AUG-31

Swansea set to sign Boro keeper

Knight is expected to pen a one-year-deal with Swansea City on Friday and is understood to be the only signing the club make on deadline day.

Dorus De Vries is the current number one at the club with youngster Callum Hawthorne deputising on the bench.

BBC

AUG-31

TNS cleared for Park Hall debut

County Times

AUG-31

Druids will be a tough call "Nicholas"

Following the euphoria of beating Rhyl last weekend, Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas is refusing to let his side underestimate the challenge of Newi Cefn Druids on Saturday. Druids make the 128-mile trip to Stebonheath Park as firm underdogs despite having beaten champions The New Saints on the opening night of the season.

Llanelli have started the season well and following the 2-1 win at Rhyl, they are high on confidence with six points from six.

Last weekend's victory came courtesy of goals from Rhys Griffiths and sub Craig Jones while fellow replacement Chris Holloway made a significant effort.

Llanelli Star

AUG-31

Will Carey throw a Spann in the works?

County Times

AUG-31

Tate blow leaves Swan's thin at the back

Roberto Martinez was today hoping to step up his bid to land a central defender after Alan Tate was ruled out for six weeks - leaving Swansea with just Garry Monk and Dennis Lawrence available. With Tate out until mid-October and Kevin Austin currently deputising at left-back in place of Marcos Painter, Martinez is desperately looking to add cover for his defence before the transfer window closes at midnight tomorrow.

On top of that, the Spaniard is believed to be close to signing a back-up keeper while he has admitted an interest in Blackpool striker Keigan Parker.

The Scottish striker was Blackpool's second-top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions last season and scored in their 2-0 League One play-off final win against Yeovil.

Evening Post

AUG-31

Fowler & Hasselbaink to be a huge success 

CARDIFF CITY striker Robbie Fowler believes he and fellow frontman Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink can build a hugely successful partnership for the Bluebirds.

The duo made their competitive debuts for City in Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Orient in the second round of the Carling Cup.

Fowler and Hasselbaink failed to score in a match which saw midfielder Peter Whittingham grab the winner in the 90th minute.

But despite still having to break their City scoring duck, Fowler and Hasselbaink carved out some neat openings and linked up well to give Cardiff supporters a glimpse of what might be this season.

And Fowler was disappointed neither he nor Hasselbaink found the net.

“I thought we did OK as a partnership to be fair. We got in there a few times,” said Fowler.

“ I think it is always going to be a little bit difficult when a new partnership starts out, but we created and almost took a few of the chances in our first competitive match together.

“Hopefully we can build on that and with a little bit more match sharpness have it come together.

icwales

AUG-31

Injury crisis takes hold at Merthyr

MERTHYR Tydfil manager Garry Shephard could face a season on the sidelines as the club’s injury crisis takes hold.

The 31-year-old striker will find out on Friday (August 31) whether his season is over after fewer than two matches of the new campaign.

He faces at least six to eight weeks out with medial ligament and cartilage damage to his right knee he sustained in Merthyr’s defeat at Team Bath.

But a consultant will be able to tell him on Friday the full extent of his injury – which could involve damage to his knee cap – after he had an MRA scan on Tuesday night.

Despite the Martyrs’ promising start to the BGB Premier Division with seven points from 12, the club’s injury worries deepened after Jamie Rewbury was stretchered off in the 2-0 success at home against Bromsgrove Rovers.

Shephard revealed the former Swansea and Cardiff youth player will be out for around six weeks having sustained ankle ligament damage.

“Its got to be a crisis at the moment with the injuries we’ve had and Ryan Dorrian retiring,” said Shephard.

“Club captain Andrew Thomas was out for the first two games and Dean Clarke has had a knock.

“But that’s all part of being a manager and now it’s the players’ reaction which matters.

icwales

AUG-31

Rhayader's Phil Woosnam elected as WPL Chairman

Mr. Woosnam succeeds previous incumbent Alun Evans, who served for three years before his FAW Council election defeat to Mike Harris in July. Also re-elected to the Welsh Premier Board are North Wales Representative, Mr. Ken Hughes from Wrexham and South Wales Representative Mr. David Griffiths from Maesteg, which provides the Board with continuity and experience. The new addition to the group is Mr. Mike Casey, from Treharris in South Wales, who was also elected today.

Mike Harris sits on the Board as the League of Wales Member of FAW Council, whilst the three Members elected by the Clubs at the Welsh Premier League AGM in June are Port Talbot Town Chairman, Andrew Edwards (South Wales), Aberystwyth Town Board Chairman, Mr. Tony Bates (Mid Wales) and Porthmadog Chairman, Mr. Phil Jones (North Wales).

The new Principality Welsh Premier League Board

Chairman - Mr. Phil Woosnam
FAW Council Member - Mr. Ken Hughes
FAW Council Member - Mr. David Griffiths
FAW Council Member - Mr. Mike Casey
Welsh Premier League Representative on Council - Mr. Mike Harris
South Wales Clubs Representative - Mr. Andrew Edwards
Mid Wales Clubs Representative - Mr. Tony Bates
North Wales Clubs Representative - Mr. Phil Jones

Welshpremier.com

AUG-30

Wales incentive for Owain

AS Wales scrapped their way to a memorable win in Bulgaria last week, there was an interested observer back home in Swansea.

Just as significant though to this particular TV viewer were the pre-match words of Wales boss John Toshack on his ever-expanding youth brigade, “Putting these lads in ... like Owain Tudur-Jones across the middle of the park in the future wouldn’t bother me at all.”

