Ton Pentre’s Ynys Park (Image: Jordan Jones)
A club whose recent struggles have been well-documented, Ton Pentre are aiming to bounce back this season under manager Nickie Jones as they target a return to the second tier.
Last season’s relegation from the Welsh Football League Division One (now Cymru South) capped off a campaign to forget, one which saw the club shrouded with uncertainty about their future.
At one stage, there was a possibility that the club would not be able to continue into the new season, such was the severity of the situation.
But, to the relief of supporters, the Bulldogs will take to the field in 2019/20, and Jones is grateful to those who have helped make it possible.
“I think it is an achievement that the club is competing in the Welsh League again this season and a massive credit has to go to the old and new committee and all volunteers for this.
“Without all these people we wouldn’t have a club, because of them we are starting to attract players again who want to play for the club for the right reasons.
“This gives us a chance to do things properly on and off the pitch.”
Volunteers a plenty Ynys Park getting ready for the season ahead massive thanks to everyone great collective effort from @TonPentreFC @TonGelliBC Andy Gas chair of the CIO @gogevans for fixing the tractor #communityspirit pic.twitter.com/1P6bjzdzSB
— Ton Pentre FC (@TonPentreFC) June 22, 2019
The Ynys Park side get their season underway at home to Goytre, who joined them in making the drop down a Division last term.
Friday’s opposition are expected to be one of the stronger teams in the Division, and Jones is happy to be playing them first up.
“At the start of the season the stronger sides are always more desirable to play against, as they will test our resilience.
“It’s a challenge we are looking forward to.”
He believes that any baggage from last season has been to put to bed, which has allowed the club to set their sights solely on what is ahead.
“The relegation hangover was short lived.
“As a club we have focused on how we will move forward and we are excited about how the team will go into next season and progress.
“We were disappointed to go down because we were more than competing towards the end of the season, but unfortunately we ran out of time.
“Going down does give us a chance to start creating our way of playing, we want to attract the fans to come and watch good, attacking football and to entertain; the signs of this so far has been very encouraging.
When it comes to pinpointing this season’s main target, Jones is clear: “Our aim is to get out of Division One, without a doubt.”
The former Barry, Carmarthen and Port Talbot player insists that his team will not suffer from complacency, and is looking forward to restoring to some pride into one of the Welsh League’s most historic clubs.
The club is pleased to announce the appointment of @jones_nickie as 1st Team Player/Manager. Nickie’s appointment will no doubt steer the club back in the right direction 👏🏻#WeAreBulldogs #TonPentreRedMen pic.twitter.com/wwbLIwFAiE
— Ton Pentre FC (@TonPentreFC) June 8, 2019
“Our feet are firmly on the floor and we know there is a lot of work to be done, but we have made a start and I do encourage players to achieve our ambitions; that’s what we’re in the game for, to work hard and create memories.
“I am excited and appreciative to be appointed manager as we are a big club in Welsh football.
“The club has a fantastic history and as I have played for Ton Pentre intermittently throughout my football career, I have a genuine investment in the club.
“I recognise what the club needs for the future, and want to see progression from the youth to first team so we have a solid foundation for the future.”
(Featured image: Jordan Jones)
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