Llandrindod Wells Football Club has announced that Tom Martin has stepped away from his position as joint manager after years of service to the Spa Men both on and off the pitch. The club paid tribute to Martin’s extensive contribution, saying his voluntary work and coaching had been central to the team’s operation and community reach.
From the dugout to the clubhouse
Martin shared managerial duties with Gaz Jones and has been involved in a wide range of activities at the club. According to the club’s statement, he spent "countless hours" coaching, volunteering at events and overseeing the club’s social media channels in order to promote the team and engage supporters.
His commitment was formally recognised last season when he was awarded the club’s Clubman of the Year, an accolade the statement described as a reflection of his "hard work, dedication and passion". The honour underlines the importance of volunteers and multi‑tasking coaches to grassroots football in Llandrindod Wells.
Club reaction and immediate future
The club acknowledged the impact of Martin’s departure, saying it would "leave a big hole at the club" but stressing he would "always be part of the Llandrindod Wells family" and "welcomed back with open arms." The statement concluded by wishing him well as he takes some "well-earned time away from the game."
"We would like to say a huge thank you to Tom for everything he has given to Llandrindod Wells AFC during his time at the club. Tom dedicated countless hours to the Spa Men, whether coaching, volunteering at club events or running our social media. His commitment and dedication were recognised last season when he was deservedly named Clubman of the Year."
While Martin steps back, the club indicated that structures remain in place to maintain continuity. Gaz Jones will continue as joint manager, and coach Kevin Lawrence will stay heavily involved as the Spa Men press on with their ambitions in the Welsh football pyramid. The club expressed confidence that the pair can build on progress already made.
What Martin’s departure means locally
At grassroots level, individuals who combine coaching, administration and publicity play an oversized role in a club’s health. Martin’s departure highlights how reliant local teams are on a small number of dedicated volunteers and the challenge of sustaining momentum when those volunteers step away.
Supporters and volunteers will now look to the club’s existing leadership to continue the work of community engagement and on‑field development. The continuation of Jones and Lawrence in their roles is intended to preserve stability while the club prepares for the coming season and seeks to maintain progress up the Welsh football structure.
- Roles filled by Tom Martin: joint manager, coach, events volunteer, social media lead
- Award: Clubman of the Year (last season)
- Continuity: Gaz Jones and Kevin Lawrence remain in leadership roles
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Joint manager (shared with Gaz Jones) |
| Other contributions | Coaching, volunteering at club events, running social media |
| Recognition | Clubman of the Year |
For a town like Llandrindod Wells, football clubs are more than a sporting outlet; they are hubs for volunteers, families and local identity. The club’s public thanks to Martin and the assurance that he will be welcomed back reflect the close‑knit nature of the Spa Men community. Players, officials and supporters were recorded as offering gratitude and respect for Martin’s work behind the scenes and in the dugout.
As Martin takes a break from football, the focus now turns to how Llandrindod Wells AFC will sustain its momentum. With existing staff and volunteers carrying on, the club has signalled its intention to continue pursuing long‑term aims, including a return up the Welsh football pyramid. For supporters, the hope will be that the foundations Martin helped to build will endure and that his contribution will serve as a model for future volunteers.
The club’s message was clear: Martin leaves with their thanks and best wishes, and the door remains open should he choose to return.
