Bangor 1876 sign up former Citizens Chris Jones and Joe Culshaw
Chris Jones has become the latest former Bangor City legend to join CPD Bangor 1876.
The 35-year-old follows the likes of ex-Citizens Les Davies, Michael Johnston and Jamie Petrie to Treborth.
Jones won the Welsh Premier League title with City in 2010-11 and was renowned for his uncanny ability to score vital cup goals.
He joins 1876 from Holyhead Hotspur, where he was top scorer in the 2019/20 season with 20 goals.
Chris told the 1876 website: “I can’t wait to play in front of the fans as they have always supported me all over Wales and European trips.
“I’ve had a few messages from my old mate Les Davies. I’m definitely looking forward to playing alongside my old team-mates and to listen to Johno’s banter (not).”
1876 will start the 2021-22 season in the Tier 4 North Wales Coast West Premier Division and Jones is aware of just how tough it will be.
“I think it’s going to be a challenge as everyone will want to beat us, but I think we have experienced players that can handle that and we also have the youngsters with their energy and talent.”
Manager Dylan Williams said: “It’s fantastic to have Jonesy on board and back in blue. We’re sure he will be a fans favourite, his professionalism and experience will certainly help the young squad.”
Chris was a key member of the Bangor side crowned Welsh Premier champions in 2010-11, but made himself part of club folklore nine months previously.
Not only did he score the priceless away goal in a 1-1 Europa League draw against Honka Espoo of Finland, he also grabbed the winner in the return leg at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, to seal a 2-1 victory and 3-2 success on aggregate.
In the 2010-11 season, Chris also bagged a stunning late 25-yard winner in a 1-0 Welsh Cup semi-final victory over Connah’s Quay Nomads at Rhyl.
And he repeated the dose in 2012-13, again at Belle Vue, when deep into injury time he plundered the deciding goal in another Welsh Cup semi.
This time City defeated TNS 1-0 to reach a fourth successive final, Chris sealing the win with a dipping volley over keeper Paul Harrison.
The season after, Chris scored the only goal of the Citizens’ 1-0 win against Newtown in the Europa League play-off semi-final at Nantporth. He also netted in the final, a 2-0 beating of Rhyl.
Chris left Bangor at the end of 2015-16 in pursuit of more game time.
He featured in 175 WPL matches for the Citizens, scoring 37 goals. In total, he has played in 297 Welsh Premier games and netted 56 times.
A former Wales Under-19 and Under-20 cap who gained professional experience at Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth before moving to League of Ireland club Limerick, he then joined Colwyn Bay and a few months later began his stint in the Welsh Premier with Caernarfon Town in the 2006/07 season.
Jones then had spells with Llangefni Town in their sole WPL campaign and Porthmadog in 2008-09 before a move to Bangor City in May 2010.
After leaving City, he rejoined Porthmadog in 2016-17.
For the past three seasons, he had been a regular goal-getter for Holyhead Hotspur, but had declared recently he was leaving the club.
Joe Culshaw joins Bangor 1876
Defender and set-piece specialist Joe Culshaw has joined Bangor 1876.
He has experience at the top level in Wales having played in the Cymru Premier during spells with Aberystwyth Town and Bangor City.
Culshaw said: “Having spoken to the coaches and players such as Johnno, Pets and Les, and knowing how passionate the fans are for the club already it would have been stupid to say no.”
Culshaw will take on the role of fitness coach alongside his playing duties.
The new man runs a personal training business, CulFit.
“We focus on 1-2-1 and group sessions but also work online. I decided to build the facility to help individuals who feel uncomfortable entering gyms and help them feel at ease so they can aim for their personal goals physically and mentally.”
The 27-year-old hails from Carrog, near Corwen.
Other former clubs include: Morecambe, Lancaster City, Cefn Druids, Radcliffe Borough, Denbigh Town, Rhyl and Gresford Athletic.