Wayne ‘Wolvesy’ Jones has selected what he believes is the best Haverfordwest County squad from the last 20 years.
Wayne is currently the manager of Haverfordwest County, so his knowledge as both a player and a boss is immeasurable.
He was a decent left back when he donned the Bluebirds’ colours back in the noughties under then successful manager Deryn Brace.
Back in 2003 it was a great time to be involved with the club as they finished third in the top flight of the Welsh League and qualified to play in the UEFA Cup the first and only time in the club’s history.
Here is Wayne’s selection...
GOALKEEPER – LEE KENDALL
Kends not just a large character but the best talker, organiser, and technical keeper I had the pleasure of playing with, good mate and sat next to me in changing room for five years.
RIGHT BACK- RICKY WATTS
Wattsy currently still playing for us, great athlete, best attitude I have seen, plays midfield. But have also played him at full back and he's been the most powerful one I've seen grace the Meadow.
CENTRE BACK – WYN THOMAS
Strong leader, wins headers, old school centre half who’s won everything in the game and a credit to his attitude. Honest, hard worker.
CENTRE BACK – SEAN PEMBERTON
I brought him to the club 6 years ago and he's won player of the year twice and leads by example on and off the pitch. Best header of the ball I’ve seen in a Blue shirt.
LEFT BACK – LEE HUDGELL
Played with Lee for a few years, normally he was in front of me on the wing but dropped in at left back as he used to end up there covering my surging runs overlapping, or under lapping! Bags of pace and a sweet left peg. Great guy too!
LEFT MIDFIELD - DARREN RYAN
Most cultured player I have played with, his ball skill and vision were outstanding. Great team man and his playing career says it all. Coaching Wolves 18s at present and a great individual.
CENTRE MIDFIELD – COLIN LOSS
A play maker, switched play as good as any in the game, strong and a key player in the club’s history. So vital to the team of 2004.
CENTRE MIDFIELD – ADRIAN HARRIS
Chizzle as he was known to us, hard as nails but wasn’t credited enough for his passing skills, nutter on and off the pitch but the nicest guy you could meet. First out of the trenches with you.
RIGHT MIDFIELD – CHRIS O’SULLIVAN
Sully came to club following his release as a pro from the Swans, along with Chizzle the fittest I have played with, but technically gifted, great crosser of the ball and a dangerous dead baller. Fiery and a leader, confrontational but again one I would certainly go to war with. Good mate of mine.
STRIKER – RHYS GRIFFITHS
Rhys was a great player for us in 2003/2004 went on to play pro football and his WPL record speaks for itself. Looked after himself well and led by example.
STRIKER – JACK CHRISTOPHER
Jack was very gifted, scored goals, decent in the air. Jack should have played many more years a higher level as it was not for lack of ability. Seen him score some beauty’s and laid a few on for him I believe.
SUBSTITUTES
DEFENDER – DAVE BARNHOUSE
Unlucky not to start as best reader of the game I played with. He allowed me to psuh forward and the best sweeper in my time.
MIDFIELDER – DEAN ROSSITER
Sumo was a great leader carried his weight well and pleasure to play with for years. Part of 2004 squad in UEFA Cup. Great crack and a social animal.
STRIKER – JORDAN FOLLOWS
Signed Jordan in 2014 and he scored 23 goals that season helped us gain promotion back into WPL. Very talented lad and should have got more out of the game. Cheeky Chappy.
SAM RODON / CRAIG MORRIS - both on my standby squad. Great players in their own positions.
MANAGER – DERYN BRACE
Deryn led the club to the best finish in Welsh football to a creditable third spot, which led us to UEFA football for the first time ever (not the last I hope). Honest man with great work ethic and demanded hard work and tactically set us out strong especially defensively. Great man.
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