Penblwydd hapus Kevin ‘Bach’ Roberts – arwr Caernarfon Town

Kevin Roberts. Picture: Paul Evans

Some Caernarfon Town players over the years may have possessed more skill than Kevin Roberts – but very few could match his passion.

Today sees the man better known as Kevin Bach celebrate his 38th birthday.

Caernarfon Town fan and author Alex Philp, who has seen a fair few hundred players come and go from The Oval over the years, rates Kevin as his all-time favourite. That is some commendation!

Alex, who currently manages CPD Mountain Rangers, said: “My personal favourite and a crowd favourite at The Oval, Kevin endeared himself in the hearts of the Cofi faithful with his high tempo competitive displays in midfield, a hard-working player who became the mainstay of the Canaries engine room.

“Although renowned for his tenacious tackling, Kev was an incredibly talented footballer who very rarely gave the ball away and his willingness to do the grafting in the middle of the park enabled his team-mates to have the freedom to push forward.

“Having made 219 appearances and scoring 9 goals during his seven seasons at the club, he has earned his place up there with the all-time greats. Personally, I think every successful team needs a Kev Bach in their line-up, not just for his displays on the pitch but the example he would set to the younger players.”

Canaries hero Kevin Roberts. Pic: Paul Evans

Dave Jones said: “In my reporting career, I’ve rarely seen a more committed player than The Passing Postman. 😄📦💚💛📨

“One especially fond memory was seeing him gesture to angry supporters of the team Caernarfon had just beaten in a crucial game.

“I had to make myself scarce quickly as I was laughing so much and did not want to get the fans’ backs up. He may have been a player opposing supporters occasionally loved to hate, but they could never knock his will to win.”

Kevin represented the Cofis in the Welsh Alliance, Cymru Alliance and Welsh Premier.

Happy birthday mate.