Happy birthday to wonder goal specialist Danny Hughes

Every top-class footballer usually has one major stand-out attribute.

Perhaps in the case of Llandudno midfielder Danny Hughes, it is the quality of his goals.

When he retires, he will no doubt be fondly remembered for his role in many of Tudno’s successes – winning the Cymru Alliance, finishing third in the Welsh Premier, playing in Europe and lifting back-to-back NWCFA Challenge Cups.

His all-round dynamic midfield play will also be spoken about favourably for years to come, yet those times he hit the back of the net with stunning strikes will perhaps always be the chief talking point when Danny Hughes is discussed.

Born on May 27, 1988, today is the 33rd birthday of the player nicknamed Jaggers.

Back in 2016-17, he won Sgorio Goal of the Season for his stunning curling effort for Llandudno against Aberystwyth.

And in 2013-14, Danny netted an even better goal for Rhyl against Airbus – also in the Welsh Premier. In a midweek clash at Belle Vue, the then Lilywhite lashed home an absolutely unstoppable cracker from around 30 yards.

He has also become renowned for notching vital and landmark goals, mainly for the Seasiders.

In 2008-09, his first-half back-heeled effort clinched a 1-0 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads in the NWCFA Challenge Cup final.

Llandudno’s first-ever match in the Welsh Premier – a 3-2 victory against Aberystwyth Town in August 2015 – was graced by a Hughes corker into the roof of the net.

And in 2016, Danny scored Tudno’s only goal in Europe when the Seasiders went down 2-1 at home to Swedish giants IFK Göteborg in the Europa League.

Although Tudno lost the return 5-0 in Sweden, Danny still regards playing in the Gamla Ullevi stadium as the best experience of his career.

Danny has played for just the two clubs as a senior – Llandudno and Rhyl.

He represented Tudno in all four of their Welsh Premier seasons, notching up well over 100 appearances, and also served Rhyl in the top flight in 2013-14.

His qualities will for sure be needed this season when Llandudno aim for promotion from tier 2 Cymru North under the management of Danny’s long-time friend Sean Eardley.

Happy birthday Danny – and all the best for the 2021-22 season.