Football: We can beat drop: Cohen

Apr 3 2008 by David Williams, Merthyr Express

NEW Troedyrhiw manager Cohen Griffith is confident his side can avoid relegation and hold on to their place in Division Two of the Welsh League.

Former Merthyr Tydfil and Cardiff City midfielder Griffith took over after John Jenkins resigned, with the club lying four places and just a point off the drop zone.

The 45-year-old from Quaker’s Yard will take charge until the end of the season and hasn’t ruled out continuing into next.

Griffith’s first game saw Rhiw hold Llanwern 1-1 at the Willows and he can see enough potential in the squad to beat the drop.

“There’s enough talent in the squad for us to stay up,” he said.

“But it’s not all about talent, it’s about being able to work hard and grind out a result if you need it.

“I like my sides to try to play decent football if they can, and keep the ball as much as possible.

“We are the lowest scorers in the division so we have to find the back of the net more and be more clinical with our chances in front of goal.

“It’s all about consistency, especially when you’re playing the teams around you. If we can go on an unbeaten run, that will build confidence and that will get us to safety.”

The Welsh Cup winner knows the club well.

His son David used to play for a junior side and he has watched the first team in the past.

He admits he wasn’t aiming to get back into coaching until he saw the job advertised.

“I wasn’t particularly looking to get back into football but I had a few offers,” he said.

Chairman Roger Howells is delighted at Griffith’s arrival but admitted Jenkins’ decision to leave came out of the blue.

“We had a committee meeting on March 10 regarding the position of the club, and John took the criticism personally,” he said.

“We weren’t expecting it so it came as a bit of a surprise.

“There was no hidden agenda on our part for him to go.

“We wish John all the best for the future. He has been a staunch member of the club for many years and helped us get into the Welsh League.

“Cohen has a vast amount of playing experience, coaching badges and a lot of contacts.”

Howells is also upbeat about the club’s future.

They have 10 matches left, including a crucial derby against Treharris on April 19.

“We’re confident of staying up,” he said.

“We’ve struggled this season because of a lack of training, fitness and confidence.

“The ability of the players will never go but confidence will have a big effect on how you perform.

“We’re not panicking though.

“Other sides have told us we’re definitely a second division side but the league doesn’t lie.”