Name: Anthony "Taff" Williams Role: First Team Manager
Aberystwyth Town Football Club were delighted to appoint Anthony Williams as First Team Manager in May 2022, most recently working as Assistant Manager and Head of Coaching at fellow JD Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met University.
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.
Name: Guy Handscombe Role: Assistant Manager
Hailing from North Wales, 37-year-old Guy is no stranger to those within Welsh football having began his coaching career at just 16-years-old while still chasing a career on the pitch. His conversion into coaching came soon after on a part-time basis, where he worked with Carl Darlington at Cefn Druids while earning his coaching badges. Spells as Academy Director and Reserve Team Manager followed at The Rock, before Guy joined Wrexham AFC working with their community programmes.
Guy then joined Bala Town in similar roles, learning under Colin Caton, Steve Fisher and Steve Compton at Maes Tegid.
For the past 10 years, Guy has worked with the Football Association of Wales initially as a Club Development Officer before moving into Coach Education, where has worked for the past 7 years. Alongside his responsibilities with the FAW, Guy has held roles with Porthmadog, Ruthin Town, Llandudno and Corwen, as well as working with the Welsh U15s Girls team on the international stage.
Most recently, Guy led the Cymru North XI to the UEFA Regions Cup in May 2022 with a dramatic 4-2 come-from-behind win vs Cymru South XI. The team will represent Wales at the Intermediate Tournament in Northern Ireland this Autumn where they will face Sweden, the Czech Republic and the hosts.
Guy told us: "Before joining Aberystwyth Town, I was well aware of what a fantastic club it is with great facilities, a passionate fan base and superb volunteers who give up countless hours each week - and I have already seen first-hand in the short time I have been involved how much the club means to people in the community.
After speaking to my family and Taff, I immediately knew this was a fantastic opportunity to challenge myself and learn from Taff while aiming to support the players as much as possible. I know many of them already which has helped me settle in and I have enjoyed getting to know the rest of the group.
The new season will bring its challenges, but that is expected within a very competitive league which improves year on year. I am looking forward to assisting Taff as we build our squad and principles over the coming weeks. I am especially looking forward to our first competitive game at home under the lights on a Friday night with my family watching and supporting the team."
Name: Dave Owen Role: Goalkeeper Coach
Formerly a goalkeeper coach at Neath and Swansea City among others, Dave joined the coaching team in 2018 as 1st Team GK Coach before taking on a manager role with our U19 Development Squad in September 2019 - a role he held for two years.
Dave is a FAW Goalkeeper A License candidate and holds a UEFA B License.
Carfan Chwarae Playing Squad
Name: Matthew Turner Position: Goalkeeper Squad Number: 1
Spending time with Llanelli Town and Pontardawe Town among others in his youth, Matt joined Leeds United's prestigious academy in 2018. In 2020, Matt returned to Wales to join Haverfordwest County on loan, where he made nine appearances for the Pembrokeshire-based Bluebirds before sustaining an injury, cutting his spell short.
At the beginning of the following season, Matt agreed a two-year professional contract with Cardiff City where he has remained with the club's development side. Matt now returns to the JD Cymru Premier for opportunities in senior football with Anthony Williams' Seasiders.
Name: Sam Litchfield Position: Defender (Centre-Back) Squad Number: 4
Centre-back Sam joins Town having represented the Guils since 2015, with a short stint at Newtown at the beginning of the 2017/18 season. A leader on and off the pitch, Sam was club-captain at Guilsfield, leading the club to an impressive 3rd place finish last season behind champions Airbus UK and runners-up Llandudno, as well as a Welsh Cup Quarter-Final berth, losing to eventual champions The New Saints.
Last season, Sam made 28 appearances across all competitions and found the net on two occasions - and was named in the JD Cymru North Team of the Season through the league's official channels.
Name: Louis Bradford Position: Defender (Centre-Back) Squad Number: 5
Aberystwyth Town welcomed TNS defender Louis Bradford back to Park Avenue for his third loan with The Seasiders in August 2022, having spent the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons with Town.
