Football: Llandudno FC sign striker Williams

Dec 30 2010

LLANDUDNO have taken a positive step in their bid to get more goals in 2011 with the signing of striker Iwan Williams from Huws Gray Alliance rivals Porthmadog.

Williams, 25, has a proven track record in the second-tier league having netted 20 goals for Llanfairpwll last season.

He rejoined Porthmadog in the summer and had scored five times for the Traeth outfit this term, but tough competition for places up front against the likes of Paul Roberts, Marcus Orlik and Cai Jones had hampered Williams’ chances of commanding the central striking role he craved.

Williams has had two stints in the Welsh Premier League with Porthmadog and Newtown but his appearances were limited. However, the Huws Gray Alliance appears to be the level where the striker can thrive.

Llandudno are a team in need of more goals as their first 13 league matches have only produced 22, by far the lowest total in the top six.

Seasiders assistant manager Grant Montgomery said the club is delighted to have finally captured their man.

"We did try quite vigorously to sign him in the summer," revealed Montgomery. "No disrespect to Llanfairpwll, but it’s not easy to score as many goals as he did last season in a mid- table side.

"He’s the type of striker we’ve been looking for – someone who can play off the last man.

"He’s also got a real work ethic in his nature. He’s a nice lad, but he works really hard for the team, closing people down."

Porthmadog boss Gareth Parry said he was disappointed to lose a player of Williams’ stature.

"Iwan is such a likeable player both on and off the pitch and has been an important part of our success so far this season, contributing five goals from midfield.

"His never say die attitude on the pitch and in training will be missed, as will his presence in the changing rooms.

"The main reason for Iwan leaving is the fact that Llandudno can offer him a starting place in his favoured position as central striker.

"That is something that would have been difficult at Port with the current form of Paul, Marcus and Cai."

Parry added: "I would like to wish Iwan all the best in his new challenge with Llandudno, and he leaves knowing the door will always be open for him at the Traeth in the future."

While Williams has arrived at Maesdu Park, fellow striker Mike Lundstrum has rejoined Llandudno Junction after a short spell at Tudno.

"With the size of the squad we’ve got now, we cannot guarantee anyone a starting place," pointed out Montgomery.

"Mike felt he merited a starting place every week, but we couldn’t guarantee that so he decided to return to the Junction. I feel he could have done a job for us but good luck to him, there are no hard feelings. I’m sure he’ll do well."

Montgomery believes the capture of Williams makes the squad now powerful enough to push the top sides in 2011.

Skipper Craig Hogg, who has not played this campaign following two groin operations, has been training for over a month and is close to a comeback.

With midfielders Joe Morgan and Julian Cleary due to return from suspension and the dynamic Ryan Williams back in the fold, Llandudno have plenty of strength in depth.

"The league has really strengthened for the better this year and I feel we’ve got a strong enough squad now to have a good second half of the season," stressed Montgomery.

Having not played since an excellent 1-1 draw at Cefn Druids on December 11, Tudno are due to return to action at champions Llangefni Town on Monday, January 3 (2.30pm).

The Seasiders will be keen to atone for a 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Cefni in the early weeks of the campaign.

"It would be nice to put a few wrongs right on Monday," Montgomery added.

"We just didn’t turn up against them at home and we’re due a performance."