STUART GELLING insists that he would love to return to Cefn Druids one day.

Gelling's time as head coach of the Ancients came to an abrupt end as the Cymru Premier campaign was finished with six games remaining due to the coronavirus crisis.

During his spell in charge at The Rock, Gelling took charge of just three matches, including a 4-0 Welsh Cup defeat to Caernarfon, a 1-0 loss at Carmarthen and a 2-2 draw with Aberystwyth.

There were a few teething problems at the start of Gelling's tenure, notably a pre-match interview ahead of the Welsh Cup quarter-final clash with ex-Druids' boss Huw Griffiths' Caernarfon, which was poorly received by those in the domestic game.

In-front of the television cameras, Gelling was asked: "What do you know about how big this tie is this evening, there's been a lot of looking forward to this one?"

The new Druids' head coach replied: "I know it's very important because it's the quarter-final of a cup and we want to go forward, but how big it is...I've always been totally honest and I haven't followed Welsh football for the last 20 years, but I know the lads are excited about it and there's interest in the game, for sure."

Gelling defended his comments at the time, insisting that he was simply being honest, and the former Liverpool Academy coach has enjoyed his time in Wales.

"It was tough going in because I'd never managed in the Cymru Premier before," said Gelling, who, referencing that interview, continued: "It was honest and it was the truth. I didn't tell any lies.

"I got plenty of stick from it, but I think those people that know me and have worked with me, know what I'm about and I've enjoyed my time at Druids.

"I'd love to go back there one day."

Gelling had little time to stamp his authority on Druids' playing style, but he saluted the squad of players he inherited.

"In my last game we played more football, we did a little bit better," said Gelling of the 2-2 draw with Aberystwyth. "The previous manager had a different philosophy to me and the lads were first class trying to play the way I wanted.

"I really enjoyed working with the players, who I can't speak highly enough of.

"I've had some lovely messages from them and that's great because we had a good rapport.

"I've wished them all the best for the future."