Leigh Williams chooses his best Prestatyn Town XI before 2005-06 invincibles

Since the mid-2000’s Prestatyn Town have composed their own footballing fairy tale.

After winning the Welsh Alliance League as invincibles in 2005-06, the Seasiders have gone on to win three Cymru Alliance titles, spent eight seasons in the Welsh Premier League, landed their first-ever Welsh Cup and NWCFA Challenge Cup and played – and won – in Europe.

Pre-2005 no-one would have believed Town – or any other club in their position for that matter – would have achieved so much in just 16 years.

But before 2005, Prestatyn had some pretty good teams too, such as the 1998-99 Clwyd League treble winners.

Leigh Williams, a Prestatyn Town stalwart who has filled many roles at the club and been a follower since the 1980’s, has probably seen more games than most over the past 40 years or so.

Based on players pre-2005, Leigh has chosen his all-time PTFC XI.

Leigh said: “I have picked these players based on myself personally seeing them play, so sorry to everyone who played before the 80’s.”

GOALKEEPER

John Clague

What a giant of a man in goal, part of the furniture when it comes to PTFC history.

DEFENDERS

Full-back – Ian Lewis

United had the Neville brothers, but we had the Lewis brothers. Ian was a combative defender who loved a tackle much in the mould of Stuart Pearce.

Full-back – Richard Griffiths (Grifter)

Great defender, a workhorse on the left, and part of that team that went on to play Bangor City in the 1986-87 Welsh Cup third round.

Central defender – Chris Morrell

Mr Prestatyn, great defender who played many games for the Town, he will definitely manage us one day.

Central Defender – Steve Rees

I always pick Steve in my all time Town XI – a player who I always thought should have played at a higher level.

MIDFIELDERS

Martin Trigg

Better player than a linesman (sorry Martin we still remember Bangor away). Brilliant in midfield, always popped up with a goal in that great Eddie Garrett team. Managed Town during 1998/99 campaign.

Steve Lewis

The other half of the Lewis brothers. Steve was a silky player, loved a tackle and again knew where the net was. Joint-manager with Geraint Jones in 1996-97.

Richie Semple

Up there with Gibbo when it comes to the tricks and the skills, went past players with ease.

Allan Bickerstaff

Loved to talk on the pitch and run the game from midfield. Managed Town in 1997-98 and led Rhyl to the Welsh Premier League title in 2008-09. Highly qualified coach.

FORWARDS

Paul Hayes

This lad had a big future in the game before his accident, brilliant up front and was destined for big things.

Stu Hannen

Hustle and bustle no nonsense striker, always found the net with half a chance.

Special Mention

Mark Lloyd
Midfield maestro of the 1990’s who played for Wales in his youth

Geraint Jones (Lester)
Really talented all-round player who knew where the net was. Joint-manager in 1996-97

Geraint Hughes
Always dependable performer in the Prestatyn sides of the 1980’s and 90’s.

Ian Grimes
One of the most consistent defenders the Clwyd League and Welsh Alliance has seen.

John (Teddy) Edwards
Phenomenal shot-stopper, Prestatyn all-time goalkeeper great. Also a Meliden FC legend. His four sons – Kai, Noah, Zyaac and Zebb have all played in the Welsh Premier.

Phil Owens
Versatile player, could excel in defence or midfield. Also played for Rhyl, representing them in the FA Cup.

Manager – Phil Merrick

To manage this team I would put Phil Merrick in the dugout. Fine player and manager who later was club chairman.