CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have officially confirmed Gareth Thomas as first team manager.

The newly formed club reportedly received a high number of applications for the role, and they have opted to go with Thomas as the man to lead the club through their first formal competitive season.

Thomas enjoyed a standout spell as manager of Conwy Borough in his most recent role. He guided the club back to second-tier level following relegation thanks to a memorable treble-winning campaign that was the best in the club’s history.

This included the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title, the Cookson Cup and a national competition success in the form of the FAW Trophy.

Thomas parted ways with the Tangerines just a few short weeks into their return to JD Cymru North, and he was most recently on the staff at Denbigh Town before leaving last month.

He said: “I am really excited about joining CPD Y Rhyl 1879 on the journey to rise through the Welsh leagues.

“We will be looking to recruit the best North Wales based players we can, to join us in our first season.”

Thomas added his first order of business will be to appoint his backroom staff, before moving on to forming a squad capable of challenging in whatever tier the club find themselves in next term.

The new club were quickly formed following the decision to wind up Rhyl FC after almost 150 years.

This was due to the board’s failure to find the necessary £175,000 needed to stay afloat until May 2021. Although they have now managed to secure Belle Vue as their ground going forward after finally coming to an arrangement with owner David Butters.

An application to play in Tier 4 has been submitted to the North Wales Coast Football Association, and a decision on this is expected in due course.

Tom Jamieson, chairman of CPD Y Rhyl 1879, added: “Gareth is really well-known in local footballing circles and has been appointed not only due to his coaching capabilities and local know how, but he is passionate about our journey along with having a proven reputation for developing local talent which really appealed to us.”