Ian Andrews Appointed as the new first team manager

The football club is delighted to announce that Ian Andrews has been appointed as the new first-team manager of Cefn Albion. We were impressed with his plans and are excited as Ian’s preparations for leading the team into the 2022/23 Ardal Northern East Division are well underway.

Within the football club, Ian’s appointment has been common knowledge for some time and following Sean Jones’ decision to step down due to work and family commitments, it was recognised that he was the ideal candidate to step up and take the reins and we delighted that he accepted the role. Ian currently holds a C license and we have plans to help him acquire his B license this year. 

Ian has been at the football club since May 2019 when it was announced that the highly-rated coach had joined the first team management having left his position at neighbours Penycae. Back then he initially teamed up with first-team trio Stephen ‘Wacky’ Davies, Sean Jones and Stephen Lloyd-Jones but it was announced shortly after that ‘Wacky’ was to leave his position which Micro later filled with Ian becoming assistant as well as a coach. The experienced Rich Williams Cooke, who is staying with the Albion later joined the team with Stephen Lloyd Jones stepping down. Since 2019, across the 3 seasons that Ian has been part of the management team, we have seen a 72.41% win ratio in a combined 56 league fixtures (P56 W42 D7 L7). He has helped instil a winning mentality throughout the team.

Ian has been with Cefn Albion long enough to understand and appreciate the high standards and ethos that are expected by those involved at the club. When combined with the principles that he sets himself, we are confident he can positively make an impact in his new role at the football club. Ian has gained full respect and confidence from the players and committee which is vital to ensure the club continues to challenge and remain as competitive as possible moving forward. Together with Cookie and some additions who we are currently speaking with we are on course to have a strong management team ahead of the new season.

Ian Andrews has been with the Albion since 2019

Whether it’s someone signing as a player or joining the management or committee, at Cefn Albion we value the importance of ensuring that we bring in the right people who match the club ethos. We believe that Ian Andrews fits this profile and he possesses the necessary qualities that will help us move forward and build for what we believe is a bright future. We are excited that he has agreed to come on board with this exciting new challenge and look forward to seeing all the current players and new faces return on the 18th of June 2022. Here is what Ian had to say regarding the appointment

“I would like to start off by thanking Sean Jones for giving me the opportunity to join the coaching staff at Cefn Albion nearly 3 years ago, we've built a good relationship and become good friends. Along with Cookie, we brought the best out of each other and the team, but we just couldn't get over the line last season. Moving forward, I'm really looking forward to working with the group of players and pushing them harder in pre-season and challenging them at every session to be prepared to have a go at all competitions. The main aim is to challenge at the top end of the league and for promotion, the club are working hard off the field to give Cefn a chance to play at a higher level for the 1st time since it evolved and myself and Cookie will build this team of players to believe they can go on achieve anything when they stick together. I would like to finish by thanking Stew Roberts and the committee for giving me the chance to lead this team, the hard work has already started and hopefully, we'll achieve great things together. Thanks, Ian Andrews”

Ian preparing a warm-up during our Welsh Cup Clash at Conwy Borough

We also spoke to Cefn Albion chairman Stewart Roberts who said “We are delighted Ian has stepped into the void left with Sean stepping down, not only does Ian deserve his chance to shape the squad to his liking he also offers us much needed continuity and having the experienced Rich Williams Cooke around again gives further confidence that we can remain competitive, we look forward to seeing what the lads can produce”

Long-serving Haydn Evans also had his say and he said “It's great news that Ian has decided to take the reins first-team reigns after Sean’s decision to step down. Ian has loads of experience and a good knowledge of local football, with Cookie remaining involved I'm sure there will be some new faces added as well. I’m confident that Ian will take the football team forward representing where it belongs. I would like to wish Ian and the management team all the best for the season”

It goes without saying that we wish Ian, Rich and anyone who is joining the management team in the very near future all the best in their roles at CAFC. The football club will support the team 100% as we move forward together, the important thing is you enjoy it! As we look ahead to the new season a preseason schedule is already in place for both the first team and reserves with most friendlies arranged and training dates scheduled. Off the field, the committee have been working extremely hard in securing new sponsorships and things such as new kits etc. to ensure we are ready for 2022/23. 

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