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Jack grabs goals galore for Bluebirds
Jack Christopher is only 21 years of age but the Haverfordwest County striker can already lay claim to being one of the best strikers in the Welsh Premier League because in 16 starts this campaign he has grabbed no fewer than 18 goals; 14 in the league and another four in cup matches.
Over the years Bluebirds’ supporters have enjoyed watching a number of proven goal grabbers at the Bridge Meadow and Jack is certainly the latest because included in that heap of goals, grabbed at more than a goal a match, Jack has claimed a hat-trick against Airbus and a vital Boxing Day brace at the Bridge Meadow as the Bluebirds slammed Aberystwyth 5-1, plus goals against Carmarthen in league and cup, and other braces against Porthmadog (league) and Pontypridd (cup).
First Welsh honour
His performances earned him his first international honours as he joined team-mates Lee Idzi and Craig Hanford in selection for Wales at under 23s at semi-professional level, turning out against Finland at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli. Jack played up front and although Wales eventually lost by the only goal of the match he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is hoping to gain selection again in the near future.
Scoring so many goals attracted the attention of Cardiff City and Jack was invited to attend Ninian Park for a week’s trial where he trained with the first-team squad and learned a great deal – and the signs are good that he will be invited back for another trial some time in the near future.
Much learned from last season
Jack is a local lad from the Tenby area and last season saw him score 14 goals, despite missing almost ten matches through injury or suspension, and had manager Derek Brazil singing his praises for his attitude to the work needed to keep him sharp and finding the net.
“But I still need to sharpen up my shooting skills, “said Jack, “and I’m determined that there are going to be no more red cards for me after two last season. They cost me five weeks out of the team in all and I had a month out from injury – and I couldn’t wait to get back in action alongside another local in Nicky Woodrow so that we could carry on our strike partnership.”
Ironically, Jack was rightly proud of the fact that before last campaign he hadn’t received even a single yellow card, let alone a sending-off, but he was shown a yellow card for kicking the ball away against Caersws when he didn’t hear the whistle, followed by a second yellow for showing dissent. The same referee then sent him off against Carmarthen Town for an off the ball incident over which Jack still protests his innocence – and had him vowing not to make it a hat-trick of sendings-off at any time. He has certainly lived up to that promise this campaign because his self-discipline is evident for all to see and he has stayed on the pitch at all times –so well done Jack!
Natural goal-grabber
Jack has been a striker throughout his playing career, which started when he was a nine year old with Tenby, coached into his teens by Dean Hurlow and scoring goals galore in the process. His highest bag in one match was nine goals in a 21-0 win over Kilgetty, with his cousin, Tom Christopher, in the opposition’s goal!
He also scored seven goals against Solva and six goals against Kilgetty in another match with a season’s best of almost 60 goals as proof of his nose for goals. These feats earned him selection for the county at under 14, 15 and 16 levels under Derek Roberts and Steve Maytum, followed by trials at Swansea City and Cardiff City, for whom he played in their Centre of Excellence team over three seasons.
“I also played for the Academy team at the Pembrokeshire College for two years with Ronnie Beynon and learned a lot, being chosen as captain for one season. Then it was onto McWhirter under 17 league football, playing all over South Wales and winning the title, and I managed to grab 30 goals that season. This was followed by winning the McWhirter under 19 cup final against Cambrian & Clydach at Goytre’s ground,” says Jack, “I was captain that season and there was no score until the last minute of extra time, when I took the ball on the edge of the box and managed to fire it into the top corner of the net. It was a great moment for me and lifting the cup was really special.”
Jack joins the Bluebirds
Jack first joined the Haverfordwest County senior squad when Deryn Brace was manager and he scored in a friendly against Cardiff City despite being marked by first team regular Darren Pearce. Then Derek Brazil took over the reins at the Bridge Meadow and gave him the chance to prove himself last campaign - and Jack has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His tally included goal braces at home to Aberystwyth, Newi Cefn Druids and Porthmadog, and one of his ambitions was to grab his first hat-trick in the Welsh Premier League, which he managed this season against Airbus.
Superb support
“I’ve been very lucky to have so much support from my parents, Louise and Andrew Christopher, plus Dean Hurlow and Ronnie Beynon, with Derek Brazil, Mark Evans, Mickie Ellis and chairman Rob Summons great at the Bridge Meadow. The senior players at the club are very supportive and I’ve learned from characters like Neil Thomas, Terry Evans and Tom Ramuset.
“Haverfordwest County are a smashing club to play for and the regular supporters are brilliant – and I hope I can score heaps more goals for the Bluebirds in the future.”
And do you know what? Jack Christopher is a focussed young man who is good in the air and has a real nose for goals – and he will serve Haverfordwest County proud and who knows? He might go even further one day if he gets the right breaks!
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