Over the past 12 months Tudur-Jones’ battle has gone a lot further than the weekly one for midfield possession, his actual livelihood put on the line by knee damage which was eventually treated by the eminent American surgeon Richard Steadman.

Tudur-Jones made only five appearances last season and hasn’t figured in Swansea colours since Bournemouth were beaten 4-2 at the Liberty Stadium last November.

But, like an elephant, Toshack doesn’t forget and Tudur-Jones would appear to have a big Wales future if he puts injury misery behind him and builds on a career still very much in its infancy.

“It’s really positive news for John to talk about me,” said Tudur-Jones, who has still yet to make 25 league appearances since leaving Welsh Premier side Bangor City in a bargain £5,000 deal in August 2005.

“But I suppose there’s only so much time he can keep me in his plans without me ever playing for Wales.

“I think that’s a given because people can get fed up if I’m constantly injured, it’s not his fault or my fault but that’s the way football works.”

Tudur-Jones, of course, has been called into Welsh squads in the past only to see injury strike at the wrong moment.

icwales

AUG-30

City step up player hunt

CARDIFF CITY chairman Peter Ridsdale and manager Dave Jones are working flat out to bring in at least one new signing ahead of the closing of the transfer window tomorrow night.

At midnight the transfer window slams shut and will not reopen again until the start of January.

After a mixed start to the season with two defeats at home and a win on the road at QPR, Jones is committed to adding to his squad.

The search for a ‘target’ man seems to have stalled and Jones has turned his attention to bringing in another centre-half to help shore up his defence.

The search has been made more urgent with injury to skipper Darren Purse during Tuesday’s 1-0 Carling Cup victory over Orient.

Jones has admitted he wants fresh faces, but is playing his cards very close to his chest after missing out on targets in the past.

Jones said, “Yes, I’m looking to being someone in. How long will that take? Well, we’ve got until Friday.”

Ridsdale confirmed he expected at least one fresh face at Ninian Park before the transfer window closes.

“I am in hourly contact with Dave in a bid to move towards our mutually agreed targets,” said Ridsdale. “I would expect movement over the next few days, but in a way it’s like Tales of the Unexpected, you never know exactly what is going to happen.”

Ridsdale had previously been adamant players would need to be off-loaded from the City wage-bill before any new signings could be made, but has now seemingly softened his stance.

icwales

AUG-30

Swans still looking for players

Swansea City's recruitment drive is still active after one target decided against a transfer and two other moves were rubbished by chairman Huw Jenkins.
Reports of interest in Blackpool pair Keigan Parker and Adrian Forbes were labelled as ''news to us'' by the Liberty Stadium chief while the potential transfer of Dunfermline centre-half Sol Bamba is no longer on the cards. Press reports in the north-west linked striker Parker and former Swansea midfielder Forbes with moves to the club before the transfer window shuts on Friday night.
A £250,000 bid for Parker, who is also a target for Nottingham Forest, was touted as the Scot is out of contract next summer and could leave for nothing.
Parker joined the Seasiders, who were promoted last season from League One, three years ago from St Johnstone and has scored 39 goals during that period.
Ex-Swan Forbes, believed to be in Gillingham's radar, left the Liberty Stadium last summer in bitter circumstances while Kenny Jackett was manager.
He played a key part in Blackpool's play-off final victory in May, but has yet to feature in the squad this term.
Jenkins, however, has dismissed a move for the pair.
''It's news to us,'' he revealed. ''I think as with every story it is a case of having a list of players Roberto (Martinez) is looking at and players who may have been looked at in the past. As things stand we have made no official bids.''
However, confirmed interest in Ivory Coast Under-21 centre-back Bamba has proved unsuccessful.
Swansea had made enquiries about the former Paris Saint Germain and were believed to have watched him in the Uefa Cup clash with Swedish outfit Hacken.
But a move was quashed yesterday when the 22-year-old French-born defender signed a new two-year contract at East End Park.
It is a blow to Martinez who is still aiming to sign a goalkeeper, centre-back and striker before the deadline.

Evening Post

AUG-30

Beadle expects huge improvements

Peter Beadle, manager of Blue Square South club Newport County, will warn his team he expects a huge improvement ahead of tough trips to Lewes and Bath City.
The Exiles have picked up eight points from their opening five games, conceding just twice in the process, including yesterday's 2-0 win over Basingstoke Town.
However, it is clear Beadle's side are not yet playing to their full potential and that fact is recognised by the manager.
He explained: "It was good to get back to winning ways, but the second half showed we are not the finished article yet, we can improve a hell of a lot.
"We dominated the game in the first half and scored two good goals, but we need to do that more consistently.
"In the second half we weren't under threat but we can kill teams off better.
"It has been a tough weekend with two hard games and I am relatively pleased, but cautious because I know we can play better. We were on the back foot too much at 2-0.
"We have plenty of attacking players in the squad and we are learning to play with more attacking purpose.
"Defensively I have no room to complain at all, but they will improve as well.
"When we are firing on all cylinders we will be vastly improved for greater periods of the game.
"We will get better and after five games we are doing OK, we've taken eight points which is not too bad."
Beadle is expecting a tough task with trips to Lewes and Bath City next up for his side.
"No disrespect to the teams we've played so far, but I think we will raise our game in the next two matches against really good teams," he said.
"These are two of the toughest games in the season and I expect our performance to improve as the better the opposition, the better we tend to play.
"We've been too comfortable at times this season and I want the lads to be more consistent and dominant for longer periods.
"I can see us raising our game in the next two fixtures, if we perform as well as we can we are as good as anybody in the division."

