Squad
Coaching Staff
Manager: Ian Hughes
Assistant Manager Ian Hughes is in his third season as part of the coaching set up at Park Avenue. The Angelsey born 28 year old is one of the youngest coaches in Wales to have achieved the UEFA A licence standard, achieving it at just 24 years of age. Ian was formerly academy director and assistant manager of Llangefni Town, and helped them to lift the Cymru Alliance in 2010, although they were unable to take part in the Welsh Premier, with the club failing to achieve the club licencing criteria. As well as more experience at Wrexham’s academy in the past, Ian has been based with the FAW Trust for the last four years, and In his role as a coach and player development officer has run courses on Advanced Coach Education, as well as managing Central Wales in the Cymru Cup.
Physio: Kevin Mantel
Goalkeepers
Name: Mike Lewis
Cardiff based keeper Mike Lewis signed for Aberystwyth Town in May 2012 after leaving Carmarthen earlier the same month. Lewis had been the first choice keeper at Richmond Park for two seasons after Tomi Morgan made him one of his first signings at Carmarthen, and played his first game for Carmarthen against Aberystwyth, a 3-2 in front of the S4C cameras. Before Carmarthen Mike played for Afan Lido, Cardiff Corries and UWIC in the Welsh League, and has previously had a trial at Bristol Rovers.
Name: James Wood
Aberystwyth Town signed goalkeeper James Wood in August 2012 to add competition to Mike Lewis for the goalkeeper's shirt. Wood was a free-agent having last been registered with the defunct Neath Football Club. He is the son of former Scotland goalkeeper George Wood and was with Man City as a youngster.
He made his Seasiders debut in late-August against Bala Town in a 1-1 draw at Park Avenue.
Defence
Name: Gavin Cadwallader
Gavin Cadwallader is no stranger to Aberystwyth Town, having played for the club during 2007 and 2008, and re-signed for the Seasiders in 2012 after being surprisingly released by Airbus UK, having spent 18 months at the Airfield. A towering centre back, Gavin was originally with Shrewsbury Town, Gavin made his League 2 debut at Carlisle before being released in January 2007 and signing for Aberystwyth. In 2008 Gavin moved to Newtown, and spent two and a half years there including being club captain before moving to Airbus. He also spent time at Kidderminster Harriers.
Name: Liam James
Right back Liam James signed for the reserves at the start of the 2011/12 season, but after impressing over the first half of the season for Emyr Jones’s side got his chance for the first team and never looked back. Cardigan based, as a youngster Liam spent time at both Aberystwyth Town’s academy and at Swansea City’s academy. Liam made his first team debut in a League Cup match at Afan Lido, but Liam really made an impression against Port Talbot, with his 25 minute cameo making such an impression to manager Mark Jones that he described Liam as something similar to Brazilian legend Cafu. Liam was awarded the Reserve team manager’s player of the season in 2011/12.
Name: Sion James
Penrhyncoch born and bred Sion James, one of the longest serving players at the club, has been an integral part of the first team over the last eight years. Sion began his career at Aberystwyth, but finding his first team chances limited, spent time at Carmarthen Town, Barry Town and home village club Penrhyncoch FC before returning to Park Avenue in 2004 to cement his place in the first team. Happy to play where needed, Sion plays in a variety of positions across the back and midfield, but has made most of his starts as a centre back. Sion won supporters and players player of the year in season 2009/10.
Name: Gethin Jones
Youngster Gethin Jones signed for Aberystwyth in 2012, having impressed for Tregaron Turfs in the Spar Mid Wales league for the past two seasons, and Gethin, playing mainly at centre back, will be hoping to gain some experience this year while also being an important part of Emyr Jones’s Under 19’s side.
Name: Stuart Jones
Based in Borth, Stuart Jones signed for his local Welsh Premier League club in May 2012, and will take on the role of Club Development Officer alongside his playing duties. Stuart began his career at Swansea City, and although he made over 30 appearances for the Swans between 2003 and 2005, was surprisingly released at the end of the 2004/05 season. Llanelli made no hesitation in making Stuart their first full time signing for over 50 years, and over the next 7 years made almost 200 appearances for the side and in that time at the club won the League, League Cup and Welsh Cup and qualified for Europe on several occasions. Stuart has also earned caps for both the Wales Under 21’s and the Welsh Semi Pro squads, and has been named in the Welsh Premier Team of the Year on no less than 4 occasions.
