Joy for Morgan and Jemila at Llandudno
LLANDUDNO manager Alan Morgan has re-signed 12 of his squad from last season’s Huws Gray Alliance title win.
Tom Dix, Danny Hughes, Gareth Evans, Lee Thomas, Danny Shaw, Lewis Buckley, Richard Hinds, Jake Phillips, James Joyce, Corey Jones, Conn Tierney and Leo Riley have all agreed to stay on for Tudno’s first season in the Welsh Premier.
The dynamic dozen add to the squad list which also includes new signings Michael Johnston, Steve Lewis, Marc Williams, Dean Seager and goalkeeper Dave Roberts.
Morgan said: “I am absolutely delighted with the re-signing of my boys. I brought them here with the knowledge that they can all play at a higher level.
“Just look at last year’s results against WPL teams. We beat Connah’s Quay and Cefn Druids in pre-season friendlies and also managed to squeeze past Rhyl on penalties in the Word Cup so we have that quality in our group.
“Some of the lads have got previous experience of playing at a higher level and along with the new signings that have come in, that stands us in good stead ahead of this season.”
Llandudno’s Jemila Bukari was one of three talented footballers up for the Player of the Year award at the very first Women’s Welsh Premier League awards dinner at the Belle Vue hotel in Aberystwyth.
Known as Jimmy, the defender was nominated alongside Alicia Powe (Swansea City) and Ellie Sargent (Cardiff Met), and was outstanding for Tudno last season, playing in every game and scooping 12 out of the 24 available Player of the Match awards. She also claimed Joint Managers’ Player and outright Players’ Player at Llandudno’s own end-of-season awards.
The Welsh Premier award went to Sargent, but it was a superb achieve- ment by Jimmy to be among the nominees.
Llandudno manager Sarah Colville said: “Jemila was a godsend to us last season. Her calmness on the ball is a massive help to the team, her height and length of her legs are ideal for playing in a defensive role and to be fair not much ever gets past her during a game.”
On preparations for the new season, Colville said: “Last season we had a few weeks’ break before we all got back together to start pre-season.
“However, we have already started our friendly games and tournaments this summer. This pre-season is going to be very tough for the ladies with a lot more fitness involved already.”