COLWYN Bay FC begin the new JD Cymru North season on Friday evening (July 26) against Bangor 1876, with the management team of Mike Wilde and Danny Harrison taking charge of their first competitive game (kick-off 7.45pm).
Wilde and Harrison were appointed in May following the departure of Steve Evans at the end of last season after the Bay were relegated from the JD Cymru Premier.
Wilde said he was “really happy” with the preparations for the new season having rebuilt a squad which features just six senior players from last season.
“It was almost starting again – we’ve done a lot in a short space of time,” the former Connah’s Quay Nomads, New Saints and Chester striker said.
“The information that the lads have had to take on of how we want things to look like on the pitch and off the pitch takes a lot of time and preparation in order to understand what’s needed.
“A lot’s been crammed in but we’re in a good place for the start of the season.”
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Bay face Bangor in the opening game of the league season with a big crowd expected at the 4 Crosses Construction Arena on Friday evening, the first of four consecutive home games in all competitions.
The Seagulls host Aberystwyth Town in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup on Saturday, 3 August before back to back home league games against last season’s champions Holywell Town (August 6) and newly promoted Llay Miners Welfare (August 9).
“It’s going to be busy and it’s going to come on top of us quite quickly but it’s something that we’re relishing, not just the players but also me and Danny,” Wilde added.
“We can’t wait for it to start now.”
Wilde and assistant Danny Harrison have added two more players to the squad ahead of Friday night’s evening game.
Forward Lloyd Marsh-Hughes has re-signed and midfielder Jacob Barrett has joined.
Marsh-Hughes made 20 appearances in all competitions and scored two goals for the Bay last season having joined during the summer of 2023 from Caernarfon Town.
Barratt spent the second half of last season at Porthmadog, where he made eight appearances in the JD Cymru North.
The 23-year-old has also had spells with Mold Alexandra, Runcorn Town, Gresford Athletic and Denbigh Town.
Bay will face newly promoted Flint Mountain away in the Welsh Blood Service League Cup First Round.
The tie has been scheduled for Saturday, August 31 with a 2.30pm kick-off at the Essity Stadium in Flint.
Meanwhile, Connor Murphy has joined the club’s board of directors.
Having recently taken up the role of community officer, Connor said of his appointment: "I'm delighted to have joined the board of directors here at Colwyn Bay Football Club.
“This club has made me feel extremely welcome and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a director of this historic football club.”
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