South Wales Argus

AUG-30

McKenna admits "start is disappointing"

Admittedly, the champions had a disappointing opening-night defeat being followed by a 5-1 thrashing at rejuvenated Aberystwyth.

But Ken McKenna. while bitterly disappointed at the start, is certainly not preparing to write their obituary yet.

“We are only two matches into the season and there are 32 to go. We need to put a few things right and then watch us perform," says the long-serving boss.

One thing is certain – there is a major gulf between the Cymru Alliance and the Welsh Premier league as Llangefni are finding out.

icwales

AUG-30

Parry pulls out of Wales squad

The Cardiff wide man, 27, missed the friendly win in Bulgaria, but was recalled this week after good form.

Parry, who has nine caps, has cited personal reasons and is replaced in the squad by Wrexham's Chris Llewellyn.

Wales boss John Toshack has named an otherwise full-strength squad, James Collins, Craig Bellamy, Jason Koumas, Carl Fletcher and Carl Robinson back.

They all missed the 1-0 victory in Bulgaria, either injured or unavailable.

There is no recall for Wigan striker David Cotterill, the 19-year-old having been axed from the senior squad last season by Toshack amid speculation that the national manager was unimpressed with the player's attitude.

BBC

AUG-29

Carmarthen's Strike force one!

Carmarthen Town manager Deryn Brace is tipping his strikers to fire the club to glory this season.

A 3-0 win at newly promoted Llangefni on Saturday saw new signing Tim Hicks and Danny Thomas notching the goals.

For Thomas, who has been converted from a midfielder, the brace he picked up indicates he will have few problems with his new position.

Evening Post

AUG-29

Marc Lloyd Williams sets his sights

FORMER golden-boot winner Marc Lloyd-Williams is one of the most experienced strikers in the Welsh Premier league and has played for several clubs in Wales.

Now he is aiming to help Newtown to succeed after several topsy-turvy seasons.

And he has made a cracking start to the season, but needs someone alongside him also to score goals.

Lloyd-Williams netted in Newtown’s opening game at home to Bangor City and the only other score attributed to Newtown was a Peter Hoy own goal in a 2-2 draw.

Then last Saturday the sharpshooter was also on target at Port Talbot, but again no one else looked like netting and the Latham Park outfit crashed to 5-1 reverse.

“It’s great to have Marc scoring goals, but someone else must contribute as well otherwise it will never work,” said a frustrated Newtown spokesman.

icwales

AUG-29

Town's first South Wales derby of the season

Evening Post

AUG-29

Hasselbaink & Fowler please Jones

"They are still two games away from flying, but we saw good runs and forward thinking off them," said Jones.

"They didn't score, but on another day they could have got a hat-trick each.

"The important thing was that they got 90 minutes each and they feel OK after it - although I think they'll be taking the lift not the stairs at the hotel!"

Jones said that the strike duo will be in the squad for Saturday's Championship game at Norwich, but would not be drawn on whether they will feature.

While the former Premiership pair looked sharp in front of goal and had numerous chances, Orient goalkeeper Stuart Nelson was in inspired form.

"You get games like that and - full credit to Leyton Orient - they dug deep and battled.

"I just said to the lads that they had to keep going. They kept their concentration at the back and, after that, the goal was always going to come."

BBC

AUG-29

Carey rues second-half collapse

The Dragons were outclassed in the second half, conceding four times to end hopes of a Carling Cup upset.

"We did so well for a period in the game and I think we showed them too much respect," Carey told BBC Sport.

"If you let a Premiership player do what he wants you pay dearly for it."

He added: "The manner in which we conceded the goals is something we won't do again, I'll make sure of that because I am really disappointed for everyone that turned up.

"We did well down the left through Eifion Williams but the goals were sickening really.

"We changed it around to try to get back into the game and it backfired."

Williams also said he was disappointed with Wrexham's second-half display.

"First half I thought we did really well, got in behind them, created chances and we looked dangerous," said the striker.

"Second half we let ourselves down and gave away sloppy goals and you can't do that at any level you play at, especially against Premier League teams because you are going to get punished."

Shaun Maloney scored twice for Villa either side of half time with Luke Moore, Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood grabbing the other goals.

Manager Martin O'Neill heaped praise on Maloney.

"Shaun kept going from where he left off scoring on Saturday against Fulham," he said.

"His first goal was superb and his second wasn't bad and it set us on our way."

BBC

AUG-29

It’s heartbreak for Swans

SWANSEA CITY were cruelly denied a place in the third round of the Carling Cup when 10-man Reading scored an extra-time winner after Roberto Martinez’s men had dominated the game.

It was the first time a Premiership team had visited the Liberty Stadium and the Swans often looked like the better side.

When Sam Sodje was sent off for a second yellow card, the Swans controlled the game, but Leroy Lita struck against the run of play in the first half of extra-time to send Steve Coppell’s men through.

The Swans deserved more, but once again their inability to convert chances into goals cost them dear.

Martinez stuck with his squad rotation policy for cup games and made five changes to the team who beat Walsall on Saturday.

The back four remained the same, but Ian Craney, Joe Allen, Paul Anderson and Kris O;Leary joined Andy Robinson in a five man midfield with Guillem Buaza acting as a lone striker.

Reading also made several changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Bolton at the weekend, but Coppell’s side was still brimming with talent.

Strikers Lita and Dave Kitson make their respective returns, while American international Bobby Convey made his first start since February.

icwales

AUG-29

We stand together say County board

The County officials have decided not to represent the club in an official capacity and will ditch the Lewes boardroom in favour of the terrace.

