Conwy Valley football great reluctantly calls time on playing career

One of the best players to emerge in Conwy Valley football in recent years has reluctantly decided to hang up his boots.

Matt Mullender, 31, is best known for his many campaigns with Llanrwst United, but also had a fine season with Llandudno in the tier 2 Cymru North league.

Left-sided specialist Matt has struggled to overcome injuries both this season and last, so has made the difficult call to retire from playing.

He said: “After 16 years, I’ve sadly made the decision to hang my boots up. With injury after injury last season and this season affecting my personal life and work I have made the decision to call it a day, before I do long-term damage.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have played for some great teams over the years – Glyndwr University FC, CPD Penmachno United, Llandudno and, most importantly, my hometown club CPD Llanrwst United FC.

“I’ve played alongside and under some amazing players and managers, some of the best in North Wales football imo, It’s been a pleasure playing for or alongside you all.

“It’s going to be hard not playing football as it’s played such a massive part in my life from literally the age of 3/4! But it’s time to enjoy my weekends with my amazing little family and give them the time they deserve.”

Fitness instructor and swimming teacher Matt spent most of his career as either a left-back or left wing-back.

Among the many highlights of his playing days include winning the tier 3 Mawddach Cup with Llanrwst United in 2018-19, beating a very strong Llangefni Town in the final.

Matt also fondly remembers being part of the Llanrwst team which beat Bangor 1876 4-1 in the 2019-20 FAW Trophy.

Newly-formed 1876 had won their first 13 games, scoring 76 goals in the process, but the Rwsters were more than a match for them that day, Matt himself scoring a cracker.

One of his best seasons was 2021-22, when he made 16 appearances for a Llandudno side which finished runners-up in the Cymru North.

His final game was an important one – a cracking Welsh Cup tie against Denbigh Town which the Rwsters lost 3-0 despite performing well against higher-tier opponents.

Over his career, Matt has also played alongside some top players who went on to star at a much higher level, including Elliott Hewitt (Ipswich Town, Mansfield Town, Wales Under-21) and Jake Cassidy (Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tranmere Rovers, Wales U21).

His greatest inspiration, however, has been Brazilian and Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos.

So what better way to end this article by saying thanks for everything to the Conwy Valley’s very own RC – Matthew Mullender!