Chris O’Neal steps down from his role at Bangor City

One of the chief figures involved in Bangor City’s improved fortunes on and off the field over the past 12 months has stepped down from his role at the club.

Christopher O’Neal has decided his time as part of the Citizens’ management group is over.

The North Wales Coast FA councillor is perhaps best known for winning a high-profile case on behalf of the club against the FAW’s decision to deduct 21 points – originally 42 but halved on appeal – from City in August 2019.

The punishment was imposed following alleged rule flouting by the club, but an independent arbitration panel came out in Bangor’s favour, ensuring the eight-time Welsh Cup winners lost no points and remained in the Cymru North.

Last season brought a revival in Bangor’s performances as under former Argentina World Cup winner Pedro Pasculli, they finished fifth in CN.

Pasculli has since been replaced by ex-Barnsley midfielder Hugo Colace, who is aiming to increase the number of North Wales players in the squad this season.

O’Neal said: “It is with a heavy heart I have decided to no longer be a part of the management group at Bangor City FC.

“The last few years have been very turbulent but I’m hoping I’m leaving now with the club in a better position today than it was two seasons ago.
“From the FAW battles to the takeover by Dominico (Serafino) it’s been a massive part of my life.

“I will forever and always support Bangor City FC, but my role as a councillor on the NWCFA will give me a variety of different challenges now with the new (pyramid) structure and I look forward to assisting many clubs here in North Wales.

“I would like to go on record and personally thank everyone in the club, especially those who volunteer week in week out with various tasks that make the club tick. I hope you can all continue to rebuild this club back to the biggest and best club in Wales.”

O’Neal is a former football manager, leading Bethesda Athletic to back-to-back Welsh Alliance League and Cookson Cup doubles in 2007-08 and 2008-09.

The club only lost its place in the Cymru Alliance in 2009-10 because of the FAW’s decision to relegate 10 teams from the tier 2 league. Pesda finished ninth out of 17.

Before taking over at Bethesda, O’Neal was also boss of a Beaumaris Town side which lifted the NWCFA Junior Cup.