Presteigne St Andrews Football Club

Barry Williams to step down as manager

Presteigne St Andrews Football Club’s first-team manager Barry Williams has informed the club’s committee he is planning to stand down at the end of the current campaign after one season in charge.

Barry has a long association with the club as both a player and successful reserve-team manager but he admits it has been a struggle in the Spar Mid Wales League first division this season.

“Circumstances meant that, with a few exceptions, we have had to try and compete in this league with what was essentially last season’s reserve-team squad,” he said.

“My assistant Phil Parker and I always knew it was going to be tough but we have struggled to strengthen the squad as it is difficult to attract players when you are bottom of the league.

“But we would like to thank the squad for working so hard this season and we can assure them and the club that we will be giving it our all over the remainder of the campaign,” he added.

On behalf of the club’s committee, Presteigne St Andrews’ chairman Alan Randell paid tribute to the efforts of the management team in what has clearly been a very difficult season.

“Barry and Phil were good enough to take on the running of the side last summer after we were let down by other would-be candidates and we shall always be grateful to them,” he said.

“Nobody could ever fault the effort they have put into their roles and it is perhaps ironic this announcement comes at a time when we have hit what is arguably our best form of the season.

“We are hoping they will both remain actively involved in the club through next season and beyond as they are both valuable members of our committee,” he added.

The club will begin the hunt for a manager for the 2011-12 season immediately and Alan Randell is inviting anyone interested in the post to get in touch at their earliest convenience.

“We have a completely open mind as to the kind of manager we are looking for – it could be someone with experience or maybe somebody who is finishing their playing days and who wants to remain the game,” he said.

“But if we are relegated at the end of the season, it will be our intention to regain our first division place at the first possible opportunity.

“Anyone who is interested in the post can contact me for an initial chat on 07917 606127.”

-END-

For further information please contact Alan Randell on 07017 606127 or Trevor Owens on 07910 072825.