The decision comes after manager Peter Beadle urged supporters NOT to boycott the Blue Square South fixture between the two clubs.

County are furious that not only has the game been postponed until Sunday on police advice, but that it kicks-off at 12pm.

The kick-off time makes it extremely difficult for supporters in the Principality to make it down to the south coast.

Relations have been sour between the two clubs since a stormy encounter last season at Spytty Park that resulted in a number of allegations being made by Lewes to their local newspaper.

The Football Association investigated the alleged incidents but no action was deemed necessary.

Last season County visited the Dripping Pan at 3pm on a Saturday and it was an incident free afternoon.

Therefore the County board have taken the decision to stand with their supporters on this issue.

Director Colin Everett explained: "We are disappointed that Lewes have not fully withdrawn their statement made last season which we feel is potentially libellous.

"We also feel that Lewes were complicit with East Sussex police in arriving at a view that this fixture is high risk and they failed to consult us about possible changes which we found discourteous and unprofessional.

South Wales Argus

AUG-29

Swan's dealt Tate injury blow

Swansea City defender Alan Tate has been ruled out for six weeks after a scan revealed he has fractured his knee cap. The injury was picked up during the Carling Cup first round victory over Walsall and he has not featured since.

With Tate out it further emphasises the need for manager Roberto Martinez to add a central defender to his squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

"I've tried to come back three times in training," said Tate. "I thought it was going to be a bruise but I've just got to carry on now.

Evening Post

AUG-28

Ganet brings in the foreign legion to rescue Crows

GUILERMO Ganet is planning a multi-cultural future for MacWhirter Welsh League Cwmbran Town.

The Spanish coach, who has been in charge at Berkhamstead Town and, briefly, Welsh League Uwic, has recruited a squad which includes players born in Brazil, Ivory Coast, Congo, Nigeria, Cameroon and Portugal.

Cameroon-born Jean Black N’Gody, a former Kettering Town midfield player, has already fired eight goals in seven games for Cwmbran, while Moses Molongo and Christopher Omuta have three each.

Two players, Tybbo Koffi from Ivory Coast and Nigerian Lukman Najeed, have switched from Berkhamstead with Ganet.

The Crows have not made a sizzling start to their first season at MacWhirter Welsh League level after suffering relegation.

They have crushed struggling Pontypridd Town twice, scoring 12 goals and conceding none over the two games, but they lost at Taffs Well 1-0 and drew 4-4 in the Gwent derby against Croesyceiliog.

Their latest match was another Gwent clash, against Caldicot Town. Anthony Shadrach scored Cwmbran’s first and Ngody curled in one of his specials from a free-kick before Caldicot had two players sent off.

Ngody added the third, but there are going to be far tougher tests for Cwmbran this season.

One of those will be against Dinas Powys at Cwmbran Stadium this Saturday (2.30pm).

icwales

AUG-28

Caernarfon hit the top spot

Caernarfon Town put last season's relegation struggles behind them to fly to the top of the Principality Welsh Premier on goal difference with a Bank Holiday Monday derby win at Porthmadog.

Goals from Chris Noone and Jon Rowley, plus an own goal from Port striker Paul Roberts, sealed the three points for the Canaries, with a late Iwan Williams effort the only consolation for Port.

However, the hosts were not helped by early injuries to key defenders Mike Foster and Ryan Davies, who were both substituted within the first half-hour, and player-manager Clayton Blackmore was also forced to replace himself 2 minutes before the break.

Blackmore's side have now lost their opening three fixtures of the campaign, all at home.

They have been beaten by both of the newly-promoted sides, Neath Athletic and Llangefni Town, in the league and Loosemores League Cup respectively, followed by Monday's reverse to their rivals from up the coast.

NLD

AUG-28

Martinez looking to beat deadline

SWANSEA CITY boss Roberto Martinez expects to be a busy man as the hours to the transfer deadline tick away.

Martinez was delighted as Swansea claimed their first League One success of the season at Walsall, but he is keen to strengthen before the transfer window slams shut on Friday night.

High on his wish-list is a mobile central defender, another striker to increase competition and a back-up goalkeeper.

Swansea didn’t even have a keeper on the bench at Walsall with Martinez concerned that rookie Callum Hawthorne’s progress will be stunted by a permanent understudy role to Dutchman Dorus de Vries.

“We will bring a goalkeeper in, that’s an area we need to strengthen.” said Martinez. “It would be very risky to go all season without a second keeper.

When asked about other areas in his squad, Martinez replied, “We have a couple of options and we’ll keep looking into it.

“It’s too premature to mention names, but we’ve made approaches and everything should be finalised by Tuesday.

“If we can improve, what we’ve got we’re going to take that opportunity.”

icwales

AUG-28

Craig Jones shines for Llanelli

Former Afan Lido midfielder Craig Jones was the toast of the Llanelli dressing room following a mesmerising second-half performance as his side toppled big-spending Rhyl 2-1 at Belle Vue.

Coming on six minutes into the second period, Jones tormented the Lilywhites defence, setting up chances for Craig Williams and Andrew Mumford, who were brilliantly denied by former Haverfordwest keeper Lee Kendall.

Jones was naturally thrilled with his contribution. ''It was my first goal for Llanelli and I'm landed,'' he said. ''It was a brilliant feeling and a massive boost to get the result.''

The victory also pleased manager Peter Nicholas. ''An away win is always a good win, but to come to Rhyl and take away all three points is very satisfying,'' he said.

icwales

AUG-28

Feeney could go on loan

DAVE Jones is keen to move two or three players out on loan this week – and that may even include striker Warren Feeney.

