All change as Aber and Newtown exit Cymru Premier
Aberystwyth Town and Newtown will have new managers next season as they adjust to life outside the JD Cymru Premier.Both clubs had been ever presents in the league since its formation in 1992, but the two mid Wales clubs will be in tier two next season.Antonio Corbisiero returned to Aberystwyth to replace Anthony Williams in November 2024.The Seasiders did reach the final of the Nathaniel MG Cup, losing 1-0 to The New Saints, but ultimately Corbisiero could not save the club from relegation."I'd like to thank everybody at the club for the opportunity of leading the team in the fight for survival this season," Corbisiero."Sadly, it wasn't to be and I'm gutted for everybody involved that relegation was the outcome.
"My thanks go to the fans who have been with us all the way — especially the incredible support at the Cup Final in February."It'd be fantastic to see that support week in, week out next season for a new manager to help get this club back to the JD Cymru Premier."Where Aberystwyth will play next season - JD Cymru North or JD Cymru South - remains unclear with the Ceredigion club waiting on the licensing processes for tiers two and three.Newtown had sacked manager Callum McKenzie with two games of the league season remaining and before their fate had been decided.Craig Williams took charge of those final two games, but Newtown were relegated in their penultimate game, defeat at home by already-doomed Aberystwyth.The Robins have acted quickly to make a new appointment, with former Guislfield boss Nathan Leonard who had been Newtown assistant – an experienced manager at tier two level – now in charge."He demonstrated a clear, ambitious plan for how he wants to develop the team both on and off the pitch," Newtown chairman Nick Evans said."His values align closely with the club's identity and aspirations and we're confident he is the right person to lead us in the next chapter of our journey."Both clubs will be looking to make immediate returns to the top-flight next season at a time of big changes for the Cymru Premier.The league will be increased from 12 to 16 teams with six teams, three from the two tier two divisions, promoted in time for the 2026-27 season.
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