Pontypridd United name Gavin Allen as new manager

Gavin Allen is a club legend at Aberystwyth

Cymru Premier strugglers Pontypridd United have named Gavin Allen as their new manager.

Pontypridd, who are bottom of the table, have been without a boss since Andrew Stokes stepped down earlier this month.

They were deducted six points and threatened with the loss of 135 more earlier this season over player contract breaches.

But Allen is confident his new side can avoid relegation.

"After several discussions with the chairman and other owners, I'm excited to have the opportunity to manage Pontypridd United in the Cymru Premier," Allen said.

"We have 10 games left in phase two, with 30 points to play for.

"The aim for all at the club is to ensure we stay in the top flight. We have a strong squad available to us, with some new additions due in too, and so I am feeling very confident that we can reach this target."

Allen takes over with Pontypridd bottom of the table on 13 points, with Colwyn Bay a point better off in 11th and Aberystwyth, who are 10th, on 15 points.

Allen is a former Aberystwyth manager and is the current boss of the club's women's team.

His first Pontypridd game will be the trip to Barry Town United on Saturday, 3 February.