COLWYN Bay manager Craig Hogg has bolstered his backroom team with the appointments of Iain Bennett and John Gilbertson.

The Seagulls’ boss moved quickly to find a replacement for departed assistant Mark Orme, who stepped down from the role after revealing he “doesn’t get the same buzz” coaching at senior level in comparison to youth player development.

Bennett is no stranger to the region having managed Llandudno Junction during his coaching career, and the UEFA A Licence qualified coach is currently working in South Korea with the Liverpool FC Academy.

Hogg, said: “Iain will take up the assistant manager post when he returns from Asia in late August.

“He is a young, exciting and very capable coach with a strong CV and known by many in the region. I am really pleased we can offer him this role and I am sure he will really put his own stamp on it."

The new Bay assistant is excited by the challenge that lies ahead and is keen to do whatever he can to ensure the club secure promotion to the JD Cymru Premier at the second time of asking.

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Craig and Neil (Coverley) have given me and I'm looking forward to working with them,” added Bennett.

"I am really excited by the challenge ahead and look forward to working with the talented squad that has been assembled.

"The challenge of coaching at a club that matches the same ambitions that I have, of pushing for promotion next season, really excites me.

"I will still continue to work for Liverpool FC, both in the UK and also in Europe, but my focus will be on making sure Colwyn Bay are successful on the pitch for the coming campaign."

Gilbertson has been working with the club’s reserve and youth sides in recent years, and he will make the step up to first-team coach next season.

He is in the final stages of completing his UEFA B Licence qualification and this “natural progression” is something that Hogg said “makes complete sense for him and the club”.

"The link between the first team set up and the teams in and around that will now be stronger than ever, but equally as important, John will bring much to the first team as well, “ said the manager.