Legend Les announces his retirement – farewell to a North Wales football great

Les Davies in past action for Bangor City. Picture: DAI SINCLAIR

North Wales football great Les Davies has announced his retirement.

The 40-year-old striker, most renowned for his achievements with Bangor City but an outstanding performer at numerous clubs, revealed to social media followers today he is hanging up his boots.

Understandably, the tributes flowing in for a tremendous career from friends and fans have already been vast.

In a message to followers, Les said: “Don’t really know what to say, but I’ve made the decision to hang up the old boots.

“I’ve decided to finish with football before football finishes me, legs are too old for it now.

“There’s too many people to thank on here for the journey L’ve had and it’s been a great journey with plenty of highs and lows.

“So thanks to those that have helped and supported me through 24 years of football.

“But a special mention to my wife Clare Louise Davies who’s been there to pick me up through the hard times and spent many weekends alone to allow me to do what I loved. I appreciate everything you do.

“Time to relax and spend some quality time with the family.”

Picture: Sean Chadwick

Davies was in fine form right till the end, netting 18 goals for Tier 3 Ardal North West side Trearddur Bay last season.

Born on October 29, 1984, the father-of-four who hails from Maesgeirchen, Bangor, played for 12 clubs in his senior career.

After beginning at Beaumaris Town, Davies first featured in the Welsh Premier in 2002-03, making six substitute appearances for Caernarfon Town.

He then moved to Anglesey side Glantraeth of the Cymru Alliance before being signed up in 2003-04 by Bangor City, who had not long been knocked out of the Welsh Cup by Davies and Glan.

At the end of 2004/05, Les departed Farrar Road and spent two seasons at Porthmadog, netting 18 Welsh Premier goals in 62 starts.

Picture: Mike Smith – Citizens Choice

In the summer of 2007, Neville Powell took over as Bangor City manager and Davies was one of his first signings.

Then followed the most successful period of The Truck’s career. In eight seasons with the Citizens, he scored 103 goals, winning three Welsh Cups, the Welsh Premier League title and made several appearances in Europe for the all-blues.

In 2012, Davies was named in the elite 32-man list for the Best Player in Europe award, alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

At the start of 2015/16, Davies left Bangor and switched to Connah’s Quay Nomads, where he featured for two seasons, scoring 16 times in 58 WPL starts, then in 2017-18 he made Bala Town his fifth WPL club.

After a season at Maes Tegid, he rejoined Bangor City – now relegated to the Cymru Alliance for the first time in their history – but returned to the national league in January 2019 when he put pen to paper for Llandudno.

Davies had signed for Aberystwyth Town in summer 2019, but before a ball was kicked he joined newly-formed Bangor 1876.

In the shortened 2019-20 season, he netted 23 goals for the undefeated Gwynedd League title-winners.

He was voted Player of the Decade by viewers of S4C football programme Sgorio.

Les switched to Flint Town United for a short spell in 2020, but was back at 1876 in 2021-22.

Before his departure from Bangor 1876 in September 2023, he had scored 72 goals and been part of three successive promotions as well as lifting the Tier 4 Premier Division Cup.

Davies made Trearddur Bay the 12th club of his career in October 2023, scoring on his debut in a 6-0 NWCFA Intermediate Challenge Cup victory over Penmaenmawr Phoenix.

His debut season with Trearddur was a great success as he netted 10 goals in 29 games and won the North Wales Coast West Premier Division title in a side which went undefeated all campaign. He followed up with another 18 goals in 2024-25.

The striker’s WPL career saw him make 403 starts across six clubs, chalk up 41 substitute appearances, and net 128 goals.

He has also represented Wales at under-18 and U21 level, and played for the U23 semi-professional side.

Davies’ official career goals total is not known, but is thought to be close to the 300 mark.

What an honour it has been reporting on a great career from the very start. Thanks for everything Les.

LIST OF CLUBS

Beaumaris Town
Caernarfon Town
Glantraeth
Bangor City
Porthmadog
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Bala Town
Llandudno
Aberystwyth Town
Flint Town United
Bangor 1876
Trearddur Bay