Midfield ace Karl Clair is appointed Prestatyn Town’s new player-manager
Prestatyn Town have appointed Karl Clair as player-manager.
The Cymru North club has acted quickly after parting company with former boss Chris Jones on Sunday.
Clair, 31, joined the Seasiders at the start of this season and has scored three goals in his seven appearances so far.
He netted the winner against Gresford Athletic in the opening league match of the campaign, and also made the scoresheet in 4-1 victories at Bangor 1876 and Gresford in the Cymru North and WBS League Cup respectively.
Clair also converted a penalty when Prestatyn knocked Flint Town United out of the Nathaniel MG Cup on spot-kicks in early August.
The new player-boss plunges straight in at the deep end with Prestatyn scheduled to host Cymru Premier side Colwyn Bay in the Nathaniel MG Cup on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Clair has played for a number of clubs in his career, including Liverpool FC’s reserve, under-18 and U-21 teams, Vauxhall Motors, Marine, Loughborough University’s Nike Academy, City of Liverpool FC, Lower Breck, Litherland and Skelmersdale.
The Anfield born midfielder was viewed as one of the Reds’ brightest prospects before he was hampered by a serious knee injury. He played in the 2009 FA Youth Cup Final, where Liverpool lost over two legs to Arsenal.
On his Prestatyn appointment, he said: “As a member of the current playing squad, I wasn’t actively looking for a pathway into management, as I feel I’ve still got plenty more to give on the pitch.
“However, once the opportunity came up, I spoke to the lads and they’ve given me incredible support to go on and build on the foundations of the previous management team.
“Every one of us is ready to fight for this brilliant community club, backed by the chairman and our fans.
“I’m honoured to be given the chance to manage this historic Welsh club that has so much talent and potential.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the job and doing my best to guide us up the table.”
Prestatyn are currently 13th in the 16-team Cymru North following back-to-back defeats, the latter a 3-1 loss at Guilsfield on Saturday.
In a statement, Prestatyn Town said: “We are excited to announce that Karl Clair has agreed to take on the role of player-manager, following the departure of Chris Jones.
“In the wake of this transition and the unfortunate loss of several first team players, we find ourselves left with a small playing squad until January and believe this appointment is the best option for the club.
“After speaking with Karl and the other playing staff, we have full confidence in Karl’s appointment to guide us through the upcoming tough fixture schedule, commencing with our match against Colwyn Bay on Tuesday night.”