, while Corbisiero brings a strong personal connection with the Reds alongside experience in management. Smothers has experience at Cymru Premier level, Harrison knows the Cymru South well, and Smith has built an impressive record of success with Rockspur.

Each would bring a different set of qualities, and there is no suggestion that any of them have applied for the vacancy. Ultimately, much will depend on the club’s plans, the resources available to the next manager and the direction Stephens and Tiffin decide to take.