I played as a teenager and always enjoyed the game wishing I had played longer but injury and family life took over and life carried on without football. I was given the opportunity to take over my son’s u8s team a few years ago and found my love for the game again. This then progressed into managing the Llanberis u14s then u16s and last year was fortunate enough to coach the Llanberis ladies team. I really enjoyed that experience of being part of the female game and the fact it was growing and getting the support it needed.
When I spoke to Dafydd Evans about CPDM Bangor 1876 WFC, I loved the club’s ambitions and the buzz they created about ladies women’s football in general. It was clear that we shared the same ambitions and we just clicked.The club has a coherent 5 year plan with a player pathway from u8s all the way through to seniors which is really exciting and I wanted to be part of. They are not just offering the players a chance to develop but also offering coaching and management opportunities. So when the offer came to become the first-ever manager of the CPDM Bangor 1876 WFC senior team it wasn’t an opportunity that I could or wanted to turn down and its really brilliant to have Lois and Aron come on board with me as senior team coaches.

Tell us a little about your footballing philosophy and influences?

First and foremost we want the team to enjoy their football; to be excited about the next training session and the next match. We want to create a team who are playing for each other, win together but lose together, they play for the badge, that badge has a meaning. When the team turn up they are willing and wanting to give 100 % every time, it has to mean something. We want to create a team who are respectful in winning and graceful in defeat and admired throughout the league as a team and individuals.
My philosophy is that football is a team game, no individual makes a team, every player will have their strength and weakness, me as a manager and together with the our coaches, we are is there to bring those strengths together to create a team but also at the same time work identify the weaknesses and help progress them. We have to make sure every individual knows that they have a purpose in that team. If our my players go away smiling and keep coming back….. then we’re I’m doing our my job correctly. One thing you will see with me… I am one who will listen to players as they are the ones playing and the ones who will find issues etc; it’s then my role to find solutions.
My biggest influence has to be my father. Never the greatest footballer as he was a rugby player, but always taught me great values and respect in whatever I did. He always told me that nothing is impossible and the more you put in, the more you get out, this is why I’m so ambitious and always wanting to push for higher achievements.

What can we expect to see from your team on the pitch?

We want them to be competitive, play good attractive, attacking football. We want teams to know that when they play us they come off the pitch knowing they have been in a football game. We believe that this team can shock and create a few surprises this season.

There was much uncertainty regarding the restructure of league(s) as to whether or not the NWCWFL would be viable. Are you now glad that this has been resolved and what do you make of the new format and being in NWWFL West ?

My personal perspective is that the team gets to play and that’s the main objective. As for the league, yes it’s great to have one but wish that we had more than just the 10 games. The layout makes an exciting prospect with the playoffs though but with the current situation I think it’s just great that there is a league and hope we get to play and finish the season.

Are there any games that you’re looking forward too particularly? Who do you see as the strongest teams in your division?

No, not really we're just looking forward to getting started and playing all the games. Estabilshed teams such Pwhelli and NFA have to go in as favourites; these are two big teams who have made big summer additions. Other teams are a bit of an unknown or new so can always create a problem. We'll be taking each game as it comes and see what happens.

As a brand new team for 20/21 season we are sure that there has been much work done in the background around brining players to the club but there is still no formal announcements of signings although we’ve seen that some familiar faces have joined the junior set-up as coaches. Is this a hint of what’s to come?

We want the team to be involved in the youth junior set up and have given them the opportunity to coach and manage within the junior set up. You’ll see senior players being involved throughout the junior set up and those not coaching or managing will be helping out where required. As for announcements, we believe we recruited have of squad of talented players and look forward to formally announcing it over the next few weeks.

How have you gone about building this new squad? How’s it shaping up? What have you looked for when signing players? Can you give us a little insight into this or will we have to wait a bit longer?

I sat down with my coaches, Lois and Aron and we identified certain players we wanted at first then just put the word out to see what happened. Once certain players came, others followed. We wanted players who would give their all and were ambitious and hungry to progress. We wanted a youthful team with a mixture of experience but also youth. My oldest player being 24 and my youngest 16. It’s a great mixture to have. The players that have come to us have exceeded our expectation, far more than I could have ever wished for. In our opinion they are some of the best players in the area and we have a blend of experience but also in my view the some really exciting prospects that have come through to us from junior football.
The team have already started to gel really well, each session is getting more intense and they are responding well to our way of coaching. They have started answering back which is always a way of knowing they are settling. Each training session sees them bonding and they are staring to really act like a team. If they keep progressing at this rate, then the season is looking really promising.

Have you started training yet?

Yes, training has started a while back initially focussing on fitness, technique and small sided games. The intensity is high and only getting tougher, but we have no whinging they just keep doing what we ask of them and pushing themselves harder and harder. Every time we push they respond, they are a dream to work with. I can definitely see progress, and they all keep coming back for more! We've lost a little momentum during the latest covid break but back to it this week.

How has pre-season been in light of the covid-19 and the uncertainty and restrictions around training and playing?

A lot of the unknown, a lot of anxiety and questions. But the team have responded well and turn up and give their all each session. They have responded really well to restrictions and do whatever is required to stay safe.

How difficult has it been to keep your squad motivated during this period ?

To be honest the team have been a dream, they turn up each session and really give their all. Our captain is a fitness instructor and puts sessions on facebook for those wishing to do it that helps. Others are doing their own individual fitness and asking for advice if needed and we’ve been joining in with the men’s first team for online zoom fitness sessions during this most recent covid firebreak period.

Finally, what would success look like to you and the club at the end of the season assuming it starts and ends?

Definitely getting into the playoffs and see what happens from there. We'd like to think a cup run would be on the cards, creating some surprises and upsets along on the way ! But my biggest achievement will be to recognise progress and make sure the team enjoy their football and come back for seasons to come.