Disney’s almost fairytale start to life as Nomads boss lands him top award

In his first season in charge of Connah’s Quay Nomads, John Disney is performing so well even his famous namesake Walt might have considered adapting the script for a feelgood movie.

Very fitting, therefore, that after a brilliant run of results the 33-year-old has been named JD Cymru Premier Manager of the Month for November 2025.

During the 11th month, Nomads picked up nine points out of nine, beating Cardiff Met (3-0, away), Penybont (4-0, home) and Llanelli Town (2-1, away).

The Quay are currently second in the Cymru Premier, having embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run.

NINE UNBEATEN FOR NOMADS
Dec 5: Colwyn Bay (home) 2-1
Nov 29: Llanelli Town (away) 2-1
Nov 8: Penybont (h) 4-0
Nov 1: Cardiff Met (a) 3-0
Oct 25: Haverfordwest County (a) 3-3
Oct 11: Briton Ferry Llansawel (a) 3-0
Oct 7: Bala Town (a) 3-1
Oct 4: Llanelli Town (h) 3-0
Sep 27: Barry Town United (a) 0-0

With Nomads having been such high achievers in recent seasons, but finishing a disappointing eighth last term, leading to the sacking of predecessor Billy Paynter, the pressure was certainly on Disney when he took over as boss back in May.

However, he has responded to the challenge magnificently, with 12 wins and four draws across 21 matches in all competitions so far.

It is the surge in league form since September, however, which makes him a fully deserved Manager of the Month.

Disney intimated that his role at the club would change following a 2-1 defeat to TNS in last season;s JD Welsh Cup Final in an emotional interview with S4C.

The Irishman played over 300 competitive games for the club and has won almost everything available to him as a player within the Welsh pyramid, picking up the Cymru Premier title twice, Nathaniel MG Cup twice, the JD Cymru Premier Play-offs, a runners up medal in the Scottish Challenge Cup and last season led the team, as captain, to only its second ever Welsh Cup triumph.

Disney originally joined Nomads from Hednesford Town in January 2016 and left the club briefly in May 2017 before brief spells at Altrincham Town and Bala Town, but would return to Nomads in 2018 and continue to be a part of the club ever since.

Disney completed his UEFA B Licence through the FAW alongside the likes of Premier League players Andros Townsend and Martin Kelly and soon took on a coaching role in the U18s whilst completing his UEFA A Licence which he would complete in 2024 in a class containing ex-Chelsea and French International, Florent Malouda.

Disney also coached Nomads Men’s Scholars for the past two seasons as part of his coaching role at the club.

A most worthy Manager of the Month for November 2025.