“Being man-marked brings the best out of me.” – Henry Jones

Bangor City midfielder Henry Jones says he enjoys being targetted by the opposition as he prepares for Bangor’s European Play-off.

Jones has been a star player for Bangor City, boasting 10 goals in his 27 games for Welsh Premier League this season. With consistently good performances, comes a potential for teams to target that one player in an attempt to keep him quiet but he has still impressed despite feeling like teams set up to quieten him.

The 23 year-old who signed on a free following his release from Swansea City in the summer says he didn’t experience being man marked as much in his days in a Swans shirt but relishes the challenge.

“In certain games I’ve been man marked. It’s something I enjoy because I think it brings the best out of me and its something I haven’t experienced much in the past playing at Swansea so it’s made me a better player because I’ve had to adapt to different situations in games that I haven’t had to do in the past.”

Jones was recently nominated for the Young Player of the Year award by the Welsh Premier League and has also been touted for the senior award. The award is from nominations of all managers currently managing in the league, showing that his nomination means that managers consider Jones as threat when their sides come up against him.

“It’s very nice to be nominated for the award because it means my hard work throughout the season has been noticed and appreciated by everyone watching the Welsh Premier League. I try to be a danger, a threat to the other team in every game.”

Reflecting on the season he’s had, Jones has enjoyed playing at senior level and didn’t expect himself to be so influential to Bangor with the amount of goals he’s scored this season.

“I probably didn’t expect to score 14 goals from midfield in my first season but looking back now I think I should have more if I’m honest with myself. I’ve loved playing in the league, it’s been a bit different to what I expected, I didn’t think it would suit my style of play as much as it has, that’s also been helped by the way Bangor play, where they play possession based, attractive football which suits me.

It’s different to playing U21s football, I’ve relished the chance to play first team football where there is more on the line game to game, everything means more and that’s the part I’ve enjoyed the most about it.”

The Citizens will turn their attentions to the Welsh Premier League play-offs after finishing the season with a 2-0 defeat to Carmarthen Town on the final day of the regular season.

Jones has praised the introduction of player-manager Gary taylor Fletcher who was appointed as caretaker manager following the departure of Ian Dawes. Fletcher has played a few games himself before subbing himself off to allow other players to come on.

“He’s been very good, we’ve had good results since he came in, it’s give us another gear as a team. I think personally I’ve come on again since he’s come in. I’ve scored more goals, because as well as being the manager he plays as well and can find a pass anywhere on the pitch which is great for me as I know with him on the pitch I will get more chances in front of goal.”

Despite his goal scoring tally this season, Jones believes he’s a good player alongside a very strong Bangor City squad and they all have a way of contributing to Bangor’s success this season, with Europe the end goal for the Citizens.

“I wouldn’t say I’m the ‘go to man’ there are a lot of very good players in our team and everyone contributes in different aspects of the game, so yes it’s a team effort and it’s the team that will get us into Europe not me.

It would be a great opportunity for all the players at the club and it’s something I think the supporters deserve more than anyone for sticking by the club during a tough few years.”

(Featured Image: MenaiPhotography)