Sport
From Cymru Premier to Champions League: The rise of Nicky Hayen
AT the time, it seemed an unexpected appointment for semi-professional Haverfordwest County. Now, just three years later, the man who arrived in west Wales on New Year’s Eve 2021 has taken Club Brugge to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Nicky Hayen, the first Belgian to manage in the Cymru Premier, is now one of the most sought-after managers in Europe. Having guided his side past Europa League holders Atalanta in the play-offs, his rapid ascent has caught the attention of the footballing world.
Some pundits have even suggested the 44-year-old could be in line for the Liverpool job when Arne Slot departs.
Few of the 273 fans at Bridge Meadow Stadium for Hayen’s biggest home victory – a 6-1 win over Cefn Druids – could have imagined that their manager would soon be preparing for Champions League clashes against Aston Villa.
But for Haverfordwest chairman Rob Edwards, who remains in regular contact with Hayen, his rise comes as no surprise.

Work ethic and early impressions
“The guy was a workaholic,” Edwards said. “He lived in my house while in Wales, and I’d wake up at 8:00am to find him watching match footage. When I went to bed at 11:00pm, he was still at it.”
A former defender with more than 400 appearances in Belgium and the Netherlands, Hayen arrived in Haverfordwest via coaching roles in Belgium and Saudi Arabia. His time as technical director and interim manager at Waasland-Beveren ended in relegation during the Covid-affected season.
Introduced to Edwards through a mutual contact in Belgium, Hayen impressed the Haverfordwest board with his detailed analysis and tactical vision.
“We just wanted to listen to every word he said,” Edwards recalled. “We knew he was the right person for the job and did everything we could to bring him in.”
Transforming Haverfordwest
Hayen’s influence was immediate. He took Haverfordwest from second-bottom to the brink of European qualification within six months, introducing a structured, possession-based style rarely seen in the Welsh top flight.
“He didn’t over-coach the players,” Edwards explained. “Instead, he gave them detailed opposition analysis and focused on their welfare. He got the best out of players in a way we didn’t expect.”
Despite the culture shock of moving to a small market town in Pembrokeshire, Hayen embraced his new surroundings.
“There are 14,000 people in Haverfordwest. It’s a beautiful place, but it was all about football for him,” said Edwards. “He is a family man, doesn’t drink, and stays off social media. He just works hard.”
The move to Brugge and European success
Edwards always knew Hayen wouldn’t stay forever. When Club Brugge came calling in 2022, offering him the chance to take charge of their Under-23s, the move was inevitable.
By 2023, he was assistant manager to Scott Parker before stepping in as interim boss when Ronny Deila left in March 2024. With Club Brugge struggling in the league, Hayen led them to nine wins from their last ten matches to clinch the Belgian title.
Former Ajax and Anderlecht striker Jan Mulder predicted in May 2024 that Hayen would soon be on the radar of Europe’s elite clubs.
“Next year, he will play a series of matches in the Champions League, attracting the attention of Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester,” Mulder wrote.
His words have proven accurate. Hayen’s Club Brugge defeated Villa, Sporting, and Sturm Graz in the group stage, while also holding Juventus and Celtic. They then dispatched Atalanta in the play-offs with a commanding 5-2 aggregate win.
What next for Hayen?
Ahead of their Champions League clash with Aston Villa, Hayen spoke about how he continues to draw inspiration from his late mother, who passed away four years ago.
For Edwards, Hayen’s rise is a testament to his relentless dedication.
“Club Brugge have had better squads on paper, but he gets the best out of his players,” he said. “He is fanatical and leads by example. The younger players are thriving under him.”
Hayen’s short time in Wales also laid the foundation for future success at Haverfordwest. Under Tony Pennock, they qualified for Europe in 2023 for the first time in 19 years.
“It’s fantastic for the club to be linked with someone like him,” Edwards said. “And this is just the beginning. If he keeps going, he will be managing at the highest level soon enough.”
With the biggest clubs in Europe watching, Nicky Hayen’s journey from Bridge Meadow to the Champions League knockout stages may only be the start of an even greater story.
Sport
Thousands of cyclists arrive in Tenby after 100-mile Carten challenge
THOUSANDS of cyclists rolled into Tenby today after completing one of Wales’ best-known charity cycling challenges.
The annual Carten100 ride took place on Saturday (May 9), with riders setting off from Cardiff City Hall before making the long journey west to Pembrokeshire.

The event, now in its 22nd year, is built around a simple idea: Cardiff to Tenby — 100 miles, on a bike, in a day.
Organisers stress that it is not a race, but a personal challenge designed to get people cycling, bring riders together and raise money for good causes.

This year’s ride was fully booked, with entries limited to 2,400 and an estimated field of around 2,200 cyclists taking part.
Riders left Cardiff from 7:30am, travelling through South Wales on a mix of roads and cycle paths before crossing into Pembrokeshire for the final stretch into Tenby.
The official route included support and refreshment stops at Baglan, Burry Port, Carmarthen and Tavernspite, before riders made their way through Stepaside and on towards the finish.
There was a strong welcome in Tenby as family members, friends and supporters gathered to cheer cyclists home after more than 100 miles in the saddle.

Carten100 has grown from a small ride involving just four cyclists in 2004 into a major annual event on the Welsh cycling calendar.
Since it began, the challenge has helped raise more than £1.75m for Welsh charities and good causes.
Organisers say the aim remains the same: to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes, take on a demanding but achievable challenge, and support charity at the same time.
The 2026 ride covered around 107 miles, with organisers reminding participants that the event takes place on open roads and that cyclists must follow the Highway Code throughout.
Riders were supported along the route by feed stations, event volunteers, support vehicles, mechanical help and first aid cover.
For many, the arrival in Tenby marked the end of months of training and fundraising.
The sight of cyclists streaming into the town has become a familiar early-summer scene, bringing a colourful boost to Tenby and celebrating one of Wales’ most popular mass-participation cycling events.
Photo caption:
Carten100 arrives in Tenby: Riders pictured in the town after completing the Cardiff-to-Tenby challenge on Saturday (Pic: Malcolm Richards).
Sport
Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.
Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.
The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.
Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.
Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.
County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.
Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.
Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.
News
Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success
UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE
YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.
The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.
Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.
The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.
A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.
The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.
Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.
“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.
“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”
Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.
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