Caerwys survive early season crisis – but it could still be a tough road ahead

Caerwys Football Club have endured a difficult start to the season, but can feel proud of the fact they are still functioning.

The tier 4 club was left in the lurch three weeks before the start of the 2024-25 campaign when manager Dan Sands left to join CPD Gronant.

Around the same time, first-team coach and under-19s manager Neil Day announced he was taking a break from football, but has since joined Corwen, whilst the Reserves management of Connor Richardson and Ieuan Rowe took over at North East Wales Football League Championship side Brymbo.

Several players also moved on.

There is only Liam Grafton left from the under 19’s team which did the treble last season and the sole first team regular to stay for this term is skipper Lewis Harrison.

Caerwys had to concede last weekend’s FAW Welsh Cup tie to Llandudno Amateurs as they only had a handful of players registered.

So basically, the Flintshire club faced starting all over again from scratch – and the good news is a new management team has taken over.

Andrew Gilsenan is the new first team manager, Iwan Woodworth is his assistant and Ryan Howells is also part of the set up as coach.

Long-serving club president Steve Griffith said some local players from the Summer League team who have never played in the Winter League have signed on to boost the numbers.

Mr Griffith added: “It’s not going to be easy but looking back to last season when we had two teams, we started with two reserve teams, so were fortunate that tier 4 players were drafted in as the season progressed. I guess the same will apply this season so it’s not all doom and gloom.”

Caerwys exited the FAW Amateur Trophy on Saturday 1-0 at home to Llandyrnog United, who themselves had problems finding a manager this summer before Stephen Jones took on the role.

Caerwys always welcome new players. Training is on Tuesdays at Lon-yr-Ysgol from 7 pm.