Pre-season chat: Justin Gallagher (CPD Gaerwen)

Justin Gallagher became the new manager of tier 4 North Wales Coast West Premier Division club Gaerwen this summer.

The signs emerging from Lon Groes have been positive, with a raft of exciting new signings replacing a number of the older guard.

The team which takes the field this season will certainly be Justin’s team.

Grassroots North Wales caught up with the young coach ahead of what we all hope will be a season soon to start.

Overall, what shape are you in as a first team and club ahead of the 2020-21 season?

I think we’re in really good shape going into the season.

Considering we essentially were starting from scratch, players wise, I think we’ve done really well and got a good squad together.

You’ve made quite a few signings, tell us about one or two of your players to look out for this season

I’m excited to see all our players in action really, but I think Ryan Wood has looked superb in training.

I think youngsters like Sion Roberts and Sean McGrath are going to have great seasons too.

Who do you see as the strongest teams in your division?

Bangor 1876 are the obvious one, but I think Boded have put together a really strong squad as well.

How difficult has it been to keep your squad motivated during the Covid-19 crisis? What challenges have you had to overcome?

In one sense it is frustrating for players to train all week with no game to aim for on the weekends, but I think training and getting together has been a nice distraction from it all as well.

What are your ambitions for the season ahead?

Like I said, we were essentially starting from scratch players wise, so its been a lot of work and effort getting a squad together, but we’re really happy with the one we have.

The aim is to finish as high up and be as competitive as possible, and develop and improve our younger players as best possible.