Caldicot appoint two managers (From Free Press Series)

Caldicot appoint two managers

WELSH League Division Two outfit Caldicot Town have appointed Robert Painter and Mike Pratt as the club's new managers after the recent departure of former boss Chris Lilygreen.

He left after a disappointing season saw Town lose a succession of games and with it track of a possible promotion place. The side finished mid-table, but Lilygreen is said to have felt a change was needed to allow the club to push forward.

After a relatively short search Town officials believe the have the right men in charge to bring stability to the club and groom its young band of players over the next few seasons.

"These are the men to steer the club forward," said club secretary John Burrows. "They came across very well in the interview and we are confident they are the right men for the job."

Painter and Pratt both have excellent knowledge of local football having played for Newport and bring with them a wealth of experience to Jubilee Way.

For Painter, who played for Town last season, this is his first managerial role. As well as coaching the side the defender has said he will also be available to play if needed.

Pratt has already managed another side - rivals Chepstow - and will be keen to make his new side one of the more feared in the Welsh League.

Both managers are working on their UEFA B coaching badges. Speaking on the challenge ahead for the two new bosses Burrows said: "There is stacks of potential for them to work with and they know that. They will be looking to sign three or four players though to strengthen the squad.

"What we have learnt is that we can not survive on local talent alone. We need some experience there too to provide a backbone to the side and stability on the field.

"Their short-term aims will be stability and maintaining a comfortable Second Division place.

"That doesn't mean we're ruling out promotion, but mid-table is a more realistic aim in the short-term. With the young players we have, over the next three years we'll be ready to push upwards."

The club has organised a series of pre-season friendlies next month all at home. On July 17 Town face Mangotsfield, kick-off 3pm; July 20 Weston-super-Mare, kick-off 7pm; and July 22, Cwmbran Town, kick-off 7pm.