‘Perry’ departs as Rhyl 1879 manager after a poor run of results

Gareth Thomas won a tremendous double in his first season at Rhyl 1879 manager

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas has left the club.

Thomas, known as ‘Perry’, had been in charge of the phoenix club since it formed in 2020, replacing the long-established Rhyl FC at Belle Vue.

With the 2020-21 season cancelled due to Covid, Thomas at the helm competitively from the start of 2021-22.

The Lilywhites have lost all four games during October, exiting the FAW Trophy to lower league Lex XI and the Welsh Cup at Caersws, as well as suffering ;league defeats at Trearddur Bay and Porthmadog, leaving them fifth in Tier 3 Ardal North West.

Supporters were critical of the side on social media after Saturday’s 2-1 loss at leaders Porthmadog, some claiming 1879 were looking like missing out on promotion for a third successive season.

Today came the announcement that Thomas has departed the club.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 released the following statement: “The club would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Perry for his tireless dedication over the last 4 years and the significant successes he brought to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 since our inception as a club in 2020.

“His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the men’s team through important milestones, including an unbeaten season that saw us crowned league and cup winners, as well as two strong third-place finishes in recent campaigns.

“Perry’s efforts, both on and off the pitch, will be fondly remembered and deeply appreciated by everyone connected to the club.

“While recent results have not met our expectations, and as we remain committed to our ambition of securing promotion from the Ardal North West League into the Cymru North, we believe that now is the right time to make a managerial change.

“This decision is not made lightly and is aligned with the club’s long-term goal of reaching the top tier of Welsh football.

“We as a club are incredibly grateful for everything Perry has done during his tenure, and we wish him nothing but success in his future endeavours. He will always be a valued part of the CPD Y Rhyl 1879 family.

“We will begin the process to recruit a new manager immediately, please follow our social channels for all the latest updates.”

Rhyl 1879 began life in the Tier 4 North Wales Coast East League Premier Division and their debut season was a resounding success.

They won the league title, going unbeaten all season with 24 wins and two draws, and lifted the Cookson Cup to complete a tremendous double.

Promoted to the third-tier Ardal North West in 2022-23, the Lilywhites finished third behind strong sides Denbigh Town and Bangor 1876.

Last season brought another third-place finish behind promoted Flint Mountain and Llay Welfare.

The current campaign had been a disappointment so far, in stark contrast to club fortunes off the field which delivered the amazing news that 1879 were now official owners of the Belle Vue ground.

However, recent results had cast gloom over the team and the decision was taken to change the manager.

While Gareth Thomas’ reign has ended on a sad note, he will be remembered as the man who got the new club off to a flying start and his overall stats record was far from a disgrace.