Mark Jones says managing the Wales C side is a highlight of his career ahead of tomorrow’s game with England.
This is the second time that the Welsh Cup winning manager will take to the Wales dugout, having managed in the 3-2 defeat to The Three Lions at Jenner Park Stadium last year.
Commonly known as ‘Jonah’, Mark Jones has worked previously as a manager in the league, before moving into a role with Sgorio, where he watches Welsh Premier League football regularly.
This time, Wales travel to Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium for a rematch and it’s one that the Dragons will be eager to win.
Speaking to WPL.Cymru, Jonah said: “Managing Wales is absolutely the highlight of my career, and to get a win against England would just cap it all off.
“To get a positive result on Tuesday night would be absolutely fantastic. I’ve been lucky enough to have some good times as a manager in the JD Welsh Premier League and I love my role with Sgorio too, I’m so proud of our system in Wales.
The reverse fixture sees both squads make wholesale changes as new players earn call-ups to their national side.
Both England and Wales saw players move into the professional game.
England International Fejiri Okenabirhie moved to League One side Shrewsbury Town, whilst Wales C captain Connell Rawlinson swapped The New Saints for Port Vale, where he has become a huge part of the Valiants defence.
There’s representation from ten Welsh Premier League clubs in the playing squad and there’s also a lot of links on the coaching staff.
Pontypridd Town manager Lee Kendall is involved as Goalkeeping Coach, whilst Garry Monk’s former First Team coach Dave Adams is involved. Owain Tudur-Jones who had previously played for the Wales senior team remains as assistant manager.
“I think the standard of the league has increased year after year, whether it be playing standards, the coaches or the facilities – it has all developed so much and helped grow the game in Wales.
“You look at the coaches we have with us on camp, Owain Tudur Jones, Lee Kendall, Dave Adams and more, they’re great coaches who have done an awful lot for the game in Wales.
“The input they’ve given has been brilliant, and this squad is a symbol of how much our Welsh domestic system has grown and improved. The focus now is simply on delivering a positive result on Tuesday night.”
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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