Aberystwyth Town proud to Announce Meirion Appleton as Club President

Aberystwyth Town Football Club are proud to announce legendary Black & Green manager Meirion Appleton as Club President. A stalwart of Welsh football since the 1970s, the Bont native has devoted his life to the development of football in Wales.

After a playing career with his home village of Bont and Aberystwyth Town, Meirion turned to coaching and management. “Appy” spent many years coaching in the Aberystwyth Junior League before first taking charge of Aber in 1982, enjoying two separate spells in charge over the subsequent 17 years. He presided over the most successful period in the club’s history in the mid-1980s, picking up two Welsh Intermediate Cups, two Central Wales League Championships, not to mention Central Wales Cups, League Cups and Summer Cups.

There were also two unforgettable Welsh Cup Quarter Finals against Newport County in 1986 - the initial 3-3 draw at Park Avenue attracting an incredible crowd of 2,717. He later had a spell managing the club in the Welsh Premier League and went on to win the Welsh Cup with Bangor City in 2000.

In 2019, Meirion was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to football by the Football Association of Wales Trust. He was given a standing ovation at the presentation, which was made by the Trust’s Chief Executive Neil Ward at the Celtic Manor Resort during a FAW National Coaches Conference. The Trust has been instrumental in identifying, developing, and preparing talented young players to support the future success of the Welsh national teams at all levels, and Meirion continues to play a key role whenever called upon.

Club Chairman Donald Kane said: “Meirion’s record with Aberystwyth speaks for itself - a record of trophy wins and achievements that will never be replicated. With a great eye for player talent, his attacking teams were a joy to watch as he won several league titles and cups at Park Avenue, not forgetting his Welsh Cup victory with Bangor City. In fact, I think he only ever lost one cup final as Aberystwyth Town manager – a truly incredible feat.

These achievements, along with his association with the FAW, mean we are blessed to have a man with such knowledge and enthusiasm for the game at the club. We are delighted that he accepted our approach to take on this distinguished role.”

Upon taking his role, Meirion said: I am delighted to serve Aberystwyth Town as Club President - it is certainly an honour that I will cherish. Diolch i bawb am yr anrhydedd.

Croeso adref, Appy!