Cardiff City manager Jones is also unhappy with Cardiff's failure to score goals at home – and their defensive failures which handed winning goals at home to Stoke City and Coventry City.

Jones wants to bring in a central defender to increase competition for places, while he will maintain a watching brief on Derby County target man Steve Howard.

Derby are keen on signing David Nugent from Portsmouth and they may have to let Howard and perhaps even Robert Earnshaw move on to finance their bid.

With Robbie Fowler and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink each set to make their Cardiff City debut against Orient today, Cardiff are unlikely to make a move for Howard this week – in the run-up to the end of the transfer window – but that could change if the price is right.

A key factor, though, before any players come in is that Jones must find new clubs for others.

Goalkeeper David Forde has joined Luton Town on loan and he played in their 3-1 win against Gillingham, while City would allow Kevin Cooper, teenage striker Matt Green and Feeney to move out for the right offers.

Cooper is on the transfer list, City are keen for Green to play first team football and gain experience, while Feeney needs a run of starts to lift confidence.

icwales

AUG-28

FAW Premier Cup draw

AIRBUS UK Broughton, making their debut in the FAW Premier Cup this season, have been handed a tricky first-round trip to Haverfordwest County.

Elsewhere, Bangor City entertain Aberystwyth Town, Connah's Quay Nomads host Carmarthen Town and Porthmadog have home advantage in their tie with Port Talbot Town (all October 2).

Clubs eliminated in the first round receive £5,000, while there is an added £2,000 for reaching the second stage of the BBC-sponsored competition.

icwales

AUG-28

Bay make it 10 goals in a week

GARY FINLEY believes his Colwyn Bay side can still improve after watching them hit their Leicestershire opponents for six on Saturday.

Their biggest league win since December 2005 followed the 4-0 midweek demolition of Warrington Town and put them in second place in the Unibond Division One South table.

But the manager commented: “There is still more in us. W e’ve got young players who are still learning and will get better.

But Finley knows Stocksbridge will ask new questions of his side.

“We've had a great week, 10 goals in two games without reply, but no one is getting carried away,” said the Bay boss.

“Stocksbridge only just missed out on the play-offs last season so, they'll be up there or thereabouts this season and we know it's going to be tough.”

icwales

AUG-28

Wales recall Parry for Euro test

Back into the squad come James Collins, captain Craig Bellamy, Jason Koumas, Carl Fletcher and Carl Robinson.

They all missed the 1-0 friendly win in Bulgaria either injured or unavailable.

The one extra addition to that squad is attack-minded midfielder Paul Parry of Cardiff, but there is no recall for Wigan striker David Cotterill.

The 19-year-old was axed from the senior squad last season by Toshack amid speculation that the national manager was unimpressed with the player's attitude.

Cotterill got his chance to prove himself all over again last week with a place in the Under-21 side that won a friendly in Sweden 4-3, a game that saw him score and impress coach Brian Flynn with his commitment.

But with Freddy Eastwood, Craig Bellamy and Robert Earnshaw ahead of him in the forwards pecking order, Cotterill may not have even got on the pitch against Germany.

It is considered that he will benefit more from a full game with the youngsters instead, for their opening Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifier against France in Grenoble on 7 September, the day before the seniors face Germany in Cardiff.

BBC

AUG-27

TNS: Champs or chumps?

icwales

AUG-27

Cardiff bank on strike duo boost

The Bluebirds lost Saturday's home Championship match with Coventry 1-0 despite dominating much of the match.

Jones says his new veteran strikers are now fit enough to make competitive debuts and backs them to get goals.

"They are available now for Tuesday, so hopefully they will now put out other strikers under pressure," Jones said.

Cardiff were unable to find the breakthrough against Coventry, but Jones said he resisted the temptation to throw ex-Liverpool forward Fowler and Dutch star Hasselbaink onto the pitch.

"They're ready now, but it was a big gamble (to have played them) on Saturday," Jones added.

"You can sit them on the bench and if someone picks up an injury then you've got to throw them on and they might have picked up an injury themselves.

"They needed what they've had done to them (in training) and it's easy to be tempted to play players (too soon) when you sign them.

"We couldn't do that because we'd set them back weeks and weeks.

"All it does is put the pressure on them to score goals when they do play for the first team.

"They will be in the squad against Leyton Orient and they will play some part, whether they start or come on."

BBC

AUG-27

Mission for Bangor boss

NEW Bangor City boss Neville Powell admitted his appointment at the club where he spent 10 years as a player has given him quite a buzz.

“I’m really excited about the challenge ahead. This is potentially the biggest club in the league and my aim is to try to make it great again,” he said.

“The potential support with a winning team is enormous. We took 350 to Newtown last week on the opening day of the season.

“I was very pleased with the win. Haverfordwest have a good squad of lads, but we played well. It was an important win on our home bow.”

Peter Hoy (25) put the Citizens in front with a rocket-like header and Mark Smyth (62) netted from the spot after Terry Evans had fouled Ashley Stott.

icwales

AUG-27

New boy's Cambrian on a roll

CAMBRIAN AND CLYDACH, promoted to the top flight last season, have made a stunning start at the higher level, winning their first four games and conceding only two goals in the process, writes Chris Smart.

Their latest success was 1-0 at Taffs Well where Stuart Ashman scored in the second half.

Dinas Powys are the only club above them in the table with five straight triumphs – they inflicted a 6-0 defeat on Maesteg Park, who, after a summer of turmoil, were starting their season a fortnight behind most other clubs.

