Pre-season chat: Arron Evans (CPD Llandegfan)

Llandegfan Football Club keep battling on in search of better fortunes.

Despite a difficult past three seasons which saw them struggle in the now defunct Anglesey League, the village side are busy building a squad to compete in the new tier 5 North Wales Coast West Division One.

Llandegfan’s managers for the season ahead are Arron Evans (his third in charge) and Si Thomas (son of Trearddur Bay Bulls manager Derek).

Arron spoke to Grassroots North Wales about the latest developments at Cae Eurfryn.

Grassroots North Wales

Overall, what shape are you in as a first team and club ahead of the 2020-21 season?

Arron Evans

We’re in a much better position now than we have been in recent seasons, although we’re in a much tougher league too.

But bringing in the likes of Darryl Charlton, Liam Jones and Dion Taylor will add some much needed experience to our side and give us a good spine in the team.

We’ve also signed a few young lads from the village itself, such as 16-year-old George Roberts, as we’re looking to bring back a local identity to the team this season too and reconnect the club with the community.

We know it will be tough but the lads are already working incredibly hard in training and the attitude at the club has been great.

Grassroots North Wales

You’ve made a few signings, tell us about one or two of your players to look out for this season

Arron Evans

George Roberts is an exciting young player who we think can go a very long way in future. He’s very mature for his age and doesn’t look out of place alongside players who are much older.

Perry Dench looks like he could be a great attacker as he loves getting at defenders and the same can be said of Liam Jones who’s been great in training.

Tom Slater has also shown great leadership qualities in training, doesn’t stop talking and is a solid defender.

Grassroots North Wales

Who do you see as the strongest teams in your division?

Arron Evans

I think Cemaes, Glantraeth and Llanerchymedd will undoubtedly be the favourites for the league as their players belong at higher levels but then you have the likes of Mountain Rangers who will challenge too. It will be interesting up the top.

Grassroots North Wales

How difficult has it been to keep your squad motivated during the Covid-19 crisis? What challenges have you had to overcome?

Arron Evans

It’s definitely a challenge for us and many others I think to keep motivation levels high as, when you don’t have a start date, the lads have nothing to look forward to.

Our main challenge however was sorting our ground out, which we have been able to achieve thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the community who have helped us fundraise which we’re extremely grateful for.

Grassroots North Wales

What are your ambitions for the season ahead?

Arron Evans

Last season we finished on four points, which is the most we’ve had since re-forming and we also didn’t finish bottom of the league.

So this year we’re looking to gain even more points and work our way up the table even further.

With the players we’ve got and their mindsets – it’s more than doable!