Richard Cooke-Williams Steps Down as Assistant Manager

Cefn Albion Football Club is disappointed to announce the departure of Richard Cooke-Williams from his role as Assistant Manager of the first team. Cookie has decided to step down due to his increasing work and family commitments, which have made it challenging for him to devote the necessary time and attention to the position. Everyone at the football club fully understands his situation and fully supports his difficult decision.

Since joining the football club in July 2020 as part Sean Jones’ backroom team, Cookie has been an invaluable asset to the team, demonstrating unwavering dedication and commendable work ethic. His contribution has greatly benefited the club, and he has earned the respect and admiration of everyone associated with Cefn Albion. Together with Ian Andrews, who faced similar availability challenges due to work this season, the duo came remarkably close to accomplishing the seemingly impossible task of securing promotion to Tier 2.

After making the decision, Rich Cooke-Williams stated, "It is with deep regret that I will be stepping down as Assistant Manager from Cefn Albion due to work and family commitments. Missing 50% of games in the season is not an ideal situation, both for me and the players. Emotionally, it drains me, and it hurts me more to lose when I cannot be present at the game. To ensure the club's progression towards promotion, I believe they require a more stable management team that can give the role 100%, which unfortunately I cannot right now”.

Rich also highlighted his commitment to supporting his son, Rhys, as he embarks on his own football journey. Rhys's training and matches, occurring up to three or four times a week, necessitate Rich's involvement and support. In his departing statement, Rich expressed his gratitude towards the club, stating, "What can I say about the club? I can honestly say it's one of the best groups of people to be involved with in my whole 27 years of senior football. This includes the players, coaches, committee, supporters, and the wider community. The Cefners are a special group of people, that's for sure!!"

Although Cookie will be greatly missed, the club acknowledges the circumstances that have led to his decision and remains open to welcoming him back should his circumstances change in the future. Cefn Albion recognises his impact and expresses its sincere appreciation for his hard work, dedication, and the enduring friendships he has forged during his tenure.

Moving forward, Rich Cooke-Williams extended his gratitude and best wishes to Stew Roberts, the Chairman of Cefn Albion, stating, "Finally, I would like to thank Stew Roberts for all his support and wish him and everyone else all the best in achieving his ambitions with the club. I have made friends for life here, and I am sure of that."

Rich Cooke-Williams concluded by stating "I am fully committed to seeing the club thrive, and whenever my schedule permits, I will make it a point to attend their games and show my support to the team. #UPTHEALBION"

Stewart Roberts, representing the collective sentiment of everyone at Cefn Albion Football Club, graciously acknowledges and expresses our sincere appreciation to Cookie for his exceptional commitment and dedication throughout his tenure with the club. Roberts said “his extensive experience, combined with his enthusiasm, alongside the remarkable efforts of Sean and Ian, brought us incredibly close to promotion despite the most daunting of circumstances. Beyond being a highly valued colleague, Cookie is also regarded as a trusted friend, and I personally extend my heartfelt gratitude for his enduring camaraderie. We wholeheartedly wish him a well-deserved break and eagerly anticipate his return to us as frequently as possible. Diolch, Cookie!”

We thank Rich for all his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavours, and good luck to his son, Rhys, on his football journey. Rich and his family will always be welcome in the Cefn Mawr community!

#TOGETHER
#UPTHEALBION
#TOGETHER