Goalkeeper Jones was a phenomenal performer at the Island Games
Ynys Môn goalkeeper Carl Jones has been hailed by one of his coaches as a true star of the Island Games football tournament in Guernsey.
The Bangor 1876 stopper saved THREE penalties in the competition and was named man of the match by the opposition in three of Môn’s first four games.
Nicknamed “Stumpy”, Jones formerly played for Prestatyn Town in the Welsh Premier League and Holyhead Hotspur in the Cymru North.
He helped guide 1876 to promotion to Tier 2 last season.
Ynys Môn coach Gareth Aled Owen, himself a former goalkeeper, said Jones was outstanding at the Island Games.
Owen, who is also part of the Trearddur Bay FC’s management team, added: “He’s had three man of the matches given by the opposition manager out of 4 games and had 3 penalties against him and saved all 3!
“If he doesn’t get player of the tournament I’ll eat my gloves!
“He’s trained like a man possessed and his attitude is second to none. He’s a big voice and personality around the squad on down time and in the changing rooms.”
Jones played in all five Ynys Môn matches in Guernsey, saving two penalties in the semi-finals against Bermuda in a 2-0 victory and one versus Isle of Man, which prevented Anglesey going 2-0 down early on. Môn recovered to win the match 2-1.
On top of the penalty stops, Jones made a series of other magnificent saves over the five matches, including a few in the final against Jersey, which Ynys Môn eventually lost 5-2 after leading 2-1.
The keeper’s full name is David Carl Jones and on the Island Games official website he was listed as David Jones in all team line-ups.
The brilliant Cymru Sport, who broadcasted all of Ynys Môn’s games in Guernsey live, initially caught the David bug, but after being advised by those who watch him regularly that he uses his middle name, the adjustment was made to Carl.
With a fresh challenge in the Cymru North to look forward to alongside his Bangor 1876 team-mates, Carl Jones is a player to watch in 2023-24.