Gwent boss makes move to Cwmbran Celtic as Newport City seal play-off spot

CWMBRAN Celtic will be led by Simon Berry in Cymru South next season after he made the switch from Risca United.

Berry will be at the helm as the club start a new era after James Kinsella stepped down following a ninth-placed finish in the league.

The new boss spent seven and a half seasons with Risca with the Cuckoos set to finish either third or fourth in Ardal SE this season.

Berry started his managerial career at Monmouth Town youth while he also had a spell in charge at Newport Civil Service.

He will now make the step up to Cymru South while Rhys Llewellyn is charged with helping Abergavenny Town return to that level.

He has been appointed as first team manager after a tough campaign at Pen y Pound Stadium in which they propped up the table with just two wins and two draws from 30 league games.

Llewellyn has previously worked with Pontypidd Town, Cinderford and the Cymru South regional team.

“Rhys is a dynamic young manager who will bring a wealth of experience to our club,” read a club statement.

“He will be tasked with setting out a footballing structure throughout the club which will form a clear pathway for our young stars to progress straight into the first team.

“With all our key figures now in place to fully prepare for the 2024/25 season it’s exciting times ahead for the club as we look to go again and move up through the leagues.”

Meanwhile, Newport City sealed second place in Ardal SE and a promotion play-off by beating champions Trethomas Bluebirds on Tuesday evening.

The Steelmen won 4-2 at Caerphilly County Borough Centre for Sporting Excellence thanks to goals by Cole Jarvis, Callum Bateman, Kofi Rowe and Tyrrell Webbe, with Levi Rees getting a double for the champs.

Newport will take on the runners-up in Ardal SW for a spot in Cymru South with Penrhiwceiber Rangers needing a point from their home game with Seven Sisters Onllwyn to pip Cefn Cribwr to top spot.

The other midweek action in Ardal SE saw Treharris beat Undy 2-1 while Treowen Stars thumped Hay St Marys 7-1, with Christian Davies scoring a hat-trick.

Treowen are also preparing for the arrival of a new boss with Ben Murphy replacing Dean Randall this summer.

“With ‘Muff’ in high demand, we knew we had to move quick to get the deal done and we are delighted to hear that we were the club he wanted to join,” read a club statement.

“Whilst we look back with fondness and sadness, we also look forward with excitement and expectation.”