Tom Lewis steps down as Llansannan boss – so what’s next in the pipeline ?

Tom Lewis has announced he is stepping down as manager of CPD Llansannan ahead of the 2021-22 season.

He took over as boss of the then Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division side in 2019-20.

In a season curtailed by coronavirus, Llansannan had only played half of their fixtures before everything was cancelled.

The team had shown promise, finishing fifth, 18 points behind champions Rhuddlan Town but with five games in hand.

‘Sannan were undefeated at home.

They had also reached the semi-finals of the NWCFA Junior Cup, where an exciting clash with Bangor 1876 awaited, but the tie was never played because of Covid 19.

Under the new Welsh pyramid restructure, Llansannan would have played in the tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division this season, but the entire 2020-21 campaign for clubs below Tier 1 was cancelled because of the pandemic.

Tom says he leaves Llansannan with a heavy heart.

“I’m gutted to announce that I’m stepping down as manager of CPD Llansannan due to other commitments. I loved every second of managing a tremendous club, a club that I’ll always be a supporter of.

“I’m immensely proud of what we achieved and feel privileged to have spent 11 years at the club as a player, assistant-manager and manager.”

Originally from Denbigh but now living in Groes, Tom played for Cerrigydrudion and Caerwys earlier in his career before beginning his long association with Llansannan.

He was initially assistant to Gari Evans in 2018-19. When Evans moved to Ruthin Town to take over their reserve team, Tom stepped up as ‘Sannan chief.

Among the many highlights of Tom’s years with Llansannan, the biggest was winning the 2013 NWCFA Intermediate Cup, where they beat a very good St Asaph side 1-0 in the final against the odds.

What next?

There is much speculation regarding Tom’s next career move.

His worship of Wrexham AFC is well-known, so could a Hollywood-style liaison lead to a management position with the Dragons in 2021-22?

He has done his chances of involvement with the club no harm at all following his recent rise to prominence on social media with brilliant video mini-clips giving his thoughts before and after games. There is also a link with a famous podcast ongoing…..

And let’s not forget that Tom has been capped four times by the Wales/Cymru Supporters international side.

There is much talk about the team and its need for new direction under a dynamic coach who can alleviate them of their ponderous style of play.

Thanks for everything Tom – a truly great friend of the media.