Connah’s Quay Nomads are currently on an 11-game unbeaten run in the Cymru Premier League and have won their last eight matches. After emphatically defeating The New Saints and Penybont, the side from North Wales have propelled themselves into the title race.
However, none of this would be possible without a certain man at the helm.
A remarkable first seven months in charge for John Disney has seen a change in fortune for the Nomads.
They finished eighth place and failed to qualify for the top six last season, which resulted in Billy Paynter being relieved of his duties in April. In their hunt for a new manager, the clubs board decided to look to one of their own.
Disney joined the Nomads from Hednesford Town in 2016 and went on to make 43 appearances before leaving for Altrincham FC. Two years later, in June 2018, he re-signed for the Quay. Disney became one of the Nomads’ most decorated players, including winning two Cymru Premier titles and became club captain in 2023.
After Connah’s Quay’s 2-1 defeat in the Welsh Cup Final to TNS, John announced his retirement from playing and took on the role of first team manager.
“I was offered a number of opportunities whilst I was playing but I wanted to continue as I felt I was in a strong enough position to do so playing wise, but when I was offered the opportunity to manage a team, I have such a close affinity too I thought it was a no brainer”, said Disney.
Manager of the Month
After a patchy start to the season, Connah’s Quay Nomads enter the final match of phase one in second place, one point behind league leaders TNS, although they have played one more game than the team from Oswestry.
John Disney has led his team through an unbeaten streak in October, November and December. This success was recognised with the Manager of the Month award for November. However, Disney is keen to deflect the spotlight, insisting the recognition of the award belongs to his staff just as much as himself.
“Staff of the month is how I see it, this just shows some recognition for all the staff, players included since we have started in the summer, we are a new group and to get some recognition is nice”, John stated.
“We all want to be in that recognition come the end of the season and if we achieve what we want too then hopefully we can be up for staff and club of the season”, he added.
Managing Philosophy and Style
The transition from player to manager can be a difficult step that only few manage to master. Disney himself is aware of the challenges.
“Adapting from playing to managing is obviously a challenge, managing your ex-teammates will always be seen as difficult but as I mentioned the players so far have been amazing and I am sure they will continue to do so”, Disney expressed.
Disney’s experience playing in both the English and Welsh footballing pyramid has given him the tools to create a side who are capable of competing for the Cymru Premier title. Playing under high-profile managers including Andy Morrison has helped to shape John’s style and philosophy.
Andy Morrison and John Disney having a chat before Connah’s Quay Nomads vs Bala Town at the Essay Stadium (Photo: Nik Mesney/FAW)
Disney said, “I have a very good relationship with Andy Morrison who I shared some good and difficult times with – so with that comes honesty and trust and he is someone that I take great pleasure of receiving feedback from as it is always honest and in football that is all you can ever ask for. As always though you have to be your own person, and I think I have managed to find that blend.”
Last season they were a side that lacked cohesion. The team could rarely put back-to-back wins together. This season, there has been an evident style of play and identity to Disney’s Nomads. A side that looks threatening going forward and solid at the back.
Disney expressed how he wants his team to play, “I would like us to be hard to beat first and foremost. We are a side that have given the least amount of chances away so far, I want this to continue. We are defensively strong with an approach for us to dominate the ball. We are adaptable and that always helps with the benefit of the squad we currently have.”
The Future
For Disney, he couldn’t have wished for a better seven months in his first managerial role. His side are heading into phase two of the league campaign in an excellent position to make a serious push for the title. However, he has been reluctant to look too far ahead, reiterating that his side are taking it one game at a time.
“Short team goals are to win the next game and never lose sight of that. After that if we can secure a position as high up the league as possible then fantastic, Europe will be the by-product of who deserves to be there at the end of the season”, said Disney.
Speaking about prospect of managing Connah’s Quay in Europe, Disney commented, “Managing this club in Europe would be a real pleasure and honour, of course there is a lot of hard work to be done before that is the case.”
Should the Nomads qualify for Europe this season, Disney will make history by becoming the first person to both play for and manage for Connah’s Quay Nomads in a European match.
The sky is the limit for John Disney. We know that the Cymru Premier picks up a lot of attention from the English leagues. Neil Gibson, for example, who was the Nomads manager a couple of years ago, is now managing Altrincham in the National League.
John spoke about what the future holds for him, “I am fortunate now to be managing in a league that is the highest in its country, a league that has rewards of competing in Europe and a league that is ever growing. Of course, everyone is always looking to see how far they can get too but for that to happen you have to be seen as being successful so first and foremost I have a job to do here and whatever comes from that will come.”
[Featured Image courtesy of Craig Thomas/FAW]
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