During what has been a challenging time due to the ongoing Covid situation and its impact on festive celebrations, we are glad to be able to announce some very positive news for everyone involved with the 1876 family. As Dafydd Hughes reports, local hero Les Davies has agreed to re-join Bangor 1876.

We were all very sad to see Les Davies leave us in the Autumn for the chance of some competitive action with Flint Town United in the Cymru Premier League. Despite travelling long distances to far-flung places like Haverfordwest, Les’s game time was limited.

Just prior to the recent managerial appointment at the Essity Stadium, Les indicated that he favoured a return to our ranks in order to spearhead our new campaign in the North Wales Coast Premier League West and we were glad to complete the transfer a few days ago.

We faced competition for his signature as a player but Mel, Dylan and Ben had already been talking to Les about a coaching role at the Club, and an opportunity to progress with his coaching qualifications. He has responded positively to the opportunity to assist Ben with the establishment of new age-group sides to compete in the Gwyrfai League in the 2021-22 season.

Working with Andy Bell, himself a former player and coach, with considerable experience both here and abroad, and who has previously worked with Mel, Les will concentrate on the establishment and development of an under-16 squad. This will offer players of that age an opportunity to play competitive football on a regular basis, and allow them to progress to senior level competition when they are old enough. No other club in the Bangor area is currently offering such a pathway to senior competitive football.

As a community-focused club, we recognise how important it is to have well-known individuals like Les who have a strong connection with the Bangor area involved. We are really glad to have him back playing in the number 9 shirt, and helping us to develop young players in his coaching role.