Huw Rowlands steps down as Aelwyd boss due to family commitments

The man who led Rhos Aelwyd in their most successful season of the last decade has stepped down as manager.

Huw Rowlands said family commitments are behind his decision to leave the club.

In 2017-18, Huw not only guided Aelwyd to the FAW Trophy Final, but also secured them promotion to the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division after finishing runners-up in Division One.

A long-time Rhos Aelwyd servant, Huw is the brother of Cefn Druids stalwart Aled Rowlands, who made more than 300 Welsh Premier appearances for the Ancients before later returning to Ponciau Banks as player-manager.

Speaking about his departure on social media, Huw said: “It’s purely for family reasons.

“I’ve missed a year of watching my lad play football due to Covid and I don’t intend to miss more when it all blows over.

“The restructured tier 3 does consist of a lot of travelling and every other Saturday it would mean I miss my lad playing footy.

“A lot of time and commitment is needed for tier 3 too and that’s not something I can offer at the moment. I haven’t got the time the club deserves to be given as their first team manager and so I felt it best to step down.

“If the league would have stayed local, I would have remained in post but I am unable to give my whole Saturdays. The new tier 3 is going to be exciting and a new challenge but it just wasn’t for me.

“The club have been fantastic to me. I do wish the players and the club all the very best.

“If there is anyone interested in managing the team I would definitely get in touch. It’s a great club with improving facilities.”

Rhos Aelwyd FC said in a statement: “The club would now like to advertise for a successor to take up the position immediately as the first team manager for the 21/22 season in our maiden season in the tier 3 Ardal North League, where the team will take on teams from across North & Mid Wales.

“Any interested parties should contact the club via private message on any of our social media platforms for more information.”