Former Barry Town United First Team Coach Ben Stait has been appointed the new manager of Cymru South club Caerau Ely. The move, reported by Y Clwb Pêl-droed this week, sees Stait take charge at Cwrt-yr-Ala after Dean Wheeler's departure.
Stait's most recent role was with Barry Town United, where he served as First Team Coach for the 2025/26 campaign. During that spell, the club secured a third-place finish in the Cymru Premier and won the Nathaniel MG Cup, a period of success that saw them finish 34 points behind champions The New Saints. Barry's final league record for 2025 was 12 wins, -10 draws, and 10 losses from 32 games, amassing 46 points with a goal difference of +10.
What is Ben Stait's coaching background?
Ben Stait began his coaching career at Newport County, spending six years there. He progressed from the Development Centre to the academy, eventually becoming Lead Youth Development Phase Officer responsible for players from Under-13 to Under-16 level. He first moved to Barry Town United in 2021, initially working within the academy before taking on the role of Development Team Manager. Stait also gained first-team experience at Risca United and, most notably, at Llantwit Major.
His work at Llantwit Major established his credentials. Stait guided them to safety in the Cymru South during the 2023/24 season, with their status confirmed on the final day. The following season, he led them to a ninth-place finish and was in charge for a Fenix Trophy victory over BK Skjold. After a brief two-month stint managing English non-league side Newent Town this summer, the opportunity at Caerau Ely arose.
What challenges await at Caerau Ely?
Stait takes over a Caerau Ely side that has struggled at the start of the current Cymru South season. They have managed just one victory so far, a win away at Trethomas Bluebirds. Their campaign opened with an away loss at Carmarthen Town, followed by a draw against Ynyshir Albions and a home defeat to Pure Swansea. The immediate task is to improve results and climb the table from their current position.
"A huge thank you to the club for giving me the opportunity to lead a very talented group of players," Stait said upon his appointment. He added, "Off the pitch a lot of progress has been made and the ambition across the club is clear to see."
What are the immediate fixtures?
Stait's first match in charge will be a tough away trip to face Baglan Dragons on Friday, August 28. His first home game at Cwrt-yr-Ala follows quickly, against Ynyshir Albions on Monday, August 31. These early games will provide a swift indication of the impact he can make.
How does this affect Barry Town United?
Stait's departure from Jenner Park comes after a successful season where the team finished third. Barry Town's focus now turns to building on that platform under the existing management structure. Their next competitive fixture is at home to Ammanford AFC on September 15, a match you can find on our fixtures page. The club's strong standings finish last term provides a solid foundation for the new campaign, whenever it begins.
