Who would be the ideal first manager of CPD Y Rhyl 1879? Here’s 5 off-the-cuff suggestions……

They’ve got the name, they’ve secured the ground, now they need a manager.

Who would be the ideal person to lead the new CPD Y Rhyl 1879?

The recent disbandment of Rhyl FC after 141 years of football in the town was extremely sad, but there is no time to look back any more.

The Lilywhites have cemented a very special place in Welsh football history – four Welsh Cups, three Cheshire League titles, two Welsh Premier crowns and 14 matches in Europe.

Those achievements can never be taken away, but now a new adventure awaits.

And the immediate future of CPD Y Rhyl 1879 received a huge boost today when they got the go ahead to play their football at the traditional home of Belle Vue next season.

Not only that, they also have an exclusive opportunity to buy the stadium from owner David Butters.

Exciting developments off the field, but now the focus turns to the manager’s seat.

Club managing director Adam Roche said tonight: “We will be shortly advertising for someone who first and foremost is a proven winner.

“They must be positive, committed and experienced in North Wales football.

“We want someone who can demonstrate their passion for success through hard working players on the pitch and equally off it in representing the club with their support through local community engagement.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity to be the first manager in our new club to join us as we look to continue Rhyl’s footballing history by bringing success on the pitch back to Belle Vue.”

So, let’s take a look at a few potential candidates….

JAMES BREWERTON

Highly respected Rhyl FC legend.

Two years ago, Belle Vue staged a special testimonial for Brewie between a Rhyl XI and Bangor City XI in recognition of the defender’s great service to both clubs.

After splitting his early career between Conwy United, Llandudno and Rhyl Delta, Brewerton’s long WPL association began with Rhyl FC in 1999/2000.

He went on to feature in over 200 matches for the Lilywhites, winning the WPL, Welsh Cup, League Cup and NWCFA Challenge Cup quadruple in 2003/04 under John Hulse.

Brewerton lifted the Welsh Cup again with the Lilies in 2005/06 and played in the squad which beat FK Atlantas of Lithuania over two legs in the Uefa Cup.

The defender joined Bangor in 2008/09 and won two more Welsh Cups, a WPL title in 2010/11 and experienced more European success with the Citizens before returning to Rhyl in 2014/15.

Brewerton has played in more than 350 WPL matches in total and has most recently been part of the set-up at St Asaph City of the Welsh Alliance.

Brewi is also a fluent Welsh speaker, which would blend in well with the club’s name.

STEVE WALTERS

Star midfielder of the Rhyl FC quadruple-winning side of 2003-04.

Has managed in the Cymru North, leading the likes of Rhos Aelwyd and Penycae to new heights, and is a massive favourite with the Rhyl football public.

Engaging character, lots of experience of professional football having made more than 140 first team appearances for Crewe Alexandra and represented England Schoolboys.

MATTY WILLIAMS

Another great Rhyl FC player of the past, winning the Welsh Premier title with the Lilywhites in 2008-09.

Prolific marksman who still operates in the WPL with Newtown, whom he signed for last year.

Locally-based, Matty has picked up some top-flight managerial experience at Llandudno and is young enough at 37 and vibrant enough to make a real go of it.

EDDIE MAURICE-JONES

Eddie was doing a solid job as Rhyl FC manager before the club unfortunately had to dispense with his services after taking the decision to start winding-up proceedings last month.

He arrived at the Lilies’ prior to the 2018/19 campaign after guiding Denbigh Town to second position in the Huws Gray Alliance.

Would 1879 be looking for a totally fresh start ? or would they be prepared to take another punt on a young manager with an impressive CV, giving him a chance to finish what he started.

NEVILLE POWELL/MARC LIMBERT

An outside chance?

Powell left Aberystwyth recently so is fresh out of the WPL and no doubt seeking a new challenge.

Whether he would be interested in coming to Rhyl may depend on what level the club start at.

Although a former boss of arch rivals Bangor City, where he won the WPL, three Welsh Cups and represented the club in Europe as a player and manager, relations between Citizens and Rhyl fans had improved vastly in recent years.

Former assistant at Bangor, Marc Limbert, is a past Rhyl hero, being part of the 2003-04 four-trophy winning side and the 2005-06 Welsh Cup winners.