Jason Cowan bagged a brace for Dinas with Mark Dunford, Drew Fahiya, Nana Baah ans Shelton Payne finding their way onto the scoresheet as well.

Goytre, last season’s runners-up, maintained their unbeaten record with a 3-0 win over Croesyceiliog, Richard Ryan scoring a brace and Paul Lenihan also hitting the net.

icwales

AUG-27

Prestatyn only unbeaten side in Alliance

PRESTATYN are the only unbeaten team in the Cymru Alliance following a hard-earned 4-2 win over visiting Gresford Athletic, writes Chris Smart.

The seasiders had to come from behind after Gresford led 2-1 five minutes into the second half. Neil Gibson, Dan Evans, Jack Lewis and Steve Bowes netted for Prestatyn, while Owen Roberts and Ian Mathias were the visitors’ marksmen.

Llandudno were in form as they overwhelmed Bodedern 4-0 with all their goals coming in the second half, Chris Johnson bagging a brace and Leighton Griffiths and Jodie Hamilton scoring the others.

Promoted Denbigh Town recovered from an early deficit to beat Holyhead Hotspur 3-1 after a late scoring burst. Ian Evans grabbed a brace in the last 10 minutes after Tommy Harrison levelled matters following the early Ian Williams goal for Hotspur.

Kevin Leech scored after a minute to give Queens Park the lead against Ruthin and they went onto win 3-1, Dave Griffiths getting their other two goals.

Ben White, Tim Nunnerley and Graham McGill scored for Guilsfield in their 3-1 triumph over Buckley Town, while Anthony Williams struck for two second-half goals to give Mynydd Isa success at Penrhyncoch.

icwales

AUG-24

Summer football debate missing point – Morgan

TOMMI MORGAN believes the debate over summer football fails to address the problems facing the game in Wales.

Clubs are to be consulted over the coming months on whether a switch to the summer would benefit the Welsh Premier, with a working party set up to investigate the issue.

Such a move has been touted as one way to improve the fortunes of Welsh Premier clubs in Europe, while some believe it would also increase crowd sizes and minimise the risk of games being called off.

But Welshpool boss Morgan, whose side narrowly missed out on InterToto Cup qualification last season, says the debate misses the point about the challenges facing the league.

“People say Welsh clubs would do better in Europe if we had summer football, but I question whether we would do any better because the dice is loaded towards clubs from the bigger countries,” he said. “I can’t see any Welsh club getting into the Champions League proper in the next 10 years.

“Uefa need to look at grassroots football in smaller countries and start investing some of the millions of pounds they put into the English and Italian leagues – otherwise they’re not going to have a game in 40 years’ time.”

According to a poll on the Welsh Premier’s official website, 55% of fans want to see summer football, with Llanelli manager Peter Nicholas and league secretary John Deakin keen advocates.

And the debate has been stepped up after both Rhyl and The New Saints were eliminated from their respective European competitions on away goals against European opposition who were already in mid-season.

However, neither Rhyl manager John Hulse nor TNS boss Ken McKenna see a summer season as the answer.

Hulse said: “If the Welsh Premier moved to the summer the whole of the Welsh system would have to move to the summer. You can’t have your first team playing in the summer and your reserves in the winter, because they wouldn’t be part of your club.

“Summer football would help us in Europe, but I can’t see how it could be done. When you’ve got lads who are semi-pro and work 40 hours a week playing summer football, when are they going to take their holidays?”

He added: “Anything that’s going to raise the profile of the league and help us do better in Europe I’m 200% for, but I can’t see how we could adapt when we’re all part-timers.”

TNS boss McKenna said: “Summer football would only benefit four or five teams who’ve got a chance of getting into Europe. You don’t have to be Jose Mourinho to figure out that a team who have already played 17 games are going to have a massive advantage – but all the other teams aren’t going to want it.”

icwales

AUG-24

Druids won’t be resting on their laurels

PLAYER-BOSS Wayne Phillips insisted Newi Cefn Druids won’t be resting on their laurels despite surprising The New Saints.

The Plas Kynaston men made the perfect start with last week’s 1-0 win over the defending champions, and former Wrexham man Phillips now wants his side to keep up the good work in tonight’s home clash with Welshpool.

“It was a fantastic win against TNS,” he said. “There’s no better feeling than winning, but to beat the defending champions was a bit more special.

“Welshpool will be much the same. They’re another tough side but if we approach the game in the same way then there won’t be any complaints. The players have set a high standard.”

The Druids have limited attacking options with strikers Darren Williams and Mike Heverin absent, but Kevin Holsgrove and Stuart Vernon could be used in an attacking mode. Paul Mazzarella will miss the next four weeks.

icwales

AUG-24

Bangor’s offer for Williams rejected

CONNAH’S Quay Nomads have rejected Bangor City’s advances on star defender Chris Williams, ending speculation that has continued throughout the summer and into the first week of the new campaign.

Nomads secretary Bobby Hunter said the Deeside club valued the defender at double what they had been offered by Bangor.

Hunter said: “After approaches by Bangor City about the availability of contracted player Chris Williams, Connah’s Quay Nomads received a written offer from Alan Griffiths, the Bangor City Secretary, on August 1.

“The original offer received was less than half of the valuation placed on Chris Williams by Nomads at that time.

“Bangor City’s offer was considered by a full Nomads Board meeting and firmly rejected.

“As far as this club is concerned, the matter is now closed.”

This will be great news to the Nomads fans who have seen their side not only lose boss Nev Powell to the Citizens, but also skipper Marc Limbert, prolific striker Tommy Mutton and defenders Gary Swanick and Gary Lovell.

