Paynter appointed Nomads' new Head Coach

Connah's Quay Nomads are delighted to confirm the appointment of 40-year-old Billy Paynter as the club's new Head Coach on a two year contract.

Following an impressive interview with the Connah's Quay Nomads board, the UEFA A Licensed former Port Vale, Leeds United and Swindon Town player emerged as the standout candidate for the role.

As a player, Liverpool-born Paynter made over 500 senior appearances with the majority of them coming in the English Football League, scoring 131 goals - starting his career at Part Vale where he would make 144 appearances over a six year spell at the club before going on to make over 120 appearances for Swindon Town.

Paynter's playing career would also see spells at Southend United, Leeds United, Bradford City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Sheffield United and Doncaster Rovers where he would earn the Yorkshire-based side primotion to the Championship in the 2012/13 season.

Following his playing career, Paynter would go on to coach at Everton's Academy before returning to Port Vale as the Academy's Professional Development Phase Lead Coach in October 2020. Paynter would oversee the first team for a brief spell during the Covid pandemic and was kept on as Assistant to new Manager Darrell Clarke before gaining promotion via the play-offs before leaving the club in May 2022.

Paynter's first role as a Manager saw him take over the role at Runcorn Linnets in the Northern Premier League Division One West following the sacking of Dave Wild - Paynter would guide the team to second place in his only full season as Manager competing against the likes of Macclesfield Town and Radcliffe before stepping down from the role in May this year.

Chairman Gary Dewhurst commented;
"The last time we conducted a formal recruitment process for a Manager/Head Coach, we appointed a guy called Andy Morrison and to say that went well is quite an understatement.

We received 25 applications from Wales, England and Europe, shortlisting six, who we interviewed this past week. The standard was incredibly high, a testament to the respect and esteem the club has gained in the last 10 years.

Billy really impressed us with his hunger and positive attitude, alongside his knowledge of players who he feels he can bring in to strengthen what is already a strong squad.

The Nomads are currently in a transitional period, losing the likes of Harry Franklin, Jordan Davies, Josh Williams, Mike Wilde and Andy Firth among others, however, we have made some excellent signings thus far and are confident we can add a few quality players to the squad before the closing of the transfer window.

Welsh football is on a high with TNS' recent performance in Europe and this is a great opportunity for players and coaches to get involved.

Connah’s Quay Nomads have enjoyed tremendous success over the last 10 years and I will do my best to ensure this is maintained.

We will be advertising for Assistant Coaches next week and this will include potential player/coaches, looking to transition.

I must end by thanking Jay Catton, Leighton Sumner and Jordan Parry for stepping in to stabilise the club over the last 10 days alongside Kyle Taylor and Anthony Gomez who have also been brilliant."

Check out Paytner's first interview following his arrival at The Nomads below;

Date Published: Saturday, 24th August, 2024 - 11:20am by Nik Mesney