COLWYN Bay have bolstered their backroom staff ahead of their impending return to the Welsh domestic system.

The Seagulls’ confirmed that Mark Orme has been appointed as their new assistant manager as Neil Coverley now assumes the director of football position for what is expected to be a hugely busy summer at the club.

Orme joins the Tier 2 North side from Llandudno, where he has been U19s manager and a member of the senior coaching staff this season.

Manager Craig Hogg, who is on the UEFA A Licence with Orme, said: “With the evolution of that role both in and out of the dressing room, it was important to recruit the right person. I feel we have done this with Mark’s appointment and we both look forward to working with him.

“Mark is a local, raised in Colwyn Heights and with many strong connections to the town and area.

“He is a progressive, forward thinking coach and one of the best in the North Wales region, he will add a great deal of value to the management team, along with physio Lisa Edwards, who I’m also pleased to announce is carrying on with her role at the club for the coming season.

“The hard work has already started as we plan for life in Tier 2 in North Wales and there will be so much more to do before the season begins, we all look forward to embracing the challenge ahead.”

Orme, who enjoyed a standout playing career at the likes of Denbigh Town and Holywell Town, also turned out for Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two side Glan Conwy this season and is eager to contribute to Bay’s return to the Welsh system after a 35-year stint in England.

“I’m really pleased to be offered this opportunity at such an exciting time in Colwyn Bay’s history,” he said.

“I spent many years watching the Bay growing up as my dad was involved with the club, so it’s nice to be back as we move into the Welsh Football Pyramid.

“There will be a number of ambitious teams in the division and some great fixtures to be involved with. I can’t wait to get started and I’m really looking forward to pre-season and the challenge ahead.”