Eifion Williams is Llanrug United’s new manager

Long-serving player Eifion Williams has been appointed first team manager of Llanrug United for the forthcoming season.

The much-respected defender is heading into his 17th campaign at Eithin Duon, having stepped up from the club’s juniors into the first team squad in August 2004.

Williams has made 534 appearances for the firsts and scored 17 goals.

He has moved swiftly to appoint his management team, former manager and midfield great David Noel Williams and ex-reserves boss Phil Lynes coming on board.

Eifion Williams replaces Mark Jat, who stepped down last week.

“I am delighted and very proud to have the opportunity to be manager of Llanrug United,” said Williams.

“I have a lot of friends at the club; they are a truly friendly and superb club.

“The club officials, management and the supporters have been excellent to me for many seasons. I owe them a lot and I have truly enjoyed every minute at the club. We have a few exciting youngsters in our squad and I look forward to the new season.”

United chairman Emyr Pritchard added: “I am, as everybody else is at Llanrug United, delighted that Eifion has agreed to be our manager. He has been a very valuable asset for the club for a long period and a very highly respected player and he will be a tremendous asset as a manager.”

Former manager Jat decided to resign due to promotion and increased work commitments within the fire service.

He joined United’s management team during summer 2013, initially as assistant to manager Aled Owen, and in his first season Llanrug won the coveted FAW Trophy.

After Owen resigned following 10 seasons in charge, Jat became manager in 2015/2016.

During his three seasons at the helm, the red and whites finished a creditable 5th, 3rd and 3rd in Welsh Alliance Division One and lifted the Mawddach Cup in May 2017. Jat rejoined as manager for the 2019/2020 season.

Chairman Pritchard said: “I am, as everybody else at Llanrug United, very sad to lose Mark, but we understand and respect his wishes. Thanks for the hard work and the memories and most of all the many laughs’.

Jat commented: “It is with deep regret that I have had to resign as manager; my current work commitments have dictated that I can no longer give the commitment that the job needs.

“I would like to thank the committee for all their support, the players and the supporters. I would also like personally thank Jonathan Peris Jones, Dylan Owen and Sion Eifion Jones for all their support and hard work as my assistants.”