Wales Football Awards: Wilde, Hadaway, Lindfield and Bevan Claim October JD Cymru Honors
When Colwyn Bay Football Club shut out every opponent in October, no one expected their manager to be the quietest man in the room. But that’s exactly what made Michael Wilde stand out. The Football Association of Wales announced the October 2024 Player and Manager of the Month winners across the JD Cymru Leagues on November 1, 2024 — and the results weren’t just impressive, they were historic. Wilde led Colwyn Bay to 10 points from four matches without conceding a single goal. Not one. Not even in the 0-0 draw against Cardiff Metropolitan University Football Club. That kind of defensive discipline doesn’t happen by accident.
Defensive Mastery in the Premier Division
Wilde’s Colwyn Bay didn’t just grind out results — they redefined what it means to be resilient. Wins over Caernarfon Town Football Club, Flint Town United Football Club, and Briton Ferry Llansawel Football Club lifted them to fifth in the JD Cymru Premier, the top tier of Welsh football. Their clean sheet streak stretched to 360 minutes. The team’s backline, anchored by captain Rhys Griffiths and goalkeeper Lewis Evans, looked like a wall. Even the draw against Cardiff Met felt like a win — no goals conceded, no panic. Wilde, a former midfielder who took over in June 2023, has quietly built one of the most compact units in the league. "It’s not about stars," he told reporters after the final match. "It’s about everyone knowing their job — and doing it, rain or shine."Llandudno’s Surge and the 5-0 Statement
Up in Conwy County Borough, Jordan Hadaway of Llandudno Football Club turned October into a statement month. Three wins from three games, including a stunning 5-0 demolition of title rivals Airbus UK Broughton Football Club. That result didn’t just boost Llandudno to second place in the JD Cymru North — it sent shockwaves through the division. Goals from Rhys Jones (twice), Ethan Hughes, and a brace from teenage striker Owen Roberts signaled a team on the rise. Hadaway, who took charge in March 2024 after the departure of long-term manager Darren Williams, has injected pace and precision into a side that was mid-table just months ago. "We didn’t just beat Airbus," said Hadaway. "We showed them what’s possible when you play with belief."Top Scorer in the North: Craig Lindfield’s Consistency
While Llandudno dazzled, Craig Lindfield of Holywell Town Football Club kept things simple — and deadly. The 33-year-old forward, who’s played for clubs from the Football League to the Welsh pyramid, scored in both of Holywell’s October wins: a 2-1 triumph over Mold Alexandra Football Club and a 1-0 win against Penrhyncoch Football Club. Those goals pushed him into a tie for the league’s top scorer with 7 goals in 6 matches. Lindfield’s movement, clinical finishing, and veteran composure have made him the heartbeat of Holywell’s attack. "He’s not the flashiest player," said Holywell assistant coach Glyn Roberts. "But when the ball’s in the box, you just know he’s going to be there."
The Teenage Prodigy of the South: Jack Bevan’s Perfect October
If Lindfield’s story is about experience, then Jack Bevan’s is about potential. At just 21, the Llantwit Major Football Club striker scored in every single one of his team’s three October fixtures. A goal in the 1-1 draw with Baglan Dragons Football Club. The opener in a 2-0 win over Pontypridd United Football Club. And then, the clincher — both goals in a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Ynyshir Albions Football Club. Bevan, a local product who came through the club’s youth academy, now leads the JD Cymru South scoring charts with 8 goals in 7 games. "He’s got this calmness you don’t see in most teenagers," said Llantwit Major manager Darren Williams. "He doesn’t celebrate like he’s scored a hat-trick. He just nods and runs back to the center circle."How the Awards Work — And Why It Matters
The JD Cymru Leagues awards aren’t just fan service. They’re a carefully calibrated blend: 40% public vote via the FAW website, 60% from a panel of retired Welsh internationals, league coaches, and media analysts. The system was introduced in the 2024-2025 season to spotlight talent beyond the Premier Division — and it’s working. Last season, only two players from the second tier were called up to the senior national team. This season? Three have already been invited for U21 trials. The awards also drive engagement. The FAW reported a 67% increase in website traffic during voting periods compared to 2023.
What’s Next? The December Countdown Begins
With November’s fixtures now complete, all eyes turn to early December. Airbus UK Broughton Football Club, still reeling from their 5-0 drubbing, will be desperate to bounce back. Holywell Town’s Lindfield will look to extend his scoring run. And Bevan? He’s already been linked with a move to a League of Ireland club. The next awards — for November — will be announced on December 3. One thing’s certain: the depth of talent in Welsh football is no longer a secret. It’s on display every weekend.Background: The JD Cymru Structure and Legacy
The JD Cymru Leagues — sponsored by JD Sports — replaced the old Welsh Premier League structure in 2019. The Premier division sits at Tier 1, while North and South form Tier 2. All three divisions feed into the Welsh Cup and European qualification pathways. The monthly awards, while new, echo the spirit of the old Welsh Football Writers’ Association Player of the Month, which ran from 1995 to 2018. The difference? Now, grassroots clubs get equal visibility. Llantwit Major, for instance, plays in front of 200 fans on average. Yet their striker just won a national award. That’s progress.Frequently Asked Questions
How does the JD Cymru Player of the Month award impact player development in Wales?
Winning the award often leads to increased scouting attention from higher-tier clubs and national team selectors. For example, last year’s JD Cymru North Player of the Month, Johnny Haseldin, was called into the Wales U21 squad within weeks of his win. This year’s winners, like Jack Bevan and Craig Lindfield, are already being tracked by clubs in England’s National League and the League of Ireland.
Why are the JD Cymru North and South divisions important to Welsh football?
They’re the engine room of Welsh football. Over 60% of players in the Premier Division began their careers in the North or South. Clubs like Holywell Town and Llantwit Major serve as vital talent pipelines, offering competitive play for players who might not get a chance at bigger clubs. Without these leagues, Wales would lose its grassroots depth — and its ability to produce international-caliber talent.
What’s the difference between public voting and the expert panel in the award selection?
Public voting reflects popularity and standout performances — like Lindfield’s goals or Bevan’s perfect scoring record. The expert panel looks deeper: tactical discipline, consistency, leadership, and impact on team results. Michael Wilde’s award, for example, wasn’t just about wins — it was about defensive organization, player rotation, and adapting to injuries mid-month. The 60/40 split ensures balance between fan enthusiasm and professional insight.
Has any JD Cymru award winner ever made it to the senior Welsh national team?
Yes. In 2023, former JD Cymru North Player of the Month, Ethan Pinnock of Llanelli Town, earned his first senior Wales cap. He now plays for Wrexham AFC in League One. The FAW has publicly stated that they’re using the JD Cymru awards as a scouting tool — and they’ve increased their scouting presence at second-tier matches by 40% since the awards launched.
How do these awards compare to other regional leagues in the UK?
Unlike England’s National League, where awards are often dominated by big-budget clubs, the JD Cymru system levels the playing field. Holywell Town and Llantwit Major have budgets under £150,000 annually — yet their players are winning national honors. This mirrors Scotland’s Lowland League model more than any English system, emphasizing merit over market size.
What’s the timeline for the next awards, and who are potential contenders?
The November awards will be announced on December 3. Early contenders include Airbus UK Broughton Football Club’s midfielder Liam Jones, who scored 4 goals in November, and Llantwit Major Football Club’s Jack Bevan, who’s on a 5-game scoring streak. In the Premier Division, The New Saints’ goalkeeper Joe Murphy has kept three clean sheets since October — a strong candidate if his form continues.
