New managers have been appointed at two of the region’s Spar Mid Wales League Division One clubs with Barry Williams named as the new boss of Presteigne and Sean Hackett unveiled as the new man in charge of Hay St Marys.
Barry Williams steps up having been Reserve team manager at Llanandras Park for the last five seasons with Phil Parker also moving up as his number two. Coincidentally, Williams took over in the 2005-2006 campaign from Karl Chapman who himself was then promoted to first team boss.
Presteigne chairman Alan Randall said the committee had felt it was only right that Williams and Parker should be given the chance to prove what they can do at the higher level. “We considered the options open to us and it was felt this was by far the best route to go down and there is a lot to be said for keeping it local,” he said.
“We are grateful to those who expressed an interest in the job but the general view was that Barry and Phil deserve the chance to take a side into the Spar League for next season.”
The decision means Presteigne will be running two senior sides and an under-18 team next season. The first team will play in the Spar Mid Wales League and the Reserves in the Mid Wales League (South). Andy Crowe will run the Reserves in the Mid Wales (South) and Presteigne will not be fielding a CP Llanandras side next season.
The new management team, who are well respected by the players, are well aware of the task ahead and their first priority will be to speak to members of Tim Broome’s squad of last season while they will also look to strengthen in key areas.
They accept it is a major step up but feel it is to their advantage that they have had so long working with the Reserves who finished fifth in what was an extremely competitive Mid Wales League (South) last season.
Meanwhile, Hackett takes over at home town club Hay just three weeks after leading Builth Wells to a Mid Wales (South) league and cup double. He replaces Fil Wisniewski who acted in a caretaker role following the resignation of Chris Baynton in January.
Hay chairman Martin Tong said he was delighted with the early appointment. Tong added: “Hay is Sean’s home town club and we are delighted to have him as manager. His record at Builth speaks for itself.”
Tong confirmed an assistant manager has been appointed while two experienced coaches are in place but he’s keeping their identity under wraps for now.
Hackett arrived at Builth Wells as coach to Mike Lloyd at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season but took over when Lloyd and the club parted company. Builth ended fourth that season fourth but his first campaign in charge saw Hackett lead Builth to a league and cup double ensuring his place in the club’s history.
Hay will be running two senior teams next season in the Spar Mid Wales League and the Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South). Last Wednesdays night’s Annual Meeting saw Ian Jones named as player-manager of the Reserve team.
The popular goalkeeper will be looking to appoint someone to assist him on match days.