Penblwydd hapus i John Gwynfor Jones – Arwr o Benrhyn Llŷn

John Gwynfor Jones (right) in action for Porthmadog in the 2006-07 season. Picture: Emyr Gareth

Happy birthday to Llyn Peninsula football legend John Gwynfor Jones.

Born on November 17, 1975, the popular figure known as John Mynydd is remembered best for his spells with Porthmadog, Pwllheli and Nefyn United.

The right-back represented Port for five seasons in the Welsh Premier League between 2003-04 and 2007-08, featuring in 138 games.

He signed for Port from Nefyn United towards the tail end of the 2001/02 season.

The following campaign, John was part of one of the most successful Porthmadog squads in the club’s history, that 2002/03 season delivering the Cymru Alliance League title, League Cup and NWCFA Challenge Cup.

There was an extra honour for John, who was named Clubman of the Year.

John Gwynfor takes a throw in for Port at Rhyl back in the 2005-06 season. Picture: Emyr Gareth

The following campaign was Port’s first back in the League of Wales after a five-year absence and their very first goal was a rare one from John Gwynfor Jones.

His 25-yard left-foot rocket put them 1-0 up at Connah’s Quay, the game ending in a 3-1 victory for Port.

Porthmadog’s team that day was: Gerard McGuigan, John Gwynfor Jones, Mike Foster, Dafydd Evans, Lee Webber, Danny Hughes, Gareth Parry, Gareth Caughter (Eifion Williams), Richard Owen, Carl Owen, Terry Williams (Alan Morgan).

Richard Owen and Carl Owen notched Port’s other goals.

During his five top-flight seasons with Port, John did have a spell with Nefyn in 2005-06 and he was to return to Cae’r Delyn as player-manager in 2008-09.

The Penwaig finished seventh in the Welsh Alliance League that season, but more impressive was their run to the FAW Trophy semi-finals.

It was the furthest Nefyn had progressed in that national competition, but they did not quite make the final, Penycae beating them 3-2 in the semi at Rhyl.

Towards the end of his career, John had a stint with another Llŷn side in Pwllheli, playing in the Welsh Alliance into his early 40s and still giving the 100 per cent he had always done throughout his footballing days.

In more recent times, the super-fit Jones has delved into the world of MMA.

He met British and European champion Danny Williams of Pwllheli in a non-title grappling contest in 2018.

As a footballer, John Gwynfor Jones will forever be respected for his reading of the game, tackling, heading and strength as a defender.

A true legend of the Llŷn. Gobeithio gei di ddiwrnod da.