Wolverhampton-born Louis joined TNS Academy at U15 level following time with Shrewsbury Town, where he impressed at youth level to secure himself a loan move in the JD Cymru Premier for the 2020/21 season with The Seasiders. A tall and agile defender, he showed his proficiency through the middle and as a right-back early on with Town before settling at centre-back throughout the following season, racking up 56 total appearances in Black & Green over two seasons, scoring five - including a winning goal away at Haverfordwest County in April 2022 to collect a crucial three points.
After starting his career at Wrexham at the age of seven as a left-back, Jack progressed through the ranks at The Racecourse and was often deployed as a left winger, sometimes playing centrally.
Son of former Wimbledon Crazy Gang FA Cup winner Andy, Jack followed his father’s footsteps in the professional game and was named as an unused substitute in the FA Cup against Newport and FA Trophy against Boston in December 2018. He made his first senior National League appearance during the 2018/19 campaign against Harrogate Town coming on as a late substitute for The Dragons.
Jack joined Town in September 2020 after his release from Wrexham AFC, following a spell on loan with Newtown during the 2019/20 campaign. Making 23 first-team appearances in his first season in Black & Green, Jack was handed the armband for the 2021/22 season and was an ever-present in the line-up, making 35 appearances, missing only 1 game all season due to suspension. A committed and tough-tackling central midfielder, "Thorny" has endeared himself to the Green Army over the past 2 seasons.
Name: Jonathan Evans Position: Forward (Winger) Squad Number: 7
29 year old Jonny, now in his third spell at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium, began his career in the club’s academy where he was spotted by the scouts of Cardiff City Football Club. Whilst there, he represented Wales Schoolboys and Under 16s side, competing in the Victory Shield for his country.
Following a spell in the youth ranks at the Bluebirds, the popular winger spent time at Accrington Stanley before returning to Ceredigion. Evans’ time at Aberystwyth Town has been sandwiched between spells at JD Cymru North outfit Penrhyncoch.
Over the course of his time in Aber colours, the former Rooster has amassed a number of highlights including scoring a last minute winner away at Llandudno, grabbing a brace against Haverfordwest County as well as notching the goal that secured the Black and Greens the bragging rights in a Mid-Wales derby against Newtown at Latham Park.
Name: Iwan Lewis Position: Midfielder (Central) Squad Number: 8
Box-to-box central-midfielder Iwan joins Town having represented a number of clubs across the Cymru Leagues, namely with Caersws, Porthmadog and most recently Guilsfield. In 2021/22, Iwan starred for the Guils making 29 total appearances and scoring 5 goals on his way to a JD Cymru North Team of the Season spot alongside teammate Sam Litchfield.
Name: John Owen Position: Forward (Winger/Striker) Squad Number: 9
29-year-old Welsh-speaking John first joined Town in January 2017 from Llandudno and immediately flashed his ability to the Green Army, becoming a favourite over the following 18-months, making 41 appearances and scoring 10 goals before a further spell at Llandudno, Cefn Druids and Porthmadog.
John re-joined the Seasiders in January 2021 and has made a further 39 appearances since, adding a further 7 goals. He was awarded Cymru Premier Player of the Month for November 2021 following two winning goals in consecutive 1-0 victories over The New Saints and Cardiff Met respectively.
A fan favourite among followers of the Black & Greens, John is known for his unstoppable Cruyff Turns from the left wing!
A graduate of Shrewsbury Town Academy, 24-year-old Shropshire-born Niall is a familiar face to JD Cymru Premier fans having joined Newtown in the summer of 2019 before spending the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons with Cefn Druids. Since joining the league, Niall has racked up 74 league appearances and notched 12 goals - one of which during last season's thrilling 3-3 draw against the Black & Greens at The Rock to put the home side 3-1 ahead on 80 minutes before Town struck twice late on to rescue a point.
Pacey and skilful in attacking areas, Niall figures to play an important role for the Seasiders in 2022/23.
Local lad Leigh is a well-known face within local and regional football having represented both Penrhyncoch and previously Bow St over extended periods. Ahead of the 2018/19 season, Leigh joined Town under Neville Powell and impressed enough in pre-season to earn the starting job for the season opener against Llandudno at Park Avenue - however, a fractured shin 60 minutes into the match halted his momentum and saw his Black and Green journey cut cruelly short.
Leigh re-joined Penrhyn thereafter and last season made 28 appearances in all competitions as The Roosters achieved a 9th place finish in the JD Cymru North.
