Ian Andrews Named 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 Football Club. Ian is already well-known and respected by the current players, and the committee believes his appointment will bring continuity and stability to the team.

Following interim manager Sean Jones’ decision to step down at the end of the 2023/24 season, we received considerable interest in the first-team manager position. However, after numerous discussions with Ian, his ideas and detailed plans for leading the team stood out. We are excited about his appointment as he prepares to guide us into the 2024/25 Ardal Northern East Division season.

Josh Millington confirmed as player/coach

In further good news for the club, we are pleased to announce that Ian has already strengthened his coaching team by appointing current player Josh Millington as player/coach. Josh is a highly rated FAW A License coach and is well respected for his work at Wrexham AFC and currently at Wales where he mentors future coaches of the game. Like Ian, Milly is a well-respected and popular member of the team, he is ready to step up to senior football coaching bringing fresh ideas and a wealth of coaching knowledge from his experience. We are excited about these appointments and are confident that Ian and Josh can bring out the best in our players.

We are also pleased to confirm that Paul Conlan will continue as Club Physio, and Andy Roberts will remain to support as Goalkeeper Coach. Two hugely important roles at the football club! Additionally, we are in discussions with another highly-rated coach to join the team and will provide further updates in due course. We need to have a strong team in place, and things are shaping up nicely to achieve that goal.

Background

At Cefn Albion, we try and prioritise bringing in the right people who align with our club ethos, whether they're signing as players, joining the management team, or becoming part of the committee. We believe Ian Andrews embodies these values and possesses the qualities needed to help us progress and build a bright future.

Ian joined the club in May 2019, bringing valuable experience from his previous role at neighbors Penycae. Since then, he has become well-acquainted with Cefn Albion's high standards and has helped to promote them too. In the 2022/23 season, Ian nearly led the team into the Cymru North, the second tier of Welsh football, but a narrow loss to Bangor FC in the Ardal Northern playoff final denied the team. We are confident that he will positively impact his new role as first-team manager and bring back similar successes. Additionally, a change in Ian’s work commitments now allows him to fully dedicate himself to the role, a significant factor in his appointment.

We are pleased that he has accepted this exciting new challenge and look forward to seeing all the current players and new faces support Ian as we return to pre-season training on Saturday, June 15th, 2024. Here is what Ian had to say regarding his appointment:

“It feels great to be appointed Manager of Cefn Albion again. Having come so close to winning promotion two seasons ago, our focus now is on getting the club and team back to basics and restoring confidence in our players. Last season was tough for everyone involved, but the players were fantastic towards the end.

Looking ahead to the new season, it's all about building the squad and instilling the belief that we can challenge for trophies again. I'm working hard before pre-season to keep the squad together and add a few players to strengthen our depth.

I've also been focusing on the coaching staff. Andy Roberts will continue as a goalkeeper coach, Josh Millington will join as a player/coach, Paul Conlan will continue in his physio role, and I'm in discussions with another potential coach to join us.

I'm thankful to the committee for giving me another chance to bring good times back to Albion. With the hard work happening behind the scenes, hopefully, it can be a great season. Up the Albion! 🔵🔵”

Speaking about the appointment of Ian Andrews Albion chair Stewart Roberts said “Both myself and the Committee are delighted that Ian is stepping up into the Manager role once again, having previously taken us to the point of promotion. Ian is respected by the players and the officers at the club, and he will receive unwavering support from everyone at Cefn Albion.

We are also thrilled that Josh Millington will step up into the role of Player Coach. Milly continues to excel on the pitch and is one of the brightest coaches locally. We look forward to him making an impact this season.

Retaining the services of Andy Roberts as GK Coach and Paul Conlan as Physio allows for further continuity as the club looks to bounce back as contenders once again. 

On behalf of the club, I would also like to thank Sean Jones for stepping in last season under difficult circumstances. Sean's effort and commitment, along with that of the players and management, have ensured that Ian can reset quickly, allowing us to go again next season.”

We extend our best wishes to the management team of Ian, Josh, Paul, and Andy. The football club is committed to supporting them 100% as we move forward together. The most important thing is that everyone enjoys the journey!

Sean Jones Appreciation

We would also like to thank Sean Jones for his hard work and commitment after stepping in as interim manager last November. Last season was challenging, but Sean picked up the baton and ensured the team stuck together and we remained as competitive as possible. We appreciate all his efforts over the years and throughout this period. Enjoy your break, Micro, and we look forward to seeing you at our games as a CAFC supporter.

As we look ahead to the new season, a preseason schedule is nearly finalised for both the first team and reserves, with friendlies arranged and training dates set. Off the field, the committee has been working diligently to secure new sponsorships and make all necessary preparations to ensure we are ready for the 2024/25 season. Lots of wheels are in motion!

#UPTHEALBION
#TOGETHER
#NEWGAFFER
#NEWSEASON