Happy birthday to Ynys Môn raised former Manchester United striker Deiniol Graham

Wishing a big happy birthday to Anglesey-raised former Manchester United striker Deiniol Graham.

Born on October 4, 1969, he was a first team player during the early years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s phenomenal reign at Old Trafford.

Raised in Caergeiliog, Deiniol signed for the Red Devils during Ron Atkinson’s time in charge in 1985 and became a prolific scorer in the youth and reserve teams, playing alongside the likes of Lee Sharpe, Lee Martin and Russell Beardsmore.

Deiniol made his first team debut in October 1987, as a substitute in a League Cup 2nd round tie away to Hull City, coming on for Mike Duxbury in the 53rd minute in a 1-0 victory.

His full league debut came in a 2-1 defeat at Wimbledon on November 21, 1987.

He was only to make another two appearances for the firsts, an FA Cup tie away to QPR, when he scored in a 2-2 draw, and a 2-0 loss at Derby County in 1989-90.

A broken arm sustained in a youth team game against Bury restricted his appearances for United and resulted in a £50,000 transfer to Barnsley in August 1991.

From then until 1994, he made 42 appearances for the Oakwell club.

Short spells followed at Preston, Carlisle United, Stockport County, Scunthorpe and Halifax Town, before Deiniol moved into non-league football.

He played for Dagenham and Redbridge and a number of teams in Wales.

Perhaps Deiniol’s most romantic football adventure came when he wore the colours of West Yorkshire club Emley, who made national headlines when they reached the FA Cup third round proper in 1997-98.

In 1996-97, the Welshman was The Pewits’ top scorer with 29 goals, the second highest that season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The following campaign, Deiniol played an important part in Emley’s remarkable FA Cup run, scoring in the 3rd and 4th qualifying rounds against Belper and Nuneaton Borough respectively.

In the FA Cup first round replay, he scored a penalty in the shoot out which resulted in victory against Morecambe in front of 2,439 at the Welfare Ground.

Further success followed in the second round as they were drawn away to Lincoln City.

An 84th minute goal by Deiniol appeared to have given Emley victory. However, they were thwarted by an injury time equaliser.

Victory followed for Emley in the replay at the McAlpine Stadium to set up a round three trip to West Ham United.

Although Emley lost the game 2-1, they gave the Premier League side, which included the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard, a real fear of suffering one of the greatest FA Cup upsets of all time.

Playing alongside the speedy Glynn Hurst in attack, Deiniol caused the Hammers defence problems throughout the 90 minutes.

Deiniol won one international cap for the Wales Under-21 side in 1990 against England at Prenton Park, Tranmere.

Team-mates included the late Gary Speed, Chris Coleman and fellow islander, goalkeeper Tony Roberts.

Since retiring as a player, Deiniol has had two spells as manager at Llandudno FC and worked as a Football Development Officer in Conwy.

Married to Charlotte since 2005, he now lives in Penrhynside, near Llandudno.