Prestatyn Town manager Matty Roberts resigns, Chris Morrell given caretaker role

Prestatyn Town manager Matty Roberts has resigned.

Roberts took over at Bastion Gardens in January and won just three of his 15 matches at the helm, but importantly under his leadership the Seasiders survived in the Cymru North last season thanks to a final night 2-2 draw at Gresford Athletic.

This season has produced mixed fortunes for Town so far, with 6-0 and 7-0 losses in the league, but also an excellent 4-1 home win over a previously unbeaten Bangor 1876, which saw Prestatyn perform superbly.

The club suffered a big blow this week when hot prospect, striker Alfie Vaughan, departed for Denbigh Town.

Prestatyn released the following statement today: “Prestatyn Town FC can confirm Matty Roberts has resigned as manager with immediate effect. The process of appointing a new manager to take the club forward is already underway.

“Meanwhile, Chris Morrell will take charge of team matters for our fixture v Guilsfield on Friday evening.

“The club would like to thank Matty for his hard work and dedication during his time as manager, especially for keeping us in tier 2. This wasn’t a rushed decision by Matty and plenty of consideration was taken

“Everybody at Prestatyn Town FC wishes Matty the best for the future.”

Before joining Prestatyn, Roberts enjoyed a successful 18 months in charge of St Asaph City, whom he led to a Tier 4 treble of North Wales Coast East Premier Division title, NWCFA Intermediate Cup and Cookson Cup in 2022-23.

In all, the team won 80% of his 63 matches in charge at Roe Plas Meadows.

Caretaker-manager Chris Morrell (pictured above) is a highly experienced coach and former Prestatyn Town player who has been involved within the club’s management structure in the past.

Perhaps his finest achievement was leading the North Wales Coast FA squads at senior and under-18 level.

He was in charge of the Coast squad which won their first-ever points in the UEFA Regions Cup and gave many a fine youngster a chance to shine for the under-18s.

Morrell has also managed at St Asaph City and Conwy Borough, as well as working with Meliden, Llandudno and Llandudno Junction. He is a past head of men’s football at Salford University.