Ynys Môn goalkeeper Alex Lynch announces retirement from playing
A goalkeeper from Ynys Môn who played in a Wembley final has announced his retirement from the game following a series of injuries.
Alex Lynch has hung up his gloves at the age of just 27 after a surgeon told him another major operation was needed on a troublesome foot.
The Holyhead father-of-two decided the time was right to call it a day.
Alex can look back on a career of many great highlights, the biggest surely playing for Wycombe Wanderers in the 2015 League Two play-off final at Wembley, where they lost 7-6 on penalties to Southend United after a 1-1 draw.
Anglesey has a habit of producing some very special goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Tony Roberts, Paul Pritchard – and Alex is right up there among them.
This season, the former Peterborough United stopper had been playing for Holyhead Hotspur in the Cymru North. He made 15 appearances in all, the last at Colwyn Bay on November 18.
Alex had joined Hotspur in 2020 as a goalkeeping coach and also got back into playing.
He announced his decision to retire on Wednesday, saying: “Seems a bit strange to be writing this at the age of 27 and having 3 years out in the middle, but after a meeting with my surgeon and another major op needed on my foot, I’ve decided to call it a day completely on my playing days.
“Football has given me some unbelievable memories and a chance to live my childhood dream.
“All things considered (I’m) happy enough to have played a few games in the Football League, the National League, Welsh Premier League and be capped for Wales at all youth levels etc.
“Getting to play at Wembley and in the 3rd round of the FA Cup along the way was a dream to someone like me.
“The play-off with Wycombe and the game for Chester away at Tranmere will stay with me forever.
“Got to meet some friends for life along the way and played for amazing football clubs too.
“Thanks to all my family and friends, especially my mum and dad too for always supporting me and being there through the good times and the bad.
“That’s the end of the playing chapter, but I will be staying involved with Holyhead Hotspur on the coaching side of things.”
TRIBUTES
Tributes have flooded in on social media for the islander, including one from Tony Roberts, former QPR, Dagenham and Redbridge and Wales glovesman and now Wolverhampton Wanderers and national goalkeeping coach.
“All the best mucka…now getting coaching and pass on your knowledge to the boys and girls on the island…👊😎👊,” tweeted Tony.
Former Holyhead Hotspur striker and now Trearddur Bay player assistant-manager Mel McGinness said: “Absolutely gutted for you pal. Top top keeper and even better guy. All the best pal, speedy recovery.”
Others referred to Alex’s heroic display for Chester in a 0-0 draw at Tranmere Rovers back in 2017 which earned his team a crucial point.
Chester fan BBB 1996 said: “Sorry to see you are having to retire. Sad for you. The game at Tranmere and what I witnessed from you that day I’ve never seen a goalkeeping performance like that ever from anyone. Incredible and ridiculous beyond belief. All the best with what you do next in life mate.”
Tranmere follower Daniel Kelly added: “Your performance against Tranmere at Prenton Park is still up there with the best I’ve seen, unbelievable that day. Still remember turning to my mate and just having to laugh off the frustration of not being able to get past you! Best of luck in your next chapter.”
ALEX LYNCH CAREER
Born on April 4, 1995, Holyhead lad Alex Lynch joined Peterborough United on a two-year scholarship from Welsh Alliance League side Amlwch Town in 2011.
In 2013, he was given a one-year professional contract and subsequently loaned to Histon (Conference South), Stamford (Northern Premier League Premier Division) and Brackley Town (Conference North) for experience.
Then in 2014, Lynch signed a two-year contract with Wycombe Wanderers after being released by Peterborough.
He was loaned out to Hayes and Yeading (Conference South) and Burnham (Southern League Premier Division) to build game time.
On 2 May 2015, Lynch made his professional debut as a substitute for the injured Matt Ingram in Wycombe’s 3-2 win against Northampton Town.
The Holy Islander continued to deputise for Ingram as Wycombe progressed to the 2015 League Two play-off final at Wembley, where they lost 7-6 on penalties to Southend United after a 1-1 draw.
Southend only managed to force spot-kicks after plundering an equaliser in the second added minute of extra time, Gareth Ainsworth’s Chairboys having taken the lead through an own goal from United keeper Daniel Bentley.
August 2015 saw Lynch loaned to Conference South side Wealdstone, however he was recalled without making an appearance in the same month.
In January 2016, he featured in Wycombe’s 1-1 draw against Aston Villa in the FA Cup 3rd round due to the suspension of Ingram.
Later in 2016, Lynch was signed by Welsh Premier club Bala Town, then spent two years at Chester, making 45 appearances, before joining Llandudno for a short spell in January 2018.
Wales Under-17 and U-19 cap Lynch suffered a horror injury while playing for hometown club Hotspur in a pre-season game against Llanrug United in August 2018.
During a lengthy recovery, he joined the Holyhead Hotspur coaching staff in 2020 and later returning to playing with his hometown club.