As we look to re-build after what has been a difficult season for us, we are pleased to announce that the club will be looking to re-introduce a reserve side to compete in the WNL Reserves & Colts Division for the 2018-2019 season. With the emphasis placed on youth we will also be looking to enter the FAW Welsh Youth Cup for the 1st time.
It is with great pleasure that the club would like to announce the appointment of Gavin Bowen as our new Reserve Team Manager.
Commenting on the appointment Chairman Colin Jackson said "While it was a bitterly disappointing decision to drop our reserves last year it was hoped it would only be a short term measure and i am glad to say so it has proved. We believe the appointment of Gavin who had worked for many years in the past as not only a successful coach but in the role of Head of Youth with the club will be the ideal person to help the young players from our excellent youth system make the transition to senior football. On behalf of everyone at the club i would like to take this opportunity to wish Gavin every success in his new role. Hopefully in the next few weeks we will be in a position to announce further developments at the club"
Gavin shared his thoughts on his appointment, " Firstly I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the Chairman & the Committee for offering me the manager position for the newly formed reserve squad.I have had a long association with Penycae Football Club, signing as a player back in 2001 and being part of the senior squad up until 2013, being privileged to play with some of the best players I have seen at this level. A lot has changed since them days, and it’s a privilege to be involved at this club, as they constantly strive for improvement on and off the pitch.It was after one of these games that Dave Lovell, or Bando as we affectionately call him, asked me if I wanted to coach a youth team within the club. I then went on to coach a team from u8 through to u16, and also coached at the Liverpool FC International Academy, taking me to places such as Iceland & all the Scandinavian countries. My first venture into senior football was as part of Steve Walters coaching staff, but due to work commitments I have had to take a back seat in the last few years from all coaching.
Having been involved with Aled Williams squad during the u15 & u16 campaign, I’m looking forward to integrating them into senior football with the newly established reserve squad in the Colts league. Whilst there will be challenges ahead as the lads step up from Youth football, I can ensure everyone we won’t be there just to make up the numbers.
Now the role is confirmed I’m looking forward to planning for the new season, scouting, talking to and recruiting players but that will not deflect me from the current challenge of helping Aled & the lads win back to back titles and lifting the two cups we are still fighting for.