NIALL MCGUINNESS has been appointed first-team manager of JD Cymru Premier side Cefn Druids.

The Ancients have appointed the UEFA A Licence holder on a two-year deal.

McGuinness has been out of the game for a period of just six months - having last been with Flint Town United.

In 2019/20, he had led the club to promotion back to the Welsh top-flight following a 22-year absence.

Other than his spell at the Essity Stadium, his other experience in the Welsh top flight was during his time at Rhyl.

It was there that he became the youngest manager ever to take charge of a club in the league at the age of just 25-years-old.

At Cefn Druids, he replaces Bruno Lopes, who had been let go from The Rock in March after six months at the helm.

Jayson Starkey had managed the club on an interim basis.

Speaking to the club's Youtube channel ahead of taking charge next season, McGuinness said: "I'm looking forward to a new challenge at such a great club. Knowing it's the oldest club in Wales is a big attraction and the set up and facilities are fantastic.

"It's evident from league position that we need to add some bodies in there to improve the side. But everyone in the group will be given an opportunity - it's down to the players to prove themselves to me."

Despite finishing bottom of the table for the 20/21 season, Cefn Druids will remain in the league for 21/22.

This is due to the Football Association of Wales (FAW) confirming that no relegation from or promotion to the top-flight would take place this year - mainly due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on other leagues.