With the appointment of Ian Dawes as manager at Bangor City FC, we take a look at players who didn’t quite shine during Andy Legg’s tenure, whether it be through injury or just not fitting the mould and could shine for Dawes.
This season has seen many players flourish under Legg, such as Henry Jones in midfield, Gary Roberts in defense and Brayden Shaw on the wing. However we have also witnessed players who were not given the opportunity, despite possessing the talent.
Such players include Sion Edwards, a Bangor stalwart for nearly 10 years bound to the bench with a substitution becoming a rarity! Another mention is Shaun Cavanagh the under-19 youth starlet who has been tearing the youth league apart yet was not been getting a second looking under Legg.
City’s fans understood that with a new manager comes new tactics, new formations and a new style; players have to earn their way into his team and if they don’t fit then they don’t play.
Sion Edwards
However, Citizens were still stunned to see local lad Sion Edwards sidelined for the majority of the season. Despite him nearing 30 now, the player who celebrated 10 years at the club with a testimonial in the summer, still has a lot to offer.
The winger had a decent pre-season, producing some good football to and with a experienced head and a skillful left foot made him a strong contender for the first team. However wasn’t even subbed on let alone starting in most WPL games this season. Although he has seen numerous injury niggles this season so far, and also a very talented group of players to compete against; it is still surprising to see his exclusion.
Shaun Cavanagh
The promising youngster who is making a name for himself in the youth leagues has been rather over looked this season, despite Bangor’s first team strikers Nardiello, Branco and Read not exactly tearing the league up! I’m not saying he should be starting every game, he, like Sion Edwards, should at least be being used as subs more often as they are both talented players who I feel could make a difference to a game. Perhaps under Dawes we may see more of Cavanagh, after all Dawes is a former Youth Academy Coach so understands the importance of youth players breaking into the team.
Oscar Durnin
Another honourable mention is Oscar Dernin, the former Tranmere Rovers and Cefn Druids forward has seen very little action so far. City clearly saw something in him when we signed him, however he hasn’t been given the chance to prove that as of yet.
Jason Davies
I’m not sure who the author is, or his relationship with Bangor City but as a fan I can’t help feel the atricle is a little misinformed.
Sion Edwards, indeed a stalwart and rightly considered a club legend has been on the bench many times this season but the quality of the 1st team has increased making it difficult for him to come on and make the difference as he used to do, Still an effective impact sub against the majority of sides possibly, but WPL standards are now very very high.
Shaun Cav is quality, and will only get better and stronger so his time will come, hopefully sooner rather than later. There are others at u19 level also getting “bench time” so surely the gaffer will use them in due course when he feels the opportunity and time is right, The step up to WPL level is a huge one for these youngsters as Alex Boss found out when he was given a start early in the season by Legg. No disgrace in his performance that day, and again his time will come as he develops and matures as a footballer, but those working with these lads every day know if they are ready or not.
Now for the misinformed part, Oscar Durnin. Having witnessed first hand his “cameo” appearances for Bangor this season the guy just isn’t “there”, or “on it”. He looks disinterested, poor on the ball and nowhere near good enough at this level. As for what Bangor saw in him that is a question that should be put to the owners and the shadowy figures involved in the transfer committee. I’m hazarding a wild guess that someone knew his dad, or was a friend of his agent and that a little bit of money changed hands in several directions. I fear there will be a few more “Oscar Durnin’s” as the season progresses