Jack Wilson: Haverfordwest County’s Wizard of the Wing

A name on the lips of several JD Cymru enthusiasts after the opening ten weeks of the season is Haverfordwest County wideman Jack Wilson, but just who is the wizard of the wing?

When he scored his match-winning goal against Bala Town, it was a moment which highlighted his adaptability to a higher division. 

“It’s the best feeling ever, said Wilson. “A real statement to get off the mark and prove I can play in a higher league.”

The teenager, one of three in the Bluebirds squad who came up through the ranks of the Welsh Schools and Colleges system, has drawn plaudits for his start to the season.

He has netted four times for Wayne Jones side which sees them sit in seventh place in the league table ahead of their break this weekend.

Wilson, who has lived the majority of his life in Milford Haven some seven miles west of Haverfordwest was awarded the Bluebirds supporters ‘Player of the Month’ for the second time this season.

His energy, pace and direct play has shone, earning rave views from Wales C manager Mark Jones.

The youngster has learnt his trade alongside striker and school mate at Milford Comprehensive School, Ben Fawcett.

Both have taken the step up to the top league in their stride after starting out whilst in primary school for their local side Hakin United.

Manager Wayne Jones, who has plucked the very best young talents from the Pembrokeshire Leagues, has developed Wilson into a key player.

Wilson has played on both flanks and at times has been used as an impact player.

Leaping praise onto Wilson, the Bluebirds boss said: “He’s been brilliant. He is a massive threat.  It’s a case we use him the right way and we want to use him in the right way, nurturing him through. 

“He’s buying into what we are trying to do with him and thriving on it.  The award is well deserved.”

It was only last weekend, ahead of another goal-scoring performance in the West Walian sides’ 1-1 draw with title-chasing Bala Town that Wilson put pen to paper to extend his contract to 2022.

Despite his individual success, Wilson has remained committed to the overall performance of the squad: “The good start is down to the team spirit.  We want to stay up and if we can achieve that we want to aim higher. 

“I’m learning all the time, as our tactics change and I’m just trying to influence the game when I have the opportunity. 

“I’ve come back and I feel stronger and fitter than when we finished the season early last year and that’s down to the training systems in place and how I’ve respected it and embraced it.”

Wilson has had a solid upbringing, not only in football but through his early years, which has seen him earn a valuable lesson of respect for those who have been key to his nurturing.

“I’ve grown up playing football alongside Ben Fawcett, starting when we were four and we’ve played in the same teams throughout. 

“We know each other’s game, the runs we make and where we want the ball and now with Dan Williams, Marcus Griffiths and Mark Jones, we have added quality and I’m enjoying playing with them all.”

It seems the Bluebirds faithful can see what the Wilson wizardry has to offer and others within Welsh football are spellbound that the outpost in Pembrokeshire has unearthed a gem who will no longer go under the radar. 

At this stage, the Bluebirds haven’t had much interest from Clubs enquiring further about the magician, but if he continues to conjure up performances as he has, expect the cauldron of interest to escalate and further international recognition, too.

(Featured Image: John Smith/FAW)