JUNE-30

Cardiff hit by Thompson setback

The 28-year-old injured his groin while on holiday and was told he needed surgery after seeing a specialist when he reported for training this week.

"It is not known at the current time how long Steve will be out," said a statement on the Cardiff website.

Thompson was placed on the transfer list in May after managing just six goals in 45 appearances last season.

The Scotland international has a year left on his contract.

He will start next season as the third-choice striker at Ninian Park following the recent arrival of Steven MacLean, who has been given the number nine squad number that Thompson wore last season.

BBC

JUNE-30

Rhyl in a rush

RHYL manager John Hulse has revealed the extent of the problems faced by Welsh clubs in preparing properly for the early rounds of Uefa Cup competition after the Lilywhites were yesterday paired with Finnish club FC Haka.

The first qualifying-round match against Haka, who have won their domestic title on 12 occasions, are being staged on July 19 and August 2 – midway through the Scandinavian season.

“My lads have been training three times a week for the last three weeks,” said Hulse, who was at Uefa headquarters in Switzerland for the draw.

“But our secretary has contacted no fewer than 67 clubs in a bid to set up friendly matches, which are an essential part of any preparation, only to find that most of them have not reported back for pre-season training just yet.

“The lads have been working very hard, nevertheless, and their attitude has been fantastic”

The Rhyl boss is pinning his hopes on a side from Surrey agreeing to visit Belle Vue next Saturday and there will be one further outing, against opposition from the West Cheshire League, before Haka travel to North Wales for the first leg next month.

The Finnish side, based in Valkeakoski, a town 150km north of the capital Helsinki, were drawn to host the first leg, but have agreed to switch and Hulse is hoping to make the most of home advantage in a first-ever meeting between the two clubs.

Daily Post

JUNE-30

Saints’ prayers for luck are in vain

KEN McKENNA’S prayers for a favourable draw in the Champions League first qualifying round went unanswered with The New Saints paired against Latvian side Ventspils.

The Welsh Premier champions had hoped to land a side out of season – but the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland pits them against the highly-rated Latvians, currently fourth in the Visliga with 24 points from 14 games.

The Saints will be at home at Newtown in the first leg on Tuesday or Wednesday, July 17 or 18, with the return a week later.

McKenna admits his side will have their work cut out against Ventspils, who last season drew 0-0 with Newcastle United at St James’ Park before losing just 1-0 at home to go out on aggregate.

“I thought this year we would get a bit more luck, but this is one of the toughest draws we could have had,” he said.

“They only lost by one goal to Newcastle over two legs but the big disappointment for me is that they’ve already had 14 league games while we’re out of season.

“Match sharpness is going to be a big problem again, but we’ve got to make sure we’re in the best shape possible and get our preparations right regardless of what they do.

“The one positive is that we’ve got the home leg first, which has not happened very often for us, and we might surprise them.”

One consolation for McKenna was that his side missed top seeds Dinano Zagreb in the draw.

Should Saints beat Ventspils, they will face Red Bull Salzburg in the second qualifying round.

Evening Post

JUNE-30

Bridgend's new ground hope

BRIDGEND AFC have an “outside chance” that their new ground could be up and running by season 2008-9, shareholders heard.

Chairman Hopkin Joseph told the Annual General Meeting at the Seabank Hotel in Porthcawl that suitable sites for a new three-pitch base had been whittled down to three, all within the borough.

All have a small number of practical issues to be resolved but the board hopes to conclude a deal in the next four to five weeks.

The ground will be developed using £2m from Asda, which swallowed up the club’s Coychurch Road home as part of its new supermarket project.

Meanwhile, Bridgend AFC have been using Lock’s Lane in Porthcawl as a temporary base.

The borough council currently holds the £2m cash pot and must approve any new site, which could take another two or three months.

But Mr Joseph assured the meeting the new facility would “certainly be ready for season 2009-10.”

Evening Post

JUNE-30

Duffy's yes or no in days

Evening Post

JUNE-30

Derby sign £3.5m striker Earnshaw

Derby boss Billy Davies said: "We are delighted to have a new striker on board with a fantastic track record for goals at every level he has played. "Robert is a fantastic addition to the squad and I'm sure the fans will be excited about our new fox in the box." The deal beats Derby's previous transfer record of £3m, which they paid for Seth Johnson, Craig Burley, Branko Strupar and Giorgi Kinkladze. Chairman Peter Gadsby added: "We have started with a record signing and it is our hope that the coming weeks will also be busy. "We are determined to give Billy a squad capable of at least preserving Premier League status. "We want ideally to have new players in place as soon as possible so we can approach the new challenge with a positive mindset."

Earnshaw holds the distinction of being the only player to have scored hat-tricks in all four English leagues, the FA Cup, the League Cup and at international level.

BBC

JUNE-30

Swans sign an Angel

JUNE-30

New season in sight for Llangeinor

NEWLY-PROMOTED Llangeinor Football Club start pre-season training at Llangeinor Park on Wednesday, July 4, writes Tony Poole.

The MacWhirter Welsh League club, who last season won a second successive promotion to the second division, has installed Gareth Darks and Jonathan Quigley as managers since the season ended.

They have planned a full programme of pre-season matches commencing with a trip to South Wales Senior League club Sully Sports on July 21.

On July 26, Llan face Taffs Well at Llanrumney Playing Fields in Cardiff, ahead of a trip to former South Wales Amateur League colleagues Llantwit Major on July 28.

First-division Cambrian & Clydach form their next opponents on August 1, also at Llanrumney, and they wind things up at Welsh League newcomers Cwmaman Institute (Aberdare) on August 4.

Llan's league campaign in the second division will be launched on August 11.

Fixture lists will be handed out at the league's AGM at Maesteg Park AFC on Saturday week. 

JUNE-30

Saunders is new Wales number two

Saunders has been out of work since losing his job as assistant manager at Newcastle in February last year.
"I am really very proud and excited to be given this opportunity," said Saunders, who won 75 caps for Wales and scored 22 goals.
"I have been brought-in to help, but I also expect to learn a great deal from working alongside John [Toshack, manager] and Roy [Evans, assistant].
"I was always honoured to wear the Welsh jersey and I know I will get the same feeling by being a part of the coaching team and helping John build his side for the future."

Toshack and Wales had hoped Iriarte would be able to combine his new club role with his international duties.
But that option was ruled out when it emerged that many of Sociedad's games would clash with Wales fixtures.
Iriarte's final job for Wales will be to watch Euro 2008 opponents Germany in August's friendly with England at Wembley.

Saunders, who holds a Uefa Pro Licence coaching qualification, left Newcastle when manager Graeme Souness was sacked.
He was interviewed in February for the vacant manager's role at Swansea City, where his playing career began in 1982 under Toshack.
Saunders was also an unsuccessful candidate for the Wales job in 2004, but his appointment now makes him a serious contender to take over when Toshack goes.
As well as playing under Toshack, Saunders had a season at Liverpool when Evans was assistant manager to Souness at Anfield.
Saunders will link-up with Wales for the first time in August when the side faces Bulgaria as preparation for the Euro 2008 matches with Germany and Slovakia in September.

BBC

JUNE-29

Beadle: Be patient on new faces

County boss Peter Beadle is chasing a goalkeeper, a wide midfielder, a defender and a striker as he looks to fine-tune his squad for a push at Blue Square Conference South promotion this season.
Beadle has made significant progress on the transfer front and an outfield player - believed to be a midfielder - is expected to join early next week.
The Exiles are also close to resolving their goalkeeping crisis after Mark Ovendale's shock retirement.
After being rebuffed in bids to sign Lee Kendall and Ashley Morris last week, Beadle has widened the net and is close to landing a new stopper.

County are chasing a permanent replacement for Ovendale and have targeted a well-known non-league goalkeeper with bags of experience who is currently out of contract. Beadle is hoping to open talks with him later today.
Second-choice goalkeeper Jacob Giles will miss the start of the new campaign through suspension and as a result Beadle is also in discussion with two clubs about the possibility of signing a goalkeeper on a short-term loan.
He explained: "We have made some good progress in the last 48 hours.
"I would urge supporters to be patient and not to speculate too much, we are only looking to sign players we feel could play at least a league higher and that is why it has taken some time.
"I could sign four players tomorrow, but we don't operate like that.
"I am quite prepared to wait for the right players, I hope the supporters trust me on this, we hope to have news shortly."

The Exiles are currently scouting a potential defensive signing, though a deal to bring in a fourth striker looks some way off at the moment.

South ales Argus

JUNE-29

Welsh club learn Euro draw

The second round draw will be made on 3 August.
Rhyl lost to Suduva of Lithuania last season, while Carmarthen lost heavily to Finland's Tampere United in the first round of the Intertoto Cup.
But both teams created history in the Uefa Cup two seasons ago when they joined Barry Town as the only Welsh Premier League clubs to progress through the first round of a European competition.

BBC

JUNE-29

Barry Town manager demands promotion

He has arrived at Jenner Park amidst a massive expansion of the Club - with two new reserve teams and up to 15 new children's teams - and the complete refurbishment of the 400-capacity clubhouse at Jenner Park.

The young manager already has an outstanding record of achievement in his short career. With a Masters degree in Coaching, a UEFA B' licence and as a member of the world International Council of Coaching Education, Gavin promises to develop the full potential of every player who signs for Barry Town.

Gavin coached UWIC to consecutive top four positions in Division 1 without a budget, and achieved successful runs in the Welsh Cup and League Cup.

Appointed Manager of the Welsh Universities Student Team, he led them to win the Home Nations Championship.

Barry & district news

JUNE-29

McKenna hoping to avoid big guns

Welsh Premier champions The New Saints will also discover their Champions League opponents when the draw for the first qualifying round is made this morning.

Manager Ken McKenna is hoping not only to avoid highly-rated Croatians Dinamo Zagreb, but also to draw a team that is not currently in season.

“There must be a chance that for once we can draw a side that, like us, is in pre-season,” he said. “If we had already played 12 or 15 games when we met MyPa-47 last year, we would have beaten them. But we simply weren’t match-fit.”

NK Domzale (Slovenia), MSK Szilina (Slovakia), FK Sarajevo (Bosnia/Herzogovina), FC Sheriff (Moldova), Olimpi Rustavi (Georgia) and FK Pobeda (Macedonia) have all finished their domestic seasons, some as recently as three weeks ago.

Derry, meanwhile, are struggling in the Eircom League and without a manager.

Daily Post

JUNE-29

We’ll take on anyone says Rhyl manager

A TRIP to either Scandinavia or the Baltic regions awaits John Hulse’s Rhyl in today’s first-qualifying round draw for the Uefa Cup.

With more than 80 clubs involved in the opening stages of the tournament, Uefa has created three regional pools, placing the Lilywhites and the Welsh Premier’s other representatives Carmarthen Town in the northern draw.

Hulse, who has admitted defeat in his bid to sign goalkeeper Lee Kendall from Haverfordwest, said: “I have no preference for an opponent.

“It is the Uefa Cup and while some sides could look easier opponents than others, they are all tough.”

First-round qualifiers will be played on July 19 and August 2.

Daily Post

JUNE-29

Welshpool merger in tatters

Gavin Grosvenor

JUNE-29

Llanelli add two more to Euro squad

Andy made his Llanelli debut in the UEFA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round, 1st Leg last year against Odense at the grand age of 40. Peter Nicholas signed 'Leggy' just after the Registration deadline for the 1st Round, after battling back from cancer for a second time. The former Wales International's huge experience will help the Reds' young squad. Legg's 17-year professional career saw him make 576 league appearances for seven different clubs (Swansea City, Cardiff City, Reading, Birmingham, Ipswich, Notts County and Peterborough), scoring 61 goals in that time. After seven League appearances last term though, he left to join the coaching staff at Hucknall, which is closer to home and he was made Manager towards the end of the season. He is set to go back to the English based side after the Reds' Intertoto Campaign.

The Reds have also signed young Englishman, Lloyd Blackman from Crawley Town. He can play either as a striker or a left winger and provides cover for the injured Craig Williams. He is known for his pace and crossing ability and began his career as a YTS trainee at Brentford in 2002. He failed to break into Brentford's first team and, after an unsuccessful trial with Crystal Palace, moved to Farnborough on a free transfer in 2004. There he enjoyed first-team football and managed 5 goals. In the summer of 2005 Blackman signed for Woking and in the 2005/06 season he made 35 appearances for the club, mainly as a sub, scoring twice.

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-29

Coleman named new Real Sociedad boss

The 37-year-old Welshman will be unveiled by the Basque side in the next few days after his appointment by club president Maria De La Pena.

"He brings freshness and new ideas and the main aim will clearly be to return to the Primera Liga," said De La Pena.

Sociedad were relegated from La Liga last season for the first time in their history, finishing 19th out of 20.

Coleman was recommended to De La Pena and Sociedad by their former manager John Toshack.

The club's former coach Salva Iriarte will work alongside Coleman after being given the post of sporting director.

Iriarte has been Toshack's assistant with Wales since November 2004, and it is believed that he could combine the club role with his international duties.

Coleman's appointment is subject to the new board being ratified on Saturday.

The former Wales centre-back has been out of football since he was sacked as Fulham manager in April.

BBC

JUNE-29

Former Citizen becomes a Hatter

It was the right move for me. Luton impressed me, it just felt right and I am delighted to have signed

"I know Luton came down last season, but it's so obvious that they want to go straight back up," Goodall told the Hatters' website.

"It was the right move for me. Luton impressed me, it just felt right and I am delighted to have signed."

Goodall made 91 Welsh Premier appearances for Bangor City during the 2001/02 - 2003/04 seasons, scoring 10 goals. He also played for Bangor in Europe and he is still to serve a one match suspension that he picked up for the Citizens in European competition five years ago.

He is the second signing in two days for Luton, following the capture of Shrewsbury's Welsh midfielder David Edwards.

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-28

Reds seek Mingorance concession

"I do have cover but Jacob is a very good player. All I can do is move on because I have an Intertoto Cup match to prepare for on Sunday."

BBC

JUNE-28

Airbus UK request another name

Principality Welsh Premier club Airbus UK have asked the league and FA of Wales for a name change to Airbus UK Broughton.

The club aims to increase its fan base by identifying with the location of the ground, adjacent to the Airbus wing making plant in Broughton, near Chester.

The Wingmakers have used several names over the years, including Vickers-Armstrong, de Havilands, Hawker Siddeley, British Aerospace and Bae Systems.

NLD

JUNE-28

Eifion chasing Gerrard's shirt

IcWales

JUNE-28

Nicholls gives reason's for quitting Ponty

The former Cardiff City and Leeds United player told the Observer he decided a “fresh start” was best for both the club and himself after Mr Samuel’s company Dekor terminated the four-year deal.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to leave as I didn’t want to abandon a sinking ship,” said Nicholls.
“We had some success and some good times, and I thought it would be the best thing to part ways with the club and give someone else a chance to build their own team.
“I came to Ponty at first without being paid as I enjoyed it and wanted to be involved with the club.
“The aim was to take the club into the League of Wales when I became manager, but the sponsorship being taken away has moved the goalposts.
“I have spent the past few years building something and to have that taken away in a flash and be faced with a struggle was not something I was prepared for.
“Once most of my team found out the money had gone, they decided to leave and you can’t blame them for that – they are good enough to supplement their incomes by playing football.”
“The new manager will have a clean slate,” he said.
“Pontypridd is an attractive proposition for any player and although there is no budget at the moment, someone can come in and put their ideas into the place.
“Perhaps a new manager will be the best way forward – someone who can find young local talent that can compete in a division that is getting better all the time.
“I’m fearful because without the money it will be a big ask.
“It’s no coincidence that the top four teams in Division One last season paid well and the bottom four didn’t.”

IcWales

JUNE-28

Koumas eyes Villa move

WALES international star Jason Koumas looks set to be handed a dream move to the Premiership with Aston Villa.

Boss Martin O’Neill is lining up a £5m cash-plus-player bid for the West Brom play-maker, who had been holding out for a move to boyhood club Everton.

But with Blues boss David Moyes unlikely to splash a large part of his transfer budget on an area in which he feels he has sufficient cover, the switch to Villa Park now seems to be the Wrexham-born midfielder’s preferred destination.

O’Neill and his chief scout Ian Storey-Moore watched the Welshman on several occasions last season.

Koumas has stated his desire to return to the Premier League after Albion failed to gain promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.

The Baggies have already rejected a joint bid of £5m from Birmingham for Koumas and 23-goal leading scorer Diomansy Kamara.

But O’Neill is understood to be prepared to allow one or more of his fringe players – possibly central defender Gary Cahill and midfielder Isaiah Osbourne – to join Albion on loan as part of the deal.

IcWales

JUNE-28

Rhyl stand by for European challenge

Hulse said; "We have had to let go of a number of excellent lads who served us well but the players we've brought in are high quality and the spirit in the camp already is tremendous. We're training three times a week already because of our early involvement and the lowest number we've had turning out even on a Saturday is 29, which shows the enthusiasm and commitment."
The manager has been reunited with his long-serving friend Paul Rowlands, last season's successful manager of New Brighton, who takes over as assistant manager at Belle Vue.

Hulse said: "We go back a long way, 25 years or more, and I know just how good Paul is." He has also appointed Dave Cameron as player-coach, a move he said had proved extremely popular with the players.

Daily Post

JUNE-28

New era for the Bulldogs

TON Pentre AFC have paid tribute to three committeeman who have resigned after giving a total of 144 years to the club’s cause.
At the club’s presentation evening outgoing chairman Ron Davies, who has been a member for 58 years, secretary Paul Willoughby (30 years) and committeeman Trevor Lowe (56 years) were all recognised for their loyalty.

A club spokesman said: “Ron, Paul and Trevor have given an immense service to the club and deserve the highest praise for their loyalty and commitment.”
The new club chairman is Brian Bees while the new secretary is former referee Stuart Jones.
The spokesman said: “It is a start of a new era for the club.
“Manager Kevin Richards will be assisted by former Ton player Mark Evans, who was the manager at Taffs Well last season.”
The Bulldogs will also be running an Under 19 side next season which will be managed by former first team boss John Emanuel who will be assisted by Lee Tapper.

At the club’s presentation evening Alyn Jones was presented with the top goalscorer award while Kristian Orchard was recognised for the Best Goal of the season.
The Supporters’ Player of the Year was goalkeeper Marty Ellacott.
Lee Matthews was given the Players’ Player of the Year award.
Manager Kevin Richards, who presented the trophy, said: “This is the award that every player wants.
“To be honoured by your team mates is very special .
“ Lee fully deserves this honour because he covered every blade of grass playing for us last season.”

IcWales

JUNE-28

Keeper targets for City

CARDIFF CITY’S search for a goalkeeper to replace the popular Neil Alexander is coming to an end, with Everton’s Richard Wright joining Stuart Taylor of Aston Villa amongst the list of possible targets for manager Dave Jones.

England cap Wright has commanded fees totalling £1m during moves from Ipswich to Arsenal and then the Gunners to Everton.

But he has only played 58 first-team games in the last five years at Goodison Park.

The 29-year-old is the type of commanding keeper Jones is looking for, but whether he can be prised away from Everton is another matter.

Taylor is in much the same situation as Wright. Three years younger than the Everton stopper, he has appeared in only 52 league matches in the nine years he has been a professional, although he did play for Villa in a 2-2 draw at Bolton in the Premiership during May of last season.

However, Jones’ choice of goalkeeper could be one of the biggest decisions he has made since arriving to take charge at the club.

He cannot afford to recruit the wrong man, particularly as the departed Alexander was so well liked by the fans.

IcWales

JUNE-28

Young at heart of City hopes

CARDIFF CITY had three big mission statements under the old Hammam regime.

There was the new stadium, which was only delivered once he left the club and Peter Ridsdale became chairman.
There was hooliganism, an age-old problem which there has been a modicum of success over, but still needs work under Ridsdale’s chairmanship.
And there was the club’s youth policy, something which blighted the Bluebirds as they saw a crop of the best young local talent not only not join them, but sometimes end up at arch-rivals Swansea City.
City have lost out on Gareth Bale, which is something Ridsdale can’t be completely happy about.
But there is little doubt that the academy structure put in place is bearing fruit.
Home grown players who have made the grade with Cardiff in this millennium include Earnshaw, Collins, Ledley and Gunter.
The new rising star, it appears, is Aaron Ramsey.
It is remarkable that in the space of just a few days, a club with a selling reputation like the Bluebirds can turn down £1million bids for two of their teen stars. First Gunter, then Ramsey.

There was a time when Cardiff would have snapped off the hands of any Premiership club offering £500,000 for one of their young players, let alone a couple of million in a week.
But Ridsdale is being a cute cookie over this. He knows that if Gunter and Ramsey become established Cardiff stars, which they will provided they are not sold, their value will soar even more.
It’s a win, win situation for the Bluebirds. They either get megabucks, or they have a team with a nucleus of talented young players who will drive the side up the League.

The youth policy appears to be working at Ninian Park. At last.

IcWales

JUNE-28

Coleman closer to Real job

CHRIS COLEMAN’S potential move to boss Real Sociedad appeared to take a step closer last night when officials at the Spanish club refused point blank to comment on the news.

The 32-times capped former Wales defender flew to the Basque country on Tuesday night to open talks with Sociedad officials.
It is believed Coleman has been recommended to the club by fellow Welshman John Toshack, who is idolised in the San Sebastian area following three successful spells in charge of Real.
A decision on whether Coleman will take charge will be made following a special meeting on Saturday when the Sociedad board of directors seek a vote of confidence from the shareholders.
The club that Toshack built up is in turmoil after being relegated from La Liga, which led to their manager being sacked.
Asked about the talks with Coleman, a Sociedad official would only say, “We cannot comment on who will be the team’s next manager, or sporting director, until after Saturday’s administration council meeting.”
The post of sporting director was offered to Toshack, but he turned it down after reaffirming his commitment to Wales.
But clearly the current Real board are clinging onto the Toshack factor in a different way as they seek to win the day at Saturday’s vote.
They knew that the attempt to bring Toshack back to the club would have won over the shareholders.
The second best option, after Toshack said ‘no,’ would be to appoint his Wales No2 Salva Iriarte as sporting director, and install Coleman as coach.
The theory from the board is that if they have another Welshman in charge, it will be clear that Coleman comes on Toshack’s recommendation.
Coleman has always been keen on the chance of managing abroad and looks likely to accept the position if it is offered.
Coleman will have impressed Sociedad officials at his preliminary talks yesterday.
But nothing can be ratified until after this weekend’s shareholders meeting, when the board of directors seek that vote of confidence.

IcWales

JUNE-27

Swans swoop for Espanyol striker

BBC

JUNE-27

Mingorance quits Llanelli

Tony

JUNE-27

Brace-ing himself for the Euro draw

Carmarthen Journal

JUNE-27

O'Leary to stay with Swans

Evening Post

JUNE-27

City turn down £1m bid for teen star Aaron

Western Mail

JUNE-27

Coleman set for Real

Western Mail

JUNE-27

Thomas signs for Merthyr

Themartyrs.com

JUNE-27

Jones given all-clear for Reds second leg

IcWales

JUNE-27

County host Town in cup

Tony

JUNE-27

City fans can still bag shares in the club

IcWales

JUNE-26

Long serving Hughes leaves Newtown

NLD

JUNE-26

Carey: looking to build not sell stars

WREXHAM manager Brian Carey yesterday revealed that he has not received any inquiries from other clubs about his players as the majority of his squad reported back for the start of pre-season training.

The earlier than usual return meant that six players – Lee McEvilly, Levi Mackin, Matty Done, Josh Johnson, Richard Hope and Juan Ugarte – were missing from a half-day session that was, out of necessity, curtailed by the torrential rain.

But the boss insisted that nothing should be read into the fact that members of his squad were absent, saying he was not at all concerned.

"The fact that six of the lads aren’t here doesn’t bother me at all," he said. "With what was happening here towards the end of last season, we could not really plan ahead as much as we otherwise would.

"Some of the players made their holiday arrangements, so it’s not a problem because they will all be back in Monday morning when we begin in earnest.

"As far as the others are concerned we’ve brought them in today to see where everyone is in terms of fitness and they will be working on Wednesday and Friday as well.

"The three days give us a chance to do some testing and put in some spadework and it’s fair to say that they all look in decent condition."

Daily Post

JUNE-26

Shepherd signs former team-mate

Mike Donovan

JUNE-26

Caersws appoint Barton as manager

Barton, 33, has managed Cymru Alliance side Guilsfield for the past five years.

He will be assisted at the Welsh Premier club by former Porthmadog striker Dave Taylor, who has managerial experience with Buckley Town.

"It was a difficult decision to leave Guilsfield who are a great bunch of people," said Barton.

Former manager Evans resigned earlier this month after 24 years at the club.

Barton's first competitive match in charge will be a Welsh Premier at Haverfordwest County on Saturday, 18 August

JUNE-26

Skipper Monk re-signs fro Swans

The central defender put pen to paper at the Liberty Stadium on Monday.

It sealed a deal for the 28-year-old that contains the option of a second year if Monk plays 25 competitive first-team games next season.

"I'm delighted it's all finalised, but with so many players out of contract it was always going to take time," Monk told the club website.

"It's been a long process but it was just a case of being patient.''

Monk attracted interest from other clubs but has always maintained he did not want to leave the Liberty Stadium.

"I've said all along that I only wanted to sign for Swansea, it's a great club. I love being here and all that goes with it," Monk added.

"While my agent had to do his job and see what else was out there just in case, it never crossed my mind to go anywhere else.

"I did think about Barcelona, but they signed Thierry Henry instead!''

Monk spent all of last season on the sidelines with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

But he has stepped up his rehabilitation work over the summer and will be fit to start pre-season training on Friday.

JUNE-26

Rhyl's Moody calls it a Day

I'd like to thank Adie for all he's done for Rhyl and wish him all the best.

Moody became a free agent at the end of May after his one year contract at Belle Vue expired, but the 24 year old, who has suffered with injuries in recent years, feels he will struggle to get into the side following the new arrivals at the club.

"I'd like to thank Adie for all he's done for Rhyl and wish him all the best." said his former boss John Hulse.

Meanwhile, John Hulse has revealed that Calvin Davies will not be signing for the Lilywhites.

Hulse says,

"I had a good chat with Calvin and explained that if he was looking to play week in, week out, he'd been better off looking elsewhere...We've already got Dave Cameron, Andy Moran, Lee Hunt and - when he' fit - Chris Sharp, and I'm expecting an answer soon from Cortez Belle on whether he'll be joining us, so I can't carry too many strikers."

JUNE-26

City's Rae: I'm so fired up

THE arrival of Scottish international Gavin Rae is a massive lift to Cardiff City’s hope of launching a new promotion challenge during the coming season.

Rae fills a void which was a major factor when the Bluebirds faltered and faded after charging clear at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship in 2006-2007.

City were left in trouble when Riccy Scimeca was injured last season and never really found a way to cover his absence.

Teenager Darcy Blake did a good job, but it was a huge ask for such a young and inexperienced youngster, while Willo Flood, now with Dundee, and Simon Walton were among those who tried and failed to make a major impact through the middle.

City, it seemed, were running a two-horse race in central midfield and when either Scimeca or Stephen McPhail were not available the cohesion and passing flow was missing.

Now the arrival of Rae, 29, has added an extra ingredient. He is a battler, rated a leader and has the tenacity and ability to shake things up in the Bluebirds squad.

Aberdeen-born Rae decided to leave Scotland for the Coca-Cola Championship, saying: “When you leave Rangers there aren’t many teams you would like to go to in Scotland.

“It would be difficult. I wanted a move to the English League and Cardiff City offered the opportunity.

“It’s a fresh start for me and Cardiff City are ambitious. They want to make progress and I want to play my part in that.”

JUNE-26

Sociedad linked with Wales Iriate

Earlier speculation was that Toshack himself was lined up for the role of sporting director at the club, but attention has now switched to Iriarte.

"The pull of going back to Sociedad may be too much for Iriarte to turn down," said ex-Athletico Madrid boss Colin Addison, in Spain for their cup final.

"The word is that Toshack had no interest, but that Iriarte is in line."

Real Sociedad president Maria de la Pena earlier distanced herself from the link with Toshack, who has managed the Basque side on three separate occasions.

Sociedad are in turmoil after being relegated from Spain's Primera Liga for the first time in 40 years last season.

"I have heard the rumours, but the press often goes in front of the news," De la Pena told a press conference.

"In the next few days we will inform you of everything and we will give answers."

Sociedad vice-president Luis Ansoalde confirmed they have not spoken with Toshack, who has also coached Real Madrid and Deportivo la Coruna in Spain.

The Football Association of Wales says it has had no approach from Real Sociedad to speak to Toshack, but made it clear an approach for its manager would not be welcomed.

The Welshman is an icon in San Sebastian, where he still keeps a house.

But Toshack is unlikely to quit his job with Wales half-way through his five-year contract and part-way through the rebuilding process he has embarked upon with the national team.

JUNE-26

Swans striker heads for Hamilton

The 17-year-old striker has travelled to Scotland to meet Accies manager Billy Reid and the deal is expected to be completed later this week.

Jones made his Swansea debut against Walsall in the Carling Cup last season.

"This is a unique opportunity for Chris to gain more first team experience in a very professional environment," said Swansea manager Roberto Martinez.

"I think everyone involved with Swansea, whether part of the coaching team or a supporter, knows that Chris has tremendous potential and he will be important to Hamilton's promotion quest."

JUNE-25

Reds blunder not our fault say FAW

Defender Stuart Jones was a last-minute withdrawal from the Reds' starting line up against SK Vetra in Lithuania as he had not been registered with Uefa.

Reds boss Peter Nicholas rued the error and appeared to blame the FAW as his side lost 3-1 in the first-leg match.

The FAW says Jones was not on a list given to pass on to Uefa, and the Reds admit that it was their job to check.

"Llanelli omitted Jones from the list they submitted to us to forward to Uefa," an FAW spokesman told BBC Sport Wales.

After the game on Sunday, an angry Nicholas had hit out at the blunder that cost him the services of his key defender.

"We registered all players with the FAW, but found out before the game that Stuart couldn't play," Nicholas said.

"So then all my tactics and my team was in disarray as I had to change things."

Worse could have happened if Llanelli officials had not spotted the error.

Uefa would have had grounds to expel the Reds from the competition if they had fielded an ineligible player, perhaps accompanied by a fine.

"We sign all our players on and then we register them with the Welsh FA, then the Welsh FA register them with Uefa to let them know what squad we're sending to play," Nicholas added.

"But Stuart Jones was left off it and we don't know the reason why.

"The boy was nearly in tears when he found out he couldn't play, it's his ambition to play in Europe and it was nothing of his own fault that he couldn't play.

"Obviously we're disappointed for him but also because it caused us problems on the pitch."

The return leg will be at Carmarthen's Richmond Park on 1 July.

JUNE-25

Hulse changes mind on Davies deal

A proposed move from Welshpool Town to Principality Welsh Premier rivals Rhyl has fallen through for striker Calvin Davies, who has been told he is not required for next season by Lillies' boss John Hulse.

“I had a good chat with Calvin and explained that if he was looking to play week in, week out, he’d been better off looking elsewhere,” said Hulse (pictured).

“We’ve already got Dave Cameron, Andy Moran, Lee Hunt and – when he’s fit – Chris Sharp, and I’m expecting an answer soon from Cortez Belle on whether he’ll be joining us, so I can’t carry too many strikers.

"As well as the forwards I’ve got there are others on trial, so I through I’d let Calvin know the situation sooner rather than later.”

Davies hit ten goals from twenty-three Welsh Premier appearances for Welshpool in 2005/6, but was sacked by manager Tommy Morgan when it emerged the front man was playing on second forms with Welsh Alliance Denbigh Town.

But they patched up their differences and Davies returned in sensational style to hit sixteen goals last season, the seventh highest tally in the league.

Meanwhile, Hulse is interested in Michael White, a midfielder or striker from New Zealand, who has moved to North Wales with his family and is set to put pen-to-paper for the Lilywhites this week.

NLD

JUNE-25

Prem clubs are watching City's the rising stars

PREMIERSHIP clubs have been alerted to the progress of Cardiff City’s youth academy.

Everton have made two strong bids for full-back Chris Gunter, while Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers have been watching other Cardiff young guns closely.

Joe Ledley is a former academy player who has made his mark at first team level, while Darcy Blake and Aaron Ramsey are youngsters with loads of ability being nurtured by Dave Jones and his coaching staff at senior and academy levels.

Recruitment is a major part of the Cardiff City plan for the future and that was never better shown than the success in signing Aaron Ramsey on scholarship forms.

Newcastle United were among the Premiership clubs keen on Ramsey, but the Welsh-speaker from Caerphilly opted for the Bluebirds.

And he has already played first team football, the youngest player ever to appear in a first team match for City at the age of 16 years 123 days last season.

Matt Smith, who will sign his senior professional contract in September, is another academy product who has the ability to break through, while City have signed up seven players on first year academy contracts.

They still have room for more, but the first years already confirmed are Ramsey, right-wing Rhys Kelleher, Dean Hudson, Craig Mason, Travis Wheatle, James Bloom and Josh Magennis, a goalkeeper from Northern Ireland.

Cardiff City’s youth academy has now been running for four years and has received rave reviews from the Football League on both football and the crucial education side run by Steve Ellis.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-25

Carey urges extra effort next season

WREXHAM boss Brian Carey has warned his players they must perform next season now that he has greater options within his squad.

The Racecourse manager’s hand was further strengthened by the re-signing of Shaun Pejic.

The centre-back has ended speculation over his future with the Dragons by putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal.

And boss Carey, who this summer has already completed the capture of Anthony Williams, Michael Proctor, Eifion Williams, Connal Murtagh and Richard Hope, is delighted to have further increased his options for the coming campaign with Pejic’s signature.

He said: “We’re very pleased he has re-signed for us. We are building a good team for the coming season and we are delighted to have Shaun back.

“We have got competition for places all over the field. That’s what you want as a manager, a big squad and it just gives us another option.

“Maybe last season when someone was struggling with a slight injury, or a lack of form we had to persist with them, but this season we have different options and it means everyone has to perform.”

Western Mail

JUNE-25

Martinez ready to snap up transfer targets

SWANSEA CITY manager Roberto Martinez returns from holiday today keen to get his man.

Martinez hopes to tie up the deal for long-time target Darryl Duffy amid suggestions that Hull are finally willing to drop their prohibitive £500,000 price tag on the 24-year-old Scottish striker.

“We are still in negotiations with Darryl’s advisers and Hull City,” said Martinez ahead of the players’ return to pre-season training on Friday.

“Darryl fits the mould of a Swansea City player very well; he’s hard-working, ambitious and determined. Hopefully we’ll hear something in the middle of the week.”

Martinez has targeted a goalkeeper, winger and striker before ripping up his summer shopping list.

“The important thing is getting the right players,” said the Spaniard.

Should Martinez land his hat-trick before the big kick-off on August 11, that would lift spirits among Swansea fans following the controversial losses of Adebayo Akinfenwa and Izzy Iriekpen.

Crowd favourite Akinfenwa’s departure was particularly mourned, but Martinez believes he has plenty of firepower should he add Duffy to Lee Trundle, Jason Scotland (work permit permitting), Pawel Abbott and young Chris Jones.

Western Mail

JUNE-25

Reds up against it after 3-1 defeat

Andrew Mumford's 52nd-minute strike gave the Welsh Premier side the lead but Vetra levelled within four minutes.

Darvydas Servnas, who was sent off in the last minute for foul play, broke through to bring Vetra level.

Then Vitalijhs Stankevicius' penalty and Dajan Miloseski's late 20-yard free-kick condemned the Reds to defeat.

However, midfielder Mumford's crucial away goal in Vilnius gives Llanelli some hope to take back to Carmarthen's Richmond Park on 1 July for the return leg.

Before the break Vetra applied early pressure with Egidiths Jhska, Lima Severino and Stankevicius all going close playing on the counter-attack.

Llanelli created a couple of chances for striker Rhys Griffiths and wide midfielder Sam Small, but the west Wales outfit had no luck in front of goal.

The Reds' woes were compounded by a serious injury to frontman Craig Williams.

The under-strength Reds had travelled to Lithuania without four key players - Jacob Mingorance, Paul Wanless, Chris Holloway and goalkeeper Duncan Roberts.

Manager Peter Nicholas was then forced to make two more late changes as defenders Stuart Jones and Lee Phillips withdrew, Phillips with an injury and Jones because he had not been registered with Uefa.

BBC

JUNE-25

Bluebirds fans in Maesteg without a birthday

CARDIFF City supporters in Maesteg are working to find out when they should celebrate their 50th anniversary.

And it’s possible they may already be too late.

The Maesteg branch of Cardiff City Supporters Club, which has 130 members and runs coaches to every home matches, are keen to hear from anybody who can help with details of when they were formed.

“We can go back to 1960 and we know families in Bank Street, Maesteg were heavily involved back then,” said Mel Hughes, who has been secretary for more than 20 years and a Bluebirds fan since 1961.

“If anybody can help with more details it would be a great help.

“Some believe Maesteg supporters were together before 1960 – and we may be closer to the half century than we thought.”

Maesteg, who have Cardiff goalkeeping coach Martyn Margetson as their patron, have 100 senior members and a growing junior section of 30.

Young fans paid only £1 for coach trips to home matches last season.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-25

Llanelli boss rues player blunder

Key player Stuart Jones had to sit out the Reds' 3-1 first leg loss away to Vetra of Lithuania on Sunday because he had not been registered with Uefa.

"We registered all players with the Football Association of Wales, but found out before the game that Stuart couldn't play," Nicholas said.

"So then all my tactics and my team was in disarray as I had to change things."

Uefa would have had grounds to expel the Reds from the competition if they had fielded an ineligible player, perhaps accompanied by a fine.

"We sign all our players on and then we register them with the Welsh FA, then the Welsh FA register them with Uefa to let them know what squad we're sending to play," Nicholas added.

"But Stuart Jones was left off it and we don't know the reason why.

"The boy was nearly in tears when he found out he couldn't play, it's his ambition to play in Europe and it was nothing of his own fault that he couldn't play.

"Obviously we're disappointed for him but also because it caused us problems on the pitch."

BBC Sport Wales was unable to contact the FAW and Uefa for comment on Sunday night.

BBC

JUNE-25

Sociedad chief cools Toshack talk

Toshack has managed the Basque side on three separate occasions and would be a popular choice as sporting director.

Sociedad are in turmoil after being relegated from Spain's Primera Liga for the first time in 40 years last season.

"I have heard the rumours, but the press often goes in front of the news," De la Pena told a press conference.

"In the next few days we will inform you of everything and we will give answers."

Sociedad vice-president Luis Ansoalde confirmed they have not spoken with Toshack, who has also coached Real Madrid and Deportivo la Coruna in Spain.

The Welshman is an icon in San Sebastian, where he still keeps a house.

But Toshack is unlikely to quit his job with Wales half-way through his five-year contract and part-way through the rebuilding process he has embarked upon with the national team.

A part-time or temporary role with Sociedad is not an impossibility, but Toshack is more likely to stay concentrated on Wales.

BBC

JUNE-25

Osian’s a football power in Wales

FORGET John Toshack - the most influential man in Welsh football is a relative unknown.

Osian Roberts is Wales’ newly-appointed technical director and the power behind our football throne.

He is the man charged with unearthing raw footballing gems and cutting them into international diamonds.

And though many will not have heard of him, Roberts is on an equal standing to England’s Sir Trevor Brooking – with the coaching credentials to match.

“I’m not a household name and that means it is a greater challenge to earn people’s respect,” said Roberts, who is Wales’ most qualified coach with more than 20 years experience.

“I was never a top-class player. The highest level I played was for Bangor City in the Northern League days – but in a way that has helped me. And it hasn’t done Jose Mourinho any harm either.

“My reputation has been earned due to my coaching abilities and I know my Pro-licence course is held in high esteem. Managers have told me they’ve learned so much from my courses and the feedback has given me confidence.”

Roberts’ brief is to strengthen the playing resources so the national team may one day reach their first major finals since the 1958 World Cup.

And if his coaching CV isn’t enough, then it’s worth noting that he has mentored many of British football’s hottest managerial properties – including highly-rated ex-Wigan chief Paul Jewell and new Leicester manager Martin Allen – as chief instructor of the highly-regarded UEFA Pro-licence course for rookie bosses at Aberystwyth.

IcWales

JUNE-24

Injury-hit Reds go for Euro history

LLANELLI will bid to become Welsh domestic football history makers in Lithuania today minus two influential players.
The Reds face SK Vetra in Vilnius seeking to become the first Welsh Premier League club to win an InterToto Cup tie – after 30 previous failures.
Only Aberystwyth town (twice), Caersws, Conwy United and Ebbw Vale have managed draws in Europe’s third most important competition, a tournament which acts as a feeder for the more prestigious UEFA Cup.
However the West Walians will be without 6ft2ins goalkeeper Duncan Roberts and Spanish midfielder Jacob Mingorance, both missing the first leg with knee injuries.
Manager Peter Nicholas is also minus midfield signings Paul Wanless, the veteran former Football League player, and Chris Holloway, who will be joining Merthyr Tydfil.
Llanelli have brought out with them 20-year-old former Forest Green Rovers stopper Ryan Harrison to replace Roberts, while defender Daniel Clare and striker Sam Small are both set to make their Llanelli debuts after signing from Cwmbran Town.
While the main body of Llanelli’s party arrived on Thursday night, Nicholas jetted out on Tuesday to watch Vetera beat Ekranas 1-0 at home the following evening.
“It’s a great advantage for me to see the opposition in action and it’s a rare opportunity for a manager to do that in this competition” said former Wales skipper Nicholas.
“They’re a big, strong side, babut one which doesn’t have a lot of pace in it.
“We’re at a disadvantage of not playing a game since April while they are 15 games into their season.
“But we knew that before we came out here and that only serves to make us more determined than ever to gain a positive result.”
The return will take place at Carmarthen Town’s Richmond Park on July 1 with the victors scheduled to face Polish opposition in round two.
Waiting next in round three will be Mark Hughes’ Blackburn Rovers.

IcWales

JUNE-24

Celtic invite to England

ENGLAND were last night told they will be given one final chance to come on board with the Celtic nations in a new version of the Home International Championships.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland believe that the great old tournament can be revived by taking advantage of increasing Fifa friendly international dates and by playing it at a different time of the year.

The trio say they will plough on with plans to stage a Celtic Cup every two years, which they believe will be a roaring success financially and on the field.
Northern Ireland chief Jim Boyce, speaking about the proposal for the first time, said England would be given a last opportunity to join up.
But if the English FA say no, he warned the Republic of Ireland would be invited to take their place in the best-of-British jamboree instead.
The Celts are adamant that if England say no they would deprive stars like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and skipper John Terry the opportunity to participate in a tournament which would draw huge interest and massive crowds.
“It would be a shame if England will not revive the old British Championship – the only thing we are asking for is two friendly dates every two years. It’s not an awful lot to ask for.
“You can see from the success of the recent World Cup qualifiers involving England, Northern Ireland and Wales how attractive this competition would be.”

IcWales

JUNE-24

Garner taking care of No1

WALES international goalkeeper Glyn Garner last night revealed the bleak reality of life in the lower leagues, admitting he had to turn his back on the possibility of a dream move to Cardiff City.
The 30-year old Pontypool-born stopper signed for League Two outfit Shrewsbury on a Bosman earlier this month after turning down a new contract with Leyton Orient.
However, Garner - who made his appearance for Wales against Trinidad and Tobago in May 2006 - was attracting interest from Cardiff and close rivals Swansea City.
A move back to the Principality would have been ideal for the boyhood Newport County fan, but the harsh realities of life away from the top flight were a huge factor in his decision to sign at the New Meadow.
He explained: "I had a brilliant time at Leyton Orient, but living in London is very expensive and I felt it was time to get away.
"A couple of clubs who I was very interested in joining, Cardiff and Swansea, both expressed an interest and I thought I was going to be set.
"But nothing firm materialised and I was forced to make a decision.
"I decided I didn't want to be on the PFA free transfer list when it was published, potentially that can be a bit of a slippery slope.
"I could have waited for Cardiff or Swansea to contact me, but that would've been a big gamble financially and I wasn't prepared to do that."

Garner admits Shrewsbury was far from his first choice of destination, but he believes the League Two outfit are in for a great few years.
"I only really went to talk to them out of professional courtesy, but I was sold by the tremendous set-up they have," he explained.
"I was offered a three or four year contract, they have a brand new ground and a decent sized support as well.
"It is only four train stops from Cwmbran to Shrewsbury and I am now looking for houses there with my fiancé, it's certainly cheaper than trying to buy in London!
"I won't look back with regret at signing for this club, we can have a big season and hopefully John Toshack will get along to watch at some point.

South Wales Argus

JUNE-24

Duffy still in the dark over his future

Evening Post

JUNE-24

Southend reject Eastwood bid

SOUTHEND have turned down a £1.5m offer from Norwich City for striker Freddy Eastwood.
Chairman Ron Martin has revealed the 23-year-old, who was also the subject of a bid from Wolves earlier in the summer, will only be sold for substantially more than that figure.
The Canaries, who are also hoping to push through a deal for Scunthorpe’s Billy Sharp, have been told to increase their offer if they are to stand a chance of landing Eastwood.
The striker has recently become available to play for Wales at international level after a Llanelli-born grandfather was discovered.
Wales boss John Toshack called Eastwood into his squad for the most recent internationals against New Zealand and the Czech Republic.
But the striker was forced to withdraw with a back injury before he could be handed his first cap.
Toshack said he will be monitoring Eastwood’s progress at the start of the new season ahead of announcing his next Wales squad.
Following Southend’s relegation to League One at the end of last season, the striker is known to want to keep playing at a higher level.
That would also benefit his chances of international football with Wales.
It has made him a target for a number of clubs, but Southend have insisted they would be loathe to see him go.
Martin said, “Norwich have made a bid for Freddy, but I have told them that they are not offering enough.
“Freddy is being dramatically undervalued and is worth a lot more to this football club than £1.5m. That is what I’ve told Norwich and I still don’t want him to leave.”

IcWales

JUNE-24

Goalkeeper on way says Ridsdale

Cardiff City hope to bolster their squad further by signing a goalkeeper in the next few days.
On Friday the Championship club announced the arrival of Scotland midfielder Gavin Rae and fellow countryman striker Steve MacLean. "The next target is a goalkeeper, we're pretty close, hopefully, to that happening," Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale told BBC Sport Wales.
Irishman David Forde is the Bluebirds' only senior goalkeeper.
That follows the departure of out-of-contract Neil Alexander and player-coach Martyn Margetson's retirement. But at least the outfield strength is looking rosier at Ninian Park, with the recruitment of Rae, MacLean plus full-back or midfielder Tony Capaldi, who was out of contract at Plymouth.
"We've made no secret that we need more strike power up front and Steve MacLean's got a very good track record," Ridsdale added. "We've been tracking him throughout the summer but Sheffield Wednesday were very keen to hang onto him.
"In midfield last year we struggled if Riccy Scimeca and Stephen McPhail weren't available for every game, so what we've done again is move to bolster those options with Gavin.  

BBC

JUNE-24

Reds visit is a thank you to the fans

BRIAN CAREY revealed his delight yesterday as Wrexham confirmed a friendly date with Liverpool, insisting the club’s exciting pre-season schedule is a fitting reward for their fans’ loyalty last term.
Rafael Benitez’s men will make a fifth appearance in four seasons at the Racecourse on Saturday July 7, joining fellow Premiership side Blackburn and Championship outfit Burnley on the Dragons’ summer fixture list.
The now traditional July meeting with the Reds – whose reserves play their home games at Wrexham’s ground – has provided a much need source of funds for the club, particularly during their 18-month period of administration.
And Dragons boss Carey yesterday moved to thank the Merseyside giants for sustaining the special relationship enjoyed between the two clubs.
He said: "It’s a great one for us. We are delighted. Liverpool are the one club who have really helped us out, particularly when we were in administration.
"I’m quite delighted we have got them back here again. It really benefits us. Smaller clubs are often very much at the mercy of the bigger clubs and we are just thrilled to bits that they are helping us out and we can’t thank them enough for coming again.
"We have got a relationship with Liverpool which we are really proud of.
He added: "It means it is going to be an exciting pre-season – it is a good reward for the fans, really. It will be good for them to come and see Premiership footballers, because last year we put them through an awful lot.
"We are just glad now that they have got something to latch on to for the next few weeks.
Stephen McPhail weren't available for every game, so what we've done again is move to bolster those options with Gavin.  

BBC

JUNE-23

Cardiff capture Rae and MacLean

Both are free agents, Rangers having released midfielder Rae while striker MacLean was out of contract with Sheffield Wednesday.

Cardiff beat off stiff competition from the likes of Hearts and Norwich for Rae, 29, capped 11 times by Scotland.

MacLean, 24, was also in demand, the striker who started his career at Ibrox having finished joint top scorer for the Owls last season with 13 goals.

He arrived at Hillsborough from Rangers for an undisclosed fee in July 2004 having enjoyed a successful loan spell with Scunthorpe United in 2003-04.

MacLean was voted Player of the Year in his first season with Wednesday, after becoming the first Owl to score 20 goals in a season for 11 years.

However, a broken leg sustained in 2005 wrecked the following season.

Rae joined Rangers from Dundee in January 2004 in a £250,000 deal.

However, a series of knee injuries curtailed the Ibrox career of the hard-tackling midfielder and he was not offered a new contract.

Cardiff have not revealed the terms of the contracts offered to the pair.

BBC

JUNE-23

Now the rush to build a promotion squad

Roberto and Kevin Reeves have put together a list with a lot of options.
"Now we know where we are with most of our out-of-contract players, we fully expect things to move forward next week."
Scotland, meanwhile, is yet to be granted the work permit which will allow him to ply his trade in Wales.
Swansea are quietly confident he will get the go-ahead, and they are optimistic too that a string of new faces will soon be pictured smiling beneath black and white scarves.
Fresh blood is needed, partly to make up the numbers and partly to bring the extra quality which it is hoped will transform Swansea from play-off hopefuls to automatic promotion contenders.
At present Martinez's squad is three men down on the back end of last season, when final-day defeat by Blackpool ensured Swansea would spend the summer rebuilding for a League One title challenge rather than the Championship.
Chris Jones and Steve Watt, meanwhile, are being tipped to depart on loan, so Swansea's squad could soon be three more players light.
That leaves Martinez with room on the wage bill to play with as he looks to assemble a squad in his own image for the first time.
His first priority, in the eyes of most Swansea fans, must be a goalkeeper.
"Kevin has watched quite a lot of games in Scotland and De Vries is someone we're looking at."
So too, reportedly, are other clubs, after De Vries's exploits north of the border, so Swansea's fans must keep their fingers crossed.
And finally Martinez wants one more option in attack, whether it be Duffy or another, possibly a name not mentioned who plies his trade abroad.
Martinez, after all, has talked from the start about recruiting a couple of fellow countrymen, so we should expect at least one more Spanish voice in the dressing room next in seven days' time.

Evening Post

JUNE-23

Lloyd-Williams signs for Newtown

The Welsh Premiers most prolific goalscorer has finally signed for Newtown, Newtown manager Darren Ryan has been tracking the 255 goal Marc Lloyd Williams since the striker was released from his 3rd spell at Bangor City.

Signing for Newtown will be his 5th Welsh premier league club in his long career, following spells with Aberystwyth, Bangor, Porthmadog and TNS.

The 34 year old seems certain to form a striking partnership with Newtown's other recently signed striker Craig Moses, who made the switch to Newtown from Merthyr Tydfil.

As fate would have it, his first league game for his new club is against his former club Bangor City, the teams meet on Saturday August 18th at Latham Park.

Tony

JUNE-23

Pejic commits future to Wrexham

The Wales Under-21 cap, now aged 24, made his debut for Wrexham in 2001 and has gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular.

The Hereford-born defender, whose father Mel is the team physio at the Racecourse, formed a good understanding with Wales cap Steve Evans last season.

Pejic's decision increase the options for Dragons boss Brian Carey.

Wrexham signed out of contract Shrewsbury Town centre-back Richard Hope earlier this month.

BBC

JUNE-23

Everton fail in bids for City's Gunter

Cardiff have turned down two bids from Everton for their highly-rated defender Chris Gunter, BBC Sport understands.
The 17-year-old made his full international debut for Wales in the friendly draw with New Zealand in May.
Gunter was handed his debut for the Bluebirds in a League Cup tie in August and went on to make 16 first-team appearances for the club.
His performances for the Championship side have attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Gunter usually performs at right-back but has also filled in at left-back for the club because of injuries.
The Newport-born youngster is rated highly by Cardiff manager Dave Jones and he was also recognised by the Football League when he was awarded their Apprentice of the Year last season.
Jones is keen for the player to continue his development at Ninian Park.
Chairman Peter Ridsdale has already turned down bids for some of their players, but with the club looking to finance their new stadium he has admitted he would be willing to sell at the right price.

BBC

JUNE-23

Agreement over ground share plan

CARDIFF CITY chairman Peter Ridsdale last night revealed a broad agreement had been reached for the Blues rugby region to share their new stadium.
The announcement means that the face of the two sports in the Welsh capital is set to change forever.
There have been on-going negotiations for months to try to find a way forward to bring the two teams together, but Ridsdale's revelation means that common ground has now been reached.
It will put the capital in line with Swansea, where the city's football club and Ospreys have successfully shared the Liberty Stadium for two years.
The situation in Cardiff would be different, however, as the Liberty is owned by the council, while the new stadium in Leckwith will be owned by Cardiff City Football Club with the Blues as tenants.
Ridsdale has been an ardent supporter of the ground-share idea and yesterday trumpeted the benefits it would bring to the Bluebirds.
The Blues themselves were more circumspect about the move, but have admitted terms are on the table.
Leaving the historic Arms Park will likely lead to consternation amongst rugby traditionalists.
The situation with the Cardiff Blues is that we have reached a broad agreement on what are called heads of terms, on the basis under which they would share our stadium and I will stress it is our stadium, said Ridsdale.
I believe that will be turned into a full agreement in the very near future.

Western Mail

JUNE-23

County keepers agony

NEWPORT County are searching for a new goalkeeper after being rocked by a potentially career-ending injury to first choice stopper Mark Ovendale.
Ovendale, 33, a former Bournemouth and Luton Town player, has been warned his career may have prematurely ended because of a degenerative hip condition.
Ovendale has suffered discomfort for several years, but a scan has revealed he has hip osteonecrosis, a condition that restricts mobility and ended the career of Tour de France contender Floyd Landis.
It is a big blow for the popular stopper who is by no-means old for a goalkeeper; he signed a new deal to stay at Spytty Park just over a month ago before the cruel diagnosis.
However, the Exiles will stand by Ovendale and have appointed him as their new goalkeeper coach.
Manager Peter Beadle has also revealed his frustration at missing out on two potential replacements.
"We understood that Lee Kendall (the WPL goalkeeper of the year) had a clause in his contract that allowed him to talk to clubs in the English pyramid. We had a good talk with Haverfordwest but then they did a U-turn and said we couldn't talk to him unless we paid a fee for him.
"Merthyr were very professional, Morris was able to talk to us and we thought a deal was close, but we have been informed he's decided to stay where he is which is fair enough.
"We were targeting two or three players, but now we need a goalkeeper as well.
"We have a few options in mind and we aren't panicking at all, we will wait for the right man."

South Wales Argus

JUNE-23

Duffy on way, says Hull

SWANSEA CITY are on the verge of signing striker Darryl Duffy, according to Hulls own chairman.
But Swans chief Huw Jenkins insisted the deal is still far from being done.
The confusion started up after new Hull chairman Paul Duffen went public on a local radio station by stating Swansea is the logical destination for goal ace Duffy and that a deal is close.
The Swans have made no secret they covet Duffy, who spent a successful loan period at the Liberty Stadium at the end of last season, firing five goals in five starts.
The Swans have already balked at the 500,00 price tag the previous regime at the KC Stadium placed on 23-year-old Duffy, but could well be drawn into doing a deal if that amount is lowered.
Duffen is adamant that one way or the other Duffy will be a Swans player come the new season.
Darryl was on loan at Swansea so its an obvious home for him to go to, said Duffen.
Ive spoken to Huw Jenkins and were in a dialogue.
Like any of these things, its a question of negotiating until we meet our mutual financial expectations.
I would say we are probably close to a deal. I would think theres a very good chance that we will do a deal with Swansea on Darryl Duffy.
Jenkins said he was somewhat bemused by suggestions that the loose ends had virtually been tied up.
But he admitted Hulls recent capture of striker Dean Windass from Bradford might be a factor in Duffens desire to put a Duffy deal back on the agenda.
The only thing that might have changed on their side is they have just signed Windass, said Jenkins.
But Jenkins remains confident Duffy, who is also a target for Hartlepool and Hibernian, would pick Swansea if he is given the choice.

Western Mail

JUNE-23

Best of both worlds for Dragons fans

WREXHAM have been given permission to switch two more of their home matches next season so their fans can watch Wales Six Nations bid.
Grimsby Town will now visit Brian Careys Wrexham 24 hours earlier on Friday, February 22, as Wales play Italy in Cardiff the following day.
And while the Dragons home clash with Darlington will still be on Saturday, February 2, it will now be a 2.30pm kick-off as Wales face England in Twickenham at 4.30pm the same day.
Wrexham ran an on-line poll and discovered that more than 60% of fans preferred having the games switched so they could watch both sports.
Club secretary Geraint Parry said: "We had a poll and it came back that less than 40% said they werent bothered, but more than 60% wanted to be able to watch both games.
"I think it does affect us when the games are on the same day, so we asked to be able to change them and thankfully both Grimsby and Darlington have agreed."
Home matches against Shrewsbury Town and Chester City have already been put back 24 hours to Sunday, November 4 and Sunday, November 25 respectively, on police advice.
Meanwhile, police have given permission for the visit of Hereford Town to the Racecourse to still go ahead on Saturday, September 1, with kick-off at 3pm., much to the delight of Parry.
He said: "I dont think anyone really likes having the games at midday on a Sunday, and thankfully the police were happy enough to allow the game to go ahead at the normal time. But they have said they will be monitoring the situation and it all depends on the behaviour of the fans."

Daily Post

JUNE-22

Mingorance stays away after contract row

Llanelli Star

JUNE-22

Ex Ponty sponsor now investing in Bryntirion

THERE could be more good news in the pipeline for Bryntirion Athletic.

Multi-millionaire businessman Leighton Samuel, owner of the Celtic Crusaders, is believed to be investing £18,000 in the club in the coming year in monthly instalments of £1,500.

The cash will not be used for players’ wages but for permanent improvements to the ground.

These will include enclosing the playing surface and constructing a spectator path along the lines of Principality Welsh Premiership criteria.

Moves are also afoot to complete the floodlighting that only worked on limited power last season.

Mr Samuel declined to comment on the report.

For the last three years he had given financial backing to soccer club Pontypridd Town but reports have emerged that he is ending this for personal reasons.

County Times

JUNE-22

Venables off to join Welshpool

County Times

JUNE-22

Reds move a dream come true for Small

Ex-phone engineer Sam Small admits he finally got the call he wanted after sealing a dream move to Llanelli. Now the striker, who has packed in his job with BT to sign up full-time at Stebonheath Park, can't wait to leave his calling card across Europe.
The Cardiff product, who turned down moves to Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth, was a surprise signing by Reds manager Peter Nicholas last month but a string of impressive displays against Llanelli seemed to have swayed the switch.
Small was part of the cash-strapped Cwmbran side that tasted relegation last season and his move sees a complete change in fortune.
Small scored seven goals last season in a side that went two-and-a-half months without scoring a league goal after Christmas.
"It's a great move for me, especially when you consider I was part of a team that got relegated last season," said Small, who has signed a one-year deal.
"I was injured for the first few months of the season but it got really hard after Christmas what with the financial side of things.
"But this is a great opportunity for me - Llanelli did well last season and I know what they are like to play against."
Small scored twice against the Reds last season in league and cup and also saw a penalty saved during the 5-1 defeat at Stebo, in which he also scored.
And when the call came from Nicholas, there was no hesitation on Small's part despite the fact he attracted interest from other clubs.
"I don't know Peter but obviously I must have done enough against Llanelli last season to persuade him to come after me," he said.
"Haverfordwest and Aberystwyth were interested while earlier in the season Swansea City sent a scout down to watch me play against Llanelli.
"I just can't wait to get going now. Playing in Europe is what every footballer wants to get involved in.
"I'm really looking forward to experiencing European football.
"But that's not the only reason I came here. Llanelli are a club that want to win the title and expect to win every game in the league.
"Last season I was at a club that was struggling to get a point from games, so it is a huge change for me."

Llanelli Star

JUNE-22

Stadium costs hit Cardiff transfer funds

Ridsdale told BBC Wales Sport that £5m earmarked to pay for new players has now been spent on the £43m development.

He said: "The club's long-term future is only secure with a new stadium, so it's the right way to spend the money."

But Ridsdale insisted there is still money available for boss Dave Jones to strengthen the squad for next season.

The Bluebird's only close season signing so far is Tony Capaldi, who joined on a free transfer from Plymouth Argyle.

Hull striker Jon Parkin was a known target before he joined Stoke, while Jones is also looking to buy a new goalkeeper.

Ridsdale said: "The message to the fans is that we don't kick off until 11 August and I would anticipate we will have between five or six faces into this football club from last season.

"That includes Tony Capaldi, so I would expect four or five new names joining us in the nest few weeks."

BBC

JUNE-22

Bryntirion duo heading off to Exiles

Defender Sean Cronin recent winner of both player of the year and players player of the year could soon be on his way out of the club, a string of eye-catching appearances last winter resulted in attention from other clubs, and he is expected to join either Newport County or Clevedon in the near future.

Cronin could be followed out of the club by last seasons top scorer Jonathan Cuss there are strong rumours he is being linked with a move to Merthyr Tydfil.

Tony

JUNE-22

Cardiff deny Byrne exit report

He has a year left on his Ninian Park contract and has said he wants to stay to prove himself after a disappointing first season.

BBC

JUNE-22

Evans it’s tough to break up a love affair

THERE is arguably nobody who knows the Welsh Premier league better than one of its founding fathers, Mickey Evans.

Known to many as “Mr Caersws”, Evans stepped down as Bluebirds manager this month having led his hometown club in every Welsh Premier campaign since the league began in 1992.

The only boss to have achieved that feat, his association with the management team at the Recreation Ground goes back to 1983, when he joined as player-manager following 13 years and over 500 games as a player with Wrexham.

Evans presided over the best years of the small mid-Wales club, winning three league cups and, in 2002, steering Caersws to a fourth-placed finish and an InterToto Cup place – for which he was named manager of the year.

So when he warns the league needs more funding if it is to survive and develop, FA of Wales and Welsh Premier chiefs had better be listening.

“The league is progressing,” said Evans, who as a player also gained international honours with Wales at under-23 level. “But I’ve been saying for years there needs to be more money put into it.

“It’s no good people saying the grounds need improving and so on. The clubs have been told to do this and that, you’ve got to have 500-minimum seating, but where is the money coming from?

“I think the Welsh FA need to come up with more money to put into the league,” he added. “I fear for it in years to come – it’s very much the poor relation in Welsh football. Very few want to get involved at the Welsh Premier level.”

Daily Post

JUNE-21

The Exiles are moaning again

The Exiles are at it again, moaning, looking to claim a place in Europe at the expense of a domestic based club.

IMO they should not be let back into Europe by claiming a spot from one of the clubs who participate in the welsh pyramid, those places are their by right for our own clubs at the top of the welsh pyramid not for teams playing in the 2nd, 3rd and 4 levels of the English system.

The only time the question should arise of the big 3 playing in Europe is if one of them wins a trophy in their current playing environment, but everybody knows that is never going to happen, even if you pooled the 3 squads together you couldn't pick a team that would be capable of challenging for a English trophy. So what do they do, they want to deprive one of our own clubs entry in Europe, a case of butter on both sides of the bread.

If Cardiff were to win this seasons English FA Cup and they were refused entry in Europe then they have a valid case for gaining entry into the Uefa cup, then the matter should be brought up, not when they don't have a cat in hells chance of qualifying for Europe.

Everybody quotes Derry City as an example of a team playing outside its country's borders and qualifies for Europe, then Cardiff City and the others Exiles should be allowed to play in Europe if they win a English trophy, like I said "never gonna happen" Derry city are not allowed to play in both North and south cups, Berwick Rangers are not allowed to play in in English and Scottish cups, so why should the Exiles be allowed to play in two FA cups. 

The Exiles CHOOSE to play their soccer in England and not Wales and have no right to expect to qualify for Europe through a back door of letting them back into the welsh cup.

If Cardiff or the other Exiles were winning trophies in the English system this would be resolved by now, but they are just not good enough, and there are better teams than them in the English Premier and Championship that never qualify for Europe, so what makes them think they deserve it more than them, why don't we let them play in the welsh cup as well?

Tony

JUNE-21

Now Pontypridd need a new manager

Things went from bad to worse for cash strapped Pontypridd, not only having to contend with a mass exodus of players, due to the cash problem, but now manager Ryan Nicholls has now left the club as well.

His decision seems to have stemmed from not knowing what next seasons player budget will be, and so cannot put together a squad based on that.

Ponty are now on the look out for a new manager with the unenviable task of putting together a squad with a budget that most welsh league clubs have to work with.

But no doubt Ponty will survive, as they did before the the £30,000 sponsorship came on board, but it looks increasingly unlikely with the quality of players leaving the club they will be in the same position in the league as they achieved last season.

Tony

JUNE-21

Off field changes at Port Talbot

To meet the increasing demands of the Principality Welsh Premier League, Port Talbot Town Football Club have formed a new Board of Directors to take the club to the next level on and off the field. 

Chairman Andrew Edwards will be joined on the board by local businessmen John Heycock of RE/MAX Estate Agents and Phil Davies of Moderncare together with Secretary John Dawkins and Mark Pitman who will represent the teams within the club and the supporters respectively. 

In addition the club are delighted to announce that the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Mr. Derek Vaughan, has accepted the position of club president. The new board will work with the football committee of the club to ensure that the improvements made on the field will be matched by strong financial support to allow the club to make further progress in all areas.

Port Talbot official website

JUNE-21

Swans close in on Hull striker Duffy

The 23-year-old striker scored five goals in five starts in a short loan period with the Swans last season.

Duffy has a year left on his Hull contract and the Championship side are keen to recoup some of the £250,000 they paid Falkirk for him last year.

"I would say there is a very good chance we will do a deal with Swansea for Darryl Duffy," Hull chairman Paul Duffen told BBC Wales Sport.

"Darryl was on loan at Swansea so it's an obvious home for him to go to.

"I have spoke to [Swansea chairman] Huw Jenkins, we are in a dialogue and like all these things it's a question of negotiation that meets our mutual expectations financially."

Swansea have already agreed terms with striker Jason Scotland to join on a nominal fee from St Johnstone.

The deal is subject to the Trinidad & Tobago international being granted a work permit next month.

BBC

JUNE-21

Pontypridd's squad break up has started

Following the recent withdrawal of main sponsors picture frame manufacturer Dekor who have sponsored Pontypridd's push through the welsh league, it has already seen a break up of their squad.

Left-sided player Daniel Hooper and striker Tom Billing have already left and signed for Haverfordwest, (Haverfordwest are also keen on Afan Lido trio, Striker Ian Jones, Midfielders Craig Jones and Liam McCreesh who is currently recovering from a knee operation) while Ponty's Players Player of the Year Mike Jones has left for Neath Ath. Prolific scorer Chris Summers and other leading players are also feared by club officials to heading out.

Town received the bad news from Dekor after owner Leighton Samuel decided to take a back seat role in the business due to personal reasons, and new managers decided to cut all sponsorship, except for the Rugby league side Celtic Crusaders.

Ponty's press officer Clive Harry said.

“The news has obviously meant players leaving, with some having already joined Welsh Premier League teams – a situation which may well have occurred anyway following our third place finish last season.

“Nevertheless, there is now an opportunity for new players to play at Welsh League Division One level, although the lateness of the decision means that time is of the essence.

“Fortunately, the Club has not incurred any debt as a result of its decision to push for Premier League status, and we have decided to continue with ground improvements, thereby providing players and spectators with one of the most pleasant environments in the league.”

Tony

JUNE-21

Jenkins defends actions on departing players

SWANSEA CITY chairman Huw Jenkins has defended the way the club dealt with its departing players Adebayo Akinfenwa and Izzy Iriekpen.

After a day of high drama at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday both players walked away from the club after failing to agree new contracts.

The pair took parting shots at the Swans claiming they felt under-appreciated and insulted by the one-year contracts on the table.

Striker Akinfenwa said Jenkins and manager Roberto Martinez refused to negotiate with him, virtually pushing him out of the door.

Last night Jenkins refused to condemn either player, insisting they had offered both men fair deals. But he emphasised football was a business and there was no room for sentiment.

“I’m not disappointed at all by any comments made, myself and Roberto felt we dealt with the negotiations in a fair manner and had put the correct deals to the players,” said Jenkins.

“If the players and their agents decide to look for better terms elsewhere, then that is quite within their rights and no one is going to criticise them for that

Western Mail

JUNE-21

A real tough start says Druids Lee

The pair, who were appointed joint bosses of NEWI Cefn Druids following the resignation of Dixie McNeil, will face champions The New Saints on the first day of the new season, followed by a home tie against Welshpool and then another away match at UEFA Cup side Llanelli.

Jones, who was training for his 'A' coaching badge when he heard the news, declared: "Starts don't come much harder than this!

"We are going to be a new team facing new challenges – but you never know playing these teams early on could be a good thing for us because you never tend to get a fair reflection of the league until about 10 games into the season – and at the end of the day you have got to play everybody at some point.

"We gave TNS a good run for their money towards the back of last season, as we did with Welshpool and Llanelli, so we certainly won't be going into these games fearing anybody."

Flintshire Standard

JUNE-21

Statistically Barry still top the league

AN amazing Welsh Premier league statistic emerged this week – Barry Town, who have long since departed the scene at that level, still have the best overall performance of any club in the league since its inception back in 1992, writes Chris Smart.

In the 11 seasons the Jenner Park played at the top of the pyramid they took part in 356 games and won 234,scoring a total of 886 goals and conceding only 356. They amassed a total of 768 points.

In percentage terms they recorded 71.9 per cent, well clear of The New Saints, who racked up 60.4 per cent from 260 victories from 494 matches.

Bangor City, who have actually won more games than any club come third, with Cwmbran Town – relegated last season – surprisingly in fourth spot with 252 triumphs from 532 outings.

It is not surprising Grange Quins prop up the table, having been in the league for just one season during which they won a mere four games from the 34 fixtures played giving them a percentage of 15.7 per cent.

JUNE-21

Carmarthen target youth boss

Cheltenham Town fitness coach Jason Murphy is considering an offer to become Carmarthen Town's new youth boss.

Murphy has been approached by Carmarthen director of coaching Mark Aizlewood, who he previously worked with at the Football Association of Wales.

"It is a fantastic opportunity. They want me to set up their youth structure and a new academy," Murphy said. "I will see what Carmarthen have to say but I will also speak to (Cheltenham manager) John Ward when he comes back from his holiday.

Carmarthen Journal

JUNE-21

Angry Bayo slams Swans

A SHELL-SHOCKED Adebayo Akinfenwa last night lashed out at Swansea City, insisting, “They forced me out of the club!”

The 25-year-old striker admitted he was “sad and upset” after his two years at the Liberty Stadium came to an end yesterday when he failed to agree a new contract.

But it is the acrimonious departure of Akinfenwa, a firm favourite at the Liberty, which will come as the biggest blow to many Swans supporters.

Even though often overlooked by former manager Kenny Jackett, many fans felt ‘Bayo’ should have been leading the Swansea line ahead of £300,000 signing Rory Fallon.

Now the front man is looking for a new club and has been left none too pleased with the way Swans boss Roberto Martinez and club chairman Huw Jenkins have treated him.

“I’m shocked, devastated to be honest, I so much wanted to stay at Swansea,” said Akinfenwa, who scored 21 goals in 50 starts at the Liberty.

“I didn’t even feel like I had a choice in the end. I felt like I was being forced out even though I didn’t want to go.”

Western Mail

JUNE-21

Cardiff lose out to Stoke for the beast

The 25-year-old, who scored three goals in six games during a loan spell with the Potters, signed a three-year deal with Stoke paying £250,000 up front.

The initial figure paid could rise after an unspecified number of goals and appearances. Stoke beat league rivals Cardiff to Parkin's signature.

BBC

JUNE-21

Jones tries to tame Hull’s Beast

CARDIFF City are locked in a two-way battle with Stoke for the services for “the beast”.

Physical Hull striker Jon Parkin, who goes by that nickname, is wanted by the Bluebirds as a minder for Michael Chopra next season.

But Stoke, who come to Ninian Park on the opening day of the coming season, could pip City to his signature.

Parkin has had talks with both Stoke, where he had a spell on loan last season, and the Bluebirds.

The 25-year-old lost fitness last season and worked hard to get back to peak condition.

The spell with Stoke helped him achieve that and he proved a useful player in their attack. He would probably be a squad player at City, who are in talks with a couple of other forwards.

Hull want a fee in excess of the £125,000 they initially paid Macclesfield in January 2006 and both Stoke and Cardiff have agreed a fee with the Tigers.

Parkin fell out of favour with Hull manager Phil Brown and then made a slow start on loan at Stoke. He was substitute in his first three appearances.

But a goal in each of his next three games quickly endeared him to manager Tony Pulis and Stoke supporters before his recall to injury-hit Hull.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-20

Another Midfield Maestro Signs For Rhyl

Rhyl have signed another top class midfielder with a wealth of experience in the highest echelon of the English non-league system.

Jimmy Kelly, 34, signed for the Lilywhites today from Conference North champions Droylsden. His capture comes hot on the heels of former Bloods team mate Carl Ruffer arriving at Belle Vue.
Liverpool-born Kelly was on the books of Football League clubs Wrexham and Wolves before beginning a long stint in the Football Conference.

Between 2000-02 he played for Doncaster Rovers, making 61 full appearances, plus five as substitute, scoring four goals. In 2002/03 Kelly moved to Chester City where he made 29 starts and came on as substitute on four occasions.

The following season Kelly switched to Scarborough, playing a part in their successful FA Cup run which included hosting mighty Chelsea at the McCain Stadium.
Kelly signed for Morecambe in May 2004, but a pre-season injury ruled out him out of action until January 2005. He subsequently made six appearances for the Shrimps in the league and featured in six cup matches.

His second season at Morecambe saw him rack up 28 appearances, but he found himself out of the side for the end of season run-in and was released at the climax of the campaign.
Next up for Kelly was Lancaster City, then in December 2006 he was recruited by Droylsden, the season ending in glory as the Bloods lifted the Conference North title.
Now Kelly joins up again with Ruffer, also a former team-mate at Chester City and Morecambe.

Official Rhyl website

JUNE-20

Scunthorpe sign Swans defender Iriekpen

The 25-year-old was out of contract at the Liberty Stadium after turning down the offer of a new one-year deal with the Swans he described as "an insult".

Iriekpen signed a two-year deal with the Iron, with the option of a third year, at Glanford Park on Tuesday.

He started his career with West Ham, but after loans at Leyton Orient and Cambridge he moved to Swansea in 2003.

The player made 137 appearances for the south Wales club, scoring eight goals including two in his final match.

BBC

JUNE-20

Colwyn Bay aim for Conference within 5 years

COLWYN Bay are aiming for the Conference within five years after revealing a new five-man board charged with pushing the Llanelian Road club out of the Unibond League.

The intention of the new management team is to work with the existing directors to formulate a structure that will help move the club forwards

Voted in by shareholders at the clubs recent AGM, four of the new directors are members of the Cartwright family.

Geoff Cartwright will take over as new club chairman, while sons Martin and Darren and former Wales under-21 and Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Cartwright have all joined the board, along with Alan Jones, who is a qualified accountant.

“We have a big challenge ahead of us, but if we work as a team both on and off the pitch we can take this club forward.” said new chairman Geoff Cartwright.

“We want promotion next season and we have every confidence in manager Gary Finley that he can achieve that.

“A successful football club can benefit the whole area.

“We want to get the community involved in helping to achieve that by inter-acting with the youth and schools and getting local community groups to come and use the clubhouse facilities here.”

Daily Post

JUNE-20

Collins hopeful of Exiles Euro return

WELSH soccer chief David Collins admits talks will take place with new Uefa boss Michel Platini over the Cardiff City contradiction highlighted by the Western Mail today.

And Collins believes that for the first time since he took over from Alun Evans as FAW secretary, the mood is changing within Uefa circles about our Big Three of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.

Collins says provisional conversations have already taken place with Platini about ending the controversial Euro exile of the Welsh trio.

But he acknowledges the issues surrounding Cardiff City Ladies playing in Europe, whereas the men can’t, is a contradiction which would give power to the FAW’s case.

Collins has been keen to get our Big Three back into Europe via the Welsh Cup, but says previous Uefa boss Gerard Aigner didn’t want to know.

Aigner has gone and Platini, as a former player, is more sympathetic, argued Collins.

“I do sense there is a slight softening in Uefa’s stance in terms of recognising our problems and, more importantly, doing something about them.

“The ideal scenario for the FAW would be to have Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham back in the Welsh Cup and able to qualify for Europe should they win it.

Western Mail

JUNE-20

Now a Celtic nations cup planned

TOP-LEVEL plans are being drawn up for John Toshack’s Wales team to tangle with some of the best of British in a new Celtic Cup competition.

FAW bosses have begun talks with their counterparts from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland about the proposed new tournament, which would be played every two years. The tournament would, in effect, be a return of the famous old Home International Championships, but without England.

Steve Staunton’s Republic side, who boast Premiership stars such as Damien Duff, Robbie Keane and John O’Shea, would take England’s place.

However, the Celtic nations believe there will be so much interest and money to be made out of the event, it may tempt the English to eventually come on board too.

FAW secretary David Collins confirmed talks had taken place with the Scots and Irish.

The matter was also raised last week at a full FAW meeting, where the 28-man council gave its full backing to the ambitious plans.

Talks are very much at the infancy stage, but Collins is enthusiastic about the plan, dubbing it an opportunity for Wales, the Scots and the two Irish teams to play “competitive friendlies”.

Western Mail

JUNE-20

Bayo & Izzy go - Monk stays

Evening Post

JUNE-20

Martyrs keeper stays

icWales

JUNE-20

Swans Chairman rules out Boyd move

Huw Jenkins has played down talk of a move for Luton's Adam Boyd - but insists Swansea City have a string of alternatives should they miss out on Darryl Duffy. Swansea's chairman has held talks with his new opposite number at Hull City, Paul Duffen, over Duffy's situation.
But Jenkins has stressed that Swansea will not make the mistake of pinning all their hopes on the former Scottish Under-21 international.

Boss Roberto Martinez has identified a number of candidates to bolster his forward line - although former Hartlepool man Boyd does not appear to be one of them.
"Adam Boyd is a player who is being touted around," said Jenkins.
"For whatever reason things haven't worked out too well for him at Luton, but it would be wrong to say he is someone we are chasing.
"We have talked about him because he is being touted around, but that's as far as it has gone.
"It's important, though, that our supporters are aware that we have got a number of strikers in mind.
"It's not just Darryl Duffy we're looking at. We are never going to go down the route of having only one or two players to choose from, which is a mistake we have made in the past.
"We have watched a lot of games and a lot of players and as a result we have got a number of options."

Nevertheless Swansea would love to land Duffy on a permanent basis after his highly successful loan spell at the back end of last season.

Evening Post

JUNE-20

Morgan determined not to be picked off

icWales

JUNE-20

Carey sure ace Juan Ugarte will be back

BRIAN CAREY admitted he was confident of having a fully-fit Juan Ugarte back for the start of the coming campaign.
Ugarte made just three appearances for Wrexham last season – in the 2-0 win over Scunthorpe in the FA Cup, and at Torquay and Boston in the league – all three coming in December before injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.
But now just two months away from the start of a new campaign, Carey is hopeful of having the diminutive striker back and raring to go.
"Juan has said to me he is looking to be back and fit," said the Dragons boss. "The summer is a long time for players to rest up and get back to fitness and he has said he is confident of being fully fit.
"We’ve spoken to him a lot over the last few months and we know he is working very hard to get back to the form he was in when we won the LDV Vans Trophy."

Carey knows a goalscorer such as Ugarte is key for Wrexham’s hopes of success next season.
He added: "Players like Juan are very hard to come by and we have just got to keep our fingers crossed that he can come back and find the form from when he was first here."

Daily Post

JUNE-20

Whittingham chases success on two fronts

PETER Whittingham, Cardiff City’s talented midfield player, is on a double mission – for club and country.
First, the man from the Midlands wants to play a growing role for his country in their quest to win the European Under-21 Championships in Holland.

Whittingham has made one appearance during the finals so far and wants more.
“It was a great experience to go on during the 2-2 draw against Italy,” said Whittingham, who now has 15 England Under-21 caps.
“They were all over us when I went on and the manager (Stuart Pearce) wanted me to help tip the balance.
“Hopefully I did that because England came out with a decent draw and we are through to the semi-finals.
“I’m still keen to play more of a role against Holland in the last four and, if we get through, in the final.
“Holland, though, will be a huge match.

When ‘Whitts’ has finished his summer stay with England’s Under-21s, where he is in the squad alongside the likes of Ashley Young, Anton Ferdinand, Kieron Richardson, Scott Carson and Nigel Reo-Coker, his next duty will be to ring Cardiff City manager Dave Jones.
“The gaffer has just said to give him a ring when I’ve finished with England,” he said.
“I haven’t had a break yet because I joined up with England after the Coca-Cola Championship season ended.
“I’ll see what the gaffer says, but if I have to report straight back then that’s fine.

icWales

JUNE-19

Bluebirds enjoy financial upturn

Chairman Peter Ridsdale said the sale of Cameron Jerome to Birmingham in May last year for £3m was the main factor in the turnaround at Ninian Park.

The club also cut the player wage bill from £8.5m to £6m, but consultancy fees to Ridsdale's company rose by £180,000.

"The accounts show the progress the club is making," said Ridsdale.

"We've gone from being a club that was haemorrhaging cash and losing money. But this is just part of the milestone of getting into the new stadium.

"When we get to the new stadium I would like to feel that we can make a profit year-in-year out.

"I would expect to see a roller coaster between now and then because at a club of this size it is very difficult to make a profit without selling players."

BBC

JUNE-19

Samuel ends his interest in Ponty

PONTYPRIDD Town are facing a difficult future after their backer, multi-millionaire Leighton Samuel, severed ties with the MacWhirter Welsh Football League club.

Samuel is a keen sports fan and helped Pontypridd with a £30,000 package per year.

He also has interests with fellow Welsh League club Cambrian and Clydach plus rugby league team Celtic Crusaders. Now, though, he is ending his support for football due to personal reasons. That has left Ponty, who only just missed out on promotion last season, in difficulties. Many of their players are likely to leave the club and the future of manager Ryan Nicholls must be in doubt. But captain Dean Morris, a former Ton Pentre player, has pledged himself to Town. Club official Clive Harry confirmed the reports and said: “Pontypridd Town remains an ambitious club and the ground improvements we have started will continue. “The loss of this amount of money is a blow, but we are still making progress.”

South Wales Echo

JUNE-19

Reds head to Lithuania for InterToto Cup

LLANELLI start their 2007-8 football season this week when they travel to Lithuania for an InterToto Cup first round tie.

Captain Lee Phillips, the former Barry Town defender, and his team-mates take on Vetra in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, this Sunday with the second leg on Sunday, July 1.

That match is to be played at Carmarthen Town’s Richmond Park ground because Llanelli’s Stebonheath Park is not up to European standards.

The Reds, managed by ex-Wales international Peter Nicholas, signed four new players in the run-up to this Euro test including player-coach Paul Wanless.

The 6ft 1in striker, aged 33, has made almost 500 first team appearances during a professional career which took him to Oxford United, Lincoln City, Cambridge United and Forest Green Rovers.

Llanelli’s other signings are ex-Swansea City and Wrexham goalkeeper Ryan Harrison from Conference club Forest Green, Chris Holloway from Merthyr Tydfil and striker Sam Small, 21, from Cwmbran Town.

Holloway, though, is ruled out of the European clashes after suffering an ankle injury playing for Wales in the Four Nations semi-professional championships.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-19

Jones makes premier move

MIKE Jones, the talented Cambrian and Clydach midfielder, is linking up with Principality Welsh Premier League club Haverfordwest County.

Teenager Jones, aged 18 and a former Swansea City youth player, was captain of Cambrian as they won the MacWhirter Welsh League Youth Cup last season.

Haverfordwest manager Derek Brazil moved in to offer Jones a trial and he will be training with the first team.

Brazil, whose Haverfordwest team play his former club, Cardiff City, at home in a pre-season friendly on Monday, August 6, are also keen on three Welsh League players.

They are Afan Lido trio Ian Jones, who fired 42 goals last season, midfielder Liam McCreesh and forward Craig Jones.

Haverfordwest have also been given a massive boost by Lee Kendall after the former Cardiff City goalkeeper withdrew a transfer request and has agreed to stay put.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-19

Saints launce defence at Druids

Newly-promoted Llangefni will host Connah's Quay Nomads on Saturday, and fellow newcomers Neath will also have home advantage as they face Porthmadog.

Carmarthen Town face a tough trip to Rhyl, while Caersws go to Haverfordwest for their Welsh Premier first game without boss Mickey Evans.

The only game on Sunday sees Llanelli hosting Welshpool Town.

Airbus UK welcome Aberystwyth Town, Caernarfon Town host Port Talbot Town and Bangor City travel to Newtown in the remaining opening weekend fixtures.

Saturday, 18 August
Airbus UK v Aberystwyth Town
Caernarfon Town v Port Talbot Town
Haverfordwest County v Caersws
Neath Athletic v CPD Porthmadog
Newtown v Bangor City
Llangefni Town v Connah's Quay Nomads
Rhyl v Carmarthen Town

Sunday, 19 August
Llanelli v Welshpool Town

BBC

JUNE-19

Another Crow joins Llanelli

Nicholas had been searching for another centre-back over the past couple of weeks to add some strength in depth to that position and although he was thwarted in his efforts to sign the impressive Lee Surman of Port Talbot Town, Nicholas will be pleased to add Clare to the ranks. The 22 year old was almost ever-present in the Crows squad last term, forging a strong partnership with skipper Josh Collins at the back and he was a product of the Youth set-up at the Cwmbran Stadium. Indeed, Clare was paramount to the success of the Under 21 side that lifted the inaugural Under 21 League in 2005/06.

The lure of European football and the chance to join the top-three side was obviously more appealing than Welsh League football next year for the promising player and he will be joining former colleague Sam Small at Stebonheath after the striker joined Nicholas' side last month from the relegated Gwent outfit.

The release of Cortez Belle, who figured several times at the back for the Reds last year provided a vacant space in the Reds squad, but with Stuart Jones and Wyn Thomas, who have both agreed contract extensions in recent weeks, the probable first choice pairing and with Player/ Coach Paul Wanless also arriving recently, Clare will be out to impress right from the start of his Reds' career.

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-19

Porthmadog win appeal against FAW

The fine was reduced to £1,000 on appeal but the club was ordered to pay £3,000 to cover the FAW's legal costs.

But an independent arbitration panel has ordered the points to be reinstated and for the £3,000 bill to be dropped.

Porthmadog's legal representative Nic Parri stated;

The panel upheld the £1,000 fine at Monday's hearing in Cardiff, but ordered the FAW to pay Porthmadog £4,000 in costs.

Porthmadog chairman Phil Jones said: "I'm absolutely delighted. It's a massive difference to the outcome the last time we were down in Cardiff. Many heart-felt thanks to everybody who donated money towards this case to help us on our way."

"We've always pleaded guilty on this case from the very beginning because we know the incident did happen - we never tried to deny it.

"But we were very cross from the beginning at the way we were treated by the FAW and the penalties incurred on us.

"It became a matter of principle because the three-point deduction made no difference to our league position.

"We were fighting this for every club in Wales and we made that clear to everybody." "Many heart-felt thanks to everybody who donated money towards this case to help us on our way," added Jones.

BBC

JUNE-19

Departures would test Martinez to the limit

SWANSEA CITY manager Roberto Martinez has been told he must sign top quality replacements if the “Gang of Four” leave the Liberty Stadium today.

Club captain Garry Monk, striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, defender Izzy Iriekpen and veteran midfielder Kris O’Leary have until today to ink new deals or see the club withdraw their offers.

The situation has dragged on since the end of the season and former Swans boss Colin Addison has expressed his surprise that the discontented quartet had only been offered one-year contracts.

All four could now end their Swansea careers today and Addison believes if that happens then rookie boss Martinez will be tested to the limit.

Addison, who had six months in charge of the Swans during the 2001-02 season, said the pressure is very much on Martinez to deliver promotion this campaign. “Look at the four players and you can understand why there’s disappointment at the length of the contracts on the table,” said Addison, now a media pundit covering the Welsh football scene.

“Garry Monk is a very big player for the club – the captain, for goodness sake – and he was hugely missed last season after his awful injury at Scunthorpe.

“But though he’s a very good player it’s not just his play. It’s his experience and I think that is so important for Swansea. He’s got the respect of the players around him too.

“He’s very knowledgeable within the game and he’s a talker. You don’t get too many of those and that’s what the Swans are going to need to be successful.”

Western Mail

JUNE-19

Villa ‘keeper Taylor-made for Bluebirds

CARDIFF CITY are trying to tempt highly-rated Aston Villa goalkeeper Stuart Taylor to Ninian Park.

The Western Mail understands the Bluebirds have made inquiries about the 26-year-old who has found himself out of the first-team picture at Villa Park since Martin O’Neill’s arrival last summer.

Since joining Villa from Arsenal back in June 2005, Romford-born Taylor has made just eight Premiership appearances and is understood to be ready for a move. He has one year left on his Villa contract.

The 6ft 5in keeper would fit the bill perfectly for Cardiff boss Dave Jones as he looks to bring in a shot-stopper to replace Neil Alexander.

Jones currently only has the largely untested David Forde at his disposal.

It is understood Villa, who paid £1m for Taylor from Arsenal, might be willing to take an initial payment in the region of £250,000, plus add-ons dependent on future appearances.

“He would be willing to make the step down if it would mean getting his career back on track. He would do a fantastic job at somewhere like Ninian Park.”

Western Mail

JUNE-19

Eastwood hungry like a wolf for a transfer

WANNABE Wales striker Freddy Eastwood has issued a “come and get me” plea to Wolves after revealing he wants to quit Southend this summer.

The 23-year-old striker, who was recently the subject of a failed £1m bid from Wolves, is set to leave Roots Hall after three prolific seasons following the Shrimpers’ relegation to League One last term.

“I want to move on. I’ve had three really good years but having had a taste of the Championship, it’s where I want to stay,” said Eastwood about a possible transfer which would be endorsed by Wales manager John Toshack.

“I’m an ambitious person and my dream is to play in the Premiership. League One is a long way from there and that’s why I want go.

“It’s got nothing to do with the money, I just want to play at the highest level possible.

“I know Wolves have had a bid for me turned down but I would be interested in going there. I think they will go up next season so it would be a good move for me.

“They are a really big club and it would be nice to team up with former Southend team-mate Michael Kightly again.”

“But I still have another year left on my contract too, and if nothing happens then I will still be at Southend.”

Western Mail

JUNE-18

Welsh Prem scores to go live next season

Negotiations with the Press Association, BBC Wales and Sky Sports have resulted in the availability of live score updates from the beginning of 2007-08 season, which could include the extremely popular Gillette Soccer Saturday programme, which is broadcasted on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports News, which is hosted by Jeff Stelling. The information would also be available on the BBC and Sky Sports Websites, which also cover the weekend's matches on their Live Football Service.

PA will feed data supplied by the clubs onto the general data stream enabling goal flashes to be announced as they happen. The clubs will inform PA as soon as a goal is scored giving time and scorer and will also flash through any red cards.

This is a major upgrade in profile for the Principality Welsh Premier League and Secretary John Deakin welcomed the arrangement in his report to the AGM last Saturday;

"This is a major step forward for the League and it will require additional commitment from all the clubs to ensure a supply of accurate information regarding goal-times and scorers throughout the match."

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-18

Premier League set for A licence struggle

WELSH Premier clubs' European ambitions could be hit hard by tough new Uefa licensing criteria, writes Gareth Bicknell.

Last season 12 of the league’s 18 clubs were successful in obtaining the Uefa licence, which they most hold to take part in European competition.

However, at Saturday’s Welsh Premier AGM in Llandudno, FA of Wales licensing spokesman Andrew Howard announced changes made by Uefa to the licensing criteria, which will now require clubs to employ managers trained to the governing body’s highest coaching standards, improve stadia and also upgrade their youth academies.

Uefa Licensed clubs will have to have a manager with a Uefa “Pro” Licence – which no WPL club currently has – while heads of youth academies must hold a Uefa “A” licence.

Howard said: “The problem we’ve had is that all the coaches who have attained their Pro licence with us in Cardiff are now managing in the English pyramid.

“We had two managers with the Pro licence last year but they have now both left the league.”

Clubs will also have to run a youth academy including at least four age groups: under-10s, U14s and two age groups between 15 and 21.

Uefa have also cracked down on ground criteria, so that while TNS, Rhyl, Llanelli and Carmarthen will all be able to host first-round qualifying ties in European competition, the Millennium Stadium and Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium are the only grounds in Wales which meet the criteria to host a second-round qualifying tie.

Clubs will also have to carry out medical checks on all players if they want to take part in European competition.

IcWales

JUNE-18

Porthmadog set for racist abuse appeal

Port were fined £13,200 and docked three points by the FA of Wales after admitting one of their fans racially abused an official during a match.

The fine was reduced to £1,000 on appeal, but Porthmadog felt the punishment was excessive and asked an independent panel to hear the case.

It is hoped the panel's decision will be announced on Monday.

Despite objections by Porthmadog, the hearing will be heard at the FA of Wales headquarters in Cardiff Bay.

The semi-professional Welsh Premier club set up a fund to pay the cost of the appeal and have received donations from supporters of a number of rival clubs.

Earlier this month, Porthmadog said they had almost reached their £3,000 target and thanked the fans for their "generous donations".

The club's plight stems from a home match against Cwmbran Town on 9 December where a fan was reported for shouting racist abuse at an assistant referee.

BBC

JUNE-18

Akinfenwa: I may have to go

Bayo Akinfenwa is on the verge of quitting Swansea City. The powerhouse striker admits it is unlikely he will be able to agree a new deal at the Liberty Stadium.

And with three offers on the table elsewhere, the 25-year-old is hoping to sort his future out soon.

"At the moment I would say it is unlikely I'm staying," Akinfenwa told the Evening Post.

"There has been no room for negotiation and that is something I'm not happy about.

"But it is not Tuesday yet and things may change."

The former Torquay United striker is one of four out-of-contract players who have until tomorrow to let Swansea know whether they will sign the new deals on offer or reject them.

And with club chairman Huw Jenkins insisting these are take-it-or-leave-it offers, it seems unlikely there will be any last-minute talks.

Akinfenwa says he has had interest from one Championship side and three League One outfits.

"They haven't even tried to meet me halfway," added Akinfenwa, who is recovering from a broken leg. "I have asked them to match the offers I have had.

"I'm disappointed that we haven't been able to work things out.

"I wanted to stay and if we could have agreed a deal, it would have only kicked in when I was fully fit."

Evening Post

JUNE-18

Bluebirds close in on a ‘keeper and striker

MANAGER Dave Jones is closer than ever to bringing in a big, powerful goalkeeper and a new striker to partner Michael Chopra.

Both deals could be completed by the end of this week.

Both are with Premiership clubs, while City have ruled out moves for Celtic striker Craig Beattie or out-of-contract goalkeeper Russell Hoult.

And Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale said: “I won’t jump in and pay too much for players.

“Some players we have talked to are asking far too much. But we will keep talking and negotiating with all players we have identified.”

IcWales

JUNE-18

Early transfer window to aid Euro clubs

This season see's the 12-week transfer window for Welsh Premier clubs being brought forward so that The New Saints, Rhyl, Llanelli and Carmarthen Town could sign players in time for the start of their continental campaigns. 

The window for Welsh Premier clubs will run from today until September 10, whereas other clubs in Wales will have a later transfer window running until October.

IcWales

JUNE-18

Big name bosses a challenge to Jones

DAVE JONES will be pitting his wits against some of the most high-profile managers in the business when Cardiff City’s season kicks off in just under two months time.

The Bluebirds boss is never one to shirk a challenge, and he will certainly have his work cut out when he goes head-to-head with the likes of Bryan Robson, Iain Dowie, Martin Allen and Aidy Boothroyd.

Cardiff failed to win in their last nine games of the season and could be forgiven for suffering a little self doubt after missing out on a play-off spot.

The fact Jones is toughening them up on the weights makes you think it’s a physical, rather than mental, problem – but Cardiff will require a little mind over matter to come through a difficult opening six weeks.

IcWales

JUNE-18

Bodde’s debt to Ruud Gullit

IT’S not every day you meet your heroes, but Swansea new boy Ferrie Bodde has a permanent reminder of his.

In fact, he still bears the scars.

It was two years ago when Bodde, in action for home-town team ADO Den Haag, found himself lying in agony after a challenge on Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt left him with a sickening ankle injury.

But the midfielder soon found comfort from an unlikely source as Dutch icon Ruud Gullit came to his side and helped him through the worst.

“It is something I will always remember,” said Bodde as he completed his £50,000 switch to South Wales this week. “I was playing for ADO Den Haag. Kuyt had won the ball and I went to tackle him – I turned left but my ankle didn’t follow.

“It happened so quick I hadn’t looked down but I knew it was bad because of the pain. Ruud Gullit was the manager of Feyenoord at the time and he saw the incident straight away. Before I knew it he had jumped over the concourse and ran onto the pitch while the game was still going on. My own coach was still in his dug out but Gullit, one of my heroes, was beside me telling me to look at him and keep looking at him. He didn’t want me to look down because he had obviously seen the leg and knew how bad it was – the ankle was pointing in the wrong direction.

“He kept telling me everything would be okay and I would be fine and to have someone like him with you in a moment like that was something I’ll always remember and take with me.”

IcWales

JUNE-18

Martinez wants sexy football

ROBERTO Martinez wants his Swansea City to play sexy football but their League One promotion bid starts in British football’s most horrible place.

No-one likes playing at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park and it’s my least favourite ground as it is always bleak.

I agree with Martinez that his side have the talent to win promotion to the Championship but the Swans must learn to win ugly when required.

Like Cardiff, Swansea have a difficult start against two ambitious sides still hurting after defeats in the last season’s play-offs.

OLDHAM ATHLETIC AWAY (Aug 11) followed by the once great NOTTINGHAM FOREST in the first game at The Liberty Stadium (Aug 18) is tough but, conversely, both could suffer a similar play-off hangover to the one that befell Swansea last season.

Martinez inspired the Swans to an incredible run-in last season – losing just two of their last dozen games – and they almost snatched a play-off spot.

The Spaniard will be keen for that to continue after a summer refresh.

IcWales

JUNE-18

Carey's men can build on their escape

WREXHAM should use their recent troubles as inspiration behind a promotion bid.

The Dragons should set a blazing trail in League Two as their opening set of fixtures couldn’t have turned out better by boss Brian Carey.

Wrexham have suffered a troubled few years, staring down the barrel of both extinction and non-league oblivion. The North Walians managed to survive with a battling spirit and never-say-die commitment that should stand them in great stead for a promotion tilt this season.

Opening at DARLINGTON (Aug 11), their first home game is against Football League new boys MORECAMBE (Aug 18), and I expect them to have a 100 percent record by the time they travel to one-time Premiership side BRADFORD (Aug 25).

That will be a real challenge and should they pinch a point at Valley Parade it will give them an immense injection of confidence.

IcWales

JUNE-17

Welsh Premier considers play-offs

Port Talbot Town chairman Andrew Edwards was voted in as board member for south Wales, Aberystwyth Town's Tony Bates for mid Wales and Porthