ABERYSTWYTH Town FC is striving to give local players a chance to impress in the Cymru Premier next season, according to a statement from its Board of Directors.

Following the appointment of former Aber players Gavin Allen, as manager, and Antonio Corbisiero, as assistant, who are both based locally, the Club says it is aiming to utilise the area’s own talent.

Working with Bari Morgan, the Club’s Under 19s manager, who has a dual role as assistant first team coach, they will aim to facilitate the progression of youth players into the first team squad.

“We have been very busy in terms of recruitment for the coming season, when it starts, and our new management team of Gavin Allen, Antonio Corbisiero and Bari Morgan, along with Mathew Bishop, have been working hard behind the scenes, talking to new recruits, as well as securing the talented players from our current squad,” said a statement on behalf of the ATFC Board of Directors.

“This new management team is a real step in the right direction for us as a Club, as we have had no major local representation in our coaching ranks for many years.

“The Club is extremely happy with this promising situation, as it puts us in a stronger position to be aware of local talent in the area.

“Anyone good enough to play in the Cymru Premier, who wants to get involved, will be given the opportunity to play, which follows our Club’s plan to play as many local players as possible.

“Through the Development and Academy structure from Under 8s, right up to the Under 19s, our managers will be identifying players early to ensure that they progress eventually to the First Team.

“We also intend to further strengthen our relationships with strong local clubs, specifically including Penrhyncoch, with the appointments of former Seasiders Aneurin Thomas as their manager and Sion James as assistant.

“With some of Gavin’s recent signings, and more to come, we strive to give our Green Army a team they can recognise as their own; with honest, hard working and skilful players who are happy and proud to wear the shirt for Aberystwyth Town.

“We look forward to seeing supporters back at the Aberystwyth University Stadium (Park Avenue) quite soon.”

ABERYSTWYTH Town boss Gavin Allen has welcomed back several Ceredigion-based players into his first team squad for next season.

The new additions include talented locals Jack Rimmer, Jonathan Evans and Steff Davies, from Penrhyncoch FC, and Harri Rowe, who has been with Haverfordwest.

Academy product Rimmer, previously a midfielder, but more recently deployed at right back, will rejoin the Black and Greens after an 18 month spell at Cae Baker.

Now aged 21, he captained the Aber Town Under 19s side which won the Welsh Premier Development League twice in a row, alongside the returning Rowe, 19.

“I’m really excited to get going again, whenever the season starts again - hopefully not too far away,” he said.

“I’m also looking forward to meeting the boys and to start pre-season as we mean to go on. I think we’re going to surprise a few teams.”

Meanwhile 27 year-old forward Evans is another Aber Academy product, who previously played for Aber during Alan Morgan’s tenure, whilst former Bow Street striker Davies has previously represented Haverfordwest County and Caersws.

Other Ceredigion players to have already committed for next season include midfielder Mathew Jones and central defender Lee Jenkins.