North Wales Football Veteran Craig Roberts Retires After 25-Year Career

Craig Roberts has officially ended his playing career nearly 25 years after stepping onto the field for his League of Wales debut with Bangor City at 17. Now approaching his 43rd birthday, Roberts closes a lengthy and successful run marked by key roles at several notable North Wales clubs.

Roberts’ career began in the early 2000s, emerging from Maes-y-Bryn Juniors and progressing through Beaumaris Town before joining Bangor City. He made his senior debut in a FAW Premier Cup match and quickly scored in a Welsh Cup tie the following week. Over several seasons, he accumulated 30 League of Wales appearances for Bangor, contributing goals in both league and cup competitions despite limited starting opportunities under manager Peter Davenport.

After Bangor, Roberts continued his journey with Anglesey’s Glantraeth, where he played during a memorable Welsh Cup victory over Cefn Druids and was part of the squad that clinched the Cymru Alliance title and League Cup double. His career then included notable spells at Caernarfon Town and a highly successful tenure at Bethesda Athletic, where he helped secure consecutive Welsh Alliance League titles and set scoring records.

Roberts further demonstrated his consistency at Porthmadog, delivering his best scoring season with 12 goals, followed by contributions to Llangefni Town’s historic fifth Welsh Alliance championship, leading to promotion to Cymru North. Since joining Menai Bridge Tigers in 2020, Roberts has been a vital presence both on the pitch and in the dressing room, appearing 129 times and scoring 32 goals, alongside providing 24 assists. His leadership and experience have been key to the club’s on-field achievements, including promotion to the Ardal North West division.

Nicknamed "Skin," Roberts leaves behind a legacy as one of North Wales’ most enduring and influential footballers, known for his commitment across multiple tiers of Welsh football and his role in elevating local clubs over two and a half decades.