Name: Wyn Thomas
Llandysul born Wyn Thomas is in his second season and his second spell at the club, after joining from Llanelli in 2011. Wyn made his Welsh Premier League debut for Aberystwyth Town in 1996, under Meirion Appleton, but after 2 seasons left for Carmarthen Town. Over the next five years Wyn was a regular starter at Richmond Park, before he moved again in 2003 to Haverfordwest. After 3 seasons at Haverfordwest Wyn moved to Llanelli where he stayed for the next five years, in that time winning the league, League Cup and Welsh Cup with the Reds, as they qualified for Europe most seasons. Wyn has also been awarded internationally, being called up for the Welsh Schoolboys, Welsh Colleges and Welsh Semi Pro squads.
Name: Adam Worton
Adam Worton signed for Aberystwyth in June 2012, having left the Airfield after 1 year at the club. Adam began his career across the border at Hereford United, but after only making 4 appearances for the first team was released in 2006, and signed for Caersws. In November of the same year Darren Ryan brought him to Newtown, and over the next 5 years at Latham Park, Adam made over 140 appearances for the mid wales side. In 2011 Airbus moved Adam to the Airfield, for a nominal fee from Newtown, and although he made 32 appearances for the North Wales side, was released at the end of the 2011/12 season and signed for Aberystwyth soon after.
Midfield
Name: Declan Carroll
Pembrokeshire born Declan Carroll joined Aberystwyth in July 2012, from Haverfordwest where he spent the latter half of last season. Attacking midfielder Declan had previously trialled under Tomi Morgan at Carmarthen Town, and left the club he had played for since a youth, Tenby, to join Haverfordwest in the 2011/12 season.
Name: Matty Collins
Former Welsh Under 21 international signed for the Seasiders in June 2012, after the demise of Neath FC. Matty Collins was a trainee at Swindon Town before he snapped up by Premier League Fulham. Although highly rated at Craven Cottage, Collins was hampered by numerous injuries and in 2007 signed for Swansea City. During his first season Matty went on loan to Wrexham. At the start of the 2008/09 season Matty started the first three games of Swansea’s season, but over the next two seasons found his first team chances limited, and left the Swans in search of first team football. Matty signed for Pembrokeshire outfit Haverfordwest, but less than 6 months later followed ex-Swans Kris O’Leary and Lee Trundle and signed for Neath where he stayed for 18 months. Matty has been a Wales U21, U19 and U17 international, and was also called up to the full Welsh squad in 2008.
Name: Cledan Davies
Tregaron born Cledan Davies returned to the club in June 2012 after a season away. Signed in 2009 from Tregaron Turfs after impressing then Aberystwyth Town boss Brian Coyne, left footed Cledan, happy at either left back or as a left winger, became an important part of the team during his first season at the club. After being out with an ankle injury for most of the 2010/11 season, and finding his first team chances limited, Cledan spent time on loan at Penrhyncoch before signing for Tomi Morgan at Carmarthen in 2011. After starting most games and showing his worth at Carmarthen, Tomi wasted no time in bringing Cledan back to his local Welsh Premier team for the new season.
Name: Rhydian Davies
Aberystwyth born Rhydian Davies made his first team debut last season after impressing in the reserves. A product of the youth academy and Bow Street, Rhydian also spent time with Birmingham City Academy, starting and scoring against Manchester United in an academy game as well as having a trial at Newcastle United. Rhydian made his debut against Llandudno, and scored his first goal against Afan Lido, a vital second half header that helped to ensure Aberystwyth survived relegation. Rhydian also earned caps during the last two seasons for both the Wales U’16’s and Wales School’s U18’s squads and Rhydian will be hoping to cement his place in the first team squad during this season.
