Happy 30th birthday to inspirational CPD Y Rhyl 1879 skipper Reece Fairhurst

Every football team needs a natural leader and in Reece Fairhurst, CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have one of the very best.

Born on November 12, 1994, the tall and robust central defender celebrates his 30th birthday today.

When phoenix club CPD Y Rhyl 1879 were first formed in 2020, manager Gareth Thomas sought the type of inspirational character required to lead a new team carrying an illustrious name into battle – Reece was that man.

Thomas said at the time: “Reece was our no 1 target as we look to build a team that will be good enough to challenge for the tier 4 title.”

And challenge they did, winning the North Wales Coast East Premier Division championship at the first attempt with a season-long unbeaten record. And for good measure, the Lilywhites made it a double by lifting the Cookson Cup.

Over the past four years, players have come and gone at Belle Vue, but the skipper is still there with 110 appearances in all competitions and 13 goals under his belt.

Reece is a great all-round footballer – strong in the air, fierce in the tackle, good on the ball and capable of scoring a vital goal.

Perhaps his best in an 1879 shirt came in 2021-22, a long distance screamer in added time to clinch Rhyl a 3-2 victory over local rivals Kinmel Bay.

He also netted in 1879’s first-ever competitive match – a 10-0 Welsh Cup win over Rhyl Dragons.

Before joining Rhyl 1879, Reece enjoyed many great moments in his football career.

In 2016-17, his goal in a 1-0 win over Gresford Athletic clinched the Cymru Alliance League title for Prestatyn Town.

Reece also represented Town and the former Rhyl FC in the Welsh Premier League in the 2017-18 and 2014-15 seasons respectively.

Happy birthday Reece – have a great day. .

And TWO MORE happy birthdays today to Rhyl 1879 chairman TOM JAMIESON and women’s team stalwart LAURA WILLIAMS – many happy returns!