LLAY WELFARE’S new boss Phil Hudson was a wanted man this summer.

After a brief pre-season stint at Denbigh Town, Hudson teamed up with Mike Gadie and Steve Halliwell - the Llay management team who worked wonders to gain their team promotion to Cymru North.

And in tonight’s first round clash Hudson faces Denbigh at The Ring and Llay chairman Keiron Fox is more than happy he’ll be in the home dug-out.

“It’s been a bit crazy,” admitted Fox, who had appointed Mike Price as the club’s new manager last May.

“Mike was our man but he has a job and had to put that first and we appreciate that.

“Phil went in as joint manager at Denbigh and it didn’t work out so we moved for him and he’s got a decent pedigree having done well at Ruthin, Brymbo and on the Wirral too.

“With Mike and Haggis (Steve Halliwell) alongside him we’ve got a good management team and we’ve brought in a few players alongside the lads who helped us win promotion last season.

“We can’t believe the season is starting already but we’ve been so busy at the club and we’re all excited for the new season to start.”

Llay pushed Flint Mountain all the way in the Ardal North West League title fight last season.

Flint lifted the trophy by just two points and Mountain manager Aden Shannon (pictured below) has nothing put praise for Llay as his side also prepare for a home clash tonight against Gresford Athletic.

“We also wanted Phil Hudson to join us - he’s a good coach - as are Mike Gadie and Haggis and I think they’ll do alright in Cymru North this season,” said Shannon, who has also been active in the transfer market and on the pitch too since celebrating the double last season.

“It feels as if we’ve not stopped and we’ve brought in some talented youngsters and a number of other players.

“With Joe Cossins taking up the manager’s job at Chester Nomads, me and Johnny Hill will have Ste Connor alongside us on the coaching staff.

“We’ve had about 10 friendlies but with players working and holiday, we haven’t had the top team out from the off yet.

“It does seem as if we haven’t been away and July 19 is so early to start the season.

“But we’ve got Gresford at home and it should be a good game.”

Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones heads to The Essity Stadium revealing he really rates Shannon’s Mountain men.

He said: “I know Aden very well and they’re going to be there or thereabouts in the top-six this season.”

It’s been a different pre-season for Gresford and Maurice-Jones has been pleased with how things have panned out over recent weeks.

“We have chose a lot of friendlies this pre-season and it’s been good to play city teams,” he added. “We’ve played well and there’s been some challenges as well.

“We’re in good spirits at the minute. We’ve got a full squad in terms of five subs, but we’ve got four players away or injured.”

Ruthin Town host Bangor 1876 tonight while Newport County U21s make their bow in the competition at Llandudno tomorrow.

Tonight’s other ties: Tafff’s Well v Merthyr Town; Afan Lido v Cardiff City U21s. Tomorrow: Penrhyncoch v Guilsfield; Caerau v Trefelin; Penrhiwceiber Rgrs v Goytre Utd; Carmarthen Town v Cambrian Utd; Cwmbran Celtic v Trethomas Bluebirds; Llantwit Major v Newport City; Sunday: Baglan Dragons v Swansea City U21s.