Rhyl appoint former Prestatyn manager Wilson as new man in charge
Rhyl FC have strengthened their coaching staff for the upcoming Huws Gray Alliance season with the addition of former Prestatyn Town manager Gareth Wilson as the club’s first team manager.
It has been a summer of change at Belle Vue, with Eddie Maurice-Jones arriving from Denbigh as Director of Football, after the management team of Matthew Connolly and Matthew Jones were deemed surplus to requirements this post-season.
Maurice-Jones was appointed Director of Football after guiding Denbigh Town to the club’s highest ever league finish, after they finished just five points behind league winners Caernarfon Town.
But, the club have now moved to appoint their new manager for the coming season and have controversially appointed the former manager of the club’s fierce rivals, Prestatyn Town with the announcement of Wilson as the new man at the helm.
Wilson had a distinguished career with the Lilywhites during his playing career. The new manager made over 200 appearances for the club and was a key member of the quadruple winning side of 2003/04, when the club won the JD Welsh Premier League, Welsh Cup, Welsh League Cup and the North Wales Challenge Cup.
Wilson turned out for both The New Saints and Welshpool Town, but ended his playing career with Rhyl’s rivals Prestatyn Town. The former Seasiders player turned manager in 2018, as he took charge of the club’s first team following the departure of manager Neil Gibson to Connah’s Quay Nomads.
But, Wilson could not stop the club’s poor run in the league, as the Seasiders were relegated after just one season in the top flight. But, the manager now has his opportunity with the new management structure at Rhyl.
Maurice-Jones was delighted to get Wilson in ahead of the new campaign, with the club having high hopes ahead of the new season.
“The appointment of Gareth to an already impressive and valued management team is a strong statement of intent. The new additions brings a wealth of experience and a set of skills that will only strengthen the team. Gareth’s desire and worth ethic is a matching fit for our vision for Rhyl Football Club’s future.
It has been refreshing discussing our plans and our philosophy’s which meets the aspirations of all involved and I personally look forward to working with Gareth. His connection with the club speaks volumes and I’m confident he will be welcomed greatly to the club for what we assure will be a success.”
