WITH the domestic season ground to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, sports reporter Dean Jones picks out his all-time North Wales XI from his time watching the game.

Goalkeeper: Mike Jones

Incredible shot stopper who caught the eye during my first year as a sports reporter at the Denbighshire Free Press. Jones was part of the Denbigh Town team that went unbeaten to win the Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One title and played a leading part in his side’s success.

Despite not having the best of luck at Caernarfon Town or Prestatyn Town, it showed a lot about Jones’ character that he was able to get his career back on track at Guilsfield. The keeper has been one of their standout performers that could eventually end up with a second-placed finish in JD Cymru North if competitive action gets back underway following the coronavirus pandemic.

Right back: Craig Wilkinson

An accomplished player who has achieved a significant amount, Wilkinson is one of the most versatile and talented players you will ever come across.

There is nothing he can’t do on the pitch and his overall quality is match by his sensational work ethic. Wilkinson is till performing to an exceptionally high standard with Ruthin Town in JD Cymru North despite being in the twilight of his career.

Centre back: Dave Hayes

Hayes is one of the greatest players to ever put on a Prestatyn Town shirt. He has been the cornerstone of their success since coming through their Academy and captained the side during a memorable Welsh Cup win over Bangor City.

His determination, surprising eye for goal and ability to motivate others around him have been notable contributions over the years. And he is going to be a huge asset to Holywell Town when he steps on the field for them after recently joining them from the Seasiders.

Centre back: Danny Jellicoe

Jellicoe was undoubtedly the most commanding and accomplished centre half I have ever comes across in the region. A towering presence in the air and equally adept with the ball at his feet, he represented a daunting prospect for opposing strikers who always knew they were in for a tough test whenever they came up against him.

The defender enjoyed superb success at the likes of Bala Town and Denbigh Town and also proved his worth from a management perspective by guiding Corwen to the JD Cymru North last term.

Left-back: Nathan Craig

The Caernarfon Town captain is the heartbeat of the Cofis’ and plays with a determination and passion that has made him the lynchpin behind their recent success.

Craig is a former Everton trainee who has a wand for a left foot. His set-piece distribution is sensational, and he can influence a game from almost anywhere on the field. Simply put, the Canaries would not be where they are today without him.

Midfield: Gary Twynham

Twynham will go down in infamy as one of football’s great forgotten players. He was part of the class of 92 at Manchester United before deciding to cut his time with the team short.

I was fortunate enough to see Twynham play during his days at Rhyl Delta as a youngster, and it is always something that stuck with me. You could see just what a special talent he was and when you consider the greatest players to have ever emerged from the North Wales region, then Twynham is high on the shortlist.

Midfield: Owain Roberts

The ‘general’ of so many great midfields over the years, Roberts is as close to a complete football as you are ever likely to find. He enjoyed prolific spells at Colwyn Bay, Bala Town and Denbigh Town during his career and became an indispensable member of those squads.

Roberts’ energy was limitless, and he also provided a composure presence in the middle of the park. He has also been a significant asset to Denbigh’s backroom team this season in a player-coach capacity.

Midfield: Danny Hughes

The former Rhyl star and current Llandudno captain has enjoyed a tremendous career to date. Hughes is a formidable playmaker and has that rare ability to make good use of the ball every time he touches it.

His goalscoring has also improved in recent seasons, which is a further string to his bow. Hughes makes other players around him better and has incredible vision from the centre of the park.

Striker: Tom Mutton

Mutton is arguably the most clinical striker to ever come from the region. He was lighting quick and was an absolute nightmare to play against.

The forward enjoyed a spell at Burnley as a youngster and went on to become a professional at Swansea City. His time in the Welsh domestic system was highlighted by a prolific spell with Rhyl and played the game with a boundless enthusiasm that was a joy to watch.

Striker: Richard Williams-Cooke

Williams-Cooke displayed the sort of quality combined with ruthless aggression that is seldom seen in today’s game. He was a commanding force either in midfield or at the business end of the pitch and represented a problem that opposing players rarely solved.

The gifted left-footer played for Bala Town, Newtown and Denbigh Town during a standout career, and he transitioned this success into management during a historic time at the helm of his hometown club.

Striker: Matty Williams

There isn’t much that Williams couldn’t do with the ball at his feet. The former Manchester United trainee had a time with Notts County as a professional before going on to have trophy-laden stints at Rhyl and The New Saints.

Williams made things happen in the final third, was rarely wasteful in possession and was surprisingly good in the air. It is no surprise this came with a haul of medals from a player that is arguably the best that the region has ever produced.

Subs: Jonathan Hill-Dunt, Neil Coverley, Ceri James, Chris Williams, Darren Thomas, Calvin Davies.