Lilywhites in talks with Wales striker Llewellyn
Reports in the Welsh Media today suggest that Rhyl are holding talks with Wales striker Chris Llewellyn. Mark Bloom of the Western Mail, who was at Belle Vue on Saturday to watch the Intertoto Cup match against Bohemians, states that the ex-Norwich City forward could follow former Wrexham colleague, Neil Roberts to the Principality Welsh Premier League, having had informal talks with Rhyl's hierarchy over the weekend.
Roberts signed a three-year deal with the Lilywhites last week and both he and the six times-capped Llewellyn watched their second leg Intertoto Cup tie against the Eircom leaders inside Peter Parry's Executive Box at Belle Vue.
Llewellyn won his last cap for Wales in May 2007 as a sub against New Zealand in Wrexham and won all of his six caps as a substitute. He scored one goal for his country at the Racecourse against Liechtenstein and was last involved with the Welsh set-up under John Toshack in September 2007 when he was an unused sub against Germany and a travelling reserve in Slovakia.
Club president Peter Parry discussed the club's plans for the future with Llewellyn, who has been told he can leave Wrexham, and the ball is now in the 28-year old's court.
Rhyl's Head Coach Allan Bickerstaff was interviewed after the game by Bloom, but would not be drawn on transfer talks, instead focusing on a tie where the Lilywhites were well beaten over two legs.
"It was a disappointing first half and slightly better in the second," reflected the ex-Porthmadog and Airbus coach.
"But this was not my team. I'll be judged on what this team is like at the end of the season...If we get the signings we want that will be fantastic for this football club to move forward."
Chris Llewellyn Profile
A product of the Norwich City youth team, Chris broke into the first team at Norwich in the 1997/98 season making a total of 16 appearances with 3 goals. During this season he gained Welsh 'B' and Under-21 honours. He later won full honours and made his Welsh debut against Malta in 1998.
Due to poor form in the 2002/03 season, however, he lost his place and went on loan to Bristol Rovers. He was released in June 2003 from Norwich and signed for Wrexham and a strong 2003/04 season saw him recalled to the Welsh squad in May 2004 and he came on as a sub to win his 3rd cap against Norway.
Later, he signed for Hartlepool but only stayed one season and returned on a free to Wrexham on June 29th 2006. His first international goal was scored at his home ground against Liechtenstein in November 2006, when he was playing alongside his ex-Norwich City strike partner and close friend, Craig Bellamy.
On the final day of the 2006/07 season, Wrexham needed to avoid defeat against Boston United to avoid relegation to the non-league. After coming from 1-0 down, Chris Llewellyn scored the goal which handed the Dragons a 2-1 lead before they eventually winning 3-1 and preserving their Football League Two status. He was released by Brian Carey at Wrexham in May though, following the club's relegation to the Football Conference.
