News

Top 8 Greatest Wale’s Footballers Alive

Published

2 years ago

December 1, 2023

Football holds a special place in a nation that breathes passion for sports, producing players who’ve left their mark at home and on the world stage.

From legendary figures shaping the early years to today’s stars pushing the limits, Wales boasts some seriously exceptional talent.

A new crop of talents mushrooming across Europe paints a bright future for Wales. Euro 2024 might seem too soon to see gold for the country, but something is shimmering in the darkness that could excite most.

The last time Wales qualified for the 2022 World Cup was total delirium. It paints hope of years of continued trial and failure. At this point, we look at some of the top talents emanating from the country who shaped the country’s football history.

Get ready to be hooked by tales of amazing skill, unbeatable spirit, and moments that have made these players legends in the history of Welsh football.

Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes is a revered figure in Welsh football, leaving an enduring impact both as a player and off the field. In the days when he graced the pitch, Hughes was the embodiment of physicality, a goal-scoring force, and an example of relentless work ethic.

Transitioning seamlessly into management after his playing career, Hughes continued to impact the sport. Managing various clubs, including the Premier League’s Southampton, he brought a wealth of experience and unique insights to the managerial role.

While at Southampton, Hughes encountered challenges, but his steadfast commitment to developing players and enhancing team performance remained unwavering. His managerial tenure showcased his dedication to the game and marked a continued contribution to the rich history of Welsh football.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey, a name that rings through Welsh football, stands tall as one of the greatest to ever don the dragon-emblazoned jersey. His skills, determination, and impact on the field have etched his place among the sport’s legends.

In Euro 2016, Ramsey’s performances were pure electricity, showcasing his talent and leadership. Wales reaching the semi-finals was an unexpected result. But, thanks to his craftiness in tight spaces, wonderful vision, and an eye for goal throughout the campaign. His outstanding contributions earned him a spot in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.

A defining moment unfolded during the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Hungary. In a critical match, Ramsey delivered brilliance with a goal that secured a vital win and guaranteed Wales a spot in the European Championship. It was a testament to his greatness, a moment etched in Welsh football history.

Gary Speed

Gary Speed is a true Welsh football legend, ranked the fourth greatest player. His time on the field, playing 85 matches and scoring seven goals, set a high standard for passion and skill.

But Speed’s impact goes beyond playing. 2010, he became the national team manager, bringing a clear vision and dedication to nurturing young talent. Despite a tragically short tenure, he led Wales to climb from 116th to 48th in the FIFA rankings in just 11 months.

Speed’s legacy is more than numbers; it’s the story of a Welsh football hero who left an enduring mark on the game.

Ian Rush

Ian Rush is a Welsh football legend, one of the greatest ever. He’s not just about talent but holds records that make him unforgettable in Welsh football.

Rush’s career is full of milestones, like having the most caps for Wales. It shows he’s been consistent and dedicated to the national side.

But what makes Rush a true legend is his goal-scoring. He’s the top scorer for Wales, netting an amazing 28 times. This record speaks volumes about his ability to score when it matters.

Rush’s goals weren’t merely statistics; they were masterpieces. Be it a match-clincher or a jaw-dropping long-range strike, he had this extraordinary ability to score goals that linger in the minds of fans and opponents alike, creating moments that refuse to fade.

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs, born in Cardiff and raised in Manchester, is widely acknowledged as one of the finest players of his generation and the second-best Welsh footballer. His remarkable consistency and skill on the field firmly position him among football legends.

For those delving into the intricacies of his career, a research paper writer service might uncover the unique journey that has contributed to his esteemed status in football.

Giggs secures the English Premier League (EPL) record for the most assists, highlighting his knack for creating scoring opportunities. This achievement speaks volumes about his on-field vision and deep understanding of the game.

Debuting for Wales at a youthful 19, Giggs injected energy and raw talent into the national side. Despite his youth, he swiftly became a key player, showcasing maturity and composure beyond his years.

Ryan Giggs’ impact on Welsh football and his records in the EPL establish him as a standout figure in the sport, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to motivate future footballers.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale, a name etched in the heart of Welsh football, is hailed as the ultimate Welsh football maestro. Born in Cardiff, his journey is a tale of exceptional prowess, game-defining moments, and an unwavering loyalty to his national team.

The 2016 UEFA European Championship is a beacon in Bale’s illustrious career. Guiding Wales through the tournament, his leadership, both on and off the field, etched a historic chapter in Welsh football.

Bale’s brilliance illuminated the stage in that competition, weaving through crucial goals and pivotal assists. His stellar performances across all three group games propelled Wales into the knockout stages and, against all odds, to the semi-finals, painting an unexpected masterpiece in Welsh football history.

Apart from his stance in the national team, Bale had a successful footballing career, picking five Champions League, 3 La Liga titles, and even a Major League Soccer title. His career came to a halt after falling in love with golfing.

Final Takeaway

The football heritage in Wales is rich and continues growing substantially, with a new crop of talents joining the fold. Remembering the legends who paved the way for future generations is good. Our list truly appreciates and recognizes these legendary players who carved their names in Wale’s football history.