Name: Bari Morgan
In his twelfth season at the club, club legend Bari Morgan is currently on loan at Huws Gray side Penrhyncoch to regain his match fitness, after being out for the whole of the 2011/12 season. Bari started out as a trainee at Swansea City, and although offered terms for the 2001/02 season at the Vetch, left Swansea and signed for the Seasiders. Player of the season in 2003/04 and club captain for a number of years, Bari, a tough tackling midfielder, had to sit out the whole of the 2011/12 with a cruciates injury, which ruled him out for 14 months.
Name: Sean Thornton
In his second season with Aberystwyth, Sean Thornton arrived at Park Avenue is September 2011 after a year out of the game. The Irish born midfielder began his career with Tranmere Rovers, but was soon on the move to Sunderland for £225,000. During his time at the Stadium of Light Sean scored a memorable goal to give Sunderland the lead at Chelsea, in the English Premier League, which he made 11 appearances in during the 2002/003 season. During his 3 years at Sunderland, when he also spent time at Blackpool, Sean made around 50 appearances for the Wearside club, but unable to hold down a regular starting spot, moved to Doncaster in 2005. At Doncaster Sean managed to be part of the side that won the Football League Trophy in 2007. After leaving Doncaster, Sean spent time at Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury, before taking time out of the game and signed for the Seasiders in September 2011. Sean also made 12 appearances in for the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad.
Name: Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh arrived at the club in January 2012 from Bangor, and stayed on for his second season at Park Avenue. Michael, a central midfielder, started his career with Rhyl before moving to Chester City in 2004, where he went onto make six first team appearances, and also scored on his debut for the club against Southend United in 2005. He later went on trial with Wrexham before Resigning for Rhyl, before moving to Bangor City. In 2009 Walshy moved abroad, signing for Cypriot team APOP Kinyras Pegias where he stayed for two seasons, before returning to Farrar Road, and after finding his first team chances limited, moved to Park Avenue the following January. Michael also captained the North Wales Under 18 team.
Forwards
Name: Ifan Burrell
17 Year Old Ifan made his Welsh Premier League debut against Carmarthen in 2011, and is currently playing with the Under 19’s side. A Blisteringly fast forward, Ifan is one to watch for the future. Named most improved Reserve team player in 2011/12.
Name: Jordan Follows
Llanelli born Jordan Follows signed for the club in July 2012 from his hometown club Llanelli. Jordan was part of the academy at Llanelli FC, before getting promoted to the first team under then boss Peter Nicholas. Jordan made his debut in an Intertoto Cup tie in Vilnius. Over the next couple of seasons Jordan established himself as part of the first team squad at Stebonheath Park. Struggling to break into the first team last season, Jordan came on loan to Park Avenue, before returning to Llanelli for the end of the season. Released by Llanelli, Jordan decided to return to Aberystwyth for the 2012/13 season. Jordan has also been called up to both the Wales U21’s and Welsh Semi Pro squads.
Name: Glyndwr Hughes
An Aberystwyth legend, Glyndwr Hughes, better known as Paddy, returned to the club after 2 years away in 2012. Paddy began his career at home side Bont, but Aberystwyth soon swooped for him in 1993. Over the next 17 years Paddy made over 350 appearances for Aber, scoring 102 goals, before being released in 2010. He went back to Bont for one season, before signing for Huws Gray side Penrhyncoch in 2011, before Tomi Morgan brought him back home to Park Avenue in July 2012. Glyndwr also played for the Welsh Semi Pros squad.
Name: Josh MacAuley
Josh MacAuley signed for the Seasiders in January 2012, and agreed terms to stay on for a second season. Josh began his career as a youth player at Tranmere Rovers and made his debut for the club in 2009 in 1-1 draw with Carlisle United. He joined Colwyn Bay on loan in 2009 and also spent time at Vauxhall Motors before being released in 2010. After trialling with Aber, MacAuley signed for Bala Town in August 2010 and scored on his debut for the Lakesiders against Prestatyn Town in the Loosemores Cup, but the youngster did eventually sign for the Seasiders in January 2012.
