Experienced Welsh League manager Gareth Morgan is the new man in charge of newly-promoted STM Sports.
Former Llanwern and Croesyceiliog team boss Morgan takes over from ex-Cardiff City player Nathan Cadette, who stepped down because of work commitments.
Cardiff club STM believe the experience of Morgan and his player/assistant manager Dominic Dwyer will be invaluable.
After lengthy negotiations with club officials Morgan agreed to take over the promotion-winning squad. He has previously managed Cwmbran Celtic, Llanwern FC (gained promotion to Division Two), Croesyceiliog (Welsh League Cup Winners) and at AFC Porth, who just missed out on promotion in the season just ended.
“The temptation to manage my local club was just too great to ignore,” said Morgan. “The squad oozes quality and their achievements to date have just been phenomenal. Hopefully I can add to those achievements in the coming seasons.”
A club statement said: “We will be looking for a period of consolidation and stabilisation next season as the club adapts to the new division and at the same time expanding the club with the introduction of our new under-19 Team that will allow us to develop the young players from the wealth of talent that we are lucky enough to have in our area.”
STM Sports achieved Welsh League status two years ago, only eight years after starting out in the bottom division of Cardiff Combination League football.
South Wales Amateur League champions STM defeated Pontlottyn FC, the South Wales Senior title winners, 4-1 in a play-off final at Cardiff City Stadium to go up.
Club official Nigel Bircham said at the time: “It’s a dream come true.”
Now STM have taken the next step under manager Cadette, finishing runners-up behind Llantwit Major in Division Three.
Cadette has handed over his role as manager to Morgan and the Llanrumney-based club are intent on continuing their progress over then next few seasons.
The Welsh League Reserve Cup Final, Briton Ferry Llansawel v Cambrian & Clydach, will be played on Friday, May 19 at BP Llandarcy (7pm).
Caerau Ely won the Welsh League Youth Cup, beating Tredegar Town 4-0 in the final at Aberaman Park. Man of the Match was Luke Bridgeman of Caerau Ely.