Peter Griffiths picks his best St Clears team over last 20 years

There aren't many roles that Peter Griffiths hasn't done at St Clears in recent times.

Fixture secretary, second team manager, social media guru, and during this campaign first team goalkeeper again.

He's lifted some silverware for the club too, one famously saving three penalties in a shootout when the seconds beat Fishguard in a Fifth Division Cup final.

For the selection of the club's team of the century, he needed some help though: "I contacted about 10 former players so no one can blame me if they're not in," he joked.

1. JAMES DICKSON

Played two seasons in Division One with us a few years ago, and was the hero in the penalty shootout when we won the Mond Cup for the first time. Not the biggest of keepers but his shot stopping and agility made him one of the best in Pembrokeshire. Won us a lot of points throughout his time with us.

2. MARTIN THOMAS

Played for the club for many years and has experienced the highs and lows as a captain and vice. A true clubman, one of the shortest centre half's in the league but his timing in the air makes up for that. His reading of the game is up there with the best and not you don't often see him having to slide into tackles. Surprises the opposition with his strength and an all round top bloke.

3. MICHAEL LEEFE

Played for the club in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. A hard tackling fullback with thighs like tree trunks and as strong going forward as he was in defence. Was so comfortable on the ball he could’ve played anywhere on the pitch. A big character on and off the pitch, he later moved to Carmarthen to play. Now in his 40's showed in a recent charity game that even carrying an extra couple of stone, he still had it.

4. CRAIG WESTON

Played his first game for the seconds down in St Florence when he was 12 because they were short. After playing junior football in Kilgetty (as there was no juniors at St Clears until he was 14), at 15 transferred to St Clears seniors and played for the seconds. Following season played for the firsts when we got promoted and became the youngest player to win the Players' Player and Committee Player of the Season awards. Been a big part of the club for numerous years, and is returning next season to assist Nick with the first team.

5. MARK SNELLING

Mark or 'Gonzo' as he's known to all can go down as a club legend - only retiring two summers ago after 35 years of loyal service. Always had the knack of knowing where the ball was heading before anyone else. Great in the tackle and a true leader, he performed every role at the club during his time. A pleasure to play with, his experience was the perfect blend when bringing through youngsters beside him. 

6. NICK SQIURE

Skipper. Would be first on most team sheets. A born leader and never gives less than 100%. Also a former captain of Haverfordwest Youth, he lived in Manchester for a few years, came back and helped the firsts win Division Three and then the following season captained the club to promotion to Division One - and was the first player in the club's history to lift the Mond cup. Brilliant in the air and very comfortable with the ball at his feet, he should have played a higher standard. Back at the club after a season away and taking over as player-manager when we finally get back. Very exciting times ahead.

7. CHARLIE SMITH

One of the fittest and most underrated players in the league during his time with us - loved a tackle and did a lot of work for the team. Served the club as a player and a manager. Scored his fair share of goals, and one of the first players you would pick to play alongside in midfield - and still loves a tackle as shown in several recent charity games!

8. DEIAN GLYN

Played for a few seasons in the early 2000’s. A centre midfielder that would double in weight if his kit got wet. Was like a Jack Russell on the pitch, and for 90 minutes would be at people’s ankles and gave non-stop chat. Never backed down and would always stand his ground. Would cover every blade of grass but had a lot more than just that. A very good footballing brain and could pick out a pinpoint pass. Now living in Bristol.

9. GARETH GRIFFITHS

Played for the firsts straight from junior football until two seasons ago, when he had to stop due to work commitments. Could play anywhere in defence or midfield. One of those players who was a managers' dream, never complained, just rolled his sleeves up got on with it. One of the fittest players the club has had and had the ability to look comfortable playing in any conditions no matter if it was Division Three or Division One - and being a farmer was the only one smiling going onto the pitch if it was a bog. One of the nicest blokes you can meet.

10. SAM THOMAS

Made his debut for St Clears as a 16 year old when the firsts were playing home and a man short, Sam stepped in and scored a ha-trick! Went on to win Players' Player and Committee Player that season. A player with so much passion and loved football so much would’ve played everyday if he could have. Very underrated, would’ve easily scored 10 to 15 more goals a season if he’d been selfish. A nightmare for defenders as he also loved to get stuck in further up the pitch, pound for pound one of the toughest players around. Now living in Bristol but often back to watch us play and have a few beers. A top bloke.

11. JOSH JONES

Made his debut for the firsts a few years back as a 16 year old and only in his mid 20’s now. Hasn’t been able to play as much as he wanted in the last couple of seasons due to work and injuries. Was involved in the firsts when we went from Division Three to One in consecutive seasons, winning the Mond Cup and Division Two Cup. Can play out wide, in the No 10 role or up top. One of the most naturally gifted footballers the club has seen and with a bit more commitment and effort will be right up there with the best. The most laidback person around who loves a few beers.

12. SEAN SEYMOUR DAVIES

The most unnaturally gifted players you’ll find. He has scored 20 plus goals in seasons in Division Three to One, and the most likely player to score the important ones. A very versatile player, and always willing to mix it up.

13. NATHAN EVANS

A great understanding of the game and now currently playing for Carew. Has a great ability to find a key pass, often stands out in a game whether it’s through his persistent whinging or trying to control the midfield! Has a handful of Welsh League caps with Haverfordwest County, and been a vital player for the Saints in the last 10 years.

14. ALEC WESTON

'Fatty' could play anywhere in defence or in centre midfield. Came from the Under 16’s straight into the first team. Outstanding in the air and rarely lost a header. No nonsense defender who could play a bit but enjoyed a tackle and was at his best in the scrappy, physical games. If it wasn’t for a knee injury which stopped him playing regularly there’s no doubt he would’ve been in the 11.

MANAGER - CRAIG WESTON

As well as making the starting 11, 'Bugs' can also go down as one of our most successful managers, regrouping the team with successive promotions from Three to One as well as cup final appearances and wins. Good man manger with his love for the club plain to see. An excellent club man and we are pleased to have him back as an assistant and committee member for next season.