LLANFAIR United Football Club manager Rhys Stephens has stepped down following a golden decade at the helm.

The popular Mount Field chief masterminded the club's rise through the Welsh football pyramid over the past 10 years.

Stephens returned to the club from a coaching role at Newtown in 2011 and succeeded Daryl Griffiths at the helm,

The committee and everyone involved at the club fully support Rhys’ decision to step down, but he will be sorely missed and leaves a big hole to fill.

In 2012 the club won the ER Jenkins Cup and secured promotion to first division of the MMP-NL Mid Wales League the following year while retaining the cup.

Stephens guided United to their first Central Wales Cup triumph in 2014 and the following year the Mid Wales League One title was won for the first time as well as the Montgomeryshire Cup as the club took its place in the JD Cymru North.

The club maintained its grip on the Montgomeryshire Cup over the next two seasons but suffered relegation in 2017 before securing their return to the second tier as Mid Wales League champions in 2019.

However the club's stay in the second tier ended with relegation on points per game after the cancellation of the season due to the pandemic.

Club spokesman Jonathan Richards said: "Rhys’ magnificent success, guiding the team to numerous trophies will always be fondly remembered.

"Signing so many local players who were inspired by Rhys to play for their local club has been magnificent for the town, and Rhys has included numerous local people in the management staff too, who have all helped the club to become so successful.

"During the past 10 years, Rhys has played a huge part in using his role as manager to help form a ladies team, a youth team and he has created a strong link in the community, with the local high school, seeing numerous youngsters come through to play for the senior sides.

"Even jobs such as washing the kit after a game when needed or marking the pitch, have never been too much for Rhys during his time as manager.

"Everyone at the club would like to thank Rhys for everything he has done. He leaves on incredibly good terms and we wish him all the best with his new endeavours."

The club is now actively seeking a replacement. If you are interested in the first team manager role, please email llanfairunited@gmail.com