Haverfordwest County AFC can confirm that first team coach Sean Pemberton has stepped down from his role and will leave the club with immediate effect.

After a decade-long stay with the Bluebirds, the former captain brought an end to his playing career following the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, with his many years of service earning him iconic status at the Ogi Bridge Meadow,

During his time at County, Pemberton achieved promotion to the Cymru Premier on two occasions, firstly in the 2014-15 season when the club finished second in the then Welsh Football League Division One, and again in 2019-20 when a second placed finish saw the Bluebirds promoted over Swansea University, who failed to obtain the Tier 1 Licence.

Upon retirement, he immediately made the move into coaching, joining former manager Wayne Jones’ backroom staff at the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

Sean Pemberton receives a guard of honour in his final game for Haverfordwest County.

Following Jones’ resignation at the beginning of December, Pemberton – along with Jazz Richards – took interim charge of the team for the games against Bala Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads in the JD Cymru Premier.

“This was not an easy decision as the club is a very special place for me, and has been a huge part of my life for nearly a decade,” said Pemberton. “This is an exciting time for the club with a new manager at the helm, and therefore I feel that it’s time for me to step down as coach and seek new opportunities.

“I would like to thank everyone associated with the club, from the chairman, hard-working staff, players past and present to the army of dedicated supporters for making the Bridge Meadow a special place.

“I wish the club and everyone associated with it the very best for the future.”

HAVERFORDWEST, WALES – 11 DECEMBER 2021: Haverfordwest County’s interim manager Sean Pemberton during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Haverfordwest County A.F.C & Bala Town F.C, Bridge Meadow Stadium, December 11th, 2021, Haverfordwest, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW)

Commenting on Pemberton’s departure, chairman Rob Edwards said: “Pembs has been a stalwart on and off the pitch for the best part of a decade. He was an honest and committed player, and was the same as a coach.

“He stepped up in a difficult time to run the team with Jazz, and he never let me down. We wish him all the best with what comes next.”

The club are currently in the process of recruiting a senior coach, who we hope to have in place by our next league game.