Manager: Ian Hughes
Assistant Manager Ian Hughes is in his third season as part of the coaching set up at Park Avenue. The Angelsey born 28 year old is one of the youngest coaches in Wales to have achieved the UEFA A licence standard, achieving it at just 24 years of age. Ian was formerly academy director and assistant manager of Llangefni Town, and helped them to lift the Cymru Alliance in 2010, although they were unable to take part in the Welsh Premier, with the club failing to achieve the club licencing criteria. As well as more experience at Wrexham’s academy in the past, Ian has been based with the FAW Trust for the last four years, and In his role as a coach and player development officer has run courses on Advanced Coach Education, as well as managing Central Wales in the Cymru Cup.
Physio: Kevin Mantel
Goalkeepers
Name: Mike Lewis
Cardiff based keeper Mike Lewis signed for Aberystwyth Town in May 2012 after leaving Carmarthen earlier the same month. Lewis had been the first choice keeper at Richmond Park for two seasons after Tomi Morgan made him one of his first signings at Carmarthen, and played his first game for Carmarthen against Aberystwyth, a 3-2 in front of the S4C cameras. Before Carmarthen Mike played for Afan Lido, Cardiff Corries and UWIC in the Welsh League, and has previously had a trial at Bristol Rovers.
Name: James Wood
Aberystwyth Town signed goalkeeper James Wood in August 2012 to add competition to Mike Lewis for the goalkeeper's shirt. Wood was a free-agent having last been registered with the defunct Neath Football Club. He is the son of former Scotland goalkeeper George Wood and was with Man City as a youngster.
He made his Seasiders debut in late-August against Bala Town in a 1-1 draw at Park Avenue.
Defence
Name: Gavin Cadwallader
Gavin Cadwallader is no stranger to Aberystwyth Town, having played for the club during 2007 and 2008, and re-signed for the Seasiders in 2012 after being surprisingly released by Airbus UK, having spent 18 months at the Airfield. A towering centre back, Gavin was originally with Shrewsbury Town, Gavin made his League 2 debut at Carlisle before being released in January 2007 and signing for Aberystwyth. In 2008 Gavin moved to Newtown, and spent two and a half years there including being club captain before moving to Airbus. He also spent time at Kidderminster Harriers.
Name: Liam James
Right back Liam James signed for the reserves at the start of the 2011/12 season, but after impressing over the first half of the season for Emyr Jones’s side got his chance for the first team and never looked back. Cardigan based, as a youngster Liam spent time at both Aberystwyth Town’s academy and at Swansea City’s academy. Liam made his first team debut in a League Cup match at Afan Lido, but Liam really made an impression against Port Talbot, with his 25 minute cameo making such an impression to manager Mark Jones that he described Liam as something similar to Brazilian legend Cafu. Liam was awarded the Reserve team manager’s player of the season in 2011/12.
Name: Sion James
Penrhyncoch born and bred Sion James, one of the longest serving players at the club, has been an integral part of the first team over the last eight years. Sion began his career at Aberystwyth, but finding his first team chances limited, spent time at Carmarthen Town, Barry Town and home village club Penrhyncoch FC before returning to Park Avenue in 2004 to cement his place in the first team. Happy to play where needed, Sion plays in a variety of positions across the back and midfield, but has made most of his starts as a centre back. Sion won supporters and players player of the year in season 2009/10.
Name: Gethin Jones
Youngster Gethin Jones signed for Aberystwyth in 2012, having impressed for Tregaron Turfs in the Spar Mid Wales league for the past two seasons, and Gethin, playing mainly at centre back, will be hoping to gain some experience this year while also being an important part of Emyr Jones’s Under 19’s side.
Name: Stuart Jones
Based in Borth, Stuart Jones signed for his local Welsh Premier League club in May 2012, and will take on the role of Club Development Officer alongside his playing duties. Stuart began his career at Swansea City, and although he made over 30 appearances for the Swans between 2003 and 2005, was surprisingly released at the end of the 2004/05 season. Llanelli made no hesitation in making Stuart their first full time signing for over 50 years, and over the next 7 years made almost 200 appearances for the side and in that time at the club won the League, League Cup and Welsh Cup and qualified for Europe on several occasions. Stuart has also earned caps for both the Wales Under 21’s and the Welsh Semi Pro squads, and has been named in the Welsh Premier Team of the Year on no less than 4 occasions.
