Ryan in shock Newtown return

Former Newtown manager Darren Ryan made a shock return to Latham Park last night as the newly named head coach of Airbus UK Broughton.

But it was an unhappy return for Ryan, who officially takes over duties on Monday, with the Robins ending their four game winning run with a 1-0 win that takes them three points clear of the relegation drop.

In a change which was necessary to comply with the FAW's domestic licensing requirements Ryan, who is currently on the Uefa Pro badge course, moved in with responsibility for first team affairs, with Craig Harrison - who has been in charge since July 2008 - appointed to the new role of director of football.

Harrison "will oversee all aspects of football related business at the club including recruitment and retention of players as well as overseeing the development of youth" says a statement from the Wingmakers.

"With Harrison aiming to engage in the next pro licence in 2012 the Wingmakers opted for Ryan as their preferred choice to ensure the club meets with UEFA Criteria in the event of a successful play-off bid over the next few months."

A well-traveller played who spent two seasons at the Gay Meadow before moving to Chester City, Stockport County and Rochdale, 38-year-old Ryan made 57 Football League appearances in all.

He entered the Welsh Premier with Barry Town and then TNS before a move to Merthyr Tydfil and Newport County. After joining Carmarthen Town in the summer of 2002, he switched to Haverfordwest County a year later and also played with Grange Quins in 2004 during their only season in the top flight.

Appointed manager of Newtown in November 2006, he spent nearly four years at Latham Park before leaving last summer and replaced by Andy Cale.

Ryan is currently working at the Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy at Compton where he is able to view the progress of former Airbus player Jake Cassidy.

Newtown claimed the invaluable points in a game that was always going to be settled by a single goal. A bumpy surface made play difficult and the only goal came in the 84th minute when Sam Bailey was first to react to a near post corner to flick the ball home.

Dave Roberts made two superb second half saves to keep Airbus at bay but twice angered his own defence when clearing his lines straight to Airbus forwards.

Aberystwyth made up ground on rivals Airbus for a play-off place with a 1-0 win at Carmarthen's Richmond Park.  Lewis Codling scored the only goal of the game on 47 minutes while the Old Gold had skipper Dale Griffiths sent-off in the second-half.
Bala and Haverfordwest meet on Sunday.

Newtown: D.Roberts, L. Hartshorn, M.Jackson, S.Sutton, A.Worton, P.Keddle(D.Blain), S.Bailey, M.Cook, C.Whitfield(R.Millington), S.Jones, J.Price(G.Partridge).