Pre-season chat: Dan Richards (Cefn Mawr Rangers)

Dan Richards is the manager of Cefn Mawr Rangers, who will compete in the tier 4 North East Wales League Premier Division this season.

Grassroots North Wales had a chat with Dan about how things are progressing at the Wrexham area club.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Dan Richards

Our first team is looking positive at the moment, we’ve retained all of our players except one and we’ve made additions in the right areas.

We’ve added Andy Kelly to the first team management, who is a fantastic coach.

We have also added Jake Jones, who has come in as joint reserve team manager. There has also been plenty of new players in our youth section which is fantastic to see.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Dan Richards

It wouldn’t be right to highlight certain individuals I don’t think, we’ve added some real quality who have dropped down a league to try and help the club reach its aims for the season.

I’m really looking forward to seeing them in action when we can finally resume.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Dan Richards

You can’t look much further than last season’s (Welsh National League Division One – tier 4) champions Hawarden Rangers, who were fantastic.

Queen’s Park have come down and with Nicky Williams leading their line, his goals alone should put them in a very good league position.

Unknown package in Greenfield, who we haven’t seen much of, but having been so strong in Welsh Alliance Division One you have to respect them.

And then there is Coedpoeth United, who we’ve had some great games with. I think there will be a lot of tight affairs for sure.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Dan Richards

Squad motivation hasn’t been a problem.

The group of players we have are fantastic and are all determined to have a successful season, they’ve been training twice a week for a long time now so of course they are all dying for a game.

I think as a coach it can sometimes be difficult to see exactly where you are at until you manage to get in a couple of friendly fixtures under your belt.

Grassroots North Wales

What are your ambitions for the season ahead?

Dan Richards

We have to aim for the top with some of the players we have, but I respect our opponents and know it’s going to be a very tough challenge with some of the teams in our league.

As a group and individuals we are always looking to improve and some silverware would certainly be the icing on the cake.

All pictures: Bob Powell (many thanks)