ATFC Proud To Announce Anthony Williams As First Team Manager

Aberystwyth Town Football Club are delighted to appoint Anthony Williams as First Team Manager – most recently working as Assistant Manager and Head of Coaching at fellow JD Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met University. Boasting an extensive CV on and off the pitch, 44-year-old Anthony takes the reins of a new era at Park Avenue.

Hailing from Maesteg, former goalkeeper Anthony enjoyed a long career in the Football League as well as receiving international honours, making 17 caps for Wales U21 between 1996-2000 – including a matchup with Italy’s U21 side where Anthony saved two first-half penalties from future World Cup winner and football icon Andrea Pirlo!

Working under such names as Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, and Chris Coleman, Anthony made 292 senior appearances with 10 clubs over a 15-year career, the majority of which with Hartlepool Town (142), Grimsby Town (50) and Wrexham (38). Anthony began his coaching career during his playing days, becoming Goalkeeper Coach at Grimsby Town and Carlisle United before taking the same role with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) at U17, U19 & U21 level, and with Bury FC following retirement.

Between 2013 to 2014, Anthony took the role of Assistant Manager at Crawley Town and Portsmouth before moving into scouting, gaining experience as an Opposition Scout with Leyton Orient and MK Dons before almost three years with Stoke City as a Recruitment Scout for the 17-21 Age Group. It was during this time that Anthony took on roles with the FAW as a UEFA B Licence & B Goalkeeping Licence Coach Educator, and as Head Coach with UK Football Trials – roles he continues to hold.

In 2017, Anthony became an Associate Football Tutor at Cardiff Met University and Assistant Manager of Cardiff Met FC – alongside former Seasider Dr. Christian Edwards – playing an instrumental role in achieving Europa League qualification with The Archers in 2018/19. In 2019, Anthony was appointed Head of Coaching and thereafter held all three roles with the university for three seasons, responsible for designing and implementing academy curriculums alongside his senior team roles.

In 2021, Anthony graduated with a Master’s Degree from Cardiff Met University in Sports Coaching Pedagogy and was successful in attaining his UEFA Pro Licence – doing so alongside current ATFC Head of Coaching & Youth and ATFC Women’s Manager, Gavin Allen.

Club Chairman Donald Kane commented:
"After a lengthy process, we are very happy that Anthony has agreed to join us. His CV speaks for itself, demonstrating a wealth of experience across many aspects of the game.

We now look forward to supporting him in every way possible to build on the work done last year with a young and committed squad – Welcome Anthony!

Anthony told us:
"I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to manage such a prestigious club. Having been involved in the league for a number of years, I’ve always admired the passion and dedication shown by the club's loyal supporters. It’s clear that the local community is at the heart of everything it strives to achieve.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone associated with Cardiff Met - it was a privilege to have spent the last 5 years at the club."

Be sure to keep an eye on our socials in the coming weeks as we build our squad ahead of the 2022/23 JD Cymru Premier season…

Croeso cynnes i Goedlan y Parc, Anthony! / Welcome to Park Avenue, Anthony!