It has been a tough year for Saundersfoot Sports with their first team relegated from Division 1.

The seconds, who play in Division 5, were also denied a chance to play for a divisional cup final due to Covid-19, but the club can now look forward to a rebuilding process next season.

Richard Walwyn has been a great club man for them in recent seasons, and along with Sam Cole has reviewed the last two decades to pick the club's team of the 21st century.

GOALKEEPER - JAMES ‘JIMMY’ CAINE

A position we at Saundersfoot have been blessed with over the last 20 years and Jimmy is no exception. Everything you’d want from a goalkeeper. A big, imposing, bald b**tard and not afraid to go though you to get the ball, defender or attacker.

RIGHT WING BACK – PAUL HODGE

Current club captain, Paul is a leader on and off the field. Best known for his ball passing skills and crossing ability, there are not many who could ping a ball like Paul. Might be handy at free kicks too?

CENTRE BACK - RUSSELL EVANS

Possibly the best centre back I’ve played with. Saying Russ has a no-nonsense style of play is an injustice as his feet will surprise you, but is built like a brick wall.  Played first division football for us in three different decades! Ever young, at 48 he still bails out both first and second teams when called upon with no fuss. Likes a Guinness after the game too.

CENTRE BACK - CURTIS HURLOW

Key player in the team that was promoted back to Division 1 under Ben Evans’ stewardship. Don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of a more composed player at the club, land were ucky to have kept hold of him for a couple of seasons as could’ve easily played above our level at the time. He’s gone downhill since he left mind……

CENTRE BACK - JASON LLAMA

Along with Danny Caine became a first team regular at 16 years old. Tall, athletic and a tough competitor. Similar abilities to Curt but more tenacious. 

LEFT WING BACK – EUAN LAIDLAW

Started out as a winger or wing back but has since grown into an outstanding box to box midfielder. Two footed, not even sure he knows which is better, strong, quick and unpredictable. Continually improving every season. 

CENTRE MIDFIELD - RICHARD COPE

The engine in the engine room, or the Pirlo of Saundersfoot. The boy had it all. Never one to shy away from a tackle and never gave up on a lost cause. If he lost the ball he’d get it back and set up the next attack. Just a natural footballer, and would head a brick if it was coming in from a corner. Sorely missed this season.  

CENTRE MIDFIELD - DANNY CAINE

A case of what might have been had he not played in a dead rubber West Wales Cup tie back in 2006. Commanding midfielder, and still a force to be reckoned for years after this despite having only one knee. Carried the team and club for many years, his commitment in not wanting to skip that game showed his character. Also went on to become the club’s youngest manager in 2009, aged 23.

CENTRE MIDFIELD - DARREN UMANEE

Classy operator, and a cultured midfielder who aged like a fine wine. Became a wing back and afull back later in his playing days, and will still do a job if needed having played through both decades along with Russ.

STRIKER - NICK COPE

Very talented player and an easy pick. His goals have been vital to the club.

STRIKER – GEOFF MARSH

The old cliché here, Geoff has literally played every position for the club. His work rate, clever running, and ability to be find space between lines causes a constant nightmare for defenders. Keeps it simple and just gets goals whether playing at the back and coming forward for set pieces or starting up top. Could have made the team in defence too but there’s too many footballers back there in this XI! 

SUBSTITUTES 

SAM FRANKLIN

Could have easily have been a starter here. Sam has been Mr Consistent in the last couple of seasons. Capable of making jaw dropping saves while doing the basics well.

DAN COPE

Also unlucky not to be in the starting XI but I can’t put 3 Copes in surely? No one liked playing against Dan because he would get under your skin from the second the whistle blew, and is probably still there with some opponents! Big personality on and off the field.  

RHYS HEWSON

Not a great goal scorer but a scorer of great goals! A true talent on either wing or on the odd occasion up top. 

ADAM DAVIDSON

Along with Euan Laidlaw, Harry Goforth, George Taylor and others, Adam was among a talented group of under 16s to join the club when we were last struggling in the first division. These lads had a tough intro into senior football but are now key players who will relish a restart in Division 2, where the team will be built around them. 

DAN BATES

Technical genius. Key player in the middle of the pitch, unbelievable feet and balance, and walks past you in in training in such a frustrating way! Clinical passer, especially when threading balls forward.    

MANAGER - JONNY WATKINS

The man who brought me to Saundersfoot after 10 years of trying, the late Jonny Watkins. Laid down the foundations of the club to succeed in the 90s and early 00s on and off the field. Jonny and late wife Diane’s presence is still felt down the club even to this day. Truly missed.

ASSISTANT MANAGER - JOHN WAKEHAM

This Merthyr Maestro found his way to the club via his static caravan in the village, and what stroke of good fortune it was. His coaching knowledge and experience was key to the return of first division football under Sam Coleman’s guidance.