TWO strong candidates have emerged as potential contenders for the vacant managerial position at CPD Y Rhyl 1879.

The Journal understands that a large number of applicants have already put their name forward for the new club, after Rhyl FC’s board of directors opted to wind up the JD Cymru North side after failing to find the £175,000 needed to keep the club going until May 2021.

One of the more prominent names being linked with the 1879 job is Gareth Thomas, who enjoyed a glittering spell at Conwy Borough before taking a position behind the scenes at Denbigh Town.

Thomas steered the Tangerines’ to a famous treble that included the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division title, Cookson Cup and FAW Trophy before he parted ways with the club during the 2018/19 season.

The second name reportedly interested in the role is Iain Bennett, a highly qualified coach that has spent time in the far east working for Liverpool FC in recent months. He holds a UEFA A Licence and also has experience of coaching and managing within the Welsh domestic system at Llandudno Junction.

It remains to be seen whether either of the duo will be given the role, with the club set to narrow down a shortlist before revealing their inaugural boss in the not-too-distant future.

Although former Llandudno manager Matthew Jones was also linked to the role, he recently stated that he would not be seeking to take the project on.

He said: “I live in Rhyl and it is clearly a fantastic project but not one that I am currently looking to take on.

“I do want to get back involved but I’m enjoying a time of reflection.”