Football: “City” and his two lads make club history

It’s not that often that you see a dad and his two sons playing in the same football team.

But that was the case for Llandudno Athletic last Saturday when a popular veteran player and his two lads were all on the pitch together.

Playing ‘away’ to Rhuddlan Town at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, in the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division, the Athletic line-up included Stephen McElroy and his boys Matty and Lloyd.

Stephen, affectionately known as “City”, became a club legend at Llandudno FC, where he played for many seasons.

He was part of a strong Tudno squad at the start of the 1990s which played in the Welsh Alliance and Cymru Alliance leagues at a time when the club moved into its current Maesdu Park ground.

Llandudno Athletic manager Rhys Lane takes up the story: “Stephen McElroy has been helping out on the sidelines for a while now with Colin Stokes, both bringing years of experience and knowledge to help myself.

“Both Stephen and Colin have two lads in the Athletic squad, but last Saturday saw both sets of brothers joined by City when he came on with 20 minutes to go.

“So Athletic fielded a father and two sons in the same team for the first time ever. It was the first time all three McElroys had been on the field together in a game.”

And to make the occasion even more memorable, Stephen, 46, scored Athletic’s consolation goal in a 3-1 defeat direct from a corner.

Stephen said: “I am proud to play with both Matty and Lloyd on the same pitch. I didn’t think at touching 47 this would ever happen, and that I’d still be scoring, but it’s an absolute pleasure and something to look back on in later days.”

Matty added: “I’m really chuffed to play with dad and Lloyd. Dad’s always encouraged our football – I just wish we didn’t have to do all the running for him!”

And Lloyd said: “Dad’s always supported me and Matty with our football and having him on the pitch with us is a special moment for us all.”