Robert Cunnah to step down as Rhyl All Stars manager – but the story will continue….

One of the youngest and most dedicated managers on the grassroots football scene has announced he will be stepping down from his club role once a suitable replacement has been sourced.

Robert Cunnah, 24, has led Rhyl All Stars since the club was founded and joined the former Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Football League in the Covid-shortened 2019-20 season.

It has been a major struggle at times for the respected coach, but he is into his third season and the team is still afloat.

He will still be running the All Stars from behind the scenes, as chairman and secretary of the club.

The decision was conveyed to the squad a few weeks ago, but today he has announced it to the football community.

Robert will still take charge of the team on the field, alongside coaches Thomas Inns, Lewis Prime and Luke Wilmot, until that replacement is found, even if one is not sourced until the end of the season.

Robert said: “It’s been an extremely difficult decision to announce that I will be stepping down, but I feel that now is the time to allow someone new, and someone fresh, to come in and take charge of the on field duties.

“I started the club back in 2019, and I have spent the last 4 years running both on and off the pitch, and it has been an amazing experience.”

He added: “I’ve met some fantastic people through running the club, some of who I have created a fantastic relationship with. I’ve also had the pleasure of coaching some fantastic players, while watching and helping develop as a person and as a footballer.

“It takes a lot of energy to run a football club on your own, and I feel that now is time to take a break for myself personally, as there’s a substantial amount of stress involved.

“I would like to personally thank the likes of Wayne Edward Hughes and Tony Hepton, as they have both been a fantastic support network for me over the years, and have always offered their advice or help, while also thanking many other unnamed people who have supported me along the way.”

However, Robert did admit there has been a downside to the role.

“Despite some of the fantastic people I’ve met and the support along the way, there is also a major downside to local football.

“Unfortunately there are many toxic characters in the local football scene, who only wish to criticize and attempt to dismantle things you have done, despite never doing something like this themselves.

“I am very proud of the family feel I’ve helped create at the club, and I know even when I eventually depart as manager, that will continue, especially with some of the fantastic characters we have at the club.

“Something very special has been built here, and I look forward to bringing someone in who can continue to build on the hard work already put in place.”

RHYL ALL STARS

Rhyl All Stars finished bottom of Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Division One in 2019-20, winning two out of 14 games including a memorable first-ever victory at Penrhyn Bay in September 2019 after six straight losses.

All Stars won 5-2 with Mehmed Barzev the main hero for the visitors with a hat-trick, Simon Roberts and Ricky Roberts also on target.

With 2020-21 cancelled due to the pandemic, All Stars’ first full season was 2021-22 in the new North Wales Coast East League Division One.

Results were much improved, with five wins and three draws while finishing 13th.

This season sees All Stars in 11th spot with one victory in seven outings.

Robert’s management has brought along the rise to prominence of many a talented player, including Simon Roberts, who has gone on to sign for higher-level Llannefydd and St Asaph City.

Two of the strongest players in the current Y Glannau squad, goal machine Harrison Bellis and Aaron Dodwell, also benefited under Robert’s guidance.

GRASSROOTS NORTH WALES COMMENT….

Robert has been one of the very best to work with.

Always keen to support the website, he has regularly sent me reports, win, draw or lose. Regardless of the result, he has always sought positives in his team’s performance.

One of the difficulties Rob has faced is nurturing some great talents, only for other clubs to cash in on his work and entice his players away on a regular basis.

Having to do so much work himself, and with finances a non-entity for most at tier 5 level, Robert has sometimes found it hard not just to establish a team to get results on the field, but also keep that team together, but he has always remained optimistic, philosophical and never bitter, always wishing departing players all the best.

Hopefully the future can be brighter both for Robert and Rhyl All Stars. Rob is massively respected for the job he has done and the dedication shown. He IS grassroots.