Presteigne St Andrews’ experienced defender Tom Ammonds has been explaining why he decided to make the switch to CP Llanandras.
“There is no great reason behind it other than the fact that I just want to be playing football,” he said.
“I know I can go to ‘Crowie’s’ side and help them out with a bit more experience, but the five pints of GL after the game has got nothing to do with it at all!”
“But seriously it is just to get games and Tim [Broome] knows the situation and, while the Reserves might be a little bit disappointed, I didn’t want to hinder their progress as they have got a settled squad and are doing ever so well,” he explained.
Andy Crowe will be delighted to be able to bring in a player of Tom’s experience, even if it does eventually prove to be only until the turn of the year, as the defender has not ruled out a return to the first team should he be needed.
“It was something I thought about at the beginning of the season but I really wanted to play first-team football,” he said.
“But then I got injured with the groin strain, so I am quite a long way behind on the fitness and I know I will get 90 minutes for ‘Crowie’.
“Hopefully it will help some of the young boys as well – if I play at centre-half then I can help out Corin [Jones] at left back, as well as the likes of Tom Hooper and Adam Crowe if they are playing.
“It is pretty much about them gaining experience and me getting back playing,” he added.
With brothers Mark and Chris already cornerstones of the CP Llanandras squad this season, Tom admits that when Mark returns from suspension the dressing room could be mistaken for ‘Swiss Family Ammonds’.
“I think the last time we all played together as a family three was when we won the Radnorshire Cup in 97-98, was it?” he said.
“Jack Watkins was in charge and Jerry [Preece] was playing and he is also turning out for CP Llanandras so it could be battle of the fittest – or the fattest!” he laughed.
Tom says he will continue to liaise closely with first-team manager Tim Broome and is more than happy to return to the Spar Mid Wales League squad should the need arise, but he feels he will be better shape to do that after he has a few games under his belt.
After a winning start in the home match against Penybont Athletic, in which Tom played in centre midfield, the CP Llanandras manager Andy Crowe will probably be keen to hang on to his latest recruit for as long as possible.