NEWLYWED Caernarfon Town manager Sean Eardley has praised former boss Iwan Williams after scooping the Huws Gray Alliance Manager of the Year Award.

The rookie manager, who tied the knot on Saturday, June 16, was announced as winner of the award last week after taking over from Williams, who departed for JD Welsh Premier League side Llandudno.

He led the Cofis to an unbeaten league run that saw them clinch the championship and an elusive promotion to the top flight, and the Llandudno Academy coach also paid tribute to the everyone associated with the Canaries and their passionate fanbase.

Eardley, said: “I feel humbled and honoured to have won the award.

“The foundation was built by Iwan Williams and if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have had the opportunity.

“The players were terrific and the support I had from club officials and family was simply unrivalled.”

Eardley is now busy preparing his side for a return to the top flight in what will be his first full season in management, and he has already secured the serves of highly coveted quartet Ben Maher, Ross Stephens, Cai Jones and Sion Bradley to strengthen his squad ahead of what is sure to be a huge challenge.

He has also managed to keep hold of star names including Darren Thomas, Jamie Breese, Gareth Evans and Clive Williams despite offers from elsewhere, while goalkeeper Alex Ramsay also turned down other opportunities to remain at The Oval.

“It’s going to be a huge test in the JD Welsh Premier League, but believe me my players are itching to get going,” added Eardley.