One of CPD Y Rhyl 1879’s very finest says his fond farewells

Inspirational figure Paul Fleming has announced he is leaving CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and is believed to be heading to another Cymru North club.

Fleming, 38, joined the Lilywhites in November 2024 and was a key figure in the squad crowned Tier 3 Ardal North West champions last season. He took the field in a total of 38 matches for Paul Moore’s side, notching 10 goals.

An attacking player with a non-stop work-rate and tremendous strength and determination, he netted nine times in 18 league appearances for the 2024-25 title-winners. Fleming scored on debut versus Menai Bridge in a 1-1 draw.

He also found the net in Rhyl’s first match of the current season, a 2-1 Nathaniel MG Cup victory over Caersws. While making 12 Cymru North appearances this term, he had featured less frequently in recent months.

Fleming is best-known for his successes at previous club Denbigh Town, where he is held in very high regard.

The attacking midfield general established himself as a Town legend in five years at Central Park where the highlight was lifting the tier 3 Ardal North West title and Ardal Northern Cup in 2022-23.

Fleming joined Denbigh from St Asaph City in 2019, winning the Players’ Player of the Season Award before taking the captain’s armband.

As skipper, he won both the aforementioned league and cup double, whilst also skippering the side to the 2023 FAW Trophy final.

In that unforgettable 2022-23 campaign, he bagged 24 goals in 38 matches.

In a Town shirt, he totalled 133 games in all competitions, scoring 42 goals – 26 league and 16 cups.

Perhaps the most treasured of all those goals came in stoppage time to win the Vale of Clwyd Derby on Boxing Day 2023 in front of 1,145 supporters.

Also a gifted cricketer, a former spin bowler and fielder supreme for St Asaph CC, super-fit Fleming is also a dynamic runner, regularly winning or earning high placings in local 5k events.

His new club may be signing a 38-year-old, but in terms of fitness he can get about the field like a peak player in his mid-20s.

In a departing tribute, Rhyl 1879 said: “Paul has been a fantastic servant to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and played a pivotal role in securing promotion last season, delivering when it mattered most and leaving memories our supporters won’t forget. His commitment, quality, and impact in attack were vital to our success and to the journey we shared together.”