CWMBRAN Town can be successful under new boss Brian Coyne, insists former Crows temporary manager Roger Gibbins.

And with a few additions to Cwmbran's modest squad, Gibbins believes that Gwent's only Welsh Premier League club can once again be a force.

The 48-year-old is taking a well-deserved break from football coaching following a traumatic season at Cwmbran Stadium last term.

The death of previous manager Tony Willcox took its emotional toll on everyone involved in the Welsh Premier League, let alone players and management at Cwmbran.

And after a month of soul-searching, Gibbins told Town chairman John Colley that he felt he could no longer give 110 per cent to the Cwmbran cause.

Gibbins told the Argus: "I really need to take time out from football coaching and managing, that's if I ever go back.

"There is no bad feelings between me and Cwmbran Town whatsoever, to the contrary in fact.

"Last season was extremely difficult for everyone and it took a heavy emotional strain on me.

"Tony's passing was tragic but at that time I, like the players at the club, had to be strong. But once the season was over I needed to take stock and see if I wanted to continue.

"I asked myself could I give 110 per cent to remain as coach of Cwmbran and did I really, deep down, want to do it - and the answer was no.

"Tony Willcox was the reason I returned to coaching after bad experiences elsewhere and I honestly didn't think I could carry on without him.

"So I had to be honest with myself, with the club and with the players."

Gibbins master-minded Cwmbran's superb 13-match unbeaten run at the back end of last season, which helped them into the Welsh Cup final. They lost that showpiece game to Welsh Premier champions Barry Town after a penalty shoot-out, following a 2-2 draw.

"Going on our performances of the back-end of last season, there is the foundations of a very good side at Cwmbran," he said.

"And if Brian brings in a few new faces they could be challenging for honours this year.

"Brian is a good lad and I like him a lot - he did a lot at Newtown. He's a good sort and that's the reason John Colley appointed him as manager.

"He's honest and hard-working and will get the best out of his players."