EXCLUSIVE

By John Adey

A top local football club was last night in crisis talks after the resignation of a hugely successful management duo following what is claimed to be an excessive suspension handed down to the club first team boss.

St Dogmaels manager Steve Jerry Williams was recently suspended until the end of May and for the first four competitive games next season for technical assault (verbal abuse to the referee) and bringing the game into disrepute during a Costcutter League Division One game.

The 40-year-old former long-serving player with the club said he was totally disillusioned by the severity of the ban and after being told on Saturday he could not get involved in any way from the touchline or in the changing rooms Williams decided there was no point continuing and ended his association with football.

Speaking to the Tivy-Side after Saints lost 5-3 at New Quay postman Williams said “The people who run the game are more interested in slapping lengthy suspensions and heavy fines than promoting the game and I’ve had enough.”

Williams and assistant manager Wayne Jones have formed a highly successful management team in the north Pembrokeshire village, leading Saints to numerous successes in the local league and also in Central Wales FA competitions.

It was hoped Jones, who has had a stint as club manager, would pick up the reins but he also announced his resignation when he said “I stayed for this season only to help Jerry but now he has gone I do not wish to carry on.”

There has been speculation in the area of former manager and team captain Steve Blackford, now in charge of Goodwick United in the Pembrokeshire League, making a return.

But on Monday Blackford said “I have not been approached by anyone. I had a great time with St Dogmaels but time has moved on, I’m happy with Goodwick and hope to stay until at least the end of the season.”

Confirming that an emergency meeting was being held St Dogmaels stalwart for many years Peter Wilson said “We’d like to thank Jerry for the great job he has done and we are now looking for a successor.

“Hopefully one of the players will take over the running of the first team until we can get someone on a permanent basis. It is a big decision for us,” he said.