Call for information on mystery football team attracts great response

There has been a great response to our request for information on a photograph of a mystery football team featured on Grassroots North Wales three days ago.

Local author, football memorabilia collector and nostalgia enthusiast Mark Jones unearthed the picture and contacted the website to help in his search for identification.

Renowned football author Ian Garland got in touch with us and wrote: “The chap standing next to the trainer at the rear left is Roddy Gilmour.

“He played for Falkirk and was a member of Rhyl’s Cheshire League side in the late 1940s.

“After Rhyl he played for Blaenau Ffestiniog 1950-52, Conway then Flint in 1952-53, Holyhead Town 1953-54, Caernarfon Town in 1955-57, finally Nantlle Vale in 1957-58. He emigrated to Australia.

“I don’t think it’s Holyhead as they played in blue and white stripes and it’s definitely not Caernarfon. He looks too young for Nantlle Vale. That cuts it down a little.

“The guy at second right back row is Geoff Thelwell, who played for Connah’s Quay in the early 1950s, then Colwyn Bay in 1954-55.

“He was later Nomads secretary for a long time and a member of the NWCFA and Welsh League (North). I haven’t been able to find Gilmour and Thelwell in the same team but at least this narrows the decade!”

Former Holywell Town manager Glyn Griffiths e-mailed us the following: “Bottom row on left I think is Cliff Westwood; back row second from right – Geoff Thelwell. So I think it’s Holywell Town (I don’t think Cliff played for Connah’s Quay).”

Another Dave Jones sent the following welcome response: “Second from right back I’m pretty sure is Geoff Thelwell, the Nomads secretary for many years and former player. This would probably make it Connah’s Quay Juniors – name was changed to Nomads later.“

“Think they also played in white then (and until very recently) so would have changed on the day.”

Plenty of great info there, for which we are very grateful, but as for which team it is, the mystery goes on – for now……

Anyone else who can help please e-mail dave@nwsport.co.uk