To say Mark has been an integral part of the academy and football club is an understatement.

When we began the Academy from scratch back in 2009 we had zero players, zero staff and no facility. Mark along with Jay Catton, Neil Ebbrell and Kevin Manley began the journey together along with so many other coaches who joined the club, that has lead us to the academy's position and stature today - Mark has been pivotal to this.

Over the years at the Academy, Mark took on numerous teams from our Mini, Youth and Senior phases and has been Assistant and Head Coach across numerous roles. During his time at the club Mark also completed his FAW C Certificate and UEFA B License.

He led the U19s to their first Cymru Premier Development League title back in 2013, won the Reserve League twice and in 2017 led the U19s to the Welsh Youth Cup Final where we were beaten by Swansea City - the first time Connah’s Quay Nomads had made the Welsh Youth Cup final in over 50 years.

He has been part of some amazing Academy tours to the likes of Benfica, Atletico and Real Madrid to name but a few and was a key aid in pulling these tours and experiences together.

A beloved coach by so many players who he aided and developed which is ultimately the true test of any coach and speaks volumes of him as a coach and person.

Along with his Academy role he also aided the First Team as part of the coaching team and analysis department which was also vital in the clubs fortunes over recent years.

Academy Director Jay Catton added; "The club and I cannot thank Mark enough for all of his efforts and everything he has given to the football club and with his recent job and addition of two new daughters in recent years we wish him all the best for his future and he will always be made welcome when he returns to watch the academy and first team in the future."

He is not leaving us completely though as he will be taking up one of our new scouting positions in the Liverpool area which will be announced in full detail over the coming weeks.

We look forward to seeing Mark again next season at The Quay 3G and Deeside Stadium and wish him all the best to him and his family for the future.