'Cofi Messi' Thomas brings Caernarfon era to an end

It says everything about Darren Thomas' impact and popularity at Caernarfon Town that he became known as the 'Cofi Messi'.

Now, after 15 remarkable years and 435 appearances for his hometown club, the Caernarfon legend is bringing his career at The Oval to an end.

Thomas scored 148 goals during his remarkable association with the Cymru Premier club, helping transform Caernarfon from a third-tier side into an established top-flight club, European qualifiers and, earlier this year, Welsh Cup winners.

"When I was young, I could hear the crowd at the Oval from my home," Thomas said.

"As a Cofi, all I ever wanted was to play for Caernarfon Town."

Thomas initially joined Caernarfon in 2005 from local side Bontnewydd. After spells with Llangefni Town and Porthmadog, he returned to the club in 2013.

Caernarfon were then playing in Welsh football's third tier, but Thomas was part of the side which secured back-to-back promotions to return the club to the Cymru Premier.

And chairman Paul Evans believes Thomas played a pivotal role in transforming the fortunes of his hometown club.

"We weren't in a great place before he joined us," Evans told BBC Radio Cymru.

"But once he arrived, what he was doing on the pitch attracted more players to the club.

"We've had lots of good players and managers, but he stands out. He was the spark, the catalyst, and we are where we are now partly because of him.

"He is a brilliant, unique player. I feel quite emotional speaking about it."

Thomas briefly left for Aberystwyth Town in 2015 before returning once again to The Oval, where he would go on to become one of the defining figures in the club's modern history.

Caernarfon won the Cymru Premier Play-Off final in 2024, securing European football for the first time in the club's history.

Then, last season, Thomas came off the bench as the Canaries defeated Flint Town United 3-0 to win the Welsh Cup for the first time.

"I have been really proud to be captain these past few years and playing in Europe and winning the Welsh Cup for the first time have been the highlights," Thomas said.

"I joined the club because I wanted to win the Welsh Cup, so that was a dream come true.

"I'm not one to share my emotions, but to pull on the shirt, walk out in front of the fans at the Oval and represent Caernarfon has meant everything to me."

Thomas signed a new contract with the club in the summer – having featured in their second Uefa Conference League campaign in three seasons.

But with first team chances limited, Thomas has decided to leave The Oval in order to play more regularly.

Chairman Evans and manager Richard Davies did not want Thomas to leave but understood his reasons.

Evans added that Thomas has "achieved so much for the club" and believes few players have left such an imprint on Caernarfon's history.

"He is a magician on the field - a unique player, and a lovely, likeable man," he said.

"The youngsters and the not so young just love the way he plays.

"He plays with a smile on his face but is a little devil on the field, especially in the tackle.

"He epitomises what the club is all about - fun, but with plenty of heart. There's no one like Darren.

"If anyone deserves a testimonial over the long history of Caernarfon Town, it is Darren."