30 Cymru Premier Best Players of All Time

Andrew Kovacs

The Cymru Premier is the top flight of Welsh football and has been home to some of the greatest footballers to ever grace the game.

From legendary strikers such as Mark Hughes and Ian Rush to midfield maestros like Ryan Giggs and Aaron Ramsey, the Cymru Premier has been host to some of the most talented players the game has ever seen.

We will be taking a look at some of the best players the Cymru Premier has seen, and why they are remembered so fondly.

1. Adrian Cieślewicz

Adrian Cieślewicz is a Polish professional footballer who currently plays for The New Saints of Cymru Premier. He was born in Poland, but at age 8 moved to the Faroe Islands where he would grow up.

Cieślewicz is a product of the Manchester City academy, where he developed as a young player and eventually made it to the professional level with The New Saints.

His early years of living in the Faroe Islands and his education at the Manchester City academy have both contributed to his current success as a footballer.

2. Declan McManus

Declan Joseph McManus is a well-known Scottish professional footballer. He currently plays as a forward for Cymru Premier club The New Saints. Prior to joining The New Saints, McManus has had a long and successful career, playing for several different teams.

He began his professional career with Aberdeen in the Scottish Premier League. After a few seasons at Aberdeen, McManus went on to join Fleetwood Town in the English Football League.

He also played for Greenock Morton, Alloa Athletic, Raith Rovers, Dunfermline Athletic, Ross County, and Falkirk. Throughout his career, McManus has been able to demonstrate his quality as a footballer and has been a key contributor to the teams he has played for.

3. Jon Routledge

Jonathan Joseph Routledge is a professional footballer from England who currently plays for The New Saints, a team in the Cymru Premier division. He is a versatile player, capable of playing in a number of different positions, including midfield and defence.

Routledge began his career in non-league football, playing for sides such as Bedlington Terriers, Consett and Whitley Bay. He then moved up to the professional level, signing for Newcastle United in 2012.

After spending two years at the club, he moved to Gateshead, where he made 58 appearances and scored six goals. In 2015, Routledge signed for The New Saints, where he has gone on to become an integral part of the team.

He has made over 100 appearances for the club, helping them to win the Cymru Premier in 2018 and 2019. He was also part of the side that reached the UEFA Champions League in 2019, becoming the first Welsh side to do so.

Routledge has established himself as one of the best players in the Cymru Premier, and his performances have earned him recognition from the Welsh national team. He has been capped three times for the team, and will no doubt be a key player for them in the future.

4. Ryan Brobbel

Ryan Brobbel is an accomplished footballer who has made a name for himself in the football industry. He began his professional career in 2011 when he signed a contract with Middlesbrough, a team in the English Premier League.

After playing in their youth system for a few years, he was promoted to the professional team. Since then, Ryan has made a name for himself in the football industry.

He has gone on to play for a number of teams in the Cymru Premier League, including his current team, The New Saints. As a winger, Ryan has developed a reputation for his speed, agility, and ability to create chances for his team.

Ryan Brobbel has worked hard to become the footballer he is today, and his dedication and commitment have paid off. He has become an important part of The New Saints’ team, and his contributions have helped them to make a name for themselves in the Cymru Premier League.

It is clear that Ryan Brobbel is an important part of the footballing world, and he is sure to continue to make a name for himself in the future.

5. Daniel Redmond

Daniel Stephen Redmond is an accomplished professional footballer currently playing for Cymru Premier League club The New Saints. Redmond began his career with English side Wigan Athletic, where he made his professional debut and featured in several matches.

After two years at Wigan, Redmond moved to Scotland to join Hamilton Academical. During his time at Hamilton, Redmond made a significant impact, appearing in over fifty matches and scoring two goals. After his success at Hamilton, Redmond was signed by Carlisle United in 2018.

Once again, Redmond demonstrated his quality and ability, appearing in fifty-eight matches for the club and scoring four goals. In 2020, Redmond signed for The New Saints, a Cymru Premier League club.

Redmond has since established himself as an integral member of the side, contributing to their successful season in the league.

6. Daniel Williams

Daniel Patrick Williams is a professional footballer from Wales. He currently plays as a midfielder for Cymru Premier club The New Saints. Williams began his career playing for local teams before joining The New Saints in 2015.

He has since become an integral part of the club’s starting lineup, helping them to multiple successful seasons in the Cymru Premier. Williams is a dynamic midfielder who is known for his passing abilities and creative vision on the ball.

He can also provide a goal scoring threat from midfield, having scored several important goals for The New Saints in recent years.

