Gwalia United have appointed James Thomas as their new first team manager, as the ambitious Welsh club continues its push to become a force in the women’s game. Thomas, who took over from Fern Burrage-Male at the start of 2025 on an interim basis, has committed himself to the club long term. He most recently served as Head of Academy at Bristol City Women, and brings a wealth of experience from across the women’s football landscape, having worked at youth and international level with Wales and Trinidad & Tobago.
The club has not disclosed the length of Thomas’s contract, but co-owner Julian Jenkins confirmed the appointment marks “a key step forward” in Gwalia’s long-term strategy.
Thomas said he was “honoured” to take the role at a club he believes is on the rise.
“Gwalia United is a club with a clear identity and real ambition, and that excites me.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some excellent players and programmes across the game, and I’m looking forward to building something special here.”
Thomas added “There’s a hunger at this club – from the players, the staff, and the ownership – and I want to channel that into performances and a culture we can all be proud of.”
Thomas previously held coaching roles at FAW with Wales age-grade sides, including the national U17, U19 and senior teams. He left Wales to take up the role of Head Coach of the Trinidad & Tobago Senior Women’s team. After leaving the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association he joined Bristol City Women in 2021 and played a key role in developing young talent, with several academy graduates making the step up to the first team during his tenure. His appointment at Gwalia United comes as the club, celebrating its 50th anniversary this coming season, eyes solidifying its position as challenging for Championship football (now rebranded WSL2 for the upcoming season) and a more prominent role within Welsh football.
Julian Jenkins, who co-owns the club alongside former Canva founder Damien Singh said Thomas’s appointment reflects the club’s “vision for sustainable success”.
“James brings with him not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the women’s game in Wales and beyond,” said Jenkins. “We’re building something unique at Gwalia United – rooted in development but with high performance at its core – and James fits that perfectly.
“We’ve taken time to find the right person for this role, and we’re confident we’ve done just that. His track record speaks for itself, and more importantly, he shares our values.”
The club competes in the FA Women’s National League and has outlined plans to push for Tier 1 status over the coming seasons. Thomas will take charge of pre-season preparations over the summer, with his first competitive match expected when the league starts late August.
“We know the challenge ahead won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it worthwhile,” added Thomas.
“We want to play with purpose, develop our talent, and make an impact both on and off the pitch.
