Holywell Town hero Sam Jones set to say farewell to the club

One of Holywell Town’s all-time greats has announced he is leaving the club.

Sam Jones, 32, has been a central figure in all of the Wellmen’s successes under manager Johnny Haseldin over the past seven years.

Sam began his senior career with Holywell at the age of 16 and has since played for Rhydymwyn, with whom he won the Welsh Alliance League in 2009/10, and Flint Town United before returning to the Wellmen in 2012/13.

Since his comeback season at Halkyn Road, Sam has scored a fantastic 125 goals in 168 appearances.

His peak was undoubtedly the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns, where he netted a remarkable 87 times in 77 matches.

In 2013/14, Holywell created history by becoming the first third-tier club ever to reach the Welsh Cup semi-finals.

The Welsh Alliance outfit knocked out Newtown of the Welsh Premier, as well as three Cymru Alliance sides in Penrhyncoch, Penycae and Porthmadog, plus Llandrindod Wells.

Despite taking the lead against WPL side Aberystwyth Town in the semis, Holywell ended up 3-1 losers.

Sam scored in the victories against Newtown and Porthmadog and also versus Penycae.

Town also lifted the Cookson Cup that season, which saw Sam register a stunning 43 goals in 41 games.

There was no let up from Sam in 2014-15 as he beat the previous season’s total, hitting 44 goals in 36 outings.

Holywell were in scintillating form as they scooped the Welsh Alliance League title, FAW Trophy and Mawddach Cup treble.

In summer 2015, Welsh Premier club Bangor City signed Sam, but he unfortunately suffered a back injury which forced him into temporary retirement and his chance to make a big impact in the top flight was over before it started.

He was back playing for Holywell in 2017-18, scoring 15 times, and then last season was part of the Wellmen squad which lifted the Welsh National League Wrexham Area Premier Division title at the first attempt, notching 11 goals in 18 games.

Town manager Haseldin sees Sam as one of the finest players he has ever recruited.

He made him captain during those golden seasons where they achieved so much.

Sam will always be remembered at Holywell for his inspirational qualities, being a true leader and for forming a deadly partnership up front with Phil Lloyd.

Sam Jones – Holywell career stats since 2012-13

2012/13: 16 appearances, 8 goals
2013/14: 41 appearances, 43 goals
2014/15: 36 appearances, 44 goals
2017-18: 30 appearances, 15 goals
2018-19: 27 appearances, 4 goals
2019-20: 18 appearances, 11 goals
APPEARANCES: 168
GOALS: 125