Williams scored the winner for Nomads against Llangefni from the penalty spot last Saturday.

icwales

AUG-24

Kop to re-open for Villa

THE Kop will be reopened to Wrexham fans for the Carling Cup clash with Aston Villa.

Safety chiefs yesterday gave the Dragons the green light to re-open the popular stand, and it will now be open for all games until after Christmas.

Tickets to stand on the Kop for next Tuesday’s Villa game must be bought by midday on the day, but after that the stand will be open as normal.

For league games, season-ticket holders in the Yale stand will have the opportunity to stand in the Kop instead by presenting their vouchers.

The Kop is due to be redeveloped in the new year.

icwales

AUG-24

Reds hunt title glory for John

Llanelli left-back Gary Lloyd insists his team-mates will be gunning for the Welsh Premier League title in memory of "irreplaceable" president John James who passed away on Tuesday morning.The shock news of James's death was a huge surprise for everyone concerned at Stebonheath Park and is the second setback for the club in the past month after Lloyd's mother, Jean, passed away.

James, 73, was not only influential in his role as president as a great ambassador for the club, but a No.1 fan and great friend to all at Stebo.

With the fate of Saturday's league match at Rhyl still undecided as the club have asked for the game to be postponed, Lloyd pointed out that James will forever be in the thoughts of the players.

icwales

AUG-24

Swans closing in on new keeper

The Swansea boss has been on the look-out for another keeper after Willy Gueret quit the Liberty Stadium for MK Dons on the opening day of the season.

"We are very close to finalising in that department," said Martinez, who is also looking to strengthen other areas.

"I think it is important we keep an eye on every single option we've got before the deadline."

He added: "If you look at the players we've lost, it will give you an indication of where we need to strengthen.

icwales

AUG-23

Flynn tipping City's Ramsey for bigger things

BRIAN Flynn has tipped Cardiff City wonder kid Aaron Ramsey to become Welsh soccer’s youngest senior international in history.

The young Bluebird helped mastermind his country’s astonishing 4-3 victory over Sweden in Halmstad and earned a heap of praise from his under-21s manager.

Wales had seen the Swedes race into a 3-1 lead, but fought back to win with Ramsey, who replaced Swansea’s Matthew Collins at half time, playing a key role in the revival.

Caerphilly-born Ramsey has already smashed John Toshack’s record at Cardiff – becoming the youngest ever first-teamer when he made his debut last season.

And Flynn, who gave the starlet his under-21 baptism at the Orjans Vall Stadium, is certain that Ramsey is set to get capped at senior level by Wales before the end of an abortive European Championship qualification campaign that closes this November.

icwales

AUG-23

Jimmy Floyd and Robbie a goal guarantee

IAIN Dowie has no doubts over the impact Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Robbie Fowler will have for Cardiff City this season.

Northerner Dowie brings his Coventry City team to Ninian Park on Saturday and says: “Jimmy and Robbie guarantee Cardiff City goals.

“That’s what they do. I admire both of them as people and footballers who are not at all difficult to manage.”

The Sky Blues boss has first hand experience of Hasselbaink, whom he managed for a short while at Charlton Athletic last season, while, as a scholar of the game, he has studied the likes of Robbie Fowler throughout the ex-England man’s career.

And Dowie has warned his Coventry defenders about Hasselbank’s great touch, ability to hold the ball up, power and deft finishing.

He also loves Fowler’s enthusiasm for playing football, saying: “Robbie is one of the best finishers around – and together they guarantee Cardiff goals.

The Bluebirds are aiming to earn a third successive victory after beating Brighton in the Carling Cup and QPR in the Championship.

Hasselbaink looks certain to be involved, in the starting line-up or in the matchday 16, after firing two goals on his Bluebirds debut in a 4-2 win at Hereford United in a friendly this week.

icwales

AUG-23

Eastwood strike earns Wales win

The Wolves striker unleashed a fierce 20-yard drive in first-half stoppage time after Bulgaria had dominated.

Wales were indebted to a superb display by young goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who saved a string of long-range shots.

Wales had a lucky escape in the final stages when Danny Gabbidon's sliced clearance hit the post.

BBC

AUG-23

Trinidad international Spann joins Wrexham

The midfielder, 25, is now set to leave the Trinidad club W Connection to join the Dragons on a three-year contract.

Wrexham will start the process of applying for international clearance and then registering him with the Football League.

"I'm delighted for the player," manager Brian Carey told the club website.

"He has had a difficult pre-season travelling from club to club in search of a contract, but I know he feels at home with Wrexham and he has certainly set his heart on playing for us.

"Hopefully we will have him with us at some stage over the weekend, then he can start training in earnest with the team next week."

Spann - who has also played in Italy and Japan - has had trials with Sunderland and Sheffield United this summer.

But T&T team-mates Carlos Edwards and Dennis Lawrence, both ex-Wrexham players, have given glowing reports of life at the Racecourse Ground.

"I've looked around Wrexham and the club comes highly recommended to me by Carlos and Dennis," said Spann, who missed a place in the 2006 World Cup because of injury.

"They have not suffered by playing their football there and I'm starting to feel at home."

BBC

AUG-23

City fans seek loan deal clarification

CARDIFF City FC chairman Peter Ridsdale last night maintained there was no discrepancy in statements he has made about the club’s finances.

Last week the Langston Corporation – a Panama-registered company based in Switzerland – announced it had started High Court proceedings demanding the immediate repayment of £31m by the club. Langston loaned the club £24m in 2004 and claims that because no repayment has been made, the entire amount with accrued interest is now due.