The talismanic forward played an integral role in Aberystwyth’s 8th place finish last season, ensuring his fan-favourite status as he tirelessly lead the line, grabbing crucial goals against Cefn Druids and in both fixtures against Barry Town United during Phase 2. Davies originally joined the Seasiders two seasons ago under the stewardship of Gavin Allen. Prior to his arrival at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium, the forward had amassed Welsh League experience with Haverfordwest County, Bow Street and Penrhyncoch.
Name: Cameron Allen Position: Forward (Striker) Squad Number: 15
Just 17-years-old, Cam broke onto the scene during the 2021/22 season, scoring an immense 38 goals across all competitions for the club's development U19 side, earning himself a consistent spot on the First Team bench and a number of appearances from the bench. Making his debut away at Penybont in Phase 1, Cam went on to make three further appearances thereafter - including on the final day of the season, where his deft header secured a point for Town against Connah's Quay Nomads, earning Town an 8th place finish in the Playoff Conference.
Cam also received international honours, receiving several call-ups to the Welsh Schools U18 squad at just 16-years-old, including an unforgettable trip to Italy for the Roma Caput Mundi tournament - joined by fellow Seasider Jamie Jones.
Name: Jamie Jones Position: Defender (Right-Back) Squad Number: 17
18-year-old Jamie has been an ever-present in Town's U19s Development team over recent times and collected his first senior minutes last season with an appearance from the bench in November's 1-0 victory over Champions-to-be TNS before a 30 minute stint in Town's 6-0 victory over Cefn Druids in April.
Jamie received a call-up to the Welsh Schools U18 International squad in May, alongside fellow Seasider Cameron Allen, to travel to Italy for the Roma Caput Mundi tournament to represent Wales on the international stage. A tenacious and fast-footed full-back, Jamie heads into the season full of confidence!
Jamie joined Penrhyncoch FC in January 2023.
Name: Dan Owen Position: Forward (Winger) Squad Number: 18
A pacey and skilful attacker, formerly of Bow Street and most recently Tregaron Turfs, Dan notched an impressive 17 goals in 22 games for Town's Development side last term, as well as 33 goals in 24 games across all competitions for the Turfs - including seven in one game!
Midfielder Charley became the first new addition to arrive in Ceredigion for the 2022/23 season after completing his move to Aberystwyth Town. Aber-born Edge joined Anthony Williams’ squad after moving from former Cymru Premier outfit Cefn Druids, for whom he impressed, despite the Ancients suffering two difficult terms in the Welsh Top Flight. 25-year-old Edge was born in Ceredigion and attended St Padarn School before making moving to Shropshire. The versatile midfielder has earned international honours having been capped at Wales Under 16 and Under 17’s level. He started his career at Swansea City before joining Everton then onto the Potteries at Stoke City. Following the completion of his scholarship, Edge moved to League Two side Colchester United where he made a solitary appearance as an 84th minute substitute against Crawley Town. Whilst at the U’s, Edge earned experience out on loan at Maldon and Tiptree, Leamington and Needham Market before relocating back to Wales in 2019 after being signed by Huw Griffiths at the Druids. Racking up 60 league appearances at The Rock, Charley now returns home to continue his footballing journey.
Name: Harri Horwood Position: Defender (Left-Back) Squad Number: 20
A pacey and tenacious left-back with experience further forward, Harri progressed through Town’s academy and was an integral part of the Black and Greens’ hugely successful double-winning U19 Development squad of 2017/18 that became the first squad in club history to win a national title.
As well as representing Town’s youth team, Harri featured for Penrhyncoch of the JD Cymru North, further aiding his development and progression to senior football. A regular under Town legend Gari Lewis, Harri’s first spell at Cae Baker was headlined by an away brace vs Ruthin Town, securing The Roosters’ league status in 17/18 despite a travelling squad of just 12 with several starters missing the game.
On the international stage, Harri amassed 14 appearances in a Cymru shirt across schoolboys and academy level, including a 0-2 win to retain the John Coughlin Memorial Cup vs the Republic of Ireland, where Harri netted the opening goal at Graun Park.
In 2018, Harri made the move to the capital to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he spent a season with Met before joining Briton Ferry Llansawel for the 2019/20 season, playing alongside ex-Seasider and fan favourite Mark Jones before season curtailment in March 2020. Harri joined The Archers for Phase 1 of the 2020/21 season before re-joining the Seasiders in January 2021, however he was limited to just three bench appearances in Phase 2.