Crime

Swansea man dies weeks after release from troubled HMP Parc: Investigation launched

Published

5 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A SWANSEA man has died just weeks after being released from HMP Parc, the Bridgend prison now at the centre of a national crisis over inmate deaths and post-release failures.

Darren Thomas, aged 52, died on 13 November 2025 — less than a month after leaving custody. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has confirmed an independent investigation into his death, which is currently listed as “in progress”.

Born on 9 April 1973, Mr Thomas had been under post-release supervision following a period at HMP/YOI Parc, the G4S-run prison that recorded seventeen deaths in custody in 2024 — the highest in the UK.

His last known legal appearance was at Swansea Crown Court in October 2024, where he stood trial accused of making a threatening phone call and two counts of criminal damage. During the hearing, reported by The Pembrokeshire Herald at the time, the court heard he made threats during a heated call on 5 October 2023.

Mr Thomas denied the allegations but was found guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to a custodial term, which led to his imprisonment at HMP Parc.

Parc: A prison in breakdown

HMP Parc has faced sustained criticism throughout 2024 and 2025. A damning unannounced inspection in January found:

Severe self-harm incidents up 190%
Violence against staff up 109%
Synthetic drugs “easily accessible” across wings
Overcrowding at 108% capacity

In the first three months of 2024 alone, ten men died at Parc — part of a wider cluster of twenty PPO-investigated deaths since 2022. Six occurred within three weeks, all linked to synthetic drug use.

Leaked staff messages in 2025 exposed a culture of indifference, including one officer writing: “Let’s push him to go tomorrow so we can drop him.”

Six G4S employees have been arrested since 2023 in connection with alleged assaults and misconduct.

The danger after release

Deaths shortly after release from custody are a growing national concern. Ministry of Justice data shows 620 people died while under community supervision in 2024–2025, with 62 deaths occurring within 14 days of release.

Short sentences — common at Parc — leave little time for effective rehabilitation or release planning. Homelessness, loss of drug tolerance and untreated mental-health conditions create a high-risk environment for those newly released.

The PPO investigates all such deaths to determine whether prisons or probation failed in their duties. Reports often take 6–12 months and can lead to recommendations.

A system at breaking point

The crisis at Parc reflects wider failures across UK prisons and probation. A July 2025 House of Lords report described the service as “not fit for purpose”. More than 500 people die in custody annually, with campaigners warning that private prisons such as Parc prioritise cost-cutting over care.

The PPO investigation into the death of Darren Thomas continues.

Crime

Woman stabbed partner in Haverfordwest before handing herself in

Published

6 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Court Reporter

A WOMAN who stabbed her partner during a drug-fuelled episode walked straight into Haverfordwest Police Station and told officers what she had done, Swansea Crown Court has heard.

Amy Woolston, 22, of Dartmouth Street in Milford Haven, arrived at the station at around 8:00pm on June 13 and said: “I stabbed my ex-partner earlier… he’s alright and he let me walk off,” prosecutor Tom Scapens told the court.

The pair had taken acid together earlier in the day, and Woolston claimed she believed she could feel “stab marks in her back” before the incident.

Police find victim with four wounds

Officers went to the victim’s home to check on him. He was not there at first, but returned shortly afterwards. He appeared sober and told police: “Just a couple of things,” before pointing to injuries on his back.

He had three stab or puncture wounds to his back and another to his bicep.

The victim said that when he arrived home from the shop, Woolston was acting “a bit shifty”. After asking if she was alright, she grabbed something from the windowsill — described as either a knife or a shard of glass — and stabbed him.

He told officers he had “had worse from her before”, did not support a prosecution, and refused to go to hospital.

Defendant has long history of violence

Woolston pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding. The court heard she had amassed 20 previous convictions from 10 court appearances, including assaults, battery, and offences against emergency workers.

Defending, Dyfed Thomas said Woolston had longstanding mental health problems and had been off medication prescribed for paranoid schizophrenia at the time.
“She’s had a difficult upbringing,” he added, saying she was remorseful and now compliant with treatment.

Woolston was jailed for 12 months, but the court heard she has already served the equivalent time on remand and will be released imminently on a 12-month licence.

News

BBC apologises to Herald’s editor for inaccurate story

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Staff Writer

THE BBC has issued a formal apology and amended a six-year-old article written by BBC Wales Business Correspondent Huw Thomas after its Executive Complaints Unit ruled that the original headline and wording gave an “incorrect impression” that Herald editor Tom Sinclair was personally liable for tens of thousands of pounds in debt.

The 2019 report, originally headlined “Herald newspaper editor Tom Sinclair has £70,000 debts”, has now been changed.

The ECU found: “The wording of the article and its headline could have led readers to form the incorrect impression that the debt was Mr Sinclair’s personal responsibility… In that respect the article failed to meet the BBC’s standards of due accuracy.”

Mr Sinclair said: “I’m grateful to the ECU for the apology and for correcting the personal-liability impression that caused real harm for six years. However, the article still links the debts to ‘the group which publishes The Herald’ when in fact they related to printing companies that were dissolved two years before the Herald was founded in 2013. I have asked the BBC to add that final clarification so the record is completely accurate.”

A formal apology and correction of this kind from the BBC is extremely rare, especially for a story more than six years old.