My all-time North Wales XI: Joel Lloyd (Llandudno Albion)

He’s the captain of Llandudno Albion and has been a key figure in all their successes over the past six seasons since they formed.

Joel Lloyd is one of the best defenders around on the North Wales scene, but which players does he rate?

Joel was asked to choose his all-time North Wales XI made up of players he has played alongside, played against or simply watched and admired.

It took us a while to establish the rules (I had to ban the selection of Sami Hyppia as it was limited to North Wales only) but we got there and it’s a pretty cracking team the skipper has selected.

GOALKEEPER

Paul Whitfield

Ex-Wrexham and Wales Under-21 keeper, lots of Welsh Premier experience, in goal for Albion last season.
I couldn’t believe how good he was until I saw him in action.

DEFENCE

Dean Wright (Glan Conwy)

Don’t know why but I just think he’s class. And a good lad as well.

Jordan Kane

Ex-Wrexham prospect, Albion hero, third highest scorer in club’s history.

Don’t know what his position is, but I’ll put him at centre half. I played with him as a kid all the way through to adults.

Most gifted player I’ve seen but didn’t do what he could have done.

Jack Williams

Left back. Think he plays for Llangefni.

Played with me at youth with his twin who got a bad injury, but Jack was the left-back. Great player, great lad.

Harry Petters

Doesn’t play any more, but was in a different class when he was younger.

Hard as nails in the tackle. Serves in the RAF now.

Was at Penmaenmawr with Martyn Jones the year before last I think.

MIDFIELD

Iwan Thomas

Midfielder with Penrhyndeudraeth (has now signed for Blaenau Amateurs).
Always played well against us.

Marc Williams

Right-midfield. He’s a striker/central attacker in the main, but he’s a player who will work his backside off and I’m putting him on the right.

Ex-Wrexham and Wales U-21, Won Welsh Premier Player of the Season when at Llandudno.

Tommy Creamer

Talented midfielder with an eye for goal.

He has been at Wrexham and Rhyl, but is now back with hometown club Conwy Borough.

Toby Jones

Left-wing. One of my best mates and a class footballer.

Scored lots of goals in his career. Currently at Colwyn Bay, but has also turned out for Llandudno, Neath, Rhyl, Conwy United, Caernarfon Town, always played at a high standard.

FORWARDS

Dave Maddock

My right hand man. Started with me at the back for Albion six years ago.

Moved up front and is now club record goal scorer.

What a player, what a lad. He would run through the hardest of brick walls for the cause.

Peter Jones

Like Jordan Kane, Pete’s not lived up to his ability.

First training session, he stuck the ball through me legs and took the p**s out of me all session. I thought – who is this?

Then he scored 30 odd goals for us. But gone quiet now hasn’t he which I don’t let him get away with!