Football

The man who skippered Holywell Town to their greatest achievement hangs up his boots

Holywell Town’s title-winning skipper Danny Andrews has retired from football. Picture: HOLYWELL TOWN FC

One of Holywell Town’s all-time greats has announced his retirement at the age of 38.

Danny Andrews, who captained the Wellmen to their unforgettable Cymru North title success in 2023-24, has decided to hang up his boots.

The inspirational forward joined Holywell at the start of 2021-22 and netted on his debut in a 2-1 Nathaniel MG Cup win over former club Colwyn Bay.

Another Danny – Sullivan – also made his first appearance for Johnny Haseldin’s side that day and he too made the scoresheet.

Andrews made 139 appearances for the Halkyn Road club, scoring 48 goals, including 17 in the 2022-23 season.

Undoubtedly his crowning moment was lifting the Tier 2 Cymru North championship trophy – the most prestigious achievement in the club’s history – at the end of 2023-24, but there were plenty more special occasions for the skipper in the red and white stripes.

He was also on target when Holywell defeated Llay Miners Welfare 6-2 to lift the NEWFA Challenge Cup for the first time in April 2023.

Holywell Town captain Danny Andrews (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)

Andrews scored his sole hat-trick in a Holywell shirt in a 6-1 victory at Caersws in the 2022-23 Nathaniel MG Cup.

His last goal for the club was in a 4-1 Challenge Cup quarter-final triumph at Ruthin Town in April 2025.

Chester-born Danny began his senior career at Liverpool, where he played for the reserve side before signing for Airbus UK Broughton in 2005.

Later spells followed at Cammell Laird and Witton Albion before returning to North Wales to join Colwyn Bay for the 2017-18 campaign.

Andrews switched to Flint Town United in 2019-20 prior to a move to Holywell, where his debut was delayed until July 2021 due to the worldwide pandemic.

Renowned as a set-piece delivery specialist as well as a scorer of goals, Danny Andrews will go down in history as a Holywell Town history-maker.

Holywell manager Johnny Haseldin paid the following tribute to his captain.

“As captain, he led from the front. He played with professionalism, pride and honesty – and he set the tone for everyone around him.

“When big moments came, you could count on him. He didn’t hide. He stepped up.

“The standout moment? Seeing him lift the league trophy in 2023-24. The image summed up everything he gave to this club, one that became his own.

“It’s not easy saying goodbye to someone who’s meant so much. The place will feel different without him, but we part ways with nothing but respect and admiration.

“Danny has been a top player, a leader, and a massive part of our journey. Thanks for everything, captain. You’ll always be one of us.

“There’s only one Danny Andrews.”

davenwsport

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