Who is who at Denbigh Town F.C.

Fans' favourite 20 yr old Craig Pritchard is,without doubt,one of the reasons why Denbigh Town are doing so well in the league this season. When he is not playing that buzz is not quite so evident in the side and he is missed by both the players and the supporters alike.

Away from football he earns a living as a plasterer working for L. Peate Plastering Services, a job he really enjoys.

Craig has suffered a terrible personal tragedy only recently. His mother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly and when when asked about his personal circumstances he explained " I live in Llay, near Wrexham, with my Dad and my two brothers. Mum recently passed away which has been very difficult and is the hardest thing to come to terms with in my life but we have got a massive and strong family to keep us all going and to stay strong."

Nearly twelve months ago Craig joined Denbigh from Gresford after Eddie Maurice- Jones came here as manager. He explained " Obviously Eddie being here was a massive part of me coming. I really enjoy working under him as a gaffer, but the facilities are also spot on and the club has good ambition and is going on the right direction which is something I had to think about. Yes, I really enjoy playing for Denbigh. I had an awful start getting sent off first game and the results weren't going right. I was disappointed getting that suspension and I missed three big games. I never like missing a game of football but I got back in the side and have got my head down. We have now stabilised and had some massive results since which shows with our position in the league, bit gutted to be out of all the cups though."

Who else has this talented midfielder played for ? " I started football as soon as I could walk really! Had a couple of trials at Premier League clubs when I was really young but it didn’t work out. I then went to Chester City for most of my kids football but the club went into administration meaning there was no Academy so I had to leave. I played local football at 13yrs and then went to Airbus until the age of 18yrs. I then played mens' football for Castell Alun Colts, which helped me massively to get to grips with the senior game, before going to Cefn Druids for a year. I hardly played there really and that’s when Eddie got me at Gresford and now here."

Does Craig have other family members that play football ? "Yeah, everyone in my family has played football. My Dad has played for some really good teams and was meant to be a good player. I am not too sure of that though Ha! Ha! My mum played for a team which has now, in effect, become Everton Ladies and Wales too so obviously I got my talent from her! My older brother plays for Cefn Druids in the Welsh Prem, doing really well, and my little brother plays for Llay United u14’s. We are a football mad family!"

As well as playing for Denbigh Town Craig plays for the Wrexham futsal team. Futsal is a fast paced, 5-a-side game generally played indoors on a hard surface with a smaller ball and it suits Craig as he himself is very fit, fast and nippy with great ball control. He excels at the game and was recently selected to play for Wales against England "Obviously it’s a massive achievement for me to get my first Welsh cap in futsal and I will be going to Scotland in the Home Nations Cup on the 29th November which is going to be a class experience. I don’t have any preference between the two sports. Playing both helps me improve and I am sure playing futsal helps me in 11 a side and vice versa. "

The futsal Home Nations Championship Tournament is being run by the Scottish Football Association over three days and will include teams representing Wales, Scotland , Northern Ireland and England. Wales kick off at 4pm on Friday 1st December against England at The Oriam in Edinburgh. It is free entry if anyone fancies going.

Good luck Craig. Do us proud !

Updated 08:00 - 1 Sep 2019 by Stephen Whitfield