TROUBLED TECHNOGROUP Welshpool may have hit rock bottom in the Cymru Alliance - but boss Chris Herbert is happy to stay on despite the lure of rival clubs.
TROUBLED TECHNOGROUP Welshpool may have hit rock bottom in the Cymru Alliance - but boss Chris Herbert is happy to stay on despite the lure of rival clubs.
The former Connah’s Quay striker faced a near-impossible task when becoming the third manager in a season that saw the Lilywhites rocked by the early loss of 15 points for fielding ineligible players.
Despite ongoing off-field problems and inevitable relegation to the Spar Mid Wales League, Herbert’s never-say die attitude and his ability to recruit signings has not gone unnoticed.
“A couple of clubs have read about Welshpool’s problems and have already contacted me about next season but to be honest I want to stay here,” he said.
“It would be easy to walk away but I want to stick it out and I know a lot of the players I have brought here want to stay on for next season. We still feel we’ve got a job to do.
“If we can keep this side together and bring in some local lads then I’m sure we’ll do well and bounce back.”
Welshpool’s 2-1 defeat at Guilsfield in midweek means they are certain to finish at the foot of the table, and Herbert admits talk of the financial problems is a concern.
“To be honest, I’ve not got a clue what’s going on, I don’t know whether there will be a budget for next season,” he said.
“The players will be paid for the final three games of the season, that’s what I do know, but after that I don’t know what will happen.”
In the short term, Welshpool travel to Rhos Aelwyd on Saturday.
The Pool chief felt his side were worth at least a point in last Tuesday’s 2-1 reverse at Guilsfield.
“It wasn’t a good game but I felt we were the only side looking to win it,” he said.
“They had two efforts on goal and scored twice, both from mistakes by our keeper.”
By contrast, Guilsfield look virtually assured of Cymru Alliance football next season after the home victory over Welshpool took them 10 points clear of third bottom Rhydymwyn.
Ross Frame gave Guilsfield a 25th minute lead, pouncing after keeper Callum Hawthorne had failed to gather but Welshpool levelled midway through the second half when Jack Pickering fired in from a corner.
Chances were few and far between in a physical encounter, but the home side wrapped up a crucial win 12 minutes from time when, with Hawthorne stranded, Rob Cookson crossed for Mark Davies to head home.
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