RUTHIN Town Football Club are on the lookout for a new first team manager following Chris Hardy's decision to step down from the role.

With Chris Williams having resigned following the club's 1-1 draw in their Cymru North opener against Llanfair United on August 17, 2019, Hardy took the manager role soon after.

However, on June 19 2020, it was announced he will be stepping down from the role.

Hardy first joined the club as reserves team manager four years ago and enjoyed tremendous success there, winning a league title and a league cup.

The 32-year-old then took the first team to ninth place in the Cymru North (division two) last season.

Commenting on leaving the club, Hardy said: “It’s been a very difficult decision but this lockdown has given me time to reflect on what’s important and I feel that this is best for the club and my family. I will still be involved as much as I can as I’ve had four really good years here.”

Before becoming manager at Ruthin, Hardy, originally from Bolton but now living in Pwllglas, had coached at academy level, having roles at Prestatyn under 14's and Bala Town under 16's respectively.

When speaking to the Free Press last month, Hardy said the highlight of his short spell in charge of Ruthin was a win over Corwen or the brave performance in the Welsh Cup against Cymru Premier side Aberystwyth Town, which saw them cruelly lose out thanks to an injury-time goal.

He als said he had to 'learn quickly' after being thrown into the role of first team manager and that 'the biggest thing' he learnt was just how competitive the Cymru North is.

Commenting on Hardy, Ruthin chairman Alan Jones said: “Chris did a great job taking over from Chris Williams at such short notice. Over the years he has demonstrated what a fine young manager he is and he will be a big loss to us.”

Ruthin Town FC are now inviting applications for first team manger by email to Chairman Alan Jones alanjones37@sky.com.