Manager makes sensational return to Cymru South club as Llanelli Town boss declares ‘unfinished business’

Lee John has returned to Llanelli Town nine months after leaving the club, with the manager tasked with leading the Reds into a new chapter at Stebonheath Park.

The former boss is back in the dugout after a spell with Afan Lido, having previously guided Llanelli to the Cymru South title in the 2024/25 season and secured promotion to the Cymru Premier.

John departed midway through last season with the Reds bottom of the Cymru Premier and 13 points adrift of safety. He was replaced by former Cardiff City and Wales defender Terry Boyle, who managed just one victory in 23 games in charge.

Now, John is back at the club where he enjoyed significant success, having made it clear during discussions with Llanelli that he believes he has unfinished business to attend to.

Lee John returns to Stebonheath Park after Afan Lido spell

Llanelli Town confirmed the appointment in a club statement, welcoming back the manager who helped deliver promotion to the Welsh top flight.

The statement read: “Llanelli Town AFC are delighted to announce the return of Lee John to the club.

“Lee returns to Stebonheath Park having previously guided the Reds to promotion to the Cymru Premier, before departing midway through last season.

“Following his departure, Lee took up a position at Afan Lido, but after positive discussions with the club this week, he has made the decision to return to familiar surroundings and take on a new challenge with the Reds.”

The club also revealed that John had made his intentions clear during those discussions, stating that he has “unfinished business” at Llanelli Town.

John originally joined the Reds alongside assistant Dylan Blain in November 2021, following a successful spell at Goytre United. His time at the club culminated in the Cymru South title success in the 2025/26 campaign.

Llanelli added that John understands the expectations of the role and the passion of the supporters, with his return marking the start of what the club hopes will be a positive new chapter.

His first game back in charge will be away to Pontypridd United on Friday, October 30.

Llanelli Town’s next five fixtures under Lee John

John faces a busy start to his second spell, with several important fixtures on the horizon as Llanelli look to build momentum.

The returning boss will not be in the dugout for the meeting with his former club Afan Lido. Instead, his first match will come against Pontypridd United, before the Reds return home to face Pontardawe Town.

There are also crucial games against Caerphilly Athletic and Cardiff Draconians, both of whom are in or around the relegation zone. Those encounters could prove particularly important as John looks to establish his side and put points on the board.

Llanelli’s next five fixtures are:

• Pontypridd United (A) – October 30
• Pontardawe Town (H) – November 6
• Caerphilly Athletic (A) – November 20
• Cardiff Draconians (H) – November 27
• Treowen Stars (A) – December 5

The schedule offers John an early opportunity to assess his squad, identify areas for improvement and begin putting his own stamp on the team.

With several matches against sides competing in the lower reaches of the table, a strong start could be vital to Llanelli’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.

Can Lee John strengthen Llanelli Town’s squad?

One of the biggest challenges facing John will be rebuilding a squad that has experienced significant turnover in recent months.

Several members of the title-winning side have moved to Afan Lido, following John to his former club. Sean Cronin, Jamie Baker, Morgan Evans and John Hall all joined Lido from Llanelli, while Alex Giardelli was part of the Reds’ set-up when they lifted the title, having spent the previous campaign with Ammanford.

Their departures leave John with work to do as he looks to shape a squad capable of meeting the demands of the season ahead.

The winter transfer window could provide an opportunity to strengthen his options. The window is scheduled to open on Thursday, January 1, 2026, and close at 7pm GMT on Monday, February 2.

However, clubs are able to sign free agents outside the transfer window, potentially giving Llanelli another route to recruit players if suitable options become available.

Whether John can bring in fresh faces, reunite with former players or make the most of his existing squad remains to be seen.

What is clear is that his return brings familiarity and a proven record of success at Stebonheath Park. Having already delivered silverware and promotion during his first spell, John will be hoping to build on that legacy and guide the club through a tricky period.