The midfielder looks back at his football past, the news of becoming champions and looks forward to upcoming challenges away from the pitch. Many thanks to Aled Hughes and Sean Williams for doing this interview.
Wednesday’s news of being crowned champions was fresh in the mind of the former Llandudno man.
“It’s absolutely amazing to win the league with such a great bunch of lads. The players, coaches and fans have been amazing this season. I think it’s well deserved.”
From an early age, Thomas was an admirer of a certain English club and soon got his chance to be part of their illustrious academy setup.
“I’ve always supported Liverpool and I loved watching Javier Mascherano play. He always worked hard and threw a few hefty tackles in, which I loved. I spent 18 months with Liverpool and it was good to be around quality players. I’d have to say the best player I’ve played with was Curtis Jones at Liverpool.”
He then spent 6 years with Wrexham, a spell that was unfortunately brought to an end due to injury.
“I’ve suffered ruptured ACLs in both my knees, the first being at Wrexham aged 15 playing for the youth team and the second 12 months later after making a recovery in the Welsh school boys trials.”
Having recovered from his second long-term layoff, Thomas joined Llandudno last season before linking up with a familiar face in assistant manager Dylan Williams at 1876.
“Dylan had been my coach at Penrhyn Bay at a young age and after playing a few pre-season games with the club I knew Bangor 1876 was where I was going to enjoy my football the most with the great bunch of lads we have.”
The young midfielder has thrived on the opportunity to line up for 1876 alongside some experienced players and recalls some of his highlights from the club’s inaugural season.
“There are some great players at the club including Johno, Les and Pets who’ve played at a high level and have great experience in the game. The Welsh Cup run we had was a great experience but I have to say the Llysfaen game stands out due to the challenging conditions.”
The latter was a 5-0 victory away from home in which Daf opened the scoring before following up with his and 1876’s second of the afternoon. The days of spending Saturday at the football might seem a world away to many, but Thomas is keeping busy in the meantime.
“I’m missing the changing room atmosphere and the banter the most. I’m busy working at home now on the farm. Other than that, I try and play some football in the garden when I get a chance.”
The youngster has challenges away from the pitch coming in the near future with a move South Wales on the cards.
“I’m off to uni in Cardiff in September to study Biochemistry, so I’m looking forward to seeing where my football takes me down there.”
Everyone at 1876 wishes Daf the very best with his studies.