Meet the Player: Luke Steele (Bangor 1876)

Luke Steele (blue – facing) in action for 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.

Luke Steele

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

Luke in action against Chester

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

Nefyn’s Carl Jones

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

Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory and Cillian Murphy attend the Premiere of BBC Two’s drama “Peaky Blinders” episode one, series three at BFI Southbank on May 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/Getty Images)

Peaky Blinders