Steve James has given tremendous service to Camrose AFC since joining the club as a youngster in the early 80s.

He was playing senior football by the age of 13 and was still going at the age of 40 when injuries eventually took the toll.

He currently coaches one of the junior sides there and admitted picking the best Camrose side over the last 20 years had been a difficult task.

“We had an amazing team spirit both on and off the pitch in the early 2000s and most players would be out after every game – win, lose, or draw.

“And there have been some good times, and good players, in recent years as well.”

And he also paid tribute to one good club man who recently passed away.

“Alan Cunningham was a Camrose boy who we lost in April.

“He played for us in the 80s and 90s and was a big supporter after that – and he will be missed.”

GOALKEEPER – STUART BURTON

One of the many Brawdy boys we had over the years. We were lucky to have a good link with and he was one of the best to come over and play. A great goalie, he had a big frame and was sharp between the sticks.

RIGHT BACK – CHRIS WATTS

Dad of Haverfordwest player Ricky Watts and our club captain for many years. Somebody who we all looked up to and he really led by example. A very tough player who played centre midfield for much of his career and then dropped back to defence later on. Either way, I couldn’t not have him in.

CENTRE BACK – DAVE MALIN

A very calm player with a great touch. Also great in the air and had an ability to pass it out of defence. Formed a long partnership with Matthew Ralph.

CENTRE BACK – MATTHEW RALPH

A tremendous athlete who wore his heart on his sleeve. Was very passionate about Camrose football and a great man to play alongside.

LEFT BACK – PAUL HUSBAND

A naturally hard working player with a lot of pace. Would get up and down the left flank all day long and a very reliable person to have in the team.

RIGHT MIDFIELD – ADRIAN HAWORTH

Came to us towards the end of his career after doing so well at teams like Hakin and Merlins Bridge. But he was still a tremendous player and has done so much for the club ever since. Has to be on my team sheet.

CENTRE MIDFIELD – GARETH ‘TAFFY’ WILLIAMS

Would boss games in the middle and had incredible control on the ball. Possessed great vision as well and could land a ball on somebody’s feet from 30 yards away – no problem!

CENTRE MIDFIELDMARCUS TAYLOR

Could have been centre forward as well. He had it all and could have walked into any first division club at the time he was with us. Incredible athlete and such a strong player, good in the air and on the ground. Looking back now I realise what a class act he was and he later moved to Monkton and other clubs.

LEFT MIDFIELD – JONNY SABLE

I Loved playing football with him. He was committed, physical, and always up for scrap! A real workhorse for us.

STRIKER – ADY SMITH

Another great athlete. A really physical and quick player and scored loads of goals for us.

STRIKER – MARCO SISO

Could pick him on the entertainment factor alone. The sort of player that could win you a game from nothing but problem was, he would beat a man on the wing, stop, and try and do it again! Would wind up the opposition terribly and they often hated him – but great to have on your own team!

SUBSTITUTES

MATT GODDARD

Unlucky not to be in the starting line-up. A real presence in the centre of midfield, had a great touch and distributed play well.

SIMON GILDERDALE

I only played a little bit with him after most of the above had moved on and he was such a class act. Really stood out as he was so cool and composed and I couldn’t not pick him in the squad. Pure class.

PHIL JAMES

I had to put him in because he’s my brother and wouldn’t speak to me if I didn’t! But no seriously, not many know just how good he was as a player. The problem with Phil is he liked his beer on a Friday so didn’t go too far in Pembrokeshire football! But was an out and out natural goal scorer. When we reached the Senior Cup final in 2001 it was his winner in the semi final that got us there.

MANAGER – DEREK ROBERTS

Took Camrose to a different level. Took over when we were a mid table Division 2 side and turned us into a really good Division 1 team. Only good things to say about him and god rest his soul.

ASSISTANT MANAGER - BOB NELSON

Was always Derek’s No 2 and managed the club himself, and had to be in here. He could never do enough for Camrose and a true clubman. He had a lot of stick and banter from the boys but always took it so well. Such atop bloke.

Overall, I’m sure there were plenty of others who deserved a place in this squad too and it was a difficult selection!