THE town of Welshpool is bracing itself for a sporting revolution after two of its top clubs unveiled its new management this week.
Welshpool Football Club’s new local management team of David Jones and Neil Breeze will spearhead the Lilywhites in their new era with links to the high school already in place to ensure the club never again loses its connection to locally-based players.
Meanwhile, Welshpool Rugby Club have announced the appointment of John Williams as the club’s new head coach as Pool contemplate life in Gogledd Division Three.
The two clubs hope the managerial appointments will signal a change in fortunes after both suffered relegation last season.
Welshpool manager David Jones and assistant Neil Breeze stepped in to fill the void at the 11th hour with the club close to folding last week.
“I just did not want to see the club disappear,” said Jones.
“My family has strong connections with the club with myself and my brother representing them in the past while my dad is a former reserve team manager.
“Neil is also a former Welshpool player and we decided we just couldn’t stand by and watch our former club go out of existence.”
Jones has already begun to rebuild with former Welshpool fringe players Scott Jones and George Clifton being joined by defender Carl Phillips who has joined from Berriew.
Jones admits the club still had plenty to do to convince the town’s stay away supporters that the club has turned to the local policy after years of imports, but hopes they will soon get behind the Lilywhites.
“It will not be happening overnight but we are committed to a local policy which we hope will entice supporters back to the club,” said Jones.
“Without doubt the club has an image problem from its over reliance on importing players in the past, but that does not reflect the current Welshpool
“The committee and management are committed to developing local players and sustaining the club’s Spar Mid Wales League One status.”
Off the pitch four local sponsors have already been secured while the club is also keen to develop links with Welshpool High School to provide a pathway into senior football.
“These lads are the future of Welshpool,” said Jones.
“We have had talks with Jamie Loxam at Welshpool High School and he was very supportive to the idea of the club coming along to under 15s and under 16s games next term with a view to getting youngsters involved with Welshpool.”
Meanwhile across Maesydre at Welshpool Rugby Club, a new coach has been appointed to lead the club in Gogledd Division Three.
Former Ystalfera coach John Williams attended his first training session in midweek with hopes high that the South Walian can arrest the decline following relegation.
Secretary Gary Williams said: “Everyone at the club would like to welcome John to the fold and we look forward to the new season.
“John has had considerable success in south Wales and it is hoped he will introduce a fresh perspective and new ideas this season.
“Everyone at Welshpool is looking forward to a good season with John at the helm.”