On August 9, 2025, Brymbo Football Club made a statement that sent ripples through North East Wales football: Lee Phelan is their new first team manager. It wasn’t just another managerial change. For fans who’ve watched Phelan tear up pitches for three decades — from Buckley Town to Cefn Druids — this felt like homecoming with purpose. The 52-year-old, known for his thunderous free kicks and uncanny ability to read the game, didn’t just return to Brymbo. He returned as its leader, stepping into a role he once held as assistant under Ricky Evans four years ago. And this time, he’s not just managing a team. He’s rebuilding a community institution.
A Legacy Written in Grass and Dust
Phelan’s playing career reads like a who’s who of North East Wales football. Over 30 years, he suited up for Brymbo, Buckley Town, Gresford Athletic, Gap Queens Park, Mold Alexandra, and Llangollen Town. He won the old Welsh National League Premier Division with five different clubs — a feat unmatched in modern regional football. Locals still recall his trademark corner kick: a curling, dipping delivery that left goalkeepers guessing and defenders scrambling. "He didn’t just take set pieces," says former teammate Darren Hughes. "He orchestrated them. Like a conductor with a ball." His transition to management wasn’t sudden. After hanging up his boots, he coached Lex Vets and TNS Futsal, even representing Great Britain in international futsal. He won the Welsh Cup with Wrexham’s futsal side — a quiet triumph that speaks volumes about his adaptability. Now, he’s back where it all began, with a clear mission: to make Brymbo more than just a club. To make it a beacon.The Coaching Team: A Family Reunion
Phelan isn’t working alone. He’s surrounded by men who know Brymbo’s soul. Colin Parry, the club’s former manager, returns as a key advisor. Brian Potts, a long-time coach with deep roots in the village, brings tactical discipline. And Tom Potts — Brian’s son — steps into the dual role of player-coach, a rare but practical setup for a club operating on tight budgets. "It’s not just staff," says club chairman Gareth Lloyd. "It’s a family. We didn’t hire coaches. We reunited people who grew up here, played here, bled for this ground." The club’s official statement noted that Phelan had been "around the club all through pre-season," and his reputation alone helped attract new talent. Three players who were considering offers elsewhere chose Brymbo because of him. One even moved back from England, saying, "If Lee’s in charge, this place feels like it’s on the rise again."
Where Brymbo Fits in the Welsh Football Pyramid
To understand the weight of this appointment, you need to see where Brymbo sits. They compete in the North East Wales League Division 2 — a tier below the JD Cymru North (Tier 2) and the JD Cymru Premier (Tier 1), the top flight overseen by the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The FAW, headquartered in Cardiff since 1876, runs a strict licensing system. Clubs must meet financial, facility, and administrative standards each year to stay in the pyramid. Brymbo, like many grassroots clubs, operates on shoestring budgets — but they’re not giving up.More Than a Club: Grassroots in the Spotlight
This appointment arrives at a pivotal moment for Welsh football. The Welsh Government’s £1 million UEFA Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund has poured money into grassroots projects across the country — including initiatives in nearby Rhyll. Meanwhile, figures like Dewi Williams, a tireless advocate for North Wales football, have been pushing for better pitches, inclusive coaching, and sustainable funding. "This isn’t just about one manager," Williams said. "It’s about proving that passion, local knowledge, and history can still drive progress — even when the spotlight’s on the Premier League." Brymbo’s rise is also part of a broader trend. For the first time in Europe, every club in the JD Cymru Premier has a formal five-year strategy aligned with the FAW’s eight strategic pillars. That’s not just planning — it’s institutional ambition. And now, that ambition is trickling down. Phelan’s appointment signals that even Tier 3 clubs are being treated as vital nodes in a national ecosystem.
What’s Next for Brymbo?
The first test comes in early September, when Brymbo opens their league campaign against Llanerchymedd. Phelan’s first task? Instill belief. He’s already started: weekly community open training sessions, youth mentorship programs, and a partnership with a local school to provide free football kits. "We’re not just trying to win games," he told the Wrexham Advertiser. "We’re trying to give kids here something to look up to. Something that says, ‘You don’t need to leave to make it. You can build it right here.‘" The club’s long-term goal? Promotion to the North East Wales League Premier Division within three years. But more than that — they want to be a model for how small clubs can thrive without big money. Phelan’s track record suggests they might just pull it off.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lee Phelan’s appointment significant for North Wales football?
Phelan is one of the most recognizable figures in North East Wales football, with over 30 years of playing experience across seven clubs and five league titles. His return as manager brings not just expertise but credibility — helping Brymbo attract players and community support. His deep roots in the region make him a symbol of local resilience in a football landscape often dominated by bigger clubs.
How does Brymbo Football Club fit into the Welsh football pyramid?
Brymbo competes in the North East Wales League Division 2, which sits below Tier 2 (JD Cymru North/South) and Tier 1 (JD Cymru Premier) in the Football Association of Wales’ structure. Clubs at this level must meet annual licensing criteria set by the FAW, including financial stability and facility standards. While not professional, these clubs form the foundation of Welsh football’s grassroots network.
What role does the UEFA Euro 2025 Partner Support Fund play in Brymbo’s future?
The Welsh Government’s £1 million fund has supported infrastructure projects across Wales, including in nearby Rhyll. While Brymbo hasn’t received direct funding yet, the initiative has raised awareness and created momentum for grassroots investment. Phelan’s leadership could position the club to apply for future rounds of funding aimed at improving pitches, coaching, and youth access.
Who is supporting Lee Phelan on the coaching staff?
Phelan is backed by Colin Parry, Brymbo’s former manager; Brian Potts, a long-serving coach; and Tom Potts, a player-coach and Brian’s son. This tight-knit group brings decades of local knowledge and institutional memory, making them uniquely suited to navigate the challenges of managing a community club with limited resources but deep community ties.
What impact has Phelan had on player recruitment so far?
Since his appointment, three players who were considering offers from higher-tier clubs chose to join Brymbo because of Phelan’s reputation. One even relocated from England, citing his leadership as the deciding factor. The club reports a 40% increase in youth trial applications since August, indicating growing confidence in the club’s direction under his guidance.
Is there a realistic path to promotion for Brymbo under Phelan?
Yes. Phelan’s goal is promotion to the North East Wales League Premier Division within three years. His previous success with multiple clubs, combined with improved player retention and community engagement, makes this feasible. Clubs at Brymbo’s level often rise through consistent performance, strong youth development, and stable leadership — all of which Phelan brings. The FAW’s licensing system rewards such stability, making promotion more attainable than ever.
