Mark Murison believes the future is bright at Briton Ferry Llansawel following his appointment as the club’s new manager.
Murison takes the reins at the Renewable Centre Stadium after the Reds finished fifth in the Genero Adran Premier in 2025/26. Rhys Thomas led the side for the first half of the season but could not achieve a top half finish, before he stepped down at the end of Phase One and former boss Rhys James was placed in interim charge for the remainder of the campaign.
Murison has been in charge of Ferry’s U15 Girls side this season, winning the SWWGL Combined U15 league and reaching two cup finals.
“I was really attracted to the role because of the ambition of the club and the direction it is heading in,” Murison told the club’s official website.
“Having already been involved with the club through the academy, I have seen first-hand the quality of work being done and the strong foundations that are in place. There is an excellent youth setup here, which I believe can support the first team in the years to come.
“When I spoke to the club, it was clear there’s a real desire to build something sustainable and competitive. With the combination of a strong pathway for young players and a committed environment, it felt like the right place for me to come in and help move things forward.”
Briton Ferry have a strong track record of promoting young talent, with 18-year-old Maia Owen starring for the Reds over the last two years and 16-year-old Freya Peyton becoming a regular over this season. Lily Evans (16), Gwen Phillips (17), Chloe Rudge (17), Begw Gruffydd (16) and Charlotte Merry (17) have all also had first team involvement in recent months.
In addition to his experience in Ferry’s academy set-up, Murison was previously in charge of Haverfordwest County’s U16s Boys team before being appointed as the Bluebirds’ first team assistant manager and helping the club win promotion to the JD Cymru Premier.
“I believe in developing young players and giving them a clear pathway into the first team,” he said. “One of my key aims is to create a seamless transition from youth to senior football, building on the structured pathway that’s already in place at the club.
“If players are good enough and show the right attitude, they’ll be given opportunities to be exposed to the senior environment early.
“That experience is invaluable for their development but, it’s also about getting the balance right with experienced players so we can remain competitive while continuing to build for the future.”
Ferry, who finished second in the Genero Adran Premier in 2024/25, will no doubt have ambitions of returning to the top half next season and competing with the division’s best sides.
Murison explained his vision for the team and what supporters can expect next season.
“They can expect a team that works hard, is well organised, and plays with real intensity. We want to build on what’s already in place at the club but add a real edge in terms of high energy and physicality, so we can impose ourselves in every game.
“I want us to play front-foot football, dominate territory as much as possible, and be difficult for teams to deal with both in and out of possession. We want to excite the fans and give them a team they can really get behind.”
