“One hell of a journey”: Bluebirds boss to step down from club

Trethomas Bluebirds manager Mark Dunford and his coaching staff have announced they will be leaving the Cymru South club at the end of this season.

Since taking over as manager of Trethomas four seasons ago, Dunford has led the club to historical highs, winning the Ardal Southern Cup in his first season, followed by the Amateur Trophy in 2023.

Their success seemingly peaked last season, lifting the Ardal South East title having scored 100 goals, and making it into the second tier of Welsh football for the first time in the club’s history.

Somehow, Dunford and his coaching staff of Matthew Jones and Adam Raymond have surpassed that this season, pushing the mighty Llanelli Town all the way to the penultimate game of the season in the Cymru South.

Over that four-year period, the Bluebirds boss has recorded a 66% win percentage across all competitions, losing just 30 games of 158.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about his time at the club, Dunford said: “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a few months now after conversations between myself and my coaching staff.

“If it feels right, it is right. It’s been a hell of a journey, and we’ve achieved more than we could have ever imagined.

“We’ve been very well supported by the club, and I’d like to pass my thanks to chairman Dave Evans. He’ll always be someone I have massive respect for.”

With one game to go in the season, Dunford said how he felt this was the right time to announce his departure, and hopes it’ll help motivate the players to gain the point needed to secure second place.

“We’ve got a big game Saturday against Pontypridd and it would be great to go out on a win and finishing second.

“There were some emotions when I told the boys in training, but we had a really good session and I hope that can translate onto the pitch.”

In response to Dunford leaving, the club has thanked the current management team for their work over the years, as it now looks to replace them.