Penblwydd hapus to one of Ynys Môn’s greatest ever footballers

One of Ynys Môn’s all-time greatest footballers celebrates a birthday today.

In a long and distinguished career, Richard Jones played for Wrexham, Bangor City, Cemaes Bay, Porthmadog, Llangefni Town, Gwalchmai, Llanfairpwll, Bodedern, Amlwch Town and Holyhead Hotspur.

Hailing from the village of Bodedern, the man known affectionately as “Rich Bach” was born on January 5, 1969.

Attacking midfielder Rich first made his mark with Llanfairpwll, starring in a 1-0 Welsh Cup third round defeat versus Shrewsbury Town in 1987-88, future Everton, Manchester United and West Ham manager David Moyes scoting the winner at The Oval, Caernarfon, that evening.

At this time, Rich was attracting the attention of Football League clubs, including Leeds United and Shrewsbury, who he had just shone against in the cup.

After a successful stint with home village side Bodedern under Bob Brodie, in the 1991/92 season Rich was snapped up by Bangor City in John Mahoney’s second spell as manager at Farrar Road.

Rich scored four goals in the HFS Loans League for the Citizens that season, against Accrington Stanley, Goole Town, Emley and Droylsden.

The following season, the midfield maestro joined Cemaes Bay of the Welsh Alliance League, but was given a big chance to impress when Football League Division Three club Wrexham signed him on non-contract terms in December 1992.

Despite performing well in the reserves and youth sides, Rich returned to Cemaes, who won the Welsh Alliance that season under Colin Hawkins and Bob Brodie.

Then in 1994-95, Rich was in the Cemaes squad which lifted the Cymru Alliance championship with ex-Liverpool and England star Chris Lawler having now joined Hawkins at the helm.

When Hawkins went on to run Porthmadog with Wales and Manchester United legend Mickey Thomas in 1995-96, Rich moved with them to Y Traeth.

In that same season, he also played for Wrexham Reserves in the Midland Senior League with Hawkins and Thomas running the side.

Rich later had great spells with Amlwch Town and Holyhead Hotspur – he truly has done Anglesey football proud!

These days, he specialises in scooters, scrap metal and caravans! 😁

TRIBUTES TO RICH

RICKY WILLIAMS (former Bodedern Athletic manager)

Rich is talked about as being the best player to come from the island – and that’s a massive statement in itself.
He’s another I used to watch growing up playing for Boded and he was class, had everything you need.
He was solid, great on the ball and could read a game better than anyone. For a small lad he never used to lose a header either. I had the privilege of managing him for a season in my Sunday side and the goals he scored then were a joy to watch.

JEFF SCOTT (former Glantraeth and Holyhead Hotspur secretary chose Rich in his team of his great friend the late Bob Brodie’s finest signings)

Better known through his nickname Rich Bach, but known best of all for being one of the finest attacking midfielders Anglesey has ever produced.
Outstanding with Llanfairpwll in the mid to late 1980s, he attracted the interest of several Football League clubs.
Later starred for Cemaes Bay, his home village Bodedern and Holyhead Hotspur among other clubs.

COLIN HAWKINS (former manager of Bangor City, Porthmadog and Cemaes Bay)

Rich was arguably one of Anglesey’s most gifted players. He played for me at Wrexham, Cemaes and Porthmadog.
In my humble opinion he was the most complete player I have seen in North Wales, still a personal friend, he is an all round top player and bloke.

ADRIAN JONES (Former Amlwch Town player-manager)

Rich is simply one of the best players Anglesey has seen. Midfield general, hugely respected.

PAUL OWEN (former Gwalchmai FC manager)

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