3 strikers, 3 years: Holywell Town and the Welsh Premier League

News of striker Lee Healey leaving Holywell for Welsh Premier League outfit Aberystwyth Town will feel all too familiar for the Wellmen. 

The move means the Huws Gray Alliance side have lost three key strikers in three years to top flight sides, with each player a big loss to John Haseldin’s side as they continue to hold their own in one of Wales’ fiercest feeder leagues.

Their latest loss, Lee Healey, is a formidable striker who has previous experience playing for top sides including Connah’s Quay, Cefn Druids and Bangor City.

After his time at Bangor, he joined Mold Alex, and after a brief spell at Ashville FC he joined Holywell at the end of August 2016.

Sam Jones is another name Holywell Town were forced to bid farewell to. Jones moved to Bangor City, having scored an incredible 87 goals in 77 games between 2013-15 for the Wellmen.

However Jones’ career as a Citizen was not be, as in pre-season he picked up a back injury and due to family reasons didn’t return Bangor City.

Steve Lewis, also known as ‘the beast’, was proving an asset for Holywell before he moved to Bangor City, where he became vital in their fight against relegation during the 2015/16 season.

After moving from Bangor to Droylsden, he’s back at Rhyl in the Welsh Premier League.

Holywell Town manager John Haseldin spoke to Clwb Pel Droed about the players moving on.

“We know when you are in the position we are in – when we sign a high profile player and especially a goal scorer, they will attract attention from bigger clubs .

“For the past 3 seasons we have lost 3 of our strikers to the Welsh Premier league but we understand that’s football and have always wished the players well with their new clubs.

“Ideally you’d keep them but you have to respect the players decision and work hard to try and find a replacement .

We’re a great club to play for with fantastic support and although financially we can’t compete with others, we feel we can offer a good home for players either long term or as stepping stone to progress.”