INTERVIEW: Focus on Connah’s Quay Nomads captain and goal machine Polly Wild-McGregor

Captain of the Genero Adran North runaway leaders, a magnificent 23 goals in just 14 matches – Polly Wild McGregor has to be North Wales women’s football’s player of the season so far.

The 19-year-old has knocked in 15 goals in just eight league matches for a Connah’s Quay Nomads side which has won nine out of nine and has an 11-point lead at the summit of the Tier 2 AN.

Polly spoke to Grassroots North Wales about her season and career so far.

This season is going phenomenally well for Connah’s Quay Nomads so far, what do you put the team’s successes down to?

I think the form this season comes down to the commitment of the team, management and the signings we’ve brought in. Everyone is doing their bits in training and in their own time and it’s showing on the pitch every week.

Your own goalscoring has been amazing – 23 goals to date. Why has your form been so outstanding?

I’m not too sure, I think this season I’ve had the chance to play in my preferred position and to play consistently. I think the team and management I also have around me have contributed massively.

We remember you as a standout player with Penrhyn Bay Under-16s back in 2021-22. What was it like playing in such a great side?

Penhryn Bay was an excellent team to be a part of, we had lots of success and the people there were great. It gave me my confidence back after struggling with football for a couple of years before joining them. I think it was a big part of getting me to where I am today with the Nomads.

Why did you join Connah’s Quay Nomads as a senior? Did you settle in well straight away?

I didn’t join Connah’s Quay thinking I’d be playing in the women’s squad, I joined because I thought they’d give me the opportunity to eventually play for them. I initially thought I’d be playing for the 19s. I settled pretty quickly into the team the environment they create here is really good.

Why do you think Nomads’ results this season have been markedly better than the previous two?

I think we are playing with less pressure which is leading to more confidence from everyone. I feel we’ve made the right decisions in every aspect such as retaining players and signing new players which has contributed to the success we’ve been getting.

Do you feel this team can do well in the Adran Premier if you win promotion?

I think if we win promotion we will grow into the Adran Premier, the girls we’ve got have high aspirations and want to be up there so I think it will be good for us.

What are your ambitions as a young player with so much potential?

I just want to keep on enjoying my football, playing competitively week in week out and getting the best out of myself. I want to get promoted with Connah’s Quay and help with getting the team to be as successful as possible.

How is being captain this season working out for you?

I think being captain has really helped me grow as a player, I think it puts a little bit of pressure on yourself to perform week in week out and lead the line so it’s pushed me to get stronger and more confident.

What do you see as your main strengths as a player?

I would say I can stay on the ball and drive at players and in my current form I’ve got an eye for goal.

You have faced some good higher level teams in your career so far. Which has been the best?

I’d say Cardiff City was a great game to be a part of, only losing 2-1 to the treble winners and being close to possibly getting something out of it.