That was in 2021, when they made it back-to-back titles, and five years on he is chasing a hat-trick, although this time as manager.
Having seen his side beat reigning champions The New Saints 3-1 in midweek, Disney watched in further admiration as they came from behind to overcome Barry Town United by the same margin a few days later to cut the gap at the top to a single point.
TNS, whose home game with Bala Town at the weekend was postponed because of a frozen pitch, may have a game in hand, but they know the Nomads are not only coming up on the rails to challenge them in Phase 2 of the season, but look capable of mounting a title challenge in Disney’s first season in charge.
“It was a hard fourth game. Barry had the second best defensive record in the league before the game and they are a hard team to break down,” admitted Disney.
“They have good defensive structure and some very good players who can hurt you up front if you don’t get things right.
“Ultimately, that’s what happened for the first goal, but I’m really happy with everyone’s performance.
“It was a balanced performance three days after the high of beating TNS on Wednesday, and it was just as important.
“The lads showed good character and good resilience, and it was fantastic to get the victory."
Having ended 2025 on the highest of highs with that 3-1 home win over TNS, the Nomads signalled their intent to push on in 2026 with an eighth successive win to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 13 games.
Barry arrived seeking the point that would guarantee them a top six finish in Phase 1 and started brightly.
Ieuan Owen opened the scoring for them with a goal in the 19th minute.
That’s the way it stayed until another piece of wizardry from Callum West drew the home side level in the 73rd minute.
West had dribbled all the way from half-way to score the decisive third goal in the win over TNS and thumped the ball off his left foot into the top corner from the edge of the ‘D’ to put his side on track for another win.
Then, five minutes later, Noah Edwards scored a second before Rhys Hughes finished things off beautifully with a wonder strike from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner on the stroke of time.
The Nomads complete their Phase 1 programme with a tough trip to Caernarfon Town on Saturday, while TNS now have to play twice in the week.
They will host Bala Town on Tuesday night before welcoming Colwyn Bay to Park Hall on Saturday.
Barry will have to win their final fixture, at home against bottom of the table Llanelli Town, to guarantee a top six finish.
If they lose that will leave the door open for Cardiff Met to overtake them if they can pick up points at third-place Penybont.
