Interim Carmarthen Town manager Neil Smothers has been appointed on a permanent basis the club have confirmed today.

Smothers was initially given the role following the sacking of Mark Aizlewood last February and but despite losing just three of his nine league games in charge, was unable to steer the Old Gold out of the relegation zone.

Carmarthen were given an unlikely reprieve last week when it emerged that Bangor City would instead be taking their relegation place for failing to achieve an FAW Domestic Licence.

Smothers is hoping his second season in charge will be a more positive experience: “It has always been a fantastic club with great support from the committee and fans alike. We hope that there are exciting times ahead for the whole club and all teams within it and can assure you that as a first team squad we will be doing our best and working our hardest to make sure that we have a successful season and a season that everyone can be proud of.”

Last season marked Smothers’ 11th year with club, which he has served as a player and coach before becoming assistant manager under Mark Aizlewood.

Danny Thomas, another long-serving player and coach with club, has also been confirmed as his assistant.

Carmarthen chairman Chris Edwards said the decision to appoint the duo was an easy one to make.

“Their record as our management team since January has been excellent. Therefore, it was an easy decision to welcome them aboard on a full-time basis.

“We look forward to working with them both as they look to build a competitive team for this coming Welsh Premier League Season.”

“Neil has also recently been accepted onto the FAW Pro Licence Course, which will no doubt enhance his vision for the game and add to his coaching and managerial abilities, from which we will all benefit,” he added.