Bangor City 1876 manager Michael Johnston is no stranger to success in the JD Welsh Cup and is excited for the chance to make more history in the competition when his side host Holywell Town on Saturday (KO 14:00).
“That would be huge,” explained Johnston to FAW.cymru when asked about a potential victory. “I think it would make people take note of what we’re trying to do. If we do turn up on Saturday, we’re more than a match for anyone, but we know that it’s a big, big ask to go and do a job on Hollywell.”
Bangor City 1876 are the phoenix club raised from the ashes of Bangor City’s demise. Formed in 2019, it was Johnston who carried over the spirit of past success as the defender followed the fan movement at the time and left the club where he had spent over decade, before being appointed manager in February 2022.
As a player, Johnston was a key part of a legendary Bangor City side that won three consecutive JD Welsh Cups between 2008 and 2010, before lifting the JD Cymru Premier title a year later. However, one of Johnston’s overriding memories of that era is missing out on the domestic double in 2011.
“To be honest, success just came second nature to us,” he explained. “But I think the final we lost against Llanelli, our fourth final in a row, would have been even more special. We went on this unbelievable run in the league, but I just wish we could have done the double that season. That’s the one that got away.”
A former Cymru U17 and U19 international, Johnston initially joined Bangor City on-loan from Tranmere Rovers in 2007 and made the move permanent following his release.
Michael Johnston lifts the Play-Off trophy as Bangor City captain in 2014
Neville Powell was appointed manager of the club that summer, with his own playing career following the same path from Tranmere to Bangor in the 1980s, and Johnston has taken some key learnings from his former boss into his own managerial journey.
“Nev was the type of person that you wanted to play for,” said Johnston. “Not because he was a huge motivator or the best coach, but he always brought the best out of you. We respected him and we wanted to do well for him, because if you looked after him, he’d look after you.
“I’ve always tried to be honest with players because that’s definitely something that Nev did well. I’ve lost players because of it in the past when maybe I’ve been a little bit too honest with them, but also, I think I’ve gained quite a bit of respect, not only from players, but from managers and coaches at other clubs as well.”
The focus for Johnston now is very much on the fortunes of Bangor City 1876 and the club has made significant progress on and off the field over the last six years. However, relegation from the JD Cymru North last season was a setback to their ambition of establishing themselves as one of the leading clubs in the domestic game.
“Seeing the demise of the old Bangor City was sad,” explained Johnston. “But from a personal point of view, what happened last season was a lot worse. The pressure was on my shoulders, and the expectation was to get to the Cymru North and eventually push for the Cymru Premier.
“We got there and held our own in our first season, but what happened last season hurt a lot.”
A new board led by chairman Nick Pritchard took over the club in the summer of 2024, and the side are currently undefeated in all competitions this season. Off the field, the commercial side of the club has grown exponentially, with influencer Simon Squibb recently being appointed as club ambassador.
The ambitions of the club stretch deep into the community of the city of Bangor, with significant investment into stadium development, grassroots football, financial sustainability and a dedication to engage with local schools and community groups.
“We’re undefeated so we’ve got to be pleased,” said Johnston. “We had to rebuild after what happened last year, and we’re taking it one game at a time. Off the field the club has become a lot stronger, and credit goes to the old board as well and what they created in the past, but now it’s a whole different dimension.
“The club’s going to a wider audience now, and that brings a lot of pressure on me. But when you’re at a club like this, pressure is part and parcel of it. We’re a scalp for everyone and we’ve got to deal with that.”
Currently sitting second in the Lock Stock Ardal North West, Bangor City 1876 have seen off Mochdre Sports, Conwy Borough, St Asaph City and a penalty shoot-out victory over Guilsfield to reach Round 3. However, Holywell Town will be their toughest test yet, with Johnny Haseldin’s side challenging for the JD Cymru North title.
“Holywell are a very experienced side and they’re very, very good at what they’re good at,” Johnston added. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Johnny. He gets the lads together and they’re a close-knit group that all work for each other. This will probably be the toughest game we’ve had all season, both physically and mentally.
“We need to make sure we’re on it, the whole squad from one to 18. We want to progress to the next round which would make history for the club, and there would be no better way to do it than by beating a really strong team like Holywell.
“It would be special for us to get to the last 16, and then you never know what’s going to happen with the draw and how far you can go. I mean, it’s everyone’s dream to get into Europe right? But I guess we have to take it one step at a time.”
