Goalkeeper Len Davies, often known as Len The Cat, hero of Napoli and an outstanding goalkeeper in arguably City's finest ever side.  Later to become the Groundsman at Farrar Road.

Defender Albert Jackson, a centre half who could and would tackle a runaway rhino, especially if he looked like threatening the Bangor goal!  A former Manchester United and Oldham Athletic striker who switched from No 9 to 5 and made the shirt his own.  Also played for Wigan Athletic and Droylsden.   Albert is also fondly remembered by Mossley fans for whom he played during two spells in the Seventies, and from whom I have acquired this picture!

Midfielder George McGowan, the growling Scot was the ball winner with courage and no little ability on the ball.  George had been a promising amateur boxer in Scotland, before serving Preston, Chester and Stockport as a professional footballer before joining City in October 1965.     Now involved with Wrexham FC and still keen to talk abut the Farrar Road days - as much as I am!    [This tribute will be updated over the next few days - RIP George)

Liverpool born midfielder Tony Coleman joined Bangor City from Preston North End in 1964 and moved on to Manchester City. Famed at Farrar Road for once bursting a ball with a fiercely struck shot.  A creative midfielder and great crowd favourite.

Forward Jimmy Conde who was a goalscorer supreme and character to match.  When in dispute with the club management Conde would respond with a hatrick and suitable gesture!  Jim had been with Wolves and Scunthorpe before moving to Farrar Road where his prolific goal record of 100 goals in his first three seasons established him as a crowd favourite.    Jim is also fondly remembered by Boston United fans, in this picture he heads home past Derby County in the Cup, to the amazement of England defender Colin Todd.

Forward Tony Marsden who was a gifted, eccentric goalscorer and provider.  Great crowd favourite and childhood hero of yours truly!

Forward George Morton, another gifted goalscorer, with if I remember rightly some very bow legged legs!  George was a schoolboy star who joined Everton at 16 before moving to Rochdale for whom he scored 50 goals in 150 Football League appearances.  Outscored Jim Conde in some of the seasons they played together.

Forward Tony Broadhead was a powerful and sure footed striker whose eye for a goal never diminished.  He was signed from Oswestry Town in the mid-sixties and went on to be one of the most popular and distinguished players to wear the blue shirt.  Still to be seen around Farrar Road on matchdays helping out with hospitality under the main stand.

The Seventies

Goalkeeper Neville Southall surely deserves a mention, even though as a youngster at Farrar Road he could not oust established keeper Peter Eales.  In his prime a genuine World Class performer.    Won 92 caps for Wales. Went on to bigger things...

Defender John McClelland signed from Cardiff City and heading home to Northern Ireland when tempted to stop at Farrar Road.   Manager Dave Elliot tried Big John at centre forward - his original position - midfield and defence before he settled at centre half to turn in a seeminly endless series of immaculate performances.  Billy Bingham took him to Mansfield and the rest is history.    Pacey and mobile defender whose professional career took in Mansfield, Glasgow Rangers, Watford and Leeds United.  Won 53 Caps for Northern Ireland.  Most recently heard of working for Leeds United in charge of Elland Road stadium tours.

Another Irish defender Ian Lawther who joined City after a professional career of more than 500 Football League appearances and four Northern Ireland caps - as a forward.  Belfast born his league career began with 75 appearances for Sunderland.

Bangor born defender Barry Ashworth had a succesful football league career of more than 200 appearances for Southend, Hartlepool, Tranmere and Chester before joining City in or around 1970.  Cool, calm figure whose defensive qualities kept Bangor in the NPL in difficult times.

Birkenhead born defender Alan King made 342 Football League appearances of Tranmere before joining Bangor City and figuring under Colin Hawkins in the Alliance Premier League.  An intelligent defender whose positioning made up for a lack of pace, Alan was the mainstayof the blues rearguard.  Stays in my memory for chasing and punching (several times) a spiteful Nuneaton midfielder in front of the officials -  the ref promptly booked the Boro man!

Bangor born defender Dewi Atherton whose playing career began with Blackburn Rovers where he made ten Football League appearances. Onto Farrar Road, where one bizarre follower used to bellow "c'mon Atherton you hen".  A hard working midfielder or attacking full back, a genuinely nice bloke, sadly no longer with us.

Midfielder Dave Elliott, with the experience of around 300 Football League appearances lent guile and all round passing to the side.  Very influential, pushing and probing, a top midfielder.    Dave could judge the pace of a game, play deeper when needed and then push forward to open up defences when the likes of John Hughes were in space.  Lacked a yard or two of pace during his midfield days but more than compensated by appearing to do pick the right pass at the right time.

Forward John Hughes whose Anglesey family business Argraig Motors keeps on running.  A Bangor born striker with an eye for goals, also had Football League experience at Blackpool, Southport and Stockport County and appeared for then arch rivals Altrincham where he again featured amongst the leading goalscorers.

Centre forward Billy Telford, a bustling no-nonesense centre forward with tremendous aerial power and a left foot of thunder.  Arguably the most effective bulldozer centre forward in the section.  Also revered by older Oswestry Town fans whom he joined from Worcester City.  Bill was once dropped by manager dave Elliot for failing to turn up for an away match following a financial dispute.   The City fans showed their support by singing "Elliot is a tortoise!" which must go down as one of the stranger footballing songs!

