Double joy for Neil Gibson is reward for a fantastic first three months as Nomads manager

These are good times for Connah’s Quay Nomads boss Neil Gibson.

Yesterday, he was given a new, full-time two-and-a-half year contract as first team manager by the Deeside club.

And today, Gibbo was named Cymru Premier Manager of the Month for October.

During the month, the Quay won six out of six matches across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two.

The two-time Cymru Premier champions have tasted victory in their last 10 matches going back to September 20.

They are second in the CP table with a six-point lead over third-place Bala Town.

NOMADS’ OCTOBER SUPER SIX
Oct 1: Haverfordwest County (h – Cymru Premier) 1-0
Oct 8: Denbigh Town (a – Welsh Cup) 5-1
Oct 15: Cardiff Met (h – Cymru Premier) 2-0
Oct 18: Ruthin Town (h – Nathaniel MG Cup) 2-0
Oct 22: Penybont (a – Cymru Premier) 1-0
Oct 28: Newtown (h – Cymru Premier) 3-1

Co-owner, Gary Dewhurst commented: “Darren (Pritchard, co-owner) and I have been blown away by the impact Neil has had around the club in his first 100 days.

“He has galvanised the whole on-field and off-field team and including cup games, has achieved a fantastic 82% win rate during this period, winning 14 of 17 games.

“Most pleasing, is his continued integration of our outstanding Academy set-up and we look forward to Neil now introducing a clear playing philosophy from our U-16’s through to the first team, paving the way for a real pathway for our talented youngsters.”

UEFA Pro Licence holder Gibson, a former Wales U21 midfielder, managed Prestatyn Town for eight seasons in the Welsh Premier League, was in charge when the club won the Welsh Cup for the first time in its then 103-year history and guided them to success in a European tie.

He won three Cymru North titles as Prestatyn boss and as well as a previous spell working alongside Andy Morrison and Jay Catton at Nomads, also managed Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier, finishing fifth in his first season.

Neil was appointed Nomads manager in August 2022.

OTHER PLAYER/MANAGER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

CYMRU PREMIER

Player of the Month
Andy Firth (Connah’s Quay Nomads)

Another success for Nomads and no surprise at all!

Formerly with Rangers, for whom he made one first team appearance, Firth joined Partick Thistle on loan before signing for Connah’s Quay in 2022.

He has been outstanding for Neil Gibson’s side this season.

After also being nominated for PoM in September, Firth kept three clean sheets in four October games and made a crucial penalty save in the 1-0 away win at Penybont.

JD CYMRU NORTH

Manager of the Month
Johnny Haseldin (Holywell Town)

Under the long-serving Haseldin, Holywell won all four matches in October.

They have been victorious in 10 league matches on the bounce and sit second in the Cymru North, level on points with leaders Colwyn Bay, but behind them on goal difference.

Haseldin has won the FAW Trophy with Holywell as a player and manager, lifted the Welsh Alliance League title in 2014-15 and made history by becoming the only boss to lead a third tier team into the Welsh Cup semi-finals in 2013-14.

Player of the Month
Dan Atkins – Prestatyn Town

One of the stars of Prestatyn Town’s rise in October was Dan Atkins, who scored five times in as many matches, four league and one Welsh Cup.

His most important contribution was a brace to beat Holyhead Hotspur 2-0.

Good to see Prestatyn, the 2019-20 Cymru North champions, back winning awards again.