As his second stint as The New Saints Women’s head coach comes to an end, Andy Williams has written a heartfelt farewell message to supporters of the team.
The popular coach will be sorely missed at Park Hall, and as we await his next move with interest, everybody associated with the club wishes Andy the very best of luck for the future.
“Thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart,” writes Williams.
“In March 2021, I finally fulfilled an ambition of coaching full time in professional football – TNS Women were about to make history.
“Taking a call out of the blue, I was only too pleased to accept the invitation from Ian Williams to return for a second stint as manager, leading the club’s launch in the Genero Adran League era.
“In accepting the job, my aim was twofold: firstly to help level the playing field for women and girls football, and secondly to establish The New Saints FC Women in Welsh league football.
“I think we achieved that, and more!
“Looking back at the strides made by women’s football as a whole in the last twelve months, not even those closely connected could have predicted the meteoric rise we have all seen.
“That said, I reserve huge credit for the visionary Ian Williams. For it has been his foresight, drive and commitment, along with the full backing of Mike Harris, which has been the biggest driver in promoting the women’s game front and centre at The New Saints.
“As a club, players and staff, we have just followed his lead in developing an elite programme that champions the female game.
“I could never have predicted exactly how rewarding this opportunity would become. It is often said that it is the people who make an experience truly worthwhile – in this case, that is perfectly accurate. I am privileged to have shared this journey with many who I hope will remain friends for life.
“From day one, the entire TNS family has shown real interest in our journey. The endless physical and emotional support I have received from so many, along with the generosity of spirit, has been overwhelming. None more so than from the players and staff. The entire staff, including the media department, have worked tirelessly to raise the professional standard and add the detail, whilst the players have committed everything.
“I urge you all to get behind Greg Draper as he picks up the reins to maintain the forward momentum currently being made.
“For better or worse, managers are of course ultimately judged by their team’s results; I hope, that given our starting point, on this occasion, I will be judged on much more than that.
“To our loyal supporters – we just wanted to make you happy. I hope our entertaining games gave you stories to tell and memories to cherish. THANK YOU for your support and following; we felt your constant presence.
“I leave a competitive squad as good as any in the National League and a high-performance culture with a pathway for young talent to the women’s first team. When I assess performance levels over time, in particular, the team’s performances during 2022, I’m excited for the future as we are now within touching distance of the top teams.
“Despite my excitement at landing a prestigious new role, I cannot help but notice a tinge of disappointment deep within, that my departure comes before achieving the ultimate aim of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification. That I must now leave for someone else!
“I believe that the players, the team, and the club, can look forward with great optimism. I leave proud of my contribution and wish you all the best of luck.
“Thank you to the players for believing and trusting in me, and to the staff who backed me every day. You have guided me, developed, and shaped me. To Ian and the board, I’ll be forever grateful for the wonderful opportunity bestowed upon me.
“Diolch!”
Lead image: John Smith/FAW
