Citizens’ Terrific Trialists
With the WPL 2016/2017 season almost upon us, teams are making their final preparations for the upcoming season. Bangor City, who recently received an injection of much needed capital from their new Chester based consortium owners, look set to impress this year.
With multiples signings already made the new owners are clearly showing their intent and desire for the coming season. It looks to be a positive season for Bangor, however one thing that is worrying many fans on the terrace is the lack of a proven goalscorer!
However, fear not (unless you’re a WPL goalkeeper) as 4 talented and able strikers have been on trial at the club recently. These 4 strikers that would fill the void which has been left open for some time are Blake Davies, Louis Robles, Jamie Reed and Oscar Durnin. Who exactly are these players? We investigate.
Blake Davies:
Standing at 6ft, this strong and lively left footed striker would be a welcome addition to the squad. This traditional number nine who netted a staggering 42 goals during the 2014/2015 season and would be an excellent piece of business from the Citizens. Davies clearly has an eye for goal and a talent to back it. At only 18 years old, Davies clearly has a bright future ahead of him. The young striker has already made 7 appearances for the Wales u17 squad, and during those appearances, he netted 5 goals. Davies recently signed his first professional contract with Forrest Green Rovers. In his appearance for Bangor in a 5-1 win over Winsford FC during a preseason friendly, he netted two goals and certainty made an immediate impact.
Louis Robles:
The 19 year old 5ft 9 striker, who played his trade at youth level at Liverpool and Wigan, would be an excellent signing. Having been named in the LFE XI for October, in the 2014/2015 season, in which he would have been competing with 1400 other candidates, he is clearly a young talent with a bright future. See below a goal he scored during the 2014/2015 season, which is a clear example of the talent he has in an abundance:
Robles played in Bangor’s 5-1 friendly victory against Winsford FC and contributed with a goal.
Oscar Durnin:
Former Stalybridge Celtic and Tranmere Rovers striker Durnin appears to be a hard working player with experience playing in the Welsh system, as a former Cefn Druids player. However, unlike the other trialist strikers, he is yet to score. Durnin has mainly been played in midfield so hasn’t had the chance to show his talents as a striker as of yet. Perhaps a gamble? But at 22 years old, his best years are ahead of him.
Jamie Reed:
Last, but certainly not least is Jamie Reed. This possible move has all Bangor fans drooling at the mouth. During a hugely successful period at Bangor spanning from 2009 to 2011, Reed played 52 times, and netting 41 goals in the process. Reed was part of the famous Bangor City squad that won the 2011 WPL title. There is no doubt his return would be welcomed. A proven goalscorer with experience with the WPL, Reed would certainly be a great addition to the growing Bangor squad. Having played for Bangor, TNS, Aberystwyth and most recently Llandudno MBi he is no stranger to life as a WPL striker.
Other notable trialists for Bangor include Jamil Roberts, a former Plymouth Argyle academy player. A talented and able defender who will certainly strengthen Bangor’s defence.
Time will tell if Andy Legg will sign them up to bolster his Citizens squad.