But the club’s present chairman, Peter Ridsdale, maintains that the terms of the loan were renegotiated in 2006, with no repayments now being due until 2016.

Some of the club’s supporters have sought clarification of the details of the loan. One, a fan who styles himself “Lone Gunman” on the main supporters’ web chat room, pointed out in a posting that Mr Ridsdale had sent a statement to all club shareholders last December which said, “Subject to the stadium project proceeding, the group has reached an agreement pursuant to which Langston has agreed to the financial restructuring of the Langston Loan Notes, whereby it is to be repaid a part of its capital outstanding of up to £9m from naming rights generated from the stadium project, and further amounts in an agreed manner from new income generated by the stadium project and/or from the club attaining Premiership status.

“Any balance will be repayable at the club’s discretion at any time up to 31/12/2016. In return, Langston will waive all historic interest entitlement in respect of the Langston Loan Notes, with future interest accruing at the rate of 7% per annum only from the date of the stadium project becoming unconditional, with such interest not being payable until the club is financially able to do so.”

icwales

AUG-23

Former Garw boss defends his move

FORMER Garw player-manager Chris Wells has defended a decision to leave the Blandy club and play temporarily for next-door neighbours Llangeinor.

Garw chairman Michael Lambert last week made it known that the club were unhappy with the situation.

Wells signed a new two-year contract back in the spring, but decided to stand down, having switched employment from Swansea University to Grenada.

Garw released him from his commitment, and Wells has confirmed that he is taking up the overseas coaching post on September 6.

“I made my position clear that I was going to play for Llangeinor for a few weeks ahead of Grenada, as my half-brother Jonathan Quigley is their new assistant manager,” explained Wells, who last season masterminded Garw’s division two championship-winning year.

“I cannot be blamed for last year’s squad opting out of new terms with Garw.

“As far as I was concerned they were all going to re-sign, but I got word from some players that they were unhappy with the managerial situation at the club.

“Garw never asked me to play for them – as I would have considered it – and all in all I am disappointed with the way things have worked out.”

And as chairman Lambert pointed out last week, it remains to be seen how many beatings of this magnitude these players can take.

The club has advertised for a new manager and are hoping a suitable candidate will emerge in order to bring this latest crisis to an end.

Evening Post

AUG-23

Swans on striker alert

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has revealed that signing a new striker is top priority ahead of next week's transfer deadline. And Jenkins says Swansea could also swoop for a goalkeeper and central defender - as well as Barcelona B left-back Josue Fernandez - before the window for permanent and overseas deals closes in eight days' time.

Boss Roberto Martinez is still to replace star striker Lee Trundle, while the departures of Willy Gueret, Izzy Iriekpen and Steve Watt have also left vacancies he is keen to fill.

"Roberto has made it clear he wants to strengthen the forward line and it's no secret that he's after a centre-half," Jenkins said.

Evening Post

AUG-23

Juan Ugarte: I’m ready for more games

JUAN UGARTE said he was eager for more games after making his comeback from a knee injury last night.

The Basque striker made his first appearance for Wrexham in over eight months when he played 55 minutes in last night’s defeat.

Ugarte said: “It’s obviously disappointing to lose – I’d like to have marked my comeback with a win, but from a personal point of view my fitness levels were okay and I feel fine.

“There’s no reaction at all at the moment, the injury’s fine, so I just want to keep training and get a few more reserve games under my belt.

“After everything that’s happened it feels good to be back playing again.”

icwales

AUG-23

Club's future on knife-edge

THE FUTURE of Treharris FC could be decided within the next 24 hours.

Club officials were set to meet Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council officers today (August 16) to discuss the club’s dilapidated Athletic Ground.

The Welsh League has given the Division Two club, one of the oldest in Wales, 12 months to get their ground up to league standards after failing an inspection.

Since the Express reported the club’s plight, secretary and FAW committee member Mike Casey has received indications that help could be on its way.

As well as new goal posts put in place by the council to replace the heavy colliery ones, the authority has cleaned up part of the ground which had been unkempt for some time.

icwales

AUG-22

Barcelona player set for the Swans

Roberto Martinez is poised to raid the mighty Barcelona as he fine tunes his Swansea City squad for a tilt at promotion. Camp Nou youngster Josue Fernandez is in Wales and could sign for Swansea in the next few days.

The 20-year-old has never played for Barcelona's first team, but he did train alongside the likes of Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi last season.

Fernandez, who plays his football for the Catalan giants' reserve side, Barcelona B, is now training with Martinez's squad and will make a permanent switch to League One if he settles in.

Evening Post

AUG-22

Pennock leaves Swans as keeper coach

Swansea City are on the lookout for a new goalkeeping coach after Tony Pennock severed his ties with the club. Roberto Martinez wants the position to be full-time and Swansea did speak to Pennock, who worked two days a week last season, about increasing his hours.

But the former Yeovil keeper was unable to commit because he is also football development officer for Swansea Council and manager of Port Talbot Town.

"It's my decision to step away because unfortunately we just couldn't find a way for me to carry on doing the job which suited both parties," Pennock said.

Evening Post

AUG-22

Young Welsh storm back

BRIAN FLYNN’S young Dragons sent shock waves around Europe as they fought back from two goals down to claim a sizeable scalp at Halmstad’s Orjans Vall Stadium.

Wales, weakened by the loss of full-backs Chris Gunter and Neal Eardley to the senior Wales team in Bulgaria, were facing a real challenge.</