Big changes at St Asaph City FC – can they turn their season around?

There’s a lot of changes in the air at St Asaph City FC!

As well as ex-Meliden boss Dan Sleet recently being appointed manager at Roe Plas Meadows, former Rhos United chief Richard Hillier-Evans has now joined Saints’ management team.

Glyn Roberts, Deej Hobson and Jacob Wren make up the rest of the staff tasked with lifting the Tier 3 Ardal North West club out of relegation danger.

Asaph are currently bottom of the table on minus 2 points (3 deducted) with one draw and five losses in their opening six games.

Tough task ahead for the new management, but with some fresh signings on board they are relishing the challenge.

This week has seen midfielders Ashley Seddon, Richard Hill and Azzy Boyle switch over from Rhos, with experienced defender Jonathan Terry, formerly with currently folded Meliden, also joining the crew.

The 28-year-old Seddon played for a number of clubs before Rhos, including Bow, Prestatyn Town, Llanrwst United, Glan Conwy and Colwyn Bay.

Hill, 36, was a key man in Rhos’ Tier 5 double winning exploits last season, having also turned out for Bow, Prestatyn Town and Rhyl Dragons.

Boyle, 33, spent three seasons with Bow, winning the North Wales Coast East Division One league and cup double in 2023-24. His other clubs include Greenfield and Glan Conwy.

Hillier-Evans won the Tier 5 double with Bow in 2023-24 and did the same with Rhos last season. Both teams went through the entire league campaign unbeaten.

He was an award-winning goalkeeper in those seasons, but this term had restricted himself to management duties with Rhos in Tier 4.

Speaking of his move to St Asaph, Hillier-Evans said: “I’m chuffed I finally get to learn and work alongside Sleety. He’s a good friend who I always speak to about football and when we spoke about the project he wants to build there (St Asaph) and the short and long-term plans it was too good a chance to turn down.

“It was very hard to step down from Rhos, and I wish them nothing but the best as I hold very strong memories with them, but I’m excited to see what tier 3 is about.

“Training went well on Tuesday and it was really good to meet the lads. Some of the new lads we have coming in will only add to the quality we have at St Asaph already.

“I’m delighted that Sedds, Boyley and Giggs (Hill) have stayed loyal to me and joined me for this challenge in Tier 3. All 3 lads are more than capable of playing at this level and I can’t wait to see them put on the famous black and yellow shirt.

“I  can’t wait to get going with St. Asaph with Sleety, Glyn and Deej.”

Dan Sleet added: “I’m pleased to welcome Rich to St Asaph to be a part of our team. He’s someone who I feel is going to add value to our management team in place already and help the club progress, both on and off the pitch.

“I feel we’re starting to stabilise the club after a challenging start to the season for all involved and I feel this appointment helps continue the rebuilding project, alongside Glyn Roberts, Deej Hobson and Jacob Wren.

“Following this appointment and the signings we’ve recently made, our focus now turns to an important game this Saturday, away to Pwllheli.”