Wayne O’Sullivan has been at the heart of defence for many seasons at Phoenix Park.
The centre back has thoroughly enjoyed his time with his hometown club, playing with his heart on his sleeve always giving 100%. Physically strong and extremely fit - but he also has a calm side and handles pressure with consummate ease.
A former Wales amateur boxing champion, he is now manager at Phoenix Parkand has selected a very strong and formidable squad who on their day would be capable of beating any team in West Wales.
GOALKEEPER – JAMES GWILT
For me, the best keeper in the Pembrokeshire League. Made his debut for Goodwick Utd first team as a 16-year-old. A superb shot stopper and brave as they come. ‘Mr Irreplaceable’ at Goodwick Utd. He was the player of the year in the treble winning season.
RIGHT BACK – STEFF HAYES
Known as the ‘Rock’ - a very quick defender and without doubt one of the best out and out defenders in the league. Not seen many players get the better of him. Consistently solid every game. Has already won the league, two West Wales and two Senior Cups more trophies than his dad, and he is only 24.
CENTRE BACK – SCOTT DELANEY
Current Goodwick Utd club captain. A good all-round centre half who reads the game very well and is exceptionally good in the air. Formed a superb centre half partnership with myself over the last five seasons. A vital player for Goodwick Utd for years to come. He is also the captain of the County team.
CENTRE BACK – STEVE BLACKFORD
A class defender who has been a great servant to the club for nearly 20 years. A Senior Cup winner against Hakin in 1999 - also played on the Vetch Field in 2000 West Wales Cup final. Comfortable at either left back or as a sweeper. Very composed on the ball and reads the game as good as any player. Could have played higher.
LEFT BACK – JOHN BAILEY
The late John Bailey was a winner! He never liked to lose. As solid a player that I have seen. He was strong, physical, and loved a tackle. Every time he stepped onto the pitch he played with his heart on his sleeve. Won the Senior Cup in 1999 and a finalist in the 2000 West Wales Cup final. Had trials for Peterborough as a junior and had it all to play higher. He sadly died following a car accident in 2003 and was only 25.
CENTRE MIDFIELD – ADAM RAYMOND
A talented midfielder with a wand of a left peg but also loves the physical side of the game. A massive asset to any club and great example for every teammate. One of the first names on any team sheet. His midfield partnership with Chris O’Sullivan and Kieran O’Brien was influential in Goodwick Utd winning the treble in 2016. Captain of the Goodwick Utd 2018 West Wales Cup winning team.
RIGHT MIDFIELD – CHRIS O’SULLIVAN
Former Oxford Utd/ Swansea City and Haverfordwest County player. A well-schooled all-round midfield player who can dictate a game better than anyone.
Influences games on and off the ball with ease and good from set pieces. Demands nothing but 100% from every single one of his teammates. Massive part of the management set up in the 2016 treble win.
LEFT MIDFIELD – DAI HAYES
Played for Goodwick Utd for well over 30 years as a junior and a senior.
Could play anywhere in defence or midfield and make it look easy. A natural footballer and regarded as one of the best in the county. Still part of the committee at Goodwick and never misses a game. He still gets to watch his son pick up more trophies than he did!
CENTRE MIDFIELD – JAMES DEAN
On his day, the best player in the league and one of the best I have played with. A midfielder who played the game with ease and was very good in the air. He nicknamed of ‘ZICO’ at Goodwick because he was that good. But as well as being a good player he was an even bigger moaner. Still has not changed to this day!
STRIKER – RHYS DALLING
A natural talent who finds everything easy on the pitch. On his day he is unplayable, very quick with great balance and quick feet. Nightmare for defenders and I am just happy he has been on the same team as me or I would be down a lot of money in fines! Played in two Senior Cup finals where he was ‘man of the match’ both times, as well as a winner in a West Wales Cup at the Liberty Stadium.
STRIKER – STEVE SUMMERS
One of the most natural goal scorers I have seen in playing in the Pembrokeshire League. Clinical with any half chance in and around the 18-yard box. Won the Guardian Cup (given to Division 1 top scorer) at least five times and his best tally for one season was incredibly over 60+ goals.
SUBSTITUTES:
KIERAN O’BRIEN
Quality footballer. Very unselfish player who does a lot of unseen work for his teammates. Very fit, good in the air with a tremendous work rate and hunger for the game. Gets a lot of goals from midfield and he certainly does not mind telling anyone about the one which sealed the treble in Hakin!
BARRY HAYES
A player you would have in your squad every week. Good footballer, not the biggest of players but loved the physical side. Dirty (but in a good way) he was like a little Jack Russell round the pitch. Gave nothing but 100% every game. I put him on the bench as he has played for Fishguard.
JAMES EVANS
Jimmy was a great player. Tough, gritty for a bloke not much taller than 5ft! Comfortable with both feet and good to watch. He is dangerous from set pieces.
ALAN DAVIES
Dangerous – a former Captain of Goodwick United for many years. His highlight lifting the Senior Cup and part of the West Wales Cup who finished runners up in 2000 on the old Vetch pitch. A physical (at times dirty) and committed centre midfielder who always gave 100%. Decent in the air for a small fella!
JORDAN GRIFFITHS
The most naturally gifted youngster I have seen or played in a team with.
Very skilful but also works very hard for his teammates and always gives 100%. Scored over 30 goals for Goodwick last season and he is still only 21! Got everything to player higher if he wants it enough.
MANAGER – NIGEL DELANEY
Easy choice. He is the only manager to ever win the Pembrokeshire league treble. Four trophies if you include the Jubilee Cup as well that season. Also won the Senior Cup the season before that. Formed a great partnership with Chris O’Sullivan as his assistant in the treble winning season and both demanded the highest of standards both in training and games. They expected nothing less than 100% from all the players which in the end payed off.
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