CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Thomas brings in ex-Lilywhite as assistant

New CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas has appointed a former Rhyl Football Club midfielder from the 1990s as his assistant.

Leighton Sumner made 30 League of Wales appearances for the Lilywhites between 1994/95 and 1998/99, scoring in the latter season away to Rhayader Town in a 2-1 LoW victory and in a 2-1 League Cup defeat at Caernarfon Town.

Sumner becomes Thomas’s number two whilst continuing his high-ranking role as part of the successful Connah’s Quay Nomads academy.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 supporters will be hoping that Sumner can use his past playing and current coaching experience to develop and bring through local talent to succeed in the first team.

Thomas has also added another two coaches to his team with Warren Adam and Matty Roberts joining from Prestatyn Town and the former Rhyl FC academy respectively.

Following the appointments Thomas added: “I’m delighted to appoint the team, they are all very enthusiastic about the exciting opportunity with CPD Y Rhyl 1879.

“All three of them reside locally and I know how much football means to them in looking to get the new club winning and ensuring we show the fans no matter what, we will never give up as we look to challenge for honours in the coming season.

“Leighton is a well-respected coach across North Wales who has experience with both the youth set up at Connah’s Quay Nomads and also helping Hawarden Rangers in the Welsh National League. He has also in the past come through the youth ranks at Rhyl into the first team.

“Warren joins us from Prestatyn Town and is keen to progress up the coaching ladder. I came across Warren when he started his coaching badges with myself a few years ago.

“He has also played for me at Conwy and as another local lad I’m really looking forward to working with him again.

“Matty Roberts also joins the team having gained experience in joint leading the Rhyl FC academy last year whilst also previously playing at Llandudno Amateurs and Rhuddlan Town and managing Llanelwy Athletic.

“Another young coach who will be a really good addition bringing with him a wealth of local knowledge of the teams and players we will be facing.”