COLWYN Bay have made a significant appointment to their backroom staff in the form of Matt Sampson.

The Seagulls’ confirmed the addition of Matt Sampson to their set-up, with the respected figure taking on the role of Academy Director.

A former reserve team player and academy coach, Matt returns to the Bay after enjoying success with Connah's Quay Nomads after spending the last ten months coaching in China.

He has been a coach and Under-18s manager at Nomads and played a leading role in the U19s and 18s securing a championship double last season.

This represent a significant boost for the youth movement at the Four Crosses Arena, with the Bay Academy recently receiving accreditation from the Football Association of Wales.

Sampson, said: "I always knew I would be back at the Bay one day if the chance came up.

“It is a fantastic opportunity and a very privileged position.

"We have big plans to develop the different age groups for the benefit of local youngsters and what I really want is for the Colwyn Bay Academy to get a reputation in the game for producing good hard-working players.

"Hopefully we'll see some coming through into our own first team and some going on to bigger things."

Sampson replaces long-serving coach Chris Thompson in the role and has already begun introducing himself to aspiring players at the club across various age groups.