Barry Owen has spoken for the first time after being appointed Rhyl manager, outlining his ambition for the Lilywhites after leaving his position at Mold Alexandra.
The 39-year-old takes charge of a Rhyl side currently sitting 11th in the Cymru North, having guided Mold to third place before making the move. The two clubs are separated by 12 points, with Owen arriving at Belle Vue after an impressive spell with his former side.
However, he will have to wait before taking charge of his new team, with Rhyl’s next fixture against Mold Alexandra at Alyn Park.
Out of respect for his former club, Owen will not be in the dugout for the meeting and will officially begin his new role following the conclusion of the match.
Barry Owen explains why he took the Rhyl job
Owen revealed that discussions with Rhyl helped convince him that the club’s ambitions aligned with his own, as he prepares to take on the challenge of managing one of Welsh football’s best-known names.
He said to the official club website: “Once Adam and I spoke and met in person, it was clear that the club’s vision and ambition matched my own.
“I’m immensely proud to be given this opportunity to manage one of the biggest clubs in Welsh football and I will do my absolute best to deliver.
“I’d like to place on record my thanks to everyone connected with Mold Alex for their support and for making it a smooth process. I wish them all the best moving forward.”
Owen’s appointment represents a significant change for both clubs, with Rhyl hoping his experience and winning mentality can help improve their position in the league.
New Rhyl boss beat 34 candidates to land the role
Owen faced competition from 34 other individuals during the recruitment process, with the club describing the candidates as “highly respected” and “hugely experienced” managers.
Owen ultimately emerged as the successful applicant, with his ambition, winning mentality and passion for the club’s future standing out.
His vision and footballing philosophy were also highlighted as key factors behind the decision, as Rhyl look to build towards their objectives under new leadership.
He will be supported by assistant manager Liam Groves, who hails from Rhyl and brings a local connection to the new management team.
Owen arrives at Rhyl after impressive Mold Alexandra win
Owen’s final spell at Mold included an emphatic 4-0 victory over current league leaders Brickfield Rangers, underlining the form his former side showed ahead of his departure.
He now faces a different challenge at his new club, who sit 11th in the table and will be looking to climb the standings under their new manager.
The upcoming meeting between the two clubs adds an extra layer of intrigue to Owen’s appointment, although he will not take charge until after the fixture has been played.
Rhyl held by Newtown in first game since Paul Moore exit
Since parting company with former manager Paul Moore, Steve Giblin took charge for their meeting with Newtown.
The Lilywhites looked on course for a positive result after Joel Giblin put them ahead, only for Jamie Hyne to equalise before Hanoch Boakye gave the Robins the lead.
Rhyl responded through substitute Promise Mmadi, who made an immediate impact after coming off the bench and found the net just four minutes after his introduction to secure a 2-2 draw.
Owen will now look to build on that result when he officially begins his tenure, hoping the new appointment can provide the momentum needed to move up the table.
