Managers’ All-Time North Wales XI’s: Wayne Hughes (Rhuddlan Town)
Rhuddlan Town’s Wayne Hughes is the latest manager to select his All-Time North Wales XI.
Players picked can be from any era. Managers can choose players they worshipped as a kid, played alongside, played against, managed or managed against.
Wayne has guided Rhuddlan Town to the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division summit this season, having lifted the REM Jones Cup with the club in their comeback campaign of 2017-18.
He said: “I’ve based my team on players who have played in the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League. I did try not to put too many Rhuddlan players in! It was so difficult to choose.”
GOALKEEPER
Chris Wright (Meliden)
Probably the best keeper we have played against this season and a few of the players in our squad have spoken very highly of him. When we lost to Meliden in the cup he was outstanding with his positioning, cross catching and kicks which caused us and many teams problems. He’s had a few injuries but if kept fit I’m sure he’ll help win plenty of games for Meliden.
LEFT BACK
Josh Parry (Rhuddlan Town)
Didn’t want to name too many Rhuddlan players but Josh has played under me for 5 years now and I’ve never seen a player improve so much. He’s strong and physical with bags of pace. A player I’m very surprised higher level clubs haven’t come in for.
CENTRE BACK
Liam Handy (Rhuddlan Town)
Probably one of the unsung heroes in our team, his last-minute tackles are always timed brilliantly. so cool on the ball and that helps with the style we like to play. Always one of the first names on the team sheet.
CENTRE BACK
Curtis Murray (Llanfairfechan Town)
Big strong lad, wins absolutely everything in the air. Watched him play against us last season and completely controlled the game with helping his team keep a clean sheet. When we played them again with him missing it was a different game. Knows how to score goals as well, a true leader for his club.
RIGHT BACK
Liam Wyn Jones (Llansannan)
Very strong and fit player. Saw Liam play against us last season mostly and had a fantastic battle with our left back Josh Parry. Very good on the ball and pushes forward at the right times. Good crosser of the ball as well and also a decent throw-in.
CENTRE MIDFIELD
Nyal Hughes (Kinmel Bay)
I first played against Nyal in my later years and I was very impressed with him from then on. He’s a player I’ve tried to sign many times but he’s a very committed man to the club he’s played for. Very good on the ball, good at tackling and one hell of a shot. Seen him score some outstanding goals in the past.
CENTRE MIDFIELD
Alex Jones (Prestatyn Town)
First watched Alex play for the New Inn, a Sunday league team about 5/6 seasons ago, then he played for Kinmel Bay the season they won the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Premier Division. Outstanding player and a leader on the pitch. Has represented Rhyl in the Welsh Premier and I’m not surprised the impact he’s had at Cymru North leaders Prestatyn Town since he’s joined them.
CENTRE MIDFIELD
Mathew Beach (Rhuddlan Town)
Matty is the engine of the team and had plenty of success already as a player at a young age. Beachy will cover every blade of grass and keep running until the final Whistle. A player I expect to be playing top level football in the next couple of seasons.
LEFT WING
Jordan Bellham (Rhuddlan Town)
I’ve had Jordan with me for 4 years now and he’s one of the quickest players I’ve seen. When he’s on top form no-one’s going to stop him. Absolute joy to watch when he’s running with the ball. He’s a player that could step up another couple of levels and still score plenty of goals.
CENTRE FORWARD/CENTRE MIDFIELD/CENTRE BACK
Jay Whitehouse (Rhuddlan Town)
Probably one of the best players I’ve managed. Jay can play in any position and is a complete team player. He’s already bagged 25 goals in all competitions this season. Jay is always looking to help improve the squad in any way possible. He played in the Welsh Premier and Cymru Alliance with Rhyl FC for a few years but decided to leave due to family and work commitments and joined Rhuddlan Town back in 2017/18 when the club reformed. Outstanding attitude and hopefully many more years in a Rhuddlan Town shirt.
CENTRE FORWARD/RIGHT WING
Matty Rees (Rhuddlan Town)
Probably one of the most underrated players in the league, but Matty is a very skilful player – quick and scores plenty of goals from the wing.
I’ve moved Matty from striker to winger and he’s been outstanding, giving us a fantastic balance on the right side. Another player I’m sure will play higher level soon.