As the Eighties drew to a close the likes of John Hughes, Tony Broadhead and Phil Lunn played together under the management of Colin Hawkins.  Amongst their team mates were centrehalf Alan Walker and current BBC Sports presenter Ray Stubbs, best described as a tough tackling leftback!

 

The Eighties

Goalkeeper Trevor Ball who was the man behind the Mahoney inspired tilt at the NPL, a man with safe hands, brilliant reflexes and a wicked sense of humour.  Also played outfield whilst at Northwich Vics after leaving Farrar Road.

Defender Derek Goulding stood tall on his return from exile in Oswestry, to partner Kevin Mooney, Spreader was the dedicated club man travelling from near Preston for training and home games.  Never one to forgive Dave Elliott for "bombing" him out years earlier! Arguably the top Bangor centre half of these decades, able to head a ball, tackle and be feared on the pitch, but a truly nice guy once he crossed the white line.    In the autumn of 2005 Derek was first team manager of Burscough.

Defender Phil Lunn still watches Bangor these days, a different era from the one he graced with a left foot most professionals would envy.  Also featured at centre half in the Northern Premier League, able to cross with precision, shoot and of course tackle as if his taxi depended on it.   Phil scored the less well remembered Bangor goal of 1984, the solitary strike in the losing replay at Stoke.    And one of the men whose pride in wearing the blue shirt was evident at all times.

Midfielder Alan Morris who midfield partnership with Bobby Peel steered the club to Wembley in 1984.  Capable of anything, pass any distance, shoot and score for fun, even the odd header.  A top man, tremendous character, sadly no longer with us.

Midfield John Aspinall arguably the most complete centre midfield player in this Legends section, Azzer would drop back to centrehalf if the need arose.  From the middle he would win the ball and split defences with the calm authority of a spiteful Italian.  Sullen but generally a superb performer.  The central figure in the Goulding, Mooney, Dale side.

Bangor lad Paul Whelan was the man who scored that Wembley goal in '84 and was always a popular figure with the Farrar Road crowd.  More than that though a hardworking midfielder whose ability shone at Conference level whilst still a teenager.  Currently manager of Cymru Alliance side Glantraeth

Rosset born winger Steve Crompton spent a decade with Hereford United and Worcester City before returning to North Wales in 1986.  City snapped him up from under Rhyl's noses and the rest is history, bulldozing his way down the right wing to launch perfect crosses for the likes of Carl Dale, Mark Ferguson and of course Tony Livens to convert.     A blacksmith by trade his son Sam recently completed an academy period with Shrewsbury Town.

Forward Mark Carter signed from South Liverpool.  "Spike" was the goalscoring compliment to Alan Morris in the 1984 FA Trophy side, often converting "one on one" chances and always at his best in big matches.  Never one to let a gashed shin or elbow in the face deter him from the business of the day. Quiet, determined and purposeful, a match for any Bangor forward in this Legends section, later to move to Runcorn, Barnet and Bury.

Winger Bruce Urquhart joined City from Wrexham in the mid eighties and quickly established himself as a fans favourite with tricky footwork and skills that would have graced a higher level of football.  However, small and slim, Bruce was deemed to slight for English League action.  This was to the benefit of the Bangor fans who enjoyed his trickery as Bruce scored and created goals from his right wing berth.

Forward Carl Dale signed from Rhyl and went on to Chester and Cardiff City, should have played for Wales.  If memory serves me, Carl lived in the Deganwy area and was normally watched from the stand by his father and other family members.   Carl was the powerful, energetic menace in front to John Aspinall and Nev Powell.  Tremendous pace and a natural goalscorer, also a useful electrician responsible for installing cashpoints in town centre banks!

Forward Viv Williams from Llanerchymedd made his City debut in August 1984 against Buxton.  His natural skill, pace and strength allied to an eye for goals made him a firm candidate for legend status.  Some may rightly comment that he remained a unfulfilled talent with Bangor, but one eye catching season with those performances against Fredrikstad and Atletico Madrid - and then playing in goal at Hereford in The Welsh Cup - make his entry a fair one!   Involved in Welsh football as manager of Porthmadog these days, retains a courtesy and dignity which earns him the respect of everyone.

 
 

The Nineties

Goalkeeper Nigel Adkins was the man between the sticks (as well as picking the team) for the two LoW Championships of 1994 and 1995.  Nigel was also an outstanding keeper and the man who launched every good attack with a thoughtful short pass or throw to fullbacks Kevin Jones and Jimmy Carberry. Also a quietely spoken, approachable manager who was prepared to listen to someone else's opinion, although his was often the more reasoned one.

Fullback Jimmy Carberry (left) was the left footed cavalier who scored the occasional breathtaking goal, delivered the frequent hanging cross, and within moments cleared off his own line.  "Carbs" was also an excellent club man who looked hurt when we lost and wore his heart on his sleeve.   Centre back Harry Wiggins (right) was the brains at the back, getting the best out of Mark Rutter and organising the whole operation.  Superb anticipation and timing made "H" one of the best central defenders seen at Farrar Road in these years.

