2024/25 End of Season Update

As another season comes to an end, Cefn Albion Football Club finds itself once again completing a full campaign with every game played away from home. Since being forced to leave The Rock in April 2022 under very difficult circumstances, our first team has had no choice but to host all “home” fixtures at Clywedog Park to remain eligible to compete at Tier 3. This ongoing arrangement continues to pose significant challenges for the club on multiple fronts.

We remain extremely grateful to Brickfield Rangers for their continued support. Without their help, we simply wouldn’t have been able to compete at the level we’ve worked hard to reach. That said, being away from our home village of Cefn Mawr has taken its toll on the club, financially, logistically, and in terms of team morale and our connection to the community we represent.

Despite these challenges, our team has shown great resilience on the pitch and deserves huge credit. In May 2023, we came agonisingly close to securing promotion to Tier 2, narrowly missing out after a tough extra-time defeat to Bangor 1876. As proud founding members of the Ardal North East league, we have had many successful seasons, regularly competing near the top of the division and enjoying memorable cup runs. However, this year has proved more difficult. Finishing in 11th place, our lowest position since the league’s formation, was disappointing and something people connected to the club are not used to seeing. Yet, we were just one point off 6th place, and we stayed amongst many other local clubs. When considering the many disruptions we've faced through the season, in reality, this in itself is an achievement. We’ve continued to fight hard, even when faced with adversity. It was an unpredictable season to say the least, from an emphatic 7–1 win away at Llansantffraid Village to suffering our heaviest Ardal defeat, an extremely disappointing 7–0 loss at Dolgellau AA! We more than held our own in the local derbies, completing the double over Chirk AAA, Rhos Aelwyd, and Penycae. Against Llangollen Town, we recorded a draw and a defeat in the league, along with a disappointing cup exit.

After the 2-0 local derby defeat to Llangollen Town on 28th December, we were disappointed by the resignation of our first team manager, Ian Andrews. Ian has been dedicated to the club over the years, and we are very grateful for his hard work, passion, and commitment. While his departure was a blow, we fully understood and respected his decision. His resignation was made with reluctance, and we chose not to make a public announcement at the time, given the uncertainty surrounding the team and key players. This is another opportunity for us to place on record and publicly thank Ian for all his hard work over the years. We hope to see Ian and his family at the presentation at the end of the month and on the sidelines supporting the club in the future.

We are very thankful to Josh Millington for his continued professionalism and dedication following Ian’s departure. A special thank you must also go to local lads Thomas Evans and Jack Richards, who stepped up from the reserves to help steady the ship. Without their contributions, things could have been much worse. Our appreciation also extends to Ellis Leighton, supported by Paul Vaughan, for managing the reserve side and ensuring they were in a position to support the first team as well as complete what was a difficult season for them, too. Being a reserve manager is never an easy role, but it became even more demanding after the January transfer window, with more key players leaving the club, following the excellent Jordan Williams, who moved to Flint Mountain in August. The departures of Tom Smith and Callum Mannion to Tier 2 clubs left significant gaps, but credit to the management for their efforts in bringing in signings like Owen Jones and Edgar Texiera, and the talented young Cruz Jones, who made the step up. Numerous reserve players deserve huge credit for stepping up and playing a big part in helping the team! We’d also like to thank several players who, despite receiving offers elsewhere, chose to remain loyal to the club and see out the season with us. Their commitment has been invaluable.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated group of volunteers continued to work hard, raising vital funds through sponsorship, events, and initiatives like Golden Goals and the Goldmine. They also managed matchday operations and took care of the numerous other tasks that ensure the club's survival and ability to compete with the ever-growing demands of Tier 3 ‘Grassroots’ football. We would like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors and everyone who has supported the club throughout the season. Whether you have had a go on the Goldmine, sponsored a player or member of the management team, or made a donation, every contribution has played an important part in helping the club continue to operate. We are especially grateful to our key sponsors who have backed us through larger partnerships. Thank you to The Cefn Club, Holybush Inn, Fron Kebab House, Acrefair Kebab House, and J Francis Roberts for your support, and we look forward to continuing our relationship into the 2025–26 season. We simply can’t do it without your support and backing.

The ongoing efforts to return the club to Cefn Mawr have now entered their third year. This process, often underestimated, requires a lot of effort. While we’ve faced many challenges, significant progress has been made with the MUGA and the licensing application, both of which will play a big role in bringing an end to our three-year exile. The very real prospect of returning home has provided hope and motivation for everyone involved. It reminds us all that rebuilding a permanent home will allow us to reconnect with the community, play in front of larger crowds, and re-establish ourselves in Cefn Mawr. A big thank you to everyone who has played a part, we are optimistic about our eventual return and hope to provide further updates very soon.

Work has already begun in earnest as we start building for the 2025–26 season, both on and off the pitch. Behind the scenes, discussions are ongoing around recruitment, preparation, and how best to move forward in a positive and sustainable way. It’s vital that we give ourselves the best chance of success next season and in the future, and that starts now. The break between campaigns is short, and we are fully committed to using this time to make the right decisions that will hopefully strengthen the club at every level.

As always, the club relies on the dedication of its volunteers, and we are actively looking for more people to get involved. Whether it's joining the committee, helping with matchday duties, assisting with fundraising, or simply offering your time and skills in any way you can, every bit of support makes a real difference. If you care about the club and want to help us push it forward, we’d love to hear from you. This is your club, and there’s always a place for those willing to be part of it.

To close out the season, we’re pleased to announce that a fundraising football match will take place at the MUGA on Friday, 31st May (more details will follow very soon). This will be followed by a low-key end-of-season presentation to recognise and thank players, volunteers, and supporters for their efforts throughout the season. It promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable evening and a chance for everyone to come together, reflect on the season. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Finally, we want to extend a big thank you to everyone who has played a part in supporting Cefn Albion over the past season. From the players and management teams to the committee, volunteers, sponsors, and every supporter who’s stood by us, your contribution is what helps keep this club going. It hasn’t been an easy but we hopefully look forward to a brighter chapter ahead. Announcements to be made in due course.

#UPTHEALBION
#TOGETHER