Adriano Girolami returns to Llanandras Park tonight as manager of Newbridge and no doubt there is nothing he would like better than to put one over on his former club.
Adriano was appointed manager of Presteigne St Andrews in June 2006 when he beat off strong competition from a former Llanandras Park favourite Mickey Wells for the job.
While ‘Adj’ would admit he inherited a very good squad from his predecessor Karl Chapman – Karl’s team had only just been pipped to the title by Llanrhaeadr – he certainly put his own stamp on that squad and was to guide the club to its first-ever Spar Mid Wales League title in the 2006-07 season.
His role on the pitch in that season should not be underestimated as he brought all his experience to bear. At the end-of-season dinner and awards night, he became the first person ever to be presented with both the Spar League Manager-of-the-Season and Player-of-the-Season awards for the same campaign.
As is usually the case in football, winning the title is one thing – defending it can prove a lot more difficult and the following campaign was disappointing with Presteigne finishing mid-table, some 32 points adrift of the title-winners Aberystwyth Reserves.
There was a parting of the ways and ‘Adj’ moved on to Newbridge – initially as a player, while he has now assumed the player-manager’s job.
The Villagers made a very positive start to life at Spar Mid Wales League level last season when they finished in seventh spot, while it should not be forgotten they also gave Presteigne something of a lesson in the final of our own Otway Cup.
But they have found life much tougher this time around – player departures (some to Llanandras Park, of course..) have not helped their cause but their recent results suggest they are capable of surprising a few sides this season.
There is nothing Adriano would like better than for tonight to be such an occasion, but it is up to Tim Broome and his side to make sure this doesn’t happen.
A text from the chairman shortly before 4.00pm today reports the game is definitely on as the pitch is ‘wet, but playable at the moment’.
The kick off at Llanandras Park this evening will be at 7.30pm and admission will be £2.50 for adults, £1.50 for old age pensioners and £1.00 for children under the age of 16.