Rhuddlan Town confirm manager has resigned after weekend match abandonment

Rhuddlan Town have officially confirmed John “Barney” Barnes has stepped down as manager.

The Liverpudlian coach was red-carded for alleged dissent in Saturday’s abandoned North Wales Coast East Premier Division derby between Kinmel Bay and Rhuddlan.

Referee Anthony Howard called a halt to the match after 65 minutes due to unrest after he had sent off both Barnes and Rhuddlan player Mathew Beach.

Mr Howard said the reaction to his decisions left him with no alternative but to abandon the game for his own safety.

After the match, Rhuddlan insisted Mr Barnes had not made alleged remarks attributed to him and was a victim of mistaken identity. Town added he had resigned after the game in frustration and disillusionment.

Today, the club confirmed his decision was official and a replacement is being sought.

Saturday’s game stood at 3-2 to Kinmel Bay at the time of the abandonment.

The NWCFA is investigating the incident.

A statement from Rhuddlan Town said this evening: “The club today has reluctantly accepted John Barney Barnes’ resignation as Rhuddlan Town manager.

“The club would like to thank Barney for saving the club from folding a month before the season started. Barney has added some fantastic players to the club. He leaves the club having guided us to second place in the league currently and into a quarter final in the Cookson Cup.

“An announcement will be made soon regarding Barney’s replacement.”

Rhuddlan coach and former manager Wayne Hughes said he would take charge for an interim period. Most of the current squad are expected to stay on.