And yet another happy birthday today – this time to CPD Llansannan manager Tom Lewis!

It is a busy day for birthdays on the North Wales football scene with CPD Llansannan manager Tom Lewis another on the list.

Originally from Denbigh but now living in Groes, Tom played for Cerrigydrudion and Caerwys earlier in his career before beginning his long association with Llansannan.

This is his 10th season at the club, where he took over as manager in 2019-20.

He was initially assistant to Gari Evans the season before. When Evans moved to Ruthin Town to take over their reserve team, Tom stepped up to be boss at ‘Sannan in the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Premier Division.

In a season curtailed by coronavirus, Llansannan had only played half of their fixtures before everything was cancelled. The team had shown promise, finishing fifth, 18 points behind champions Rhuddlan Town but with five games in hand. ‘Sannan were undefeated at home.

They had also reached the semi-finals of the NWCFA Junior Cup, where an exciting clash with Bangor 1876 awaited, but the tie was never played because of Covid 19.

Tom could feel very satisfied with his first season in charge, and no doubt cannot wait for everything to start again next term, the 2020-21 campaign having been scrapped for all clubs from tier 3 downwards.

Under the new Welsh pyramid restructure, Llansannan have been placed in the tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division.

Along with the advice of the departing Evans ringing in his ears, Tom also benefited from experienced campaigners like Leon Gierke, Joe Maguire and Geraint Jones being at the club in his first season at the helm.

When it comes to his highpoints at Llansannan, Tom’s fondest memory is winning the 2013 NWCFA Intermediate Cup, beating a strong St Asaph City outfit 1-0 in the final.

Not a lot of people might know this, but Tom is also an international. He has been capped four times by the Wales Supporters team. Tom described the side’s performance in one game as “ponderous”.

Quite the local celebrity, he has also been interviewed on a few occasions in recent times over the exciting developments at his beloved Wrexham FC.

He is also an ardent supporter of the Welsh language, but also strongly believes in inclusion for all. Basically, he’s peaceful, but he says his piece.

Last but far from least, he is a keen fan of the comedy broadcaster Alan Partridge and is one of an elite few in North Wales who often uses AP’s cult phrases in everyday life.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all wish Tom Lewis a very happy birthday. A true character.