New Briton Ferry Llansawel manager Rhys Thomas has set his sights on winning the Genero Adran Premier title in his debut season at the club.
Thomas was confirmed as the Reds’ incoming boss on Tuesday, replacing Rhys James who stepped down after guiding the team to a second-place finish in their first campaign back in the top-flight.
“Any team that finishes second should aim to finish first the following season,” Thomas told the club’s official website.
“But beyond just targets, I think Briton Ferry should fear no one in this league. My job is to ensure we approach every game with a clear idea of how we can get at the opposition and hurt them.
“I believe there isn’t a game that this team should go into thinking they can’t win. The key will be staying united through challenges, and bringing that same level of fight they showed last season, I think if we can do that, then there is silverware to come from this side.”
Ferry finished 10 points behind champions Cardiff City in 2024/25, but defeated the Bluebirds in December while also taking four points from two games against Swansea City and winning 3-1 against Wrexham at the STōK Cae Ras in March.
Thomas moves to Ferry following a successful season of his own at Penybont in the Genero Adran South, leading the team to a fourth-place finish in their debut campaign in the second tier after promotion in 2024.
Bont finished just six points behind top spot, won all three of their group matches in the Genero Adran Trophy and lifted the Hugh James SWFA Women’s Cup just last weekend with a 4-1 win over Cwmbran Celtic in the final.
But now Thomas begins the next chapter of his coaching career as he makes the step up to the Genero Adran Premier.
“The opportunity to compete in tier one and to help Briton Ferry challenge the biggest names in Welsh football was one I couldn’t pass up,” the 32-year-old said.
“Briton Ferry is a club I’ve always admired. Not just the women’s side, but the men’s and the academy too. There’s a real sense of community here and a culture of having to fight for everything.
“The resilience and unity the club shows has really stood out to me for a long time. Having coached against Ferry in the boys’ academy and women’s football, you know you are in for a very difficult day whenever you play Briton Ferry.
“When this opportunity came up, it felt like something that I needed to experience.”
Ferry have acted quickly to replace Rhys James, getting ahead of rivals The New Saints and Swansea City who also have managerial vacancies this summer.
Thomas will now look to put his stamp on this Reds team – who have lost back-to-back top scorer Alison Witts to retirement this summer – while also aiming to continue the club’s current upward trajectory.
“You can expect high tempo football and a group of players who will work relentlessly, both in and out of possession,” he said.
“For me, this is about building on the excellent job that Rhys James has done. The identity is already strong and has been successful, my role is to contribute to that and continue the fight in every match.
“My core belief is that a team must be competitive in every moment, with or without the ball. That starts with the right mindset and a commitment to high intensity across the pitch.
“Tactics and systems can adapt to the players you have, the non-negotiables for me are hard work and playing with intent. I think that success comes from players working for each other and embracing challenges with energy and belief.”
