Pre-season chat: Nick Jones (manager – Corwen FC)

Corwen will compete at tier 3 Ardal North East level in 2020-21 having been relegated from the Cymru North last season.

Nick Jones is the new manager at the War Memorial Park, replacing Sion Tudor.

Jones took up the role on a permanent basis in June after previously working as caretaker-manager following the departure of Danny Jellicoe.

Nick shares some of his thoughts for the season ahead with Grassroots North Wales.

Grassroots North Wales

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

Nick Jones

The squad is in great shape considering 10 players have moved on from last season’s group.

The club is also thriving; we are adding the new 250-seater stand at the ground (named in honour of Corwen legend Huw “Chick” Jones) as we aim to retain our tier 2 license.

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?

Nick Jones

We have recruited really well and brought in some really good players at this level.

We are going to be a nearly new team and unknown to most clubs in the league, which will hopefully catch them off guard,

Grassroots North Wales

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

Nick Jones

There are some really strong teams in our league.
Cefn Albion, Caersws and Chirk AAA will be up there, so if you finish above them you’re in with a chance.

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?

Nick Jones

Keeping the team motivated hasn’t been a problem as they have a fantastic attitude, keep pushing each other and have real good banter flying around the squad.

Grassroots North Wales

What are your ambitions for the season ahead?

Nick Jones

Ambition for the season – when or if it starts – is to be as competitive as we can and put pressure on the teams I mentioned earlier.

But I’ve seen it with teams over the years when they get relegated from tier 2, every team in the league wants to beat you and look forward to playing you so we will have to be at our very best every game to get results.

Ardal North East division line-up 2020-21

Berriew
Bow Street
Caersws
Carno
Cefn Albion
Chirk AAA
Corwen
Four Crosses
Kerry
Llanfair United
Machynlleth
Montgomery Town
Penparcau
Penycae
Rhos Aelwyd
Welshpool Town

Corwen FC – league record last 30 years

1990-91: Welsh National League Premier Division – 10th of 14
1991-92: Welsh National League Premier Division – 8/14
1992-93: Welsh National League Premier Division -12/14
1993-94: Welsh National League Premier Division – 7/14
1994-95: Welsh National League Premier Division – 2/14
1995-96: Welsh National League Premier Division – 6/14
1996-97: Welsh National League Premier Division – 5/14
1997-98: Welsh National League Premier Division – 2/13
1998-99: Welsh National League Premier Division – 1/15
1999-00: Cymru Alliance League – 17/17
2000-01: Welsh National League Premier Division – 4/16
2001-02: Welsh National League Premier Division – 7/15
2002-03: Welsh National League Premier Division – 16/16
2003-04: Welsh National League Division One – 3/14
2004-05: Welsh National League Premier Division – 13/16
2005-06: Welsh National League Premier Division – 15/17
2006-07: Welsh National League Premier Division – 12/16
2007-08: Welsh National League Premier Division – 4/16
2008-09: Welsh National League Premier Division – 12/15
2009-10: Welsh National League Premier Division – 4/14
2010-11: Welsh National League Premier Division – 6/16
2011-12: Welsh National League Premier Division – 12/16
2012-13: Welsh National League Premier Division – 11/15
2013-14: Welsh National League Premier Division – 7/16
2014-15: Welsh National League Premier Division – 6/16
2015-16: Welsh National League Premier Division – 7/14
2016-17: Welsh National League Premier Division – 4/14
2017-18: Welsh National League Premier Division – 3/15
2018-19: Welsh National League Premier Division – 1/15
2019-20: Cymru North – 15/16