PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk has moved quickly to find a replacement for coach Mark Orme.

Sion Tudor, who was the manager at Welsh League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division side Llanuwchllyn, has filled the vacancy at the Cymru Alliance club.

“I’m delighted to announce that we have managed to get Sion Tudor on board with the management team,” said Papirnyk.

“Sion recently resigned as manager at Llanuwchlyn where did a terrific job.

“I picked up the phone immediately after hearing the news, and asked Sion what was next for him. At the time he didn’t really know, but I know how popular and well respected he is.

“So for me, there was no time to waste as others would be offering him opportunities at their clubs.

“We met Sion in person and went through everything about the club and our ambitions going forward, and Sion was impressed.

“Our ambitions met what he wants to achieve, and he agreed to come on board.”

As a young player Tudor represented Corwen and Bala and also spent two seasons with Chester City. Due to serious injury problems his playing career came to an end when he was 26 years old, after mainly playing for Bala Town Reserves.

He also had a season with Ruthin Town in the Cymru Alliance, before several successful seasons managing Bala Town Reserves together with Andrew Parry.

He also helped with their Academy, where he took the chance to work for his coaching badges and currently holds a ‘B’ Licence.

From 2014 to the end of last season he managed Llanuwchllyn, taking the club into the WNL Premier Division, where they came close to gaining promotion into the Cymru Alliance.

Papirnyk added: “I’ve known Sion for many years, and he’s a genuine, honest man and these are just some of the traits that I respect, his footballing knowledge and beliefs are similar to mine, and that will make his transition to us a lot easier.

“He will be a positive impact to the dressing room, that I have no doubts about.

“Sion will fit right in just as Ormey did, and bring more strength to our back room team, which is more important than most realise.

“I’m really looking forward to working with him, he will bring experience, a fresh voice and most importantly, he is a born winner.”

Orme recently took on the role of manager of Llandudno Under 19s, and the Porthmadog boss wished him the best for the future.

“At first Mark considered staying on and doing a dual role, but we have both agreed that this wouldn’t be possible,” said Papirnyk.

“Mark has also begun his UEFA A licence, which will take a up a lot of his time in the coming 12 months.

“I would like to thank him for his contributions during his short spell with us , he’s a fantastic guy and I have no doubts he will go on to be a successful manager.”