PRESTATYN Town FC has appointed new manager Ben Heath with the hope of revitalising its squad as the 15 season kicks off later this month.

Ben Heath, 36, will lead the Seasiders into the post-lockdown era of the JD North League following his appointment at the helm on Friday, March 12.

Heath, who rescued Wrexham side Penycae FC from the bottom of the Ardal Leagues North East last season, said he hopes to rebuild the Bastion Gardens set up following a long list of departures.

“This is a brilliant opportunity at a massive club that is good enough and big enough to get into Welsh prem,” he said.

“It is a question of how we get there and there is no quick fix. We do want to try and get promotion as soon as possible. This will not be done by breaking the bank but by coaching players, getting the best players we can and improving the team.”

The new squad of 20 includes players from the Prestatyn area, Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool.

Heath, a former Wrexham academy coach, brings a range of experience on and off the field in the Wales’ football leagues, having made more than 50 appearances for Caernarfon Town and Connah’s Quay from 2004 to 2007. He also represented Northern Ireland Premiership teams Cliftonville and Glenavon, and later Warrington Town before moving into coaching roles.

The dad-of-two said he is aiming to include as many local players as possible with a focus on youth progression, however his main focus is to develop a team that can mount a promotion challenge over the coming years.

“If you look at TNS, how many players from Oswestry? How many Connah’s Quay players are from Connahs Quay? Or Bala players from Bala? These have been the only North Wales teams in the Welsh prem for a long time.

“I want to put my own stamp on things and give local lads the opportunity if they are good enough.

“A lot of the 18- and 19-year-olds might not be strong enough at the minute but over the next few years they could be calling for their place in the first team.”