Where are they now? – Rhys Griffiths
A seven time Welsh Premier League top goalscorer, Rhys Griffiths is a household name in Welsh domestic football folklore. However, what did ever happen to the Welsh Premier League’s second all time top goalscorer?
Having developed his trade at Cwmbran, Haverfordwest and Carmarthen Town, it was at Port Talbot Town that the prolific forward made a name for himself. At the Steelmen, Griffiths engraved his name into Port Talbot history and during his second season at the club he managed to bag 28 goals in 32 games.
This earned Griffiths a switch to Llanelli Town, with which Griffiths proved his invaluable worth. During his six years at Stebonheath, he netted 180 times in 181 games to notch his name into Welsh Premier League history.
He made the switch to the Football League in 2012 where he spend two years, one a piece with Plymouth Argyle and Newport County. However, he returned to Wales with Port Talbot Town and then spent his final Welsh Premier League season with Aberystwyth Town.
However, where is he now?
Griffiths made his first steps into football club management this summer as he was appointed Welsh League Division One side Pen-Y-Bont’s manager, and even recently signed himself up for the club as a player.
After a difficult start, the former formidable striker has stabilised the Bridgend based club. With some recent positive results, the club, who formed after a merger between Bryntirion Athletic and Bridgend Town, sit nicely in 4th place. With 36 points in 20 games, the club are five points behind league leaders Barry Town United and are firmly still in the hunt for promotion.
The club have confirmed their desire for promotion having applied for the Welsh Premier League domestic license this term, and whilst it may not be their year this time round, the magnificent turnaround it evidence of Griffiths’ management acumen.
PHOTO CREDIT: BERNIE FORD
