PICTURE by Llangefni Town FC
TONIGHT it’s the turn of a top manager and a top man off the field to pick his ultimate eleven of local players.
Gafyn Buckland has been Llangefni Town Reserves’ manager for six seasons now and in 2019/20 led them to the Lock Stock Fireworks Challenge Cup final, where they would have played Bangor City Reserves had it not been for the Coronavirus pandemic ending the campaign so abruptly.
The 35-year-old , whose father John also managed the Reserves in the past, played for the likes of Llangefni Town and Gwalchmai in his playing days – mainly as a midfielder, but often playing in other positions such as full-back.
Just before the last lockdown was imposed in December, he came on as a late sub v my side Llandegfan as his Reserves beat us 3-1 in a friendly!
Gafyn’s line-up here is made up mostly of players he has played alongside in senior football.
FORMATION: 4-3-3
GOALKEEPER – Mike Innes
Gafyn says: “Former Wolves, Bangor City and Llangefni GK. Only played with him on a few occasions at Llangefni but it was obvious from those games he would have played at a higher level for longer if it wasn’t for the serious knee injuries he suffered very early in his career. Now Llangefni Town’s GK coach.”
RIGHT BACK – Gari Owen
Gafyn says: “Without doubt Llangefni’s most consistent player over the last 7 years and he’s still only 23. Has played for the reserves a few times and has always given 100%, a great example to any youngsters coming through from the junior teams.”
CENTRE BACK – Graham Austin
Gafyn says: “I was lucky to play a few games at Llangefni at right back along side Graham. Very committed defender and a great captain who won a lot of trophies with the club.”
CENTRE BACK – Steve Kehoe
Gafyn says: “Might not be his best position but could probably play anywhere in defence or midfield. Always showed a good attitude whenever he played for the reserves and a good influence on the youngsters.”
LEFT BACK – Jason Thomas
Gafyn says: “I played along side Tommo for the reserves and Gwalchmai and he was always a very steady and consistent performer. He’s played at a higher level in some very good Llangefni teams over the years and is now the 1st team’s Assistant Manager.”
CENTRE MID – Emrys Jones
Gafyn says: “Ems was well into his 40s when I was played in the same team as him. He was incredibly fit and made the game look easy. Llangefni legend and a great man who sadly passed away a few years ago.”
CENTRE MID – Steven Jones
Gafyn says: “Still a young player with massive potential and scored his first goal for the 1st team last season at Llandudno. Now at Bodorgan but I’ve got no doubt he has the ability to play at a much higher level. Always the first name on the team sheet whenever he played for the reserves.”
CENTRE MID – Gerallt Jones
Gafyn says: “At 45, Gerry could probably still play at decent level now. Bags of ability and an eye for goal. Played in some very good Llangefni teams over the years and is now a part of the coaching set up.”
FORWARD – Darren Thomas
Gafyn says: “Don’t really need to say much about the Cofi Messi! Incredible talent who I consider myself lucky to have played alongside, even if it was only for a few games.”
FORWARD – Corey Sinnott
Gafyn says: “Played with and against Corey over the years. Can play anywhere along the front 3 and has the ability to score all kinds of goals. Came back to play for Llangefni a few years ago before moving back to Gwalchmai.”
FORWARD – Marc Evans
Gafyn says: “A very gifted footballer who’s played in the Cymru Premier. Played for Gwalchmai and Llangefni with ‘Logs’ who will score goals no matter where he goes.”
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