Saltney add experienced Rob Thelwell to coaching team

Saltney Town manager Sam Bristow has appointed Rob Thelwell as one of his assistant coaches.

As part of the Tier 3 Ardal North West club’s long-term ambition to climb the Welsh football pyramid, this appointment is seen as the first in a number of positive and strategic moves being taken by the Bordermen.

Bristow, who played under Thelwell’s management as a teenage player, said: “I have known Rob for more than 10 years and formerly worked with him. He is a talented coach who brings a wealth of experience which adds to the already experienced coaching staff here at Saltney.

“His mentality towards the game, expectations from players and his personal ambitions match mine and that of Saltney Town FC.

“The club has big ambitions and Rob is the latest in a number of strategic moves we are making to achieve the potential we all know this football club has. We welcome Rob to the Town family and are looking forward to the return of football (friendlies) later this month.”

A well-known coach in Welsh football, Thelwell joins Saltney with a vast amount of experience in the game.

He has played for various clubs. Rob joined up with Eddie Barry to become assistant coach with Flint Town Reserves, then with Andrew Howard, father of former Saltney Town player Matthew Howard.

After Andrew Howard’s resignation at Flint, Rob took over as Flint Town Reserves manager with Lee Acott and Timmy Williams as assistants.

Within the first full season of Rob being in charge of Flint Town Reserves he had won the Clwyd Reserve Premier Division as well as the league cup double.

In the following season current Saltney boss Bristow was signed for Flint Reserves as a young 15-year-old player and managed by Rob.

After Rob left Flint he went on to coach at Halkyn United for three years as well as going back to playing for a season at Mynydd Isa Spartans.

He then went on to manage at Flint Mountain for one season and assistant for three, and in the third campaign they were undefeated North East Wales League champions, along with winning another three cups, their only losses coming to Acton FC in the last final as well as Cefn Druids first team in the NEWFA Cup.

After Rob’s promotion with newly-named Halkyn and Flint Mountain the following season was ended prematurely due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, Rob opted for a change and returned to Mynydd Isa Spartans this time as a coach, however due to the coronavirus restrictions they were unable to play a competitive game during his time there.

Thelwell said when asked about his latest appointment: “I wasn’t looking to leave Mynydd Isa but having worked with Sam and Adam Bailey in the past, in addition to Craig Hett’s reputation in Welsh football and Saltney Town being an established Tier 3 club, I felt it was an opportunity that could not be missed. I’m looking forward to meeting the players on the return of football.”

With the return of football being expected on April 27, keep a keen eye on Saltney’s website and social media for further announcements.