Local News for the Vale

Kendall leaves Barry Town United

By Gareth Joy | Updated Tuesday 25th July 2023 10:47pm |  Follow us @broradio

Lee Kendall has stepped down as Barry Town United's manager after nine months in charge.

The ex-goalkeeper returned to Jenner Park as Gavin Chesterfield's successor last November, guiding the club back to the Cymru Premier by winning the Cymru South title last season.

Barry were also the inaugural all-Wales winners of the Welsh Blood Service Cup, after winning the southern section of the competition.

But in a shock announcement on Tuesday night, the club announced it had mutually agreed to release Kendall from the remainder of his contract.

Damian Flynn, Barry's head of coaching, has been put in caretaker charge along with the rest of the first team's backroom staff.

Kendall's last game in charge was a 3-2 pre-season friendly defeat at Merthyr last Friday.

A club spokesperson said: "We would like on record our sincere thanks to Lee, who in his nine months at the club guided the club to three trophies and promotion back to the JD Cymru Premier."

"Thank you Lee for all your hard work, making great memories with us and returning us to the JD Cymru Premier."

Last April, Kendall had signed a two-year contract to stay at Jenner Park after securing Barry's place back in the top flight of domestic Welsh men's football.

News of his departure broke after a scheduled friendly, due to be played at Cardiff Draconians on Tuesday night, was cancelled.

With less than two weeks to go before the new season begins, club chiefs say their search for a new manager is already underway - with a public meeting due to be held at Jenner Park on Wednesday evening.

Jonny Barnett, director of football operations at Barry, said: "I'd like to place on record our thanks to Lee and wish him and his family all the very best in the future."

"Naturally, as the season begins in two weeks, we'd like to reassure supporters that we're beginning our search for our manager immediately and we will provide an update in person on Wednesday evening at 7pm at the club - all are welcome to attend."

Barry kick off their campaign with a Nathaniel MG Cup clash at home to Aberystwyth Town on the first weekend of August, followed by their opening league game at Bala Town on Saturday 12th August.

Barry's first league home game - against newcomers Colwyn Bay on 19th August - has also been selected by S4C for live 'Sgorio' TV coverage.

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