Pre-season chat: Bret Durkan (Rhos United)

Rhos United will play in the tier 5 North Wales Coast East Division One this season.

Grassroots North Wales had a pre-season chat with Bret Durkan, the team’s joint-manager with Adam Jones.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Bret Durkan

We’re very lucky the boys have been very loyal and all stuck with us from last season. We’ve still got a few we’d like to add but I’m very happy with the quality we have in the squad.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Bret Durkan

I could name a lot of players from our squad as we do possess so much talent. Here are two to watch out for:
Scott Court
Last season we lacked goals, Scott Court brings goals and has also done it in higher leagues so he will definitely be on the scoresheet, I have no doubt about that.

Lewis Sealey
Also a young talent that I believe will have his best season and turn a few heads is Lewis Sealey. At only 17, his potential is sky high, he has come back to pre season with confidence and it’s showing in his football.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Bret Durkan

Abergele will always be up there after the strong season they had last year. Llandudno Amateurs have also signed some very good players so they will be a tough team to play.

Llysfaen are another team who will be tough this year, brilliant season last year that will give them confidence. Shame they’ve lost their top goal scorer but they have a organised team and strong defence.

Grassroots North Wales

How difficult has it been to keep your squad motivated during the Covid-19 crisis?

Bret Durkan

Very difficult – and that’s coming from someone who’s so positive all the time. You train to then have matches and be competitive, it feels like you’re working, doing your job but then not getting paid, the games are the rewards.

Grassroots North Wales

What challenges have you had to overcome since March?

Bret Durkan

As time goes on without football it gets harder, each week goes by and we don’t know if we are any closer to playing. Thankfully all the lads have and still are showing commitment but I know some clubs are struggling.

Grassroots North Wales

What are your ambitions for the season ahead?

Bret Durkan

To win everything (the league and the cup this year). I might sound slightly ambitious but if you don’t aim high, you’ll never achieve anything.

At the end of the season things may be different but I will never aim for anything less than the top.