Central midfielder Kevin Langley was the classiest member of the team, able to split defences and occasionally contribute an outstanding goal.  Langley came to Farrar Road with a reputation built at Everton and Wigan Athletic.  Nicknamed "Elvis" and happy in that limelight, Langley was an outstanding player in a very difficult position.  The perfect foil to the feisty industrious Dave Barnet.

Weston Rhyn based centre forward Frank Mottram was the prolific near post assassin to Lee Noble's crosses, the bravest forward of his era.  Nicknamed "Magic Mottram" he was an unselfish worker alongside Jiws and capable of scoring spectacular goals as well as tap ins.    Frank joined City from Welshpool, and moved on to Macclesfield then in the Conference but was involved in a serious road traffic accident which ended his chances there.   After some wilderness years "Magic" returned to Farrar Road under the management of Peter Davenport in March 2004.  On and off the field Frank remains a true gent whose professionalism brings credit on himself and the clubs he has represented.

Alongside Mottram was Marc Lloyd Williams, better known as Jiws.     The Llanberis red head was the lazy, spectacular half of the deadly partnership, a local hero, and a forward who could literally score from anywhere - and often did!  Moved on to a Football League career which has so far included Stockport County, Halifax and York City.  Returned as the club's saviour in 2001 to score 20 LoW goals in quick succession to avoid relegation.  Broke the LoW goalscoring record with 47 League goals in 2001-02, moved to Southport then back to Bangor, then Aberystwyth and TNS.   Re-signed by Clayton Blackmore in July 2006 and netted another twenty goals before joining Connahs Quay as manager in May 2007.

Less expected - but worthy of mention - Nigerian striker Samuel Ayorinde who came to Farrar Road under the management of Johny King in 1998.  Sammy was the first - and may well be the only -  player to be capped for his country whilst playing for a LoW (Welsh Premier) club, namely Bangor City.

 
 

The Twenty First Century

The first entry in a new section could not be more deserved.  Sweeper Graham Brett played with his heart on his sleeve, never gave less than 100% and earned the respect of all Bangor supporters for his heroic display - and obligatory goal line clearance - in the 2000 Welsh Cup Final win over Cwmbran.    Hampered by injury the Irishman missed the 2002 Final against Barry he moved to London and a first teaching post in the summer of 2002.    A genuine lad who will be sorely missed at Farrar Road.

The big fella.  A midfielder with a cannonball shot and range of long passing to die for, Ricky Evans earns his legendary status by capping a goalscoring season 2002-03 with a brace in the Inter Toto match in Bistrita, so becoming the first Bangor player to score twice in a European fixture.    It said everything about the Wrexham ballplayer when a City fan commented after the departure of midfield partner Simon Davies to TNS "I'm glad it wasn't Ricky"  Enough said.   A cult hero amongst City fans until his departure to Aberystwyth in December 2003.  Re-signed by Clayton Blackmore in July 2006 to the delight of the Bangor faithful.

An early signing by Peter Davenport who made a huge impression on City supporters and opposition strikers!  Phil Priestley made his debut on 18th August 2001 as City ran out 3-1 winner against visitors Port Talbot.  He featured in both European ventures involving Gloria Bristrita and Sartid, and was hailed by Bangor supporters as the club's outstanding goalkeeper since Nigel Adkins.   Elvis signed off at Carmarthen on 1st May 2004 after 117 first team appearances for City, including 77 in the WP.  The club has lost not only top goalkeeper, a genuinely nice bloke, but also a troupe of travelling supporters made up of his family and friends.

Okay, hands up, Robbo is one of my favourite players of the past decade.    A clever, skilful striker whose unselfish build up play was the cornerstone of that golden boot season for strike partner Marc Lloyd Williams.  Paul Roberts scored goals for Porthmadog, earned a transfer to Wrexham where he was capped at Uner 21 level by Wales, and then moved to Farrar Road in the 1998-99 season.  With 73 league goals and more than 160 league appearances to his name (June 2005) Robbo is City's third highest scorer in the Welsh Premiership behind Marc Lloyd Williams and Frank Mottram and second only to Lloyd Williams in appearances.   Most notably Paul scored the winning goal in the 2000 Welsh Cup Final defeat of Cwmbran, and in 2002 he scored in the 1-0 win over Sartid at The Racecourse Ground in the UEFA Cup.    Former Welsh Internation Clayton Blackmore joined Bangor under the management of Meirion Appleton in November 2000.  Along with Paul Roberts he was one of a small numbers of players to continue playing under new boss Peter Davenport and went on to become one of only eleven players with more than one hundred WP appearances for the club with 178.  He also represented Bangor City in Europe.    Clayton always gave of his best and set a good example for the younger players.  He played a part in the development of Owain Jones and Alan Goodall who progressed into League football and continued to lend his composure and experience the a youthful blues side.  After a ten month spell as manager from January 2006 Clayton stepped down and signed for Porthmadog in November 2006 where he became manager the following summer.