Pennock Departs Semi Pro's for Swans' Role

Wales Semi-Professional team manager, Tony Pennock, has been appointed as Director of Youth Football at Swansea City, which means he leaves his post with the FAW.

It's been a steep learning curve for me to go from club coaching to international football, but I have enjoyed every minute of it

Tony had been in charge of the semi-professional team for two seasons and in that time, the side played Four Nations Tournaments in Scotland and North Wales.

"In 2007 the team made a great start to the tournament with a win against Scotland and the following year, our 6-2 win over Gibraltar was a magnificent performance" said Pennock. "My one disappointment was that we were not able to match England in either games of those tournaments".

He continued; "It's been a steep learning curve for me to go from club coaching to international football, but I have enjoyed every minute of it and have been well supported by Terry Boyle and my other back-room staff."

"My biggest regret was the injury to goalie Ashley Morris in this year's tournament at Rhyl. I speak to him regularly and hope that everything will work-out for him."

In addition to Tony's role with the seniors, he also took the Semi-Pro Under 23 team this season with positive performances against Italy and England in the International Trophy matches.

"We have some really good youngsters coming through, and it's nice to see Stuart Fleetwood and Chad Bond getting their chances this season back in the Football League."

We have some really good youngsters coming through, and it's nice to see Stuart Fleetwood and Chad Bond getting their chances this season back in the Football League

"My job at Swansea City will be a busy one, but I am delighted to get the chance to show what I can do, and coach every day. These are exciting times at the Liberty and I hope I can play my part in producing youngsters who go on to play for the first team. The more Welsh lads the better!"

Finally, Tony wishes to place on record his thanks to all those within the Football Association of Wales who have helped him during his time Manager and during his career as a player, including his own seven appearances as a goalkeeper for the FAW side.

It remains to be seen whether Pennock will continue playing, having recently signed for Neath Athletic, but his full-time role with the Young Swans suggests that he will be unavailable for the Eagles in the forthcoming season.

Pennock had a strong involvement with the Principality Welsh Premier League having played for Carmarthen Town as well as playing and Managing Port Talbot Town. His support for the League has been evident in the squads that he has named during his Tenure as Wales Manager, and he capped twelve League players in his 2008 Four Nations Squad, which was a record.