Harri returned to The Roosters for the 2021/22 season, making 28 total appearances and scoring twice - featuring in all but two games all season as Penrhyn finished in a very respectable 9th place in the JD Cymru North.
Name: Mark Cadwallader Position: Forward (Striker) Squad Number: 22
Prior to joining Flint in 2016, he was with Rhyl FC for four seasons. Having graduated through Chester City’s youth system, Mark later enjoyed spells at Bangor, Connah’s Quay, Northwich Victoria and Airbus UK.
Six-and-a-half prolific seasons followed with The Silkmen, where Mark was club top-scorer on several occasions and Supporters' Player of the Season for 2019/20 as Flint gained promotion to the JD Cymru Premier.
Recently departing Cae y Castell, Mark now joins the Seasiders and offers a wealth of experience to the Town attack.
Name: Harry Arnison Position: Midfielder (Central) Squad Number: 23
Son of former Football League professional Paul Arnison, 20-year-old Harry is a former Queensland Regional Youth Team representative and Brisbane Roar Youth captain who led his side to a National Youth League title in 2019.
In 2020, Harry joined Sunshine Coast Wanderers of the Queensland National Premier League where he made over 60 appearances and was an NPL All-Star Selection in 2021.
A dual UK-Australian citizen, Harry returned to the UK in June 2022 and now joins Town to further his experiences in the senior game.
Formerly of Swindon Town and Wrexham AFC - where he made one National League appearance - Liam's first taste of Welsh football came as a youngster with Prestatyn Town during the 2014/15 season before he joined Carmarthen Town in 2017.
Liam then moved to Penybont where he was a regular contributor, remaining at the South Wales club until the end of the 2021/22 season. In his final season, Liam made 26 appearances as Penybont finished 6th and reached the JD Welsh Cup Final, narrowly losing 3-2 to The New Saints.
Liam moved on to Barry Town United following their relegation to the JD Cymru South, where he has made 12 appearances this season. Liam now takes the step back to the JD Cymru Premier and provides quality and experience to the Seasiders' defensive options.
Hailing from Liverpool, 19-year-old Jake was briefly with Manchester City’s Academy at a young age. After leaving the Sky Blues, he was spotted by a scout from Burnley Football Club, where he spent three years at The Clarets Academy.
The door then opened for Jake to move to The New Saints’ Academy, where in early 2021, as a seventeen-year-old, he signed a professional contract.
Jake has featured seven times for the league leaders so far this term and has notched two goals, against Flint Town and Airbus UK respectively.
33-year-old Alex began his footballing career with Wrexham as a seven-year-old before completing a 2-year youth scholarship with The Dragons and spending a season on professional terms at The Racecourse - joined at the time by new Town manager Anthony Williams.
Alex joined The New Saints as a nineteen-year-old, spending nine-and-a-half-years at Park Hall, amassing 234 total appearances and 94 league goals as TNS lifted seven league titles, four Welsh Cups and five League Cups during his spell. Alex was also on target in Europe for The Saints, netting twice against Midtjylland and once against Cliftonville to aid the Oswestry side’s continental efforts.
Alex was also capped at international level in 2011 and 2012, making two appearances for Wales’ U23 Semi-Pro side against Estonia U23 and Norway U23.
Alex joined Bangor City for a 12-month spell in January 2018 before joining Maltese First Tier side Mosta FC for a six-month spell in January 2019. Alex returned to Wales for the 2019/20 season with Airbus UK before joining Cefn Druids for the 2020/21 campaign.
Last season, Alex predominantly featured in a holding midfield position making 17 total starts and 8 appearances from the bench, finding the net once against his former side Cefn Druids as Town ran out 6-0 winners at Park Avenue.
Name: Billy Kirkman (On-Loan from TNS) Position: Defender (Left-Back) Squad Number: 34
Blackburn-born Billy is an 18-year-old left-sided defender who has featured five times from the bench for The Saints while also turning out for the Saints development side, with nine appearances, three goals and two assists. Turning 19 in February, the first-year professional has impressed this term and will look for further opportunities at senior level, now in Black and Green.