PICTURE by Richard Gregson
IN THE latest edition of this series, Llangoed’s new manager picks his ultimate XI of local players.
David ‘Twm’ Thomas was recently appointed to the role of first team manager at his home village club, following the departure of Mark Thomas in 2020.
The 35-year-old, who spent time playing in Germany whilst serving in the army, has played at centre back and in centre mid for Llangoed over the years and has been part of many a great success including the cup double and Anglesey League promotion joy of 2016/17.
Now heading into a new role at Tyddyn Paun, Thomas just recently told AFE of his plans for the club’s future. You can read that article here.
Here though, he has selected a fantastic team inspired by Llangoed …
* A big thanks to Dewi Williams of Llangoed FC for finding old pics of players mentioned!
GOALKEEPER – Phillip Evans
David says: “There’s been many great number one’s at Llangoed over the years but the one who really sticks out for me is Evans.
“He was a great leader at the back, his big physical presence in between the posts helped us o to many wins over the years. A great shot stopper too.”
DEFENDER – Wayne Williams
David says: “Was naturally a LB at Llangoed for many years. Strong, skilful and he knew where the net was.
“One memorable goal that comes to mind is the one he scored against Beaumaris – he put the ball into the top corner from the half way line. Wayne was a great asset to the club during his playing time.”
DEFENDER – Tony Williams
David says: “Theres been many great centre half’s at Llangoed over the years but Tony (middle in pic) for me was one of the best I have ever played with.
“If you were involved with football on Anglesey during his playing time chances are you knew who Tony was. He could read the game well and play with ease, never lost a header and commanded the game with his presence and ability.”
DEFENDER – Matty Owen
David says: “He’s cemented himself as Llangoed left back for many years now, showing what a quality player he is.
“Matty has helped Llangoed win many trophies along the way. Solid and reliable player for the club.”
RIGHT MID – Carwyn Williams
David says: “Fast, attacking winger or even a striker at times. He’s a nightmare for defenders with his speed and physicality on the pitch.
“Carwyn has scored countless goals over the years for Llangoed and its great to see him back at the club. I cant wait to get going again so we can see him add to his goal tally for Llangoed.”
CENTRE MID – Sam Gregson
David says: “A naturally gifted player who has abilities way beyond his years. It’s great to be able to have the opportunity to work with him and I’m sure he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
CENTRE MID – Owain Jones
David says: “If you ever played with this man you’ll know what a great player he was. Plenty of heart. determination and solid in the tackle and in the air.
“Well deserving of being in this Llangoed XI. Unfortunately, Owain was taken away from his family and friends far too early in his life.”
LEFT MID – Chris Jones
David says: “A pacey and intelligent player to play with. He understood the game well. Chris also later went on to manage Llangoed.”
ATTACKER – Wayne Thomas
David says: “What needs to be said about this lad that you don’t already know?
“Thoroughly deserves to be in the line-up as he’s been an absolutely quality player for Llangoed, scoring over 150 goals for the club with many more still to come. His loyalty to the club has been great.”
ATTACKER – Corrig McGonigle
David says: “A player who came through the youth set up at Llangoed. I remember his first senior game you just knew he was going somewhere in football.
“A naturally gifted forward who scores goals for fun – his awareness and vision to know where to be was and is still great.”
ATTACKER – Mark ‘Cabbage’ Thomas
David says: “His achievement’s in football speak for themselves. Cabbage played in all levels of Welsh football.
“The two times he spent at Llangoed were great for the striker and for the club as his goals helped us to win silverware.”
SUBS:
Owain ‘Spud’ Roberts
David says: “Played for Llangoed for many years and picked up many achievements in his footballing career including the FAW regions cup in 13/14 with the NWCFA team.
“He also represented Wales in the UEFA regions cup in Estonia in 2015. He later took on a coach/player role at Pentraeth before returning to Llangoed in 16/17 to help them lift the Bwlch Car Boot cup and the Dargie Cup. A very intelligent player.”
Callum Graves
David says: “Another naturally gifted and talented player who also helped Llangoed to that cup double in 16/17.
“Has also played at the RAF and is now at Menai Tigers where he has continued to lift trophies.
“Callum is the son of llangoed legend Bisto who was also a great player for the club.”
Craig Outram
David says: “A very gifted player who represented Llangoed and Beaumaris in his playing days.
“Helped Llangoed lift the North Wales cup in 03/04 season beating Holyhead Gwelfor in a penalty shoot-out at Holyhead.”
William Roberts
David says: “Another great player who gave years of service to the club he was great to play along side in my younger years. He helped the club to lift silverware on a number of occasions.
“He is also current player Llion Roberts’ uncle and still comes to watch the team train and play when he can. He later went on to play semi pro out in Thailand and played against the likes of Lee Sharpe.”
Lance Williams
David says: “Another one who just knew where the net was – he could find it from anywhere on the pitch. Lance scored a lot of goals during his career, he was a quality striker.”
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