I’ve known Suds for about 18 years when we were at Wrexham together and when he got in touch with me to sound me out I had no hesitation in coming on board.

- Dave Sweet

Sweet has been involved in local football for a long time and his experience and knowledge will be a great asset for the Wellmen as we prepare for next season. I met up with Dave and asked him a few questions about his appointment, views for the season etc.

1. Firstly, welcome to Holywell Town Football Club, so what’s the first few weeks at the club been like?

Thanks Steve, it’s great to be here! It’s been busy to be honest, in contact with the gaffer from 6 in the morning until 11 at night some days! The aim was to obviously try and retain as many of last seasons squad as possible and add quality where needed. The close season and pre-season are really busy times with players moving on and clubs vying for new signings so we knew we had to be bright and leave no stone unturned.

2. Outside of football, tell us a little bit about yourself?

Is there anything else outside of football?! Haha! I’m a PE teacher at Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno and I’m in charge of behaviour and safeguarding at the school. I’ve been there 13 years and loved (almost) every minute of it. I get married at the end of July so getting everything ready for that has obviously kept me busy but thankfully my misses Laura has boxed most things off, she’s been dead organised. All that aside I’m in to a bit of cooking, do a bit of running and gym and I love skiing and go every year.

3. When you were approached to join the Management team, did you have to think about joining the club?

In a word – NO! I’ve known Suds for about 18 years when we were at Wrexham together and when he got in touch with me to sound me out I had no hesitation in coming on board. It was crucial to keep Andy at the club as well and that was a big factor for me. Suds and Andy know the club, know the lads and they both have what it takes to take the club forward. Adding Mossy in to the mix is a great signing for the club and he is somebody I have been mates with since we were 15 years old, we all can’t wait to get started!

4. Your last club was Hawarden Rangers, but you’ve played for a few more prior to that, can you give us a brief outline of your football career?

I’m a Hawarden lad and one of my best mates went in there and asked me if I’d go with him. We had a good season finishing 6th in the league, getting to the semi final of the NEWFA Cup, quarter final of the Welsh trophy and losing to Prestatyn in the 3rd round of the Welsh Cup. My youth and senior playing days started when I left school and signed full time for Wrexham under Bryan Flynn. I did a two year scholarship and then got offered a one year pro deal, unfortunately I didn’t quite take my opportunity and I went from Wrexham to Bangor City for a short spell under Meirion Appleton in the League of Wales. I then went to university to study for a Sport and Exercise Science degree and played the rest of my days in the Cymru Alliance for Halkyn, a short spell at Holywell and a couple of seasons at Mynydd Isa. My most successful spell was my 2 and a half years at Bala Town under Colin Caton, thoroughly enjoyable! Alongside playing I’ve always coached and got my B licence when I was 21 and spent some time in America in the year out before doing my PGCE at Bangor Uni.

5. You mentioned you were at Wrexham and played a few first team games for the Racecourse side, I’m sure you have a few stories about the club but what was your highlight from your spell at Wrexham?

Not many that I can tell here, pal! Wrexham were a League 1 side then and there were some top players at the club. My highlight would have to be making my first team debut in the now defunct FAW Premier Cup. Andy Morrell scored 4 goals that night and I set up his final goal, that was class! Being in and around the lads is the best bit about being involved at a football club and I’m hoping that we can create a decent team spirit this season!

6. The Huws Gray Alliance is going to be tough this year with a lot of big clubs in there, what are your thoughts on the league and who do you expect to do well?

It’s the toughest that it’s ever been in my opinion, however, I firmly believe that we will be there or thereabouts and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for! The demotion of Bangor is an interesting one, they’ve made some impressive signings and their budget puts them as the title favourites but that brings a pressure in itself. There’ll be a few clubs who will fancy mounting a challenge, I put us in that, but it will all come down to who can handle it the best and consistency and togetherness are key.

7. What are your thoughts about Holywell Town Football Club and what we have in place here at Halkyn Road, and what’s your vision for the future?

This is a special club! I moved to live here about 18 months ago and it’s been the best move I ever made. I have some good friends who are loyal supporters and I understand fully what this club is all about and how important it is to the town! The progression that has happened over the last 6 years has been excellent and the town have really got behind the team. I’ve already met so many hardworking people at the club who all share one thing in commn; they all want the club to succeed. The plans off the pitch for the next couple of years are very impressive and, if they come to fruition, we’re looking at delivering a club that will serve the community for years to come. Our short-term aim is to make the first team competitive season upon season and to apply for the domestic licence in the not too distant future. We will be working tirelessly to get things right on the pitch and that coupled with the relentless work that goes on behind the scenes means that the future is really exciting for the club.

8. Have you got a message to the supporters?

I honestly believe that the Holywell supporters are without a doubt the best in this league and the Welsh Premier! I watched Holywell several times last season and they were absolutely superb!!! The fans can rest assured that we will be doing everything that we can to bring success for them and the town. Hopefully we can celebrate together and enjoy some great away days – get behind us and look forward to Friday nights under the lights at Halkyn Road! #UTFW