Meet the Player: Luke Steele (Bangor 1876)
Luke Steele had an excellent first season at newly-formed Bangor 1876.
Unfortunately, the start of the 2020-21 campaign still awaits for most, so like all of his team-mates, Luke is frustrated yearning for the big kick-off.
Full Name
Luke Ethan Steele
Date of Birth
04/10/2001 (19 years old)
Occupation
Business student in Bangor University and also work part time behind the bar in Whitehall, Pwllheli
Teams you have played for
Junior level I started out playing for Nefyn and Pwllheli. At academy level I’ve played for Bangor City, Bala Town, Wrexham, Shrewsbury Town and currently playing for Bangor 1876.
Position
Anywhere in the midfield, probably better suited as an 8 or more of a holding midfielder but I can also play anywhere across the back-line in defence as well.
Most memorable game played in
There has been a few through my youth but nothing comes close to starting against FC United in 1876’s first game (and also my senior debut).
Even though we ended up losing 12-1 to them in the end, the fans were incredible! Singing and chanting throughout and walking out of the tunnel to see the fans in their hundreds in the stands there to support us even though we were a 100 miles away from Bangor is something that I’ll never forget!
Biggest highlight of football career so far
At youth level one that stands out is beating Wigan Athletic 2-1 with Bangor City under-12’s in a tournament in Keele.
But in terms of senior level, definitely winning the Gwynedd League and being undefeated in the league last season is the highlight so far.
Obviously at the beginning of last season there was a lot of talk about 1876 and therefore the pressure was on make sure we didn’t let anyone down but also to prove the doubters wrong and I’m glad that we were able to get that.
Although that being said, I’m gutted we weren’t able to celebrate it as we’d have liked to…with the fans. But hopefully sooner rather than later we’ll be able to celebrate it properly.
Best goal scored
Llanystumdwy home in November. The ball gets set back to Leon Owens who whips the ball into the box and it falls slightly behind me so i readjust and volley it into the top corner. 99 times out of a hundred I’d have sent the ball into the trees but luckily for me this one flew into the net!
Strengths to your game
I’d have to say that my strengths are probably the more physical aspect of the game. I love a good tackle, 50/50 and getting stuck in and I’m also not a bad runner so my stamina is quite good which helps me be able to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes.
Weaknesses
If you ask Jamie Petrie, Johnno (Michael Johnston) or any of the lads I’m constantly getting rinsed in training for being one of the worst at 2 touch/keeping it up in warm ups from the boys!
Best team-mate played alongside
There’s been a few from my youth days who have gone on to make appearances at football league clubs like Shrewsbury, Wigan and Huddersfield. But in terms of senior football, it’s definitely between Pets, Les (Davies) and Johnno.
Each training session, game or even message after a game they’re always giving advice or praise, but not only are they wise heads they’re all quality on the ball as well to be fair to them.
Toughest opponent
In senior football so far I’d say there’s been a few but one that stands out is probably Nefyn’s Carl Cacs (Jones), technically very good and a nice bloke off the pitch as well.
Biggest influence in football
Tough one, probably Cristiano Ronaldo back in his Man United days. He’s the reason I fell in love with the game, everything he did I copied… even his hair styles!
Funniest team-mate
There’s a few, Shaun Lock is always up for a laugh and Johnno is more than happy to rip into anyone in training, he can be brutal at times!
Favourite away ground
My favourite away ground from last season was probably Belle Vue in Rhyl, great pitch to be fair.
Other sporting achievements
Last November me and a few of the uni lads completed a marathon for Movember, that was probably the toughest thing mentally and physically I’ve ever done.
What are your future ambitions with Bangor 1876
To help take the club as far as I can. Mel and Dyl are always telling us we’re on a journey to the top and I most definitely want to be a part in that and will do all I can to help the team and club. Hopefully we can get back to it soon once safe to do so
Personal football ambitions
To go as far as I can with it! Even though football isn’t my be all and all any more as I’m now in Uni aiming to get a degree, which hopefully will help me on my way to a good career.
I still want to give everything I can to it and see how far I can go and thankfully I’m with an ambitious club in 1876 who can help me and give me an opportunity to do so with them.
RANDOM QUESTIONS
Best country visited
France
Favourite chocolate bar
Dairy Milk
Best after-match venue
Glob, Bangor
Best film seen
Probably Wolf of Wall-street, what a film!
Current favourite song
Highest in the Room – Travis Scott
Favourite TV show
Peaky Blinders
TV show you dislike most
Eastenders, Corrie, Emerdale, Hollyoaks… can’t stand them!
Best quality as a person
Probably that I’m always up for a laugh and don’t take everything too seriously!
Worst fault
Sometimes forget to think before I speak.
Best live show/concert seen
So far probably Franz Ferdinand in Festival No.6 but hopefully I can get out to a few more once this is over
Tell us something about you we might not know
Once met Paul Pogba after a game when he was watching his brother in training at Wrexham