Town unveil familiar faces after shake-up
RAYMOND Walker and Kevin Downes are back in harness at Porthcawl Town Football Club, writes Tony Poole.
The Seasiders last week confirmed that the former club players had agreed to return following the departure of Barrie Jones back in June.
Ironically, Jones took over from the pair and went on to mastermind the winning of the South Wales Alliance Division One title in season 2018-19.
And during the 2019-20 season that the FAW curtailed owing to the coronavirus pandemic, Porthcawl took third place on ‘points per game’ having topped the table for much of the season.
However, Jones felt that he had taken the club as far as he could and accepted a post at JD Cymru Championship (South) club Afan Lido.
It’s led to the winds of change having blown through Lock’s Lane of late as local businessman Norman Harris has also returned as chairman following the death back in May of his friend Alex Walker.
The remainder of the new Porthcawl management team comprises Lee Owen (coach), Scott Rundle (second team) and Peter Gillet (third team).
“Raymond Walker and Kevin Downes did an excellent job for the club the last time they were in charge, and I’m confident they can once more get the best out of a talented squad,” said Porthcawl Town chairman Norman Harris.
“With three senior teams, excellent facilities both off and on the field and a hard-working committee, the future looks bright for the club.
“And what really pleases me is that so many of the players associated with the club’s golden era during the Nineties are still involved with the club.”
The Seasiders have also been boosted by the return of star striker Jorge Crofts, while Kevin Downes’ son, Joe, is also back on the Lock’s Lane scene.
Others back in harness with the club include Jack Brooks, Carter Munro, Kris Shore and Ethan Waters.
However, chairman Harris is keen for the club to focus on what they do well and not get distracted by other clubs in the locality.
He continued: “The last thing we want to do is get engulfed in local competition with another club as I feel that scenario is extremely negative.
“My belief is do the best with what you’ve got, and it will be a challenge for us to refocus.
“But there’s a superb spirit at the club and we must now tap in to this.’’