A1 - It’s just an incredible achievement. Don’t think anybody in welsh football expected a wild card to reach the final of theWord.Cup.
Our initial tie against Rhyl was looked upon as a great fixture for us, a chance to pit ourselves against welsh prem opposition. Our performance first half was simply breath taking – we blew Rhyl away, and deservedly got the win. What’s been amazing is that the lads have believed each round that they could win the tie, although most pundits would have given us no chance. The competition has certainly been a great experience for the club and the people of Denbigh. Our semi-final game against Gap Connahs Quay was a fantastic night, with an incredible atmosphere which hasn’t been seen at Central Park for quite some years. People of Denbigh have been well up for the final, and there’s been a real buzz around the place for the last few weeks. It’s a great feeling to be part of the club at the moment, and the Final on Saturday is an occasion that we’re all looking forward to, especially the committee members who have worked hard for years for this level of success.

Q2 – Your Opponents TNS are enjoying another superb season in the Welsh Premier, how are you going to approach the game and cause what would undoubtable be one of the biggest upsets in Welsh Football.

A2 - There’s no doubt that TNS are the benchmark that every club in wales look to. They’re professional approach and success achieved is staggering, but they are beatable, as GAP Connahs Quay proved this week. But without question we have a mammoth task to get a result. The lads have worked hard with extra sessions, we’ve moved and trained on 3G over the last few weeks, and we’ve obviously watched TNS in recent weeks (which might not have been the best of ideas!). If I had an easy answer on how best to beat TNS, then I’m sure I could get a job at any welsh prem club! We’ll go into the game well prepared, and there’ll be a positive belief that we can win the game. We are realistic enough to know that lady luck would have to be kind to us – but with effort and teamwork by every individual, sometimes great things happen in football. We will go into this final on Saturday believing that we can cause an upset, and I know every Denbigh supporter there will do their part in cheering us on.

Q3 – You have recently taken on the role of Director of Football within the club. Can you tell us what this means to the yourself having held various posts within the club over previous seasons?

A4 - It’s been an amazing 4 years for me personally at the club. Not in my wildest dreams would I have expected to be holding such a position within the club when I first joined 4 years ago. I’d like to go on record and thank Shon and the committee for believing in me, and offering me this position. When I first joined the club to take on the reserve team, it was soon evident the ambition the club held. Working with Rich Cooke as first team manager was fantastic, and being one that loves to see young players develop, it was great working with Rich who always had time and advice in helping the reserves with experienced players from the first team. Losing Rich after the success the club had under him was a big blow, But Tel Ingram and Dave Taylors could very well have built on that success. Unfortunately their time at the club was short lived due to Tel’s work commitments, and I got asked to help out with first team duties along with Max Peate, the captain. That in itself was a great honour, having only been at the club such a short time. Working with Perry this year has been a joy, and local talent has been given a real chance to progress to the first team. I’ve been given the new role as director of football probably because I’m naturally interested in developing players. Too often good young players get overlooked, and are not given the opportunity to prove themselves. Having recently worked closely with the junior section, it was evident that we needed to change things within the club, and get closer connections with juniors, girls and ladies teams. This has now started, and we are already seeing benefits for all sections, something I’m very proud to be involved in. I hope that my new role will ensure that player development continues, and that coaches throughout the club can eventually see the fruits of their efforts when players progress through the teams.

Q4 – What are your thoughts on the differences between the leagues within the Welsh Pyramid system and is there anything you’d like to see change?

A4 - The welsh pyramid has undoubtedly got stronger in recent years. The second tier of welsh football, north and south, have got some great clubs in it, some of which I’m certain could adapt to the top tier very easily. I’ve watched a fair amount of Tier 3 football recently, and again there are some teams playing decent football at that level also. I’d personally like to see the top tier of welsh football back to 16 teams. I believe there are enough teams within the 2nd tier to ensure this would not weaken the welsh prem, and there are many ambitious clubs, like ourselves, looking at improving grounds to hopefully challenge in the coming years for a place in the top league. Funding down the welsh pyramid system would see more clubs improve their facilities, but this needs to be done with clubs looking at long term strategies to ensure their development can be seen through. It’s a big step up from one league to another, but we’ve proven the last few years that steady progress can bring results. Couple of years back we were in tier 3. Now we are taking on the best of tier 1 in a cup final, and holding a respectable league position in tier 2.

Q5 – With all the attention on the Cup Final, what’s the feeling within the Town and surrounding villages? You have been busy over the last week visiting the local schools, how has this gone?

A5 - There’s a big buzz around the area for sure. Immediately after the semi-final success, the club has seen a lot of attention locally, and the club has done its best with a great deal of hard work from many people to try and engage the support we’ve had positively. We’ve seen ticket sales go really well, and orders for the merchandise we’ve been selling increase massively, so all in all the success of the cup competition has really lifted the profile of the club. I’d like to thank the FAW and current holders TNS for allowing us the trophy to help promote the final. It’s been an excellent experience taking the trophy around the schools, and an absolute pleasure in answering questions from the pupils. Many of the kids had attended our semi-final match, and take part in our weekly fun football program, so they were fully aware of the atmosphere surrounding the club, and you could see the excitement in them on seeing the cup. Really pleasing to see so many kids with interest in the club and the success we are having. Hopefully the exercise will result in those kids one day becoming senior players at Denbigh Town FC. Everyone within the town is excited about the final. There’s no getting away from the fact that there’s almost a feeling that our name is on the cup!! God help us if we get the result we’re hoping for – I think everyone will be partying well into Monday!!