Name: Wyn Thomas
Llandysul born Wyn Thomas is in his second season and his second spell at the club, after joining from Llanelli in 2011. Wyn made his Welsh Premier League debut for Aberystwyth Town in 1996, under Meirion Appleton, but after 2 seasons left for Carmarthen Town. Over the next five years Wyn was a regular starter at Richmond Park, before he moved again in 2003 to Haverfordwest. After 3 seasons at Haverfordwest Wyn moved to Llanelli where he stayed for the next five years, in that time winning the league, League Cup and Welsh Cup with the Reds, as they qualified for Europe most seasons. Wyn has also been awarded internationally, being called up for the Welsh Schoolboys, Welsh Colleges and Welsh Semi Pro squads.
Name: Adam Worton
Adam Worton signed for Aberystwyth in June 2012, having left the Airfield after 1 year at the club. Adam began his career across the border at Hereford United, but after only making 4 appearances for the first team was released in 2006, and signed for Caersws. In November of the same year Darren Ryan brought him to Newtown, and over the next 5 years at Latham Park, Adam made over 140 appearances for the mid wales side. In 2011 Airbus moved Adam to the Airfield, for a nominal fee from Newtown, and although he made 32 appearances for the North Wales side, was released at the end of the 2011/12 season and signed for Aberystwyth soon after.
Midfield
Name: Declan Carroll
Pembrokeshire born Declan Carroll joined Aberystwyth in July 2012, from Haverfordwest where he spent the latter half of last season. Attacking midfielder Declan had previously trialled under Tomi Morgan at Carmarthen Town, and left the club he had played for since a youth, Tenby, to join Haverfordwest in the 2011/12 season.
Name: Matty Collins
Former Welsh Under 21 international signed for the Seasiders in June 2012, after the demise of Neath FC. Matty Collins was a trainee at Swindon Town before he snapped up by Premier League Fulham. Although highly rated at Craven Cottage, Collins was hampered by numerous injuries and in 2007 signed for Swansea City. During his first season Matty went on loan to Wrexham. At the start of the 2008/09 season Matty started the first three games of Swansea’s season, but over the next two seasons found his first team chances limited, and left the Swans in search of first team football. Matty signed for Pembrokeshire outfit Haverfordwest, but less than 6 months later followed ex-Swans Kris O’Leary and Lee Trundle and signed for Neath where he stayed for 18 months. Matty has been a Wales U21, U19 and U17 international, and was also called up to the full Welsh squad in 2008.
Name: Cledan Davies
Tregaron born Cledan Davies returned to the club in June 2012 after a season away. Signed in 2009 from Tregaron Turfs after impressing then Aberystwyth Town boss Brian Coyne, left footed Cledan, happy at either left back or as a left winger, became an important part of the team during his first season at the club. After being out with an ankle injury for most of the 2010/11 season, and finding his first team chances limited, Cledan spent time on loan at Penrhyncoch before signing for Tomi Morgan at Carmarthen in 2011. After starting most games and showing his worth at Carmarthen, Tomi wasted no time in bringing Cledan back to his local Welsh Premier team for the new season.
Name: Rhydian Davies
Aberystwyth born Rhydian Davies made his first team debut last season after impressing in the reserves. A product of the youth academy and Bow Street, Rhydian also spent time with Birmingham City Academy, starting and scoring against Manchester United in an academy game as well as having a trial at Newcastle United. Rhydian made his debut against Llandudno, and scored his first goal against Afan Lido, a vital second half header that helped to ensure Aberystwyth survived relegation. Rhydian also earned caps during the last two seasons for both the Wales U’16’s and Wales School’s U18’s squads and Rhydian will be hoping to cement his place in the first team squad during this season.
