Throwback…West Spotlight: The Consummate Supporter

An interview with @iestyndavies07 that took place in 2023, with an updated end written in 2025. 

Iestyn (right), with Silas (left), the original interviewer for the Fanzine, West. At Jenner Park, Barry.

You still play. What are your goals for the current season?

ID: This season, I want to keep playing for Narberth Seconds and win a few games. If I can help the team by getting goals and assists, I would be happy. From there, hopefully I will get a chance with the first team, who are currently competing in Pembrokeshire Division 2, that would be my goal for the rest of the season. 

You know a lot about the young boys coming through at Haverfordwest County, who should we be keeping an eye on?

ID: I think there are many Young Bluebirds players that have looked promising this season; most definitely the new boy Jacob Owen, signed from Bradfield College. There are also a number of U19’s who are progressing. 

I reckon midfield player, Ashley Watkins, deserves a chance; he can create and his knowledge of the game is phenomenal. Also, I believe we should be giving Dan John a chance; he’s been excellent when he’s been given minutes. 

I know it would be impossible, but I believe that everyone in that U19’s team deserves an opportunity at first team level. They all have great quality!

Imagine, Haverfordwest are playing a game to clinch a spot in the top 6, the same day that Swansea City are playing a game to clinch a play-off place. Ogi Bridge Meadow or the Swansea.com Stadium. Where do you head?

ID: I would definitely head to the Haverfordwest County match! I live about 15 minutes away from the Meadow, and seeing my local team reach the top 6 would mean the world. I love both teams, but my local team definitely has the edge. The feeling of going to the Bridge Meadow to watch Haverfordwest is unmatched! 

Iestyn invading the pitch to grab onto Elliot Dugan, who scored our winning penalty versus Cardiff Met in the 2023 Play-Off semi-final.

Iestyn, we are all aware that you adore The New Saints, what is it about them that you find them so charming?

ID: I hope you’re joking! I think that to go unbeaten in 26 games, as it currently stands, says something about how much quality and experience they have. However, I believe that being the Champions should bring in a decent crowd, but their fan base does not appear to grow. It would be really good for the League if TNS could improve their fan base

You have travelled far and wide to support the Bluebirds, where is your ideal away day adventure?

ID: Every away game I have been to, I have enjoyed, irrespective of the score. The journey up to the match is always exciting. There is one away day that I have yet to experience, I would love to do the A40 Derby against Carmarthen Town. That would be ideal! Thirty - forty minutes away from Haverfordwest, ideally by train, and I am sure that we would take a big away following from Pembrokeshire. This is the one I am really looking forward to [if it should happen]. 

2025 update

Iestyn, a lot has happened since this interview. Give us an update on what you’re doing currently.

ID: Hello, yes, it’s been a long time since doing this interview. I think a lot of good things are happening in development, the football team and a lot of good things are happening on and off the field with the Bluebirds. I’ll try and keep this short, but yeah, a lot has happened since the last interview. I’m now 17 years old, I’m currently studying a Level 2 Sports and Public Service course at Pembrokeshire College, but I hope next year I can get into a Level 3 Sports Personal Training Course...that’s the aim! 

Outside of college life, I’m currently playing football and in my 1st season with my new club, Crymych FC. We play in the Costcutter Ceredigion League Division 1. And the second team play in Division 3. I have to say, ever since I’ve joined Crymych, I’ve absolutely loved it. The boys were so welcoming when I joined, and I managed to settle in very well. It's been a great season, and playing in a different league has been a great experience, and hopefully it will improve next year. I currently have 12 goal involvements this season, with the best moment of my season coming from when we played against our local rivals, Llanboidy AFC. We won 8-6! Sounds amazing, doesn’t it?! I managed to score 5 goals in the first half, and managed to have 2 assists in the second half. It was a great feeling to get man of the match that day and reward the team with 7 goal involvements.

My brother currently plays for Haverfordwest County, and I’ll forever be a proud brother to see him playing for the team I support. He’s got one last big game of the season. They face the Champions of the North Wales league, The New Saints. Fair play to Haverfordwest, back-to-back league winners. Fair play to Ceri and the coaches, and the players for having such an amazing season. It’s been a joy to watch. One more to go! 

"Back to Back again ole ole ole".

You have followed Haverfordwest for years now. What one thing haven’t you been surprised at?

ID: Firstly, I’d like to say that all development players over the last 2-3 years have been great and all have performed week in week out. If you were to ask me a year ago that Jacob Owen would have played a big part in this season and getting young player of the season, I wouldn’t have been shocked; he’s been absolutely fantastic. In the 23/24 season, with the development team, he had over 17 G/A and only played his first game in the January, absolutely quality!

I’ve also been impressed with Owain Davies, who had a great season last season, and thought he deserved to get that contract! Absolutely great in the air and rarely loses a header.

Also, it’ll be nice to see Luc Owen being offered a contract for next season, he’s been absolutely fantastic over the last few years since joining. Most games he controls the midfield and always chips in with a goal or assist; a vital player for the development squad. He deserved to make his first team league debut against the champions, The New Saints.

And then Dan John, the stats speak for itself, over 40 goals this season in 34 games for the development team is ridiculous. His strength and pace is a real problem for the defenders to handle and is simply only getting better by each game, and he has been a big player for the development team again this season.

What are your opinions on how the club will perform next year?

ID: Overall, I think if it’s anything like this season, then we will 100% achieve the goals Tony sets out at the start of the season. I really did think we wouldn’t even get top 6 this season, but look at us, top 3! Secured a home play-off final, things are looking good, one more game to go. There is certainly a big buzz around the game coming up, I'm excited for it! Let’s hope we see so many Blues fans in attendance, I’m sure we will get the Meadow packed! 

And finally, what is your favourite thing about discussing the Cymru Leagues on Twitter/X? 

ID: Firstly, I love the fact that you can always interact with others from different clubs, there are some good fanbases around. I think ever since we started the Casuals, we’ve had a lot more engagement and a lot more interactions. Many people are interested in the posts that have been posted, I really enjoy that part. Also being able to share our views on each team, it’s nice to see people sharing their views and thoughts on the league.

Thank you for letting me speak about my experiences and everything going on with my daily life.

1 more to go.

Up The Blues