Meet Connah’s Quay Town – a great team in the making
Get ready to read plenty about an exciting new club from a renowned footballing town in the months ahead.
Connah’s Quay Town are not as successful as Cymru Premier champions Nomads just yet, but they certainly look capable of making their mark in the season to come.
Town will play in the tier 5 North East Wales League Championship, where they will be one of six new clubs aiming to cause a stir.
Ste Hughes will manage the team, with Gavin Parry his assistant and the experienced Andy Hughes as coach.
“Off the pitch we are starting from nothing so the focus is very much on getting the pitch and the facilities ready,” said Parry.
“As well as that we need to generate a fan base, utilising social media to bring in the local community.
“We have managed to get ourselves some key sponsors to support us with the ground, kit and training gear for the lads.
“We will be basing ourselves out of The Broadoak pub in Connah’s Quay.”
Town have built up a very impressive 19-man squad which includes highly experienced and well-known Deeside talents James Gambino, Rob Shaw and John Leonard, as well as skipper Ben Howarth.
The club will play home matches at Dock Road.
Assistant-manager Parry added: “On the pitch, with the squad that we have managed to pull together up to now, we absolutely have to be pushing for the league and a good run in each of the cups.
“Thirteen of the 19 lads we have brought in were operating at Tier 3 last season and had no reason to move on. They were all established members of their respective clubs so we have to go for the biggest honours this season.
“The hardest thing for the lads this season will be turning up week in and week out with the right attitude and applying themselves correctly. If they do that then we have no doubts the quality will shine through.
“We haven’t finished signing lads, with work and family commitments we will need a big squad to call upon. Pre-season numbers have been up at 30 so there is room for more lads yet and each week we are seeing new faces.
“It has been a great start for a new club operating in Tier 5, to be able to pull in the lads we have and we know the club are working hard off the pitch to make sure everything is in place for the lads.”
Connah’s Quay Town latest squad line-up 2020-21
Ben Howarth (club captain)
A Connah’s Quay lad who brings a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, captain of the club and a leader of men. A versatile player but at his best protecting the back four. He’ll keep the lads in check off the field and he is well respected by all.
Lee Reynolds (vice-captain)
Local man, experience aplenty. Reggie’s qualities and calmness on the field will be vital this season. Another who has the respect of the dressing room.
Tommy Leonard
Another Quay lad, gives 100% every time he goes onto the field and demands the same from his team-mates. Another vice captain. He will run all day, box to box. Up front will get big goals in big games this season.
Dan Cooper
“The Cat”. Excellent shot stopper. Plenty of tier 3 experience and is loving being back part of a Connah’s Quay team.
Paddy Doyle
Goalkeeper, new to the club and the lads. Will provide great competition for Dan. An imposing figure, but is really a gentle giant.
Rob Shaw
Strong football background. Has had approximately 18 months out the game but once the opportunity came about to play for the club Rob found his enthusiasm. Looked well in pre-season to date. Solid performer in back four. Airbus, Saltney Town and Rhydymwyn are among ex-clubs.
John Paul Leonard
Mr “Nice Guy” liked by everyone, but once he steps over that white line he has no friends. Plenty of experience and he will be a massive asset to the club this season both in the back four and his experience in changing rooms.
Ash Lewis
Had been plying his trade in tier 3 but once the opportunity came to join Town and be part of a new project he jumped at it. Ash can play anywhere, and will be a part of the team this season.
James Gambino
What a coup this is for the club. He has played at the highest level. Has had some time out of the game, but already in pre-season his quality is evident. Big season expected from him, should get a hatful of goals this season. Formerly with Gap Connah’s Quay and Flint Town United, Gambino was also a member of the Rhyl FC invincibles which won the Huws Gray Alliance League title in 2012-13.
Alex Peters
Joins after a couple of up and down seasons with football due to work commitments. Alex has a lovely left foot, can play at the back and in midfield. He again could be playing at a higher level but wants to be part of the project. Attitude is second to none and once he finds his voice he’ll fly.
Damien Rowley
Has had some time out of football due to family commitments but has come down to pre-season and his attitude and enthusiasm for getting back into it is fantastic. He’ll run all day and he’ll be a handful for defenders once he gets up and running.
Will Leonard
Another who was at tier 3, but was keen to get involved at Town where he is thoroughly enjoying himself. Big season is expected from him if he can keep up the enthusiasm and his head is on it. Excellent engine.
Ross Sumner
Excellent attitude with a great eye for goal. Once Ross gets a couple, his confidence will grow and he’ll grab a bagful. Great attitude and work ethic. Former clubs include New Brighton and Rhydymwyn and he has also represented the North East Wales FA in the Regions Cup.
Michael Woodward
Will run through brick walls for you, and someone you can depend on in a battle. Has the heart of a lion and he steps up in big games to rattle teams. Town just hope to keep him fit.
Chris Brooks
Very clever player, knows the game, and played at a decent level at a young age. Brooksy brings experience, a knowhow of the game to the club. Loved by everyone and is sure to be a dressing room favourite with the lads
Chad Shelbourne
Another who should be operating at a higher level, but wants to be involved with Town. He has great composure and a calmness on the ball. He just has to keep himself interested and if the club get a full season out of Chad, he’ll be up there with one of the best in the league.
Adam Davies
Tier 3 player last season, Adam gives something different, his strength and ability to bring others into play will be key in scrappy games this season. He still knows where the net is as well.
Gary McConnell
Prolific goal-getter. Another who you would take into war with you. He doesn’t give defenders a minute’s peace and isn’t very nice to play against. Has played for a number of clubs in North East Wales including Cefn Druids, Caerwys, Hawarden Rangers, Airbus UK, Buckley Town and FC Nomads, as well as Prestatyn Town.
Jake Leonard
This lad has wonderful talent, just needs to keep fit and focused. Should be operating at tier 3, but wanted to be part of the Town set-up.
NORTH EAST WALES LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS (12 TEAMS)
AFC Bagillt, CPD Bellevue, Borras Park Albion, CPD Caerwys, Connah’s Quay Town, Deeside FC, Llanfarthin FC, Mold Town United, Penyffordd Lions, Railway Rovers, Ruabon Rovers, CPD Sychdyn.