PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk has expressed his disappointment at having to step down from his position next season to meet new criteria.

Current Reserves team boss Sion Eifion Jones, who holds a Uefa B Licence, will fill the role from 2019/20, when the second tier of Welsh football comes under the jurisdiction of the FAW.

“When the new criteria comes to fruition for next season I will be unable to continue to manage the club,” said the Porthmadog boss.

“I have had the opportunity to go and do the Uefa B Licence course and only have myself to blame for not completing it and gaining the necessary qualification.

“It is bitterly disappointing for me personally, as I have given my all to help this club develop both on and off the field.

“I understand the road in which the FAW want to take the clubs going forward, but I’m also frustrated that it means I can no longer manage at this level.

“The club had an obligation to name a successor, and Sion Eifion is that man who will take on the responsibilities of managing the squad going forward.

“He has done a fantastic job with the Reserves, and although the standard is very much different the fundamentals are the same. He has assembled a talented squad, got them playing a certain and exciting way, and more importantly knows the club, and what it means to be here.”

Papirnyk added: “It’s been a great experience leading this club, and I had a massive job in helping to improve things on and off the field. I was left with a depleted squad, with only eight players remaining at the club from the previous season.

“We needed to improve and support the academy more and create a stronger links to the community, which I know that we have done in my time at the club.

“I can look back proudly at what has been achieved in a short space of time, I have countless people to thank who helped me improve things over the years.

“Guy Handscombe has been a credit to the club in the way he developed the academy, and Steve Smith, Ioan Llewelyn, Mark Orme, and more recently Sion Tudor, have all played their parts too.

“Lindsey has also been brilliant since coming in and keeping the players injury free and Shon Williams has been a star in helping with the small but always important jobs at training and match days.

“The players I have managed over the years have always given me respect and I will always hold them all in high esteem, and I also thank the supporters who have grown in numbers, and the board for the faith they have always shown in me.

Papirnyk confirmed that he and Tudor will remain at the club until the end of the season, and Sion Eifion will finish the season with the Reserves."He will also be coming with us when they don’t have a game to ensure a smooth transition into the first team," said Papirnyk.“Myself and Sion Eifion will have a number of meetings now until the end of the season in preparation for the new campaign, with Tudor and I giving Sion advice and support when he needs it.

“The Club must always come first, and it’s a time to remain positive and look forward to a bright and exciting future.”

CHAIRMAN BACKS NEW MANAGER

WITH the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance coming under FAW jurisdiction as the ‘Welsh Championship’ next season, Porthmadog FC has moved swiftly to meet the challenges that this will bring.

One fundamental criteria is that in the Championship the club manager must have a B Coaching Licence.Therefore, as from the start of next season, current and very successful Reserve team boss, Sion Eifion Jones, who does hold a Uefa B Licence, will become first team manager.

Current first team manager Craig Papyrnik will remain a part of the Club’s management team, playing a pivotal role in supporting Jones on a series of fronts.

Porthmadog chairman Phil Jones said: “We are embarking on a three to five year development plan, with the ultimate aim of regaining our place in the Welsh Premier League, but also making us more sustainable both on and off the field over the longer term."Running a football club like ours, even at second tier level in Wales, is no longer an easy job, with increased responsibilities not just on the playing front but also at backroom level.

“We see Sion as a talented young coach who can help us achieve our aims and Craig’s experience as manager over the last five years will be invaluable as part of both his and the Club’s development.”

It has also been announced that the current first team coach at the Traeth, Guy Handscombe, will be leaving the Club.

“We are greatly indebted to Guy who has been a very important part of our coaching team and, especially, in driving our Academy forward. We wish him well in the future,” added the Port chairman.

Sion Eifion Jones said he was proud to be named as first team manager for next season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be named as the Porthmadog manager for next season, and I can’t wait to get started when the season ends,” he said.“All focus must now go towards ensuring that the team finish this season as strong as possible. I would like to highlight my gratitude to Craig for his role in my appointment.

“I am also delighted that Craig has decided to stay on and support me next year, which is something I felt important.

“My Porthmadog Reserves players have given me absolutely everything this year. I want to finish the season strongly with these boys and win the double.”