Roberts drops Banw bombshell

Just when you thought the shocks that have rocked Mid Wales football over the past month had ended, Chris Roberts has lit a resignation rocket that we will all remember as we enter November!

The 36 year-old has quit as player-manager of Spar Mid Wales Division One side Dyffryn Banw to join newly-installed Guilsfield boss Russell Cadwallader as his No. 2, ending Berriew’s hopes of tempting Roberts to fill their vacant manager’s chair.

And it follows an incredible month which started when Graham Evans quit Technogroup Welshpool and Guilsfield’s Mike Barton slipped into the job within 48 hours.

 “It has been the most difficult football decision I've ever made because I’ve really loved every minute of my time at Banw,” said Roberts. “The Chairman, board, fans and most of the players have been a joy to work with. They are a really close knit community with a forward thinking approach and have been right behind me in all decisions as manager.

“But I’ve simply had enough of the responsibilities of being a manager, and the chance to play and work alongside Russ again is too good to miss. This was probably the only other place I would have gone. I’ve given my all to the club over the past three years and just need a new challenge. I’d like to thank Banw for everything they’ve done for me and I wish them the very best of luck in the future.

“I am excited to join Guilsfield as they are a well run club with quality players who I’m looking forward to playing with.”

Roberts has enjoyed considerable success since joining Banw, leading them into the Spar set-up from amateur league status. This season, however, the results have not gone to plan and he has voiced concern about his struggle to sign new players to take the club forward.

He joins up with Cadwallader who was his manager at Welshpool Town at the turn of the decade. His new boss said he was “over the moon” that Roberts had decided to join.

“I am delighted that Chris has agreed to join us at Guilsfield especially with much interest shown in him from other clubs,” said Cadwallader. “He has a great deal of experience at this level and his quality both on and off the pitch will be invaluable as we attempt to climb the table. I know it was a wrench to leave Banw but, like me, he sees the potential at this club and I look forward to working closely with him in the coming months.”

It leaves two big local clubs – Banw and Berriew – managerless, so don’t take your eye off the scene for a minute and watch this space!