Meet the Player: Dylan Owen (Llanrug United)

Please tell us which teams you have played for going back as far as you can remember

Did my scholarship at Wrexham AFC, then Caernarfon Town, Colwyn Bay (loan), Rhyl, Llangefni Town, Caernarfon Wanderers, Nantlle Vale, Llanrug United.

What was your experience like at Wrexham AFC? Would you do anything differently if you had your time with them again?

It was a brilliant experience, leaving home at 16 to go and live in digs in Wrexham, training every day and playing every weekend against Premiership teams.
It’s something I’ll never forget. Plus getting coached every day off the legendary Joey Jones – not many lads can say they have lived that life.
I wouldn’t do anything different to be honest with you, I gave it my all and I had a great attitude, I just wasn’t good enough to be offered a pro contract.

How did you find playing in the Welsh Premier League? What was most enjoyable about it, and what did you like the least?

When I left Wrexham for Caernarfon Town to be honest I found it easy in the Welsh Prem.

I had come from training every day to playing against part-time players, I felt fitter than everyone; I think I scored 9 goals in 11 appearances for the Town.

The most enjoyable aspect was playing in front of the Cofi fans and my family and friends at The Oval. The hardest part was getting up at 5 am on Saturdays on away days to travel down to South Wales and not getting home till after midnight.

What first attracted you to Llanrug United and why have you been at the club for so long?

The first thing that attracted me to Llanrug was I had a couple of mates playing there and when I wasn’t getting much game time at Caernarfon due to new management, I decided it was best for myself to go somewhere and play week in, week out and enjoy football again.

After I signed I knew there was potential in the team and that with a few more signings we could build something special there. We certainly did that over the years by reaching a few finals and winning some trophies.

What have been the top three highlights of your football career to date?

Winning the FAW Trophy with Llanrug was a massive achievement for the club – that was some day/night.

Scoring a wonder free kick on my home debut for Caernarfon against top of the league Aberystwyth to beat them 3-2 – I will never forget that feeling.

And finally, signing my scholarship for Wrexham was a proud moment.

Describe the best goal you have ever scored

That goal I mentioned v Aberystwyth on my debut for Caernarfon Town. Free kick to make it 3-2.

The ball was stuck in the stanchion and all them Cofis going nuts behind the goal was a buzz. To be honest, I have scored a few worldies – HaHa

Who is the best player you have ever played alongside?

In my Wrexham days I played with some quality players. One that comes to mind is my digs room mate Craig Morgan. He went on to play over 20 games for the full national Wales team.

In my senior football I have to give a mention to my midfield partner over the years Charlie (David Noel Williams). You won’t know how good of a player he is until you have played with him.

Have to give a mention also to Daz Bach “Cofi Messi” (Darren Thomas). Another player who is on another level.

Who would you regard as the toughest opponent you have faced?

I have two lads here that come to mind as I hated playing against them Jay Gibbs and Iw Tom – both tough midfielders and two quality players.

What ambitions do you still have in the game?

Hopefully winning something with Llanrug this season. After this season I will be hanging up my boots (exclusive for you Dave haha).

I have had my best days, it’s time to concentrate on the kids and Mrs and play more golf.

Ryan Giggs – good or bad choice as Wales manager?

Giggs wasn’t my choice but I will support him while he’s our manager. Hopefully we can qualify for the Euros.

What is the best country you have ever visited?

Not travelled much, but I did enjoy Barcelona while visiting with the Mrs.

Do you play any other sports? If so, which?

I love golf. I play off a handicap of 8 would love to get that lower in the next couple of years

What was the last programme you watched on TV?

Power – if you ain’t watching it, you are missing out.

Do you have any view on Brexit? Are you tired of it, like most of the UK?

Not a political lad to be honest – what will be will be. Be glad when it’s all done and out of the news and papers.

Would independence for Wales be a good thing?

Wouldn’t bother me at all if Wales was independent or not. I don’t know enough of the pros and cons

Do you have a favourite cartoon show?

The classic Simpsons

How many hours a week do you watch S4C on average?

Don’t watch any S4C – is that a bad answer?

Who is your favourite band or musical performer?

Oasis – always listen to them before a match.

Five famous people you could invite out for a meal and a few drinks. Who would you choose?

Toughie this, but – David Beckham (fav player), Alex Ferguson (absolute legend), Tiger Woods (fav golfer), James Corden (hilarious), Beyonce (can sing and beautiful).