The final match of Haverfordwest County’s return to the JD Cymru Premier League was tinged with a little sadness because it marked the end of an era where The Bluebirds’ inspirational skipper Sean ‘Pembs’ Pemberton stepped down after almost a decade where his name epitomised all that has been good about the club.
And there is no doubt that he will be sorely missed, and hard to replace, as someone whose battling qualities in defence and aerial threat in attacking set-pieces has made him a very firm favourite with supporters at the Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Total commitment to the cause – and honesty too!
Sean admitted at the end of last season that he was finding it hard going if he had to play two games a week and was considering the prospect of stepping down but good news for The Bluebirds’ faithful was that he agreed to stay on for this campaign and use his experience during this season on their return to the Welsh Premier League.
And his determination, commitment and never-say-die spirit was very much in evidence in the first half of a long campaign but he has been very honest with manager Wayne ‘Wolvesey’ Jones about how hard it has been recently – and he has spent time as a replacement, which is not something that ‘Pembs’ enjoys!
“I know that my heart is still willing but my head tells me that time just isn’t on my side – and my legs are definitely not OK!
Appreciation for his manager
“I will miss the involvement but it is a good time to call a halt, and ‘Wolvesey’ has been very good in listening to me and accepting what I say, which has made a very difficult decision a little easier for me.”Sean is nothing if not a realist but typifies the optimistic attitude currently at Haverfordwest County – and provides ample proof that if local players are able and committed enough they can make the grade at this level.
Because, apart from a short stint with Newcastle Emlyn he had previously played only local football in Carmarthenshire, and at Narberth, and actually needed persuading by Wayne that he was good enough to play at a higher level.
“There were only a few games of the season left and so I discussed the extra commitment with my wife Mared and children Lili and Lotti – and now, 258 games later, it is finally time to call it a day!
Awards galore – and real appreciation of his contribution
He certainly proved his worth to Haverfordwest County because in his time at the Bridge Meadow Stadium he was the winner three times each for the ‘Players’ Player of the Year’, the ‘Managers’ Player of the Year’ and the ‘Supporters Club Player of the Year’
“I was delighted that Mared and the girls were here, along with some of my friends I played local football with – and able to share in the lovely presentation and gifts I received from the brilliant boys in the supporters’ club and from Julie Le Grice, the club secretary.”Sean was also quick to praise the support he has received from his team-mates along the way and was clearly moved by the guard of honour he received prior to the start when both teams lined up to applaud him onto the field.
“I was embarrassed because I’m not one for a fuss but I felt really moved as I made a very long walk almost to halfway – and wondered what I should do next. But the game was soon started and I really enjoyed playing – and was delighted by our 2-1 win.
“There has been some talk about carrying on my involvement in some off-field position but that can wait because I’m going to take a break and give my knees a rest!
High praise from the manager – and an added post-match bonus
Wayne Jones told us,
“Sean Pemberton has been a model player in all aspects of his involvement with our club and I am already aware that he has a big pair of football boots for me to fill.
“As well as his own outstanding contribution on the field he has absolutely been an influence to all who have joined us, especially youngsters starting out who can see what rewards hard work and total commitment can bring.
“His selection in several seasons for the ‘Welsh League Select XI’ show how other managers also recognise his play and I am very proud to have had him as a player and close friend.”
Sean responded by telling us,
“I know that when training restarts it’s going to be hard – and I know I’ll miss little things like sharing a car with Wolvesey, which has always had the others calling me the ‘manager’s pet’. He’s been brilliant with me and this season he has done the driving to help me going home when it was hard to walk, let alone drive, and still maintained the tradition that whoever was at the wheel bought us an ‘Oasis’ soft drink and a ‘Wispa’ chocolate bar from the garage. I’ve enjoyed that!”
Thanks from us at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
From our point of view at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk it is no secret that he has long been our favourite player with Haverfordwest County because he has always given total commitment, never shirked a challenge and had the ability to lift those around him because of his natural leadership qualities.
He has a great sense of humour, doesn’t like a fuss, is terrific with supporters and genuinely demonstrates all that is good about the Bridge Meadow Stadium and is definitely going to be a hard act to follow as a key player and leader.