An experienced and accomplished player, Williams has played a major role in helping The New Saints to solidify their place as one of the top teams in the Cymru Premier.

7. Louis Robles

Louis Gabriel Robles is an English professional footballer who currently plays as a winger for Cymru Premier club Newtown. He has had a long and successful career in the sport, beginning at the age of nine when he joined the Liverpool academy in 2005.

Over the next eight years, he developed his skills and honed his technique, establishing himself as a talented young footballer.

At the age of 16, he left Liverpool and joined Wigan Athletic, a professional football club, where he continued his development and sharpened his skills.

Since then, Robles has gone on to play for several clubs, eventually settling at Newtown where he has become an important part of the team. His experience and leadership have been integral to the team’s success in recent years.

8. Ash Baker

Ashley Thomas Baker is a Welsh professional footballer who currently plays for the Cymru Premier club The New Saints. He is a defender, and is also a Wales Under-21 international. His career began in Wales, where he began playing at a young age in the local leagues.

He was soon spotted by scouts and signed to a team in the Cymru Premier, the highest level of soccer in Wales. Since then, he has become a regular starter for The New Saints, and has been an important part of their success.

He has also been called up to represent his country in the Under-21 age group, and has made several appearances for the national team. Baker is highly regarded for his hard work and dedication, and is considered one of the best defenders in the league.

His talent and skill have earned him recognition and respect from players, coaches, and fans alike.

9. Martell Taylor-Crossdale

Martell De-Angelo Taylor-Crossdale is a highly-skilled English professional footballer. He currently plays as a striker for the Welsh Premier League club, Haverfordwest County.

With his impressive technical ability, Taylor-Crossdale has established himself as a key player for Haverfordwest County, scoring a number of important goals to help his team to success.

He has an eye for goal and is a constant threat in the box, always looking to create chances for his team-mates. His pace and agility make him a difficult opponent for defenders, often finding space in behind the defence and using his skill to great effect.

Taylor-Crossdale is a hardworking player, always looking to make an impact and help his team to victory. He is an integral part of the Haverfordwest County team, and his goalscoring prowess has seen him become one of the most feared strikers in the Welsh Premier League.

10. Josh Pask

Joshua David Pask is a talented and professional English footballer who is currently playing for Cymru Premier team The New Saints.

He plays as a defender and is a key member of the squad. Pask has been playing football for many years and is an experienced and well-rounded player. He has the ability to read the game well and make strong decisions on the pitch.

He is also known for his strong defensive instincts and is able to thwart any attack that comes his way. Off the field, Pask is a great team player. He is always willing to help out his teammates and is well-liked by the other members of the squad.

He is also willing to put in the extra work necessary to help the team reach their goals. Pask has been a great asset to The New Saints and has been an integral part of the team’s success.

He is a great example of a talented and professional footballer and one that all aspiring players should look to emulate.

11. Eddie Clarke

Edmond Clarke is a professional footballer from England who plays in the left back position for the team Bootle. He is a highly talented player with a natural ability to read the game. He is a reliable defender who is capable of providing defensive cover for his team-mates.

He has a good understanding of the game and is able to make quick decisions. He is also a great dribbler and has an excellent work rate. He is an important part of the team and his presence is always felt on the pitch.

He is a strong tackler and is able to make timely interventions to stop the opposition’s attack. Off the pitch, Edmond is a great leader and an inspirational figure for his team-mates.

He is a great role model for young players and is an example of how hard work and dedication can help one reach the top.

12. Aaron Williams

Aaron John Williams is a professional footballer from England. He currently plays for the Cymru Premier team Newtown as a forward. Williams has played in the Football League for three teams: Walsall, Peterborough United, and Newport County.

He has also earned international recognition for his talent, as he is currently a part of the England C-team. Williams is a highly talented player, and his experience in the Football League make him a valuable asset to the Newtown team.

13. Zeli Ismail

Zeli Ismail is a highly talented professional footballer who currently plays for Cymru Premier club Newtown. He plays in the right midfield position which requires a combination of attacking and defensive skills.

Ismail was born in Albania and has been playing football since early childhood. He has been successful in his career, having been selected to represent England at both the under-16 and under-17 levels.

His skill and potential were recognized by the English Football Association, thus leading to his selection for the national team. Ismail has also played for a number of clubs in various leagues, including the English Premier League, FA Cup and Championship.

He is highly respected in the football world for his ability and has been praised for his commitment and dedication to the game. Ismail is a valuable asset to Newtown and his presence in the club has led to the team’s success in recent years.

14. Ben Clark

Benjamin Clark is a former professional football player from England. He was a center-back, meaning he played in the back of the field, providing a defensive presence for his team. During his career, he had the opportunity to play for four different teams.

He began his career with Sunderland, then played for Hartlepool United, followed by Gateshead and ultimately South Shields. After his playing career, Clark joined Gateshead as their first-team manager.

He also served as the team’s community officer, putting his footballing expertise to work in a more hands-on role. He was an advocate for his team and the local community, helping to foster a connection between the two.

His work in football was not done after his playing career, and he used his skills to help Gateshead reach their potential.

15. Leo Smith

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Lionel H. “Leo” Smith was a professional Major League Baseball shortstop who played during the 1890 season. He was a part of the Rochester Broncos team, which was a National League team based in Rochester, New York.

Smith was an important part of the Broncos team, playing in all of their games during the 1890 season. He was an important leader on the team, helping to guide the team to a record of 65 wins and 45 losses.

Smith was known for his strong defensive skills, as he was able to make difficult plays look easy. He also had a solid batting average of .240 during the season, with 16 RBIs and four stolen bases.

Smith was a key part of the team’s success and was a crucial member of the roster. After the season, Smith went on to play for several other teams before eventually retiring in 1895.

Leo Smith’s contributions to the game of baseball will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of the game.

16. Andy Firth

Andrew Firth is a professional athlete who plays as a goalkeeper for the Cymru Premier club Connah’s Quay Nomads.

He is an English native, born and raised in the country, and is now a pro footballer. Firth has been playing football since a young age and has worked hard to make it to the professional level. He is now part of the Connah’s Quay Nomads, a Cymru Premier club.

This club is one of the top-level teams in Wales, and Firth has been playing for them since the beginning of his professional career. As a goalkeeper, Firth is tasked with protecting the goal and preventing the opposing team from scoring.

He is responsible for communication with the defenders and midfielders and must have a good understanding of the game. He must have quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to read the game.

Firth is an important part of the Connah’s Quay Nomads team, and he has worked extremely hard to get to where he is. With his skill and dedication, he has become an English professional footballer and is now playing at the highest level of Welsh football.

17. Joshua Daniels

Joshua Christopher Daniels is a professional soccer player from Ireland. He currently plays for The New Saints, a team in the Cymru Premier League. Daniels is a versatile player, able to play as either a winger or a wing-back.

He has established himself as an important part of The New Saints’ squad, often playing an integral role in the team’s success.

His impressive skill and determination have seen him become a fan favorite, and his ability to play a variety of positions has made him an invaluable asset to the team.

He has been a key contributor to The New Saints’ success since joining the team, and his commitment to the team has been rewarded with a number of impressive performances..

18. Adam Mitter

Adam Thomas Mitter is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Krabi, a club in the Thai League 2.

Born in England in 1995, Mitter has enjoyed a successful career in football, starting out with the youth teams of Reading and then Millwall before signing a professional contract with Dagenham & Redbridge in his early twenties. Mitter has since gone on to play for a number of clubs in the English leagues, including Crawley Town and Bromley, with whom he won promotion to the National League South.

Following his success in England, Mitter moved abroad to play in Thailand, signing for Krabi in 2019. Since joining the club, Mitter has become a key member of the team, playing as a center-back and helping Krabi to a fourth-place finish in the 2019 season.

Mitter has also been praised for his leadership qualities and is seen as a role model to the younger players in the squad. With his experience, ability and leadership, Mitter has helped Krabi to establish itself as one of the top teams in the Thai League 2.

19. David Edwards

David Alexander Edwards is a professional footballer who currently plays for Cymru Premier club Bala Town. He began his career at his hometown club Shrewsbury Town, making his professional debut in 2003.

During his three full seasons with the team in League Two, he developed his skills and gained experience. In July 2007, Edwards moved to Luton Town of League One, and since then, he has been playing in the higher divisions of the football world.

His impressive performance with the team earned him a move to Bala Town in 2019. He has been a successful player with the team ever since and is highly regarded in the Cymru Premier.

20. Jazz Richards

Ashley Darel Jazz Richards is a professional footballer from Wales. He currently plays as a full-back for Haverfordwest County, a club that competes in the Cymru Premier League. Richards is a versatile defensive player, capable of playing both at left and right back.

He is a strong tackler and an accurate passer of the ball, making him a valuable asset to any team. Richards has represented Wales at various youth levels and is seen as an up-and-coming talent in the Welsh football scene.

He has featured regularly for Haverfordwest County, helping them to several top-half finishes in the league. Richards will be looking to continue his impressive form in the future and is likely to be a key figure in the Welsh football landscape for many years to come.

21. Steve Evans

Steve Evans is a very experienced and successful football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of EFL League One club Stevenage and has been since 2019.

Evans has been a manager in the English leagues since 2004 when he took charge of Boston United in the fourth tier.

He has since gone on to manage Crawley Town, Rotherham United, Leeds United and Mansfield Town. Evans started his career as a player in 1982, playing for various clubs in Scotland before moving to England in the 1990s.

He represented Boston United, Peterborough United, and Crawley Town as a player before retiring in 2004. Throughout his managerial career, Evans has always been known for his positive attitude and his ability to get the best out of his players.

His career has been marked by several promotions and successful campaigns, most notably with Rotherham United in 2013-14, where he led the club to promotion from League Two to the Championship. Evans is currently in charge of Stevenage and is looking to lead the club to promotion from League One.

He has already made a number of signings this season and is hoping to make further additions during the January transfer window.

22. David Cotterill

David Rhys George Best Cotterill is a retired Welsh footballer who had a successful career as a winger. He was born in Cardiff and began his career with Bristol City in 2002.

Cotterill then went on to join Premier League Wigan Athletic in 2007, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Sheffield United in 2009. Initially, he joined Sheffield United on loan but the move was later made permanent.

During his time with Sheffield United, Cotterill earned his reputation as a reliable winger and became a fan favorite. He retired from professional football in 2019 after 17 years in the game.

Throughout his career, Cotterill made over 400 appearances, scoring over 50 goals and providing numerous assists for his teammates. He won a League Cup in 2006 with Wigan Athletic and was also a member of the Welsh national team, making 18 appearances and scoring four goals.

Cotterill’s career was impressive and he is remembered fondly for his loyal and hardworking attitude on and off the pitch. He is considered to be one of the greatest Welsh wingers of all time and his legacy will live on for many years to come.

23. Eifion Williams

Eifion Wyn Williams is a Welsh former footballer who had a successful career, playing in the Football League for over 300 games. Out of those 300 games, he played over 200 for Hartlepool United.

His impressive performances earned him a place to represent Wales at B level, as well as Ynys Môn at the Island Games. At the Island Games, Williams was the top scorer in 1997 with 6 goals. He usually played as a striker or on the wing, depending on the team’s needs.

Williams was known for being a dynamic player, often attacking with speed and skill. His ability to score goals and create chances enabled him to be a valuable asset to any team he played on..

24. Owain Tudur Jones

Owain Tudur Jones is an acclaimed Welsh former footballer who had a successful career in the sport. He was a defensive midfielder and had the honor of representing the Wales national football team.

During his time as a professional footballer, he played for a number of clubs, starting from Porthmadog, Bangor City, Swansea City, Swindon Town, Norwich City, Yeovil Town, Brentford, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hibernian and Falkirk.

His impressive ability to read the game and his commitment to the team enabled him to have a successful career. Throughout his time at each club, Owain Tudur Jones played with passion and commitment, striving to make the most of his opportunities.

He was an integral part of each side, bringing great energy and skill to the team. He was a key figure in helping his teams achieve their objectives and was often praised for his defensive work.

His leadership and tactical awareness enabled him to play a pivotal role in each side’s successes. Owain Tudur Jones was an important figure for Wales on the international stage.

He was a key part of the team during his time representing them and his dedication to the team was evident in his performances.

His experience and understanding of the game enabled him to make a positive impact on the team. Overall, Owain Tudur Jones had a highly successful career as a footballer. He played for a number of clubs and was an important part of the Wales national team.

His ability to read the game and his commitment to each team enabled him to make a positive impact wherever he went. He will be remembered as a highly respected footballer who made a huge contribution to the sport.

25. Lee Trundle

Lee Christopher Trundle is an English footballer who currently plays for Ardal League South West side Mumbles Rangers. He is a striker, which means he is responsible for scoring goals for the team.

In addition to playing, Trundle also works as the club ambassador and youth team coach for Championship side Swansea City. As club ambassador, Trundle is involved in a variety of activities, such as promoting the club, engaging with fans, and organizing community events.

As youth team coach, Trundle is in charge of training the younger players, teaching them the fundamentals of the game, and helping them develop their skills.

Through his roles with both Mumbles Rangers and Swansea City, Trundle is able to make a positive impact on the football community.

26. Gary Roberts

Gareth Michael Roberts is an experienced and well-known figure in English football. He is currently a first-team coach at National League side Chesterfield, but he has also had a successful career as a player.

Roberts has played in the English football league system and the Welsh Premier League, representing teams in all three divisions of the Football League. He has proven himself as a versatile footballer who can perform at a high level in a variety of positions.

Roberts has also been involved in coaching throughout his career and has built up a reputation as an excellent mentor to younger players. He is highly respected within the game and is a valuable asset to any team.

27. Craig Jones

Craig Jones is a retired footballer who played as a midfielder during his career. He is a three-time Welsh Premier League champion and was club captain at Bury.

Before his retirement, Craig represented several Welsh clubs including Airbus UK Broughton, Aberystwyth Town, Rhyl, TNS, and Connah’s Quay.

During his time with Bury, Craig was an essential part of the team, and his leadership saw them crowned as Welsh Premier League champions three times.

He also helped Airbus UK Broughton to reach the UEFA Europa League in 2010–11 and was part of the Aberystwyth Town side that won the Welsh Cup in 2013. Craig’s impressive career also saw him represent Welsh clubs Rhyl, TNS, and Connah’s Quay.

At each of these clubs, he was an important part of the team, contributing to their successes in the Welsh Premier League. Craig Jones was an important figure in Welsh football during his career, and his impressive achievements make him a truly remarkable player.

He is a three-time Welsh Premier League champion, and his club captaincy at Bury saw them become the champions of the league on three occasions.

Craig also represented several other Welsh clubs, helping them to reach the UEFA Europa League, win the Welsh Cup, and achieve success in the Premier League. His legacy will be remembered for many years to come.

28. Mark Delaney

Mark Anthony Delaney is a retired professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career in the United Kingdom. He started out at Carmarthen Town, where he gained experience as a right back.

From there, he moved on to Cardiff City in the Premier League, where he had a very successful stint.

He also had a brief spell at Aston Villa, before retiring from the game. In addition to his club career, Delaney also enjoyed a successful international career with the Welsh national team.

He earned 36 caps for his country and was an important part of the team during his time with them.

His experience and tactical knowledge helped the Welsh team to secure some impressive results. Overall, Mark Anthony Delaney can look back on a stellar career in the world of football.

His time at Carmarthen Town, Cardiff City and Aston Villa all contributed to his success, as did his time with the Welsh national team. His contributions will be remembered for many years to come.

29. Lee Jenkins

Lee Jenkins is a professional footballer from Wales. He has played in the Welsh Premier League, the top football division in the country, for many years. Most recently, Lee Jenkins has been playing for Carmarthen Town, a Welsh Premier League side.

Jenkins has also played for other clubs in the Welsh Premier League such as Connah’s Quay Nomads, Llanelli Town, and Newtown. Jenkins has been playing football since his youth and has always been passionate about the sport.

He has developed and honed his skills over the years, and is now considered one of the top players in the Welsh Premier League.

His technical ability and understanding of the game have made him a key player for his current team. Lee Jenkins has also been involved in the Welsh national team, appearing in several matches.

He has been an integral part of the team, helping them to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.

Jenkins is a popular player in Wales and is respected by both his teammates and opponents. Overall, Lee Jenkins is a professional footballer from Wales who has been playing in the Welsh Premier League for many years.

He currently plays for Carmarthen Town and has made a significant contribution to the Welsh national team. He is a respected player who has developed his skills over the years and is now considered one of the top players in the Welsh Premier League.

30. Greg Draper

Gregory Alexander Draper is an English-born New Zealand footballer and coach. He was born in England but is now a citizen of New Zealand. He is currently a player-coach with The New Saints under-21s. This means that Draper is both a player and a coach for the team.

He is responsible for training, motivating and leading the players to success. He is also expected to play on the field and help the team to achieve their goals. Draper has a wealth of experience in both coaching and playing, which makes him well-suited to his role.

He is passionate about helping young players to develop their skills and reach their potential. With his knowledge and expertise, he is able to nurture and inspire the team to be the best they can be.

Conclusion

The Cymru Premier is filled with top-level players from across the world. The likes of Chris Gunter, Aaron Ramsey, and Joe Allen have all made significant contributions to the league and have helped make it one of the best leagues in Europe.

Their skill and dedication to the game have earned them the respect of their peers and fans alike. With the quality of players in the Cymru Premier, it is no wonder that the league is quickly becoming one of the most competitive soccer leagues in the world.

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Andrew Kovacs

I am a Head Boys Soccer Coach at Amherst Regional Public Schools in Massachusetts. I have coached for the past five years and I am currently working on my master's degree in Exercise Science. I coach soccer because I love the game and I enjoy being around the kids. It is rewarding to see them develop their skills and grow as individuals. LinkedIn