Name: Bari Morgan
In his twelfth season at the club, club legend Bari Morgan is currently on loan at Huws Gray side Penrhyncoch to regain his match fitness, after being out for the whole of the 2011/12 season. Bari started out as a trainee at Swansea City, and although offered terms for the 2001/02 season at the Vetch, left Swansea and signed for the Seasiders. Player of the season in 2003/04 and club captain for a number of years, Bari, a tough tackling midfielder, had to sit out the whole of the 2011/12 with a cruciates injury, which ruled him out for 14 months.
Name: Sean Thornton
In his second season with Aberystwyth, Sean Thornton arrived at Park Avenue is September 2011 after a year out of the game. The Irish born midfielder began his career with Tranmere Rovers, but was soon on the move to Sunderland for £225,000. During his time at the Stadium of Light Sean scored a memorable goal to give Sunderland the lead at Chelsea, in the English Premier League, which he made 11 appearances in during the 2002/003 season. During his 3 years at Sunderland, when he also spent time at Blackpool, Sean made around 50 appearances for the Wearside club, but unable to hold down a regular starting spot, moved to Doncaster in 2005. At Doncaster Sean managed to be part of the side that won the Football League Trophy in 2007. After leaving Doncaster, Sean spent time at Leyton Orient and Shrewsbury, before taking time out of the game and signed for the Seasiders in September 2011. Sean also made 12 appearances in for the Republic of Ireland Under 21 squad.
Name: Michael Walsh
Michael Walsh arrived at the club in January 2012 from Bangor, and stayed on for his second season at Park Avenue. Michael, a central midfielder, started his career with Rhyl before moving to Chester City in 2004, where he went onto make six first team appearances, and also scored on his debut for the club against Southend United in 2005. He later went on trial with Wrexham before Resigning for Rhyl, before moving to Bangor City. In 2009 Walshy moved abroad, signing for Cypriot team APOP Kinyras Pegias where he stayed for two seasons, before returning to Farrar Road, and after finding his first team chances limited, moved to Park Avenue the following January. Michael also captained the North Wales Under 18 team.
Forwards
Name: Ifan Burrell
17 Year Old Ifan made his Welsh Premier League debut against Carmarthen in 2011, and is currently playing with the Under 19’s side. A Blisteringly fast forward, Ifan is one to watch for the future. Named most improved Reserve team player in 2011/12.
Name: Jordan Follows
Llanelli born Jordan Follows signed for the club in July 2012 from his hometown club Llanelli. Jordan was part of the academy at Llanelli FC, before getting promoted to the first team under then boss Peter Nicholas. Jordan made his debut in an Intertoto Cup tie in Vilnius. Over the next couple of seasons Jordan established himself as part of the first team squad at Stebonheath Park. Struggling to break into the first team last season, Jordan came on loan to Park Avenue, before returning to Llanelli for the end of the season. Released by Llanelli, Jordan decided to return to Aberystwyth for the 2012/13 season. Jordan has also been called up to both the Wales U21’s and Welsh Semi Pro squads.
Name: Glyndwr Hughes
An Aberystwyth legend, Glyndwr Hughes, better known as Paddy, returned to the club after 2 years away in 2012. Paddy began his career at home side Bont, but Aberystwyth soon swooped for him in 1993. Over the next 17 years Paddy made over 350 appearances for Aber, scoring 102 goals, before being released in 2010. He went back to Bont for one season, before signing for Huws Gray side Penrhyncoch in 2011, before Tomi Morgan brought him back home to Park Avenue in July 2012. Glyndwr also played for the Welsh Semi Pros squad.
Name: Josh MacAuley
Josh MacAuley signed for the Seasiders in January 2012, and agreed terms to stay on for a second season. Josh began his career as a youth player at Tranmere Rovers and made his debut for the club in 2009 in 1-1 draw with Carlisle United. He joined Colwyn Bay on loan in 2009 and also spent time at Vauxhall Motors before being released in 2010. After trialling with Aber, MacAuley signed for Bala Town in August 2010 and scored on his debut for the Lakesiders against Prestatyn Town in the Loosemores Cup, but the youngster did eventually sign for the Seasiders in January 2012.
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