Prestatyn Town appoint Ben Heath as new first team manager

Prestatyn Town have appointed Ben Heath as their new manager.

A UEFA A Licence coach, Heath, 36, has previous playing experience in the Welsh Premier League, after making a combined 56 WPL appearances for Caernarfon Town and Connah’s Quay between 2004 and 2007.

He has also represented Northern Ireland clubs Cliftonville and Glenavon, as well as Warrington Town.

His coaching and management record include a spell at Wrexham AFC for five years working with the youth sides, and most recently Corwen and Penycae senior teams.

Heath stepped down as boss of Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) club Penycae last October after a two-year stint at the helm.

Now he takes over at Prestatyn, who hope to successfully defend their Cymru North title this season.

Heath said: “Firstly I am delighted to have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading such a famous club, I cannot wait to get started with the players and manage the best supported team in the country.

“I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Prestatyn Town family and look forward to meeting and engaging with the fantastic local support that this club so proudly boasts.

“Having spoken at length with Jamie (Welsh – chairman), I am confident that I can build a successful team for the fans of Prestatyn Town Football Club.”

Heath brings with him a trusted team of staff with Tom Taylor joining the club as new assistant-manager. Taylor is a UEFA B Licence coach and has previous experience as a youth player at Chester and as manager at FC Nomads and Buckley Town.

Young upcoming coach Andy Jones also links back up with Heath having both worked together at Penycae. Jones is also a UEFA B Licence coach and joins the club as a first team coach.

Ryan Turner, who has kept things ticking over in the management seat since John Lawless’ departure in January, will remain involved with the first team coaching set-up and continues as academy operations director.

Ryan O’Neill has also been retained as a first team coach.

The new manager is the son of former Wrexham and Tranmere Rovers player Seamus Heath.

Seamus, who previously managed Aberystwyth Town, is an experienced Pro License coach who has worked in Northern Ireland, coaching at Glenavon, Kilmore Recreation and with the NI Under-19’s squad.