AS SUCCESS on the local footballing scene goes, Nigel Ault has enjoyed a career he can look back on with pride both on the pitch and on the touchline.

During his playing days he turned out for Amlwch Town on two separate occasions (1982-1991 and 1996-2007), Moelfre (1992/93) and Cemaes Bay (1991-1995) in the Anglesey League, Gwynedd League, Welsh Alliance and the Cymru Alliance.

As manager of his hometown of Amlwch Town, a spell which lasted five years between 2002 and 2007, Ault took the club from the Anglesey League to the Welsh Alliance. He was also assistant to Tommy Charlton at the club from 1996 to 2001 and managed the Ynys Môn team on two occasions in 2005 and 2006.

A well-recognised and well-respected figure, particularly in the North of the island, Ault’s list of honours won over the years is astonishing.

As a player, he won the Anglesey League, Gwynedd League, Welsh Alliance, Cymru Alliance, J.W Lees Shield, Elias cup, Megan cup, Dargie cup, North Wales Junior cup, A.E.W.W cup, Alves cup, Gwynedd cup, Cookson cup, Challenge cup and Barrit cup.

As manager, he added even more silverware to his collection as he guided Amlwch to winning the Anglesey League and the Gwynedd League, as well as Elias cup, Megan cup, Dargie cup, North Wales Junior cup and the A.E.W.W. cup. Add to that the Anglesey League, Megan Cup, North Wales Junior Cup. Eryri Shield, Alves Cup, Gwynedd Cup and Welsh Alliance trophies won as assistant manager under Charlton and it has to be said that it’s a very impressive list of achievements!

I recently had the opportunity to ask this true legend of the Anglesey footballing community a few questions and here’s what he had to say …

AFE: Favourite team to have been involved with and why?

NA: “Has got to be coming back to Amlwch in 1996 and joining Tommy Charlton as his assistant manager in building a fantastic team winning the treble in our first season, also joining Cemaes Bay in 1991 playing for the legend Colin Hawkins and achieving massive success over 4 seasons.”

AFE: People you have learnt the most from during your time in the game?

NA: “As a player, I learnt so much off Steve Hulse and Mark Gray. Two fantastic leaders on a pitch, would definitely say I learnt the most from Tommy Charlton and Colin Hawkins as manager.”

AFE: Best player played alongside or against?

NA: “Really tough as there’s so many to mention but I’ll say – Mac Trigg, Rich Bach, Steve Roberts, Stevie Owen, Merv Williams, Pete O’Neil and Viv Williams.

“Best players I’ve come up against would be Dafydd Blondie, Noms Gwalchmai, Dale Fleming, Jackie Welsh and Hywel Hughes.”

AFE: Highlight(s) of your career?

NA: “Definitely Welsh Cup last 16 v Haverfordwest with over 1500 and Tv cameras crammed into school lane at Cemaes, followed by winning Cookson Cup final at Farrar road Bangor City.

“That’s closely followed by being made manager of my hometown club Amlwch for 5 seasons. It was also a massive honour being made Anglesey manager in 2005 & 2006 against Leinster.

“Another memory has got to be the two Dargie Cup wins 1989 v Gwalchmai (sorry skin) and winning it again in 2005 as player manager at Farrar Road. Best memory as a manager has got to be winning Anglesey League with so many local lads and this team stayed together for 3 seasons into Welsh Alliance with not a penny of cost!

“Also another big highlight of my career has got to be the signing of Mickey Thomas – the ex Man.u Everton Chelsea and Wales midfielder – signed on a midweek game in Porthmadog for a P.R stunt. But he loved it so much in Amlwch that he stayed for 2 seasons and 20 years on is still a great friend who I talk to regular and I am pleased to say is recovering well after illness.”

AFE: Low points of your career?

NA: “Losing finals, injuries and cheating linesmen!”

AFE: Best players managed?

NA: “Andy Williams, Steve Tyco, Ben Jones, Evan Williams, Andy Stewart, Sid Pritchard, Sam Carter and far too many to mention.”

AFE: Are you still involved in football these days?

NA: “Not involved but enjoy going to watch some games when I get time. I have had a few offers to get back involved, never say never – watch this space!!”

Closing the interview, Ault added: “Thanks for this opportunity. I have been very fortunate to play with and manage some fantastic players throughout my 30 years in football.

“I would never have achieved and won what I have without such good players like my great friend Kevin R Jones, Andy Stewart, Mark Gray, Mervyn Williams, Ben Jones and Steve Hulse (captains). I was also so fortunate to have Wayne Jones, John Glyn, Dewi Parry, as brilliant Assistant managers, As well as a fantastic squad of players who always gave me 100% on and off the field.

“A big mention also to 2 great managers who taught me so much as a player and put myself in good shape into management – Tommy Charlton, Colin Hawkins.”

Ault is, in my opinion, someone who deserves a lot of recognition for what he’s achieved in the game – as his list of honours just go to show!

If he does get involved in the game once more post-pandemic then whoever ends up having his services on board at their club will no doubt benefit greatly.