Football: Mick McGraa takes over at Conwy United

Dec 29 2011

CONWY United have unveiled Mick McGraa as their new player-manager.

As a player, McGraa was a key member of the Cammell Laird team that rose through the English non-league pyramid system and into the Evo-Stik Premier.

He later joined Colwyn Bay where, again, he was an influential part of the promotion squads at Llanelian Road, becoming a popular figure with supporters.

McGraa has been managing Cammell Laird’s reserve side since last season, steering them away from bottom of the league into a mid-table position whilst helping to develop a number of players into first team contention, as well as working on progressing his own coaching qualifications.

Conwy chairman Geoff Cartwright said: “I’m pleased to announce we have chosen Mick McGraa to be the club’s new first team manager. We believe that Mick has demonstrated that he has the right qualities, strategies and network in place to become a successful manager at this level.”

McGraa said: “I am very proud to have been appointed as Conwy United manager and I want to thank the club for showing confidence in me. Myself and my backroom staff intend to work hard to work with and help develop the whole club from first team, reserves and down to the youth section.

“Our first mission is to get the wins we need to stay in this division and to do that we need the supporters to really get behind us.”

Joining McGraa as assistant-manager will be the experienced Steve Aspinall who has been playing for Llandudno since leaving Colwyn Bay at the end of last season. Paul McGregor also joins the backroom staff as first team coach.

The club will be arranging a behind closed doors practice match next week in order to help the new management team assess the current squad and a number of trialists ahead of McGraa’s first game in charge on January 2 at Llangefni.

Meanwhile, Conwy have secured the signature of forward Dean Canning  who was previously with Colwyn Bay, Curzon Ashton and Witton Albion.
The 27-year-old, who can operate up-front or out wide, has yet to play this season due to college commitments and will be looking to build up his match fitness over the coming weeks.

“Having played under Geoff and (acting vice-chairman) Darren Cartwright before, I know what type of club I’m coming to and it excites me to be on board,” said Canning.

“This is a new era for Conwy United, I’m proud to be apart of it and I can’t wait to get started. I will give my all to this club and do my best to help drive us on up the league and to safety as quickly as possible.

“This is a new league for me and I’m relishing the opportunity.”