FORMER Prestatyn Town manager Neil Gibson was officially confirmed as the new boss at Flint Town United.

The Journal originally broke the news regarding Gibson’s impending arrival at the Essity Stadium just a few hours after United decided to part company with Niall McGuinness following their disappointing start to the JD Cymru Premier campaign, and the new appointment was officially confirmed last week.

Gibson inherits a squad that is currently languishing at the top-flight basement after the weekend’s fixtures, which is a tough challenge for the figure after he resigned from the Seasiders’ this summer.

This resulted in almost every senior squad member departing for pastures new, with the likes of Kai Edwards, Rob Hughes, Ben Maher and Alex Jones all ending up at Flint.

Gibson, who spearheaded Prestatyn to a convincing JD Cymru North title win last season before the club were denied a Tier 1 Domestic Licence from the Football Association of Wales, was impressed by what he heard from the Flint board during a meeting to finalise his appointment, which played a leading role in him accepting the job.

He said: “I’m delighted to become the manager. After speaking with the board, I was very impressed with the vision they have for the football club moving forward, which, in turn, made my decision an easy one to make.

“I feel that this vision is a good fit with my own philosophy and principles, and together we shall be able to move the club in an exciting direction.”

Gibson’s first task will be to keep the Silkmen in the top-flight, which might be easier said than done given their poor start.

United have won just three and lost 11 of their opening 14 games, leaving them propping up the division but only one point off safety.

“Flint has waited a long time to be back into the Welsh Premier and the priority is to ensure we retain our status,” added Gibson.

“This will then give us a platform upon which to build, enabling continued development both on and off the pitch, and establishing ourselves as a Cymru Premier club for many years to come.

“I’m really excited about working with the current group of players and feel they have a vast amount of potential to fulfil.

“I know the Flint supporters are extremely passionate about their club and I want them all to know that myself, my staff and my players will be giving everything to represent you on the pitch, matching your passion.”