Player Profile: Ieuan Evans
September 2nd, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Ieuan Evans
Due to a number of injuries and long periods of not turning up, Ieuan hasn’t had many chances to play and has often found himself as substitute. This has led to his greatest claim to fame – his goals-per-minute ratio, which he may have mentioned to you at some point.
Able to play on both wings or up top, his speed and school-kid-like direct running causes a lot of problems for defenders and he’s not afraid to run at anyone. Has lots of natural ability and good technique when striking the ball, and will get better with match experience and a slightly more reserved approach.
Fast, athletic and skillful, he could be a great asset if he stopped falling over after a 15 yard sprint and listened out for his teammates shouting instructions. Can only get better and if he stays fit could be a great impact player as shown in glimpses in season 1 & 2.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Striker
Favourite Vaders moment?
Playing in the Vaders vs Veterans Charity match with all the boys supporting the cause.
Worst Vaders moment?
Spending 2 seasons out injured.
Player Profile: Richard Boydell
September 1st, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Richard Boydell
A Vader from day one and a main stay in the starting 11 for the first 2 seasons, Rich has occupied every position at least once with the exception of centre back. His flexibility has been of great help to the Vaders but has also been to his own detriment on times, having not being able to hold a regular position. During the first season he occupied a centre midfield role and excelled in the 4-5-1 formation which allowed him to get forward and get some shots off (he likes shooting), and bagged a few goals.
After recovering from an ankle injury which saw him out for 8 weeks, new squad additions and Lee Isaac’s shift patterns clashing with Vader fixtures, Rich occupied the right wing for most of season 2. It remains to be seen if he can reclaim a centre midfield role in the new season or we’ll see him chop and change again.
Fast, determined and with a kick like a mule, he’ll be hoping his aging knees don’t slow him down too much and will be looking to add more than the 2 goals he scored in season 2 (he REALLY likes shooting).
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Centre midfield
Favourite Vaders moment?
Scoring winning goal vs Bridgend Pumas or the Vaders winning the semi-final shootout against Lamb & Flag
Worst Vaders moment?
Being subbed against St Pat’s after 35mins
Player Profile: Allan Thomas
August 31st, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Allan Thomas
Allan ‘Cwtch’ Thomas has been at the heart of the Vaders defence since the start and, a few howlers aside, has been a consistent performer and is usually the voice of the back four. Has a competitive side which sometimes sees him ‘take one for the team’ and enjoys a good argument with the ref and the opposition.
He’s never missed a penalty (yawn), is really fit (zzz) and gives the best cwtches known to man. Always good for a Cock of the Week vote (sometimes unfairly), but also puts in some Man of the Match performances. Comfortable across the whole of the back four, his adaptability has seen him occupy a place in the team almost every game since the Vaders begun.
Very good in the air for his size, strong in the tackle and a great communicator, Cwtch puts his body on the line for the team and is a Vader through and through. As always, competition for places in the defence is hotting up so he’ll need to keep his performances up to ensure he remains ever-present.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Centre Back
Favourite Vaders moment?
Beating the pats last season.
Worst Vaders moment?
Losing the cup final and waking up most sundays still pissed!
Player Profile: Steve Boydell
August 30th, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Steve Boydell
Steve was approached initially by Vaders Secretary, Rob, to come and coach the Vaders due to his huge experience (old) and reputation. A little apprehensive at first but once he came and watched one training session he was soon a devoted Vader and helped immensely as coach.
After taking charge of team duties along with Rob during season 1 he decided to concentrate more on playing at the start of season 2 and left the headache of picking the team to Rob. This proved a good decision as he rolled back the years to earn several Man of the Match awards during the season as well as scoring some crucial goals (when the other team weren’t ‘cheating’).
Comfortable on the ball in any situation with no real weakness, Steve is the loudest voice on the pitch (has a great scream, but not quite as good as Titch’s) and helps others as much as he can. Can be open to more criticism from the boys when he messes up due to his standing, but can be a priceless member of the team in certain situations. Re-taken up team selection duties this season, remains to be seen how long he’ll stay that side of the touchline, although made a great start with team selection and a big win in first game of season 3.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Manager
Favourite Vaders moment?
Signing for the 2nd biggest club in Europe, Garth Vader of course.
Worst Vaders moment?
Being knocked unconscious and spending the afternoon having my head sewn back together in POW.
Player Profile: Robert Boydell
August 30th, 2012 // Player Profiles,Team News // Richard Boydell
Robert Boydell
Vaders secretary, coach, player and everything in-between, Rob has put more effort into the club than anyone else. He organises training, team gatherings and match days and supplies everything needed by the League Committee and SWFA.
Often sacrificing a place in the team for himself, he should maybe play a little more as one of only 2 left footers in the squad. He’s had some inconsistent performances (by his own admission) which are mainly down to cameo roles and lack of minutes, but has shown as much effort on the field as he does off it. When he plays his left foot can be invaluable in some games as he can get in crosses from the left flank that nobody else in the squad can (a weakness of the Vaders). When playing, this has added to his frustration of all the ball being played down the right.
A good left foot, decent skill and faster than Blackie, he’ll be looking for some more minutes on the pitch this season before his age defies him. He may get it with Steve taking up team selection duties. And he deserves it.
Quick-fire Questions
Favourite position?
Left wing
Favourite Vaders moment?
The amazing support shown by the team and their families on the charity day for my daughter.
Worst Vaders moment?
Having to pick the team for the cup final, hardest decisions I’ve had to make.
