Bryn Thomas

Signed as an 18-year old whilst playing for Longford Rovers, Barry, christened Brinley, was a centre-forward. He played for the Modern Machines youth team before knocking on the first team door. Unfortunately there were some experienced strikers ahead of him in the shape of Ted Roberts, George Lowrie and Eddie Brown. He finally got his chance in April 1953. He was a regular in the number nine shirt until the end of the season and scored a sole goal in a 2-2 home draw with Bristol City. After a few appearances the following season he was released and joined Banbury Spencer in the summer of 1954. He later played for Rugby Town, Bedworth and Banbury again. The Thomases are a famous local sporting family. Barry’s son Wayne played Bundesliga football for Hanover and another son Dean played league football for Northampton and Notts County as well as a brief spell in Germany with Dusseldorf and many seasons in non-league, and was manager of Hinckley Athletic. A third son Paul, captained Coventry Rugby Club.