Thomas is a Red - Rhys Thomas takes charge of Reds
- martintownley27
- May 6
- 3 min read
Briton Ferry Llansawel are pleased to announce Rhys Thomas as the club new first team manager. Thomas will take charge of the team after a successful season at Penybont Women guiding them to a fourth placed finish in the Adran South. Thomas’ Penybont side finished just six points off Adran South winners Pontypridd in their debut season in the division.
The new Reds manager shared what attracted him to the club, saying,
“Briton Ferry is a club I’ve always admired and not just the women’s side, but the men’s and the academy too.
“There’s a real sense of community here and a culture of having to fight for everything.
“The resilience and unity the club shows has really stood out to me for a long time, and having coached against Ferry in the boys Academy and Women's football, you know you are in for a very difficult day whenever you play Briton Ferry.
“When the opportunity came up, it felt like something that I needed to experience.”
Thomas’ Penybont side met The Reds in last season’s Adran Trophy with the Reds coming out on top in a competitive game.
Thomas continued,
“On top of that, the opportunity to compete in Tier one and to help Briton Ferry challenge the biggest names in Welsh football was one I couldn’t pass up.
“I’ve watched the women’s team closely for some time, and have tried to emulate the characteristics they have shown within my own club at Penybont.”
Thomas saw his Penybont side lift the Hugh James SWFA Women’s Cup in his final game, beating Cwmbran Celtic 4-1. Three fist half goals giving Penybont a 3-0 half time lead with a fourth added deep into stoppage time. So What can Reds supporters expect from Thomas at Briton Ferry.
“You can expect high tempo football and a group of players who will work relentlessly, both in and out of possession.
“For me, this is about building on the excellent job that Rhys James has done.
“The identity is already strong and has been successful, my role is to contribute to that and continue the fight in every match.
“Taking the recent performance at the Cardiff City Stadium for example, to see how competitive the team were, and the brilliant travelling support they had being made a lasting impression with me.
“My core belief is that a team must be competitive in every moment, with or without the ball.
“That starts with the right mindset and a commitment to high intensity across the pitch.
“Tactics and systems can adapt to the players you have, the non-negotiables for me are hard work and playing with intent.
“I think that success comes from players working for each other and embracing challenges with energy and belief.
Thomas counited by saying that his role to build on the solid foundations already at the club,
“You can expect high tempo football and a group of players who will work relentlessly, both in and out of possession.
“For me, this is about building on the excellent job that Rhys James has done.
“The identity is already strong and has been successful, my role is to contribute to that and continue the fight in every match.”
After a history making season for the Red’s Rhys believes that the club can go better and further again next season saying,
“Any team that finishes second should aim to finish first the following season.
“But beyond just targets, I think Briton Ferry should fear no one in this league.
“My job is to ensure we approach every game with a clear idea of how we can get at the opposition and hurt them.
“I believe there isn’t a game that this team should go into thinking they can’t win.
“The key will be staying united through challenges, and bringing that same level of fight they showed last season, I think if we can do that, then there is silverware to come from this side.”#
Welcome to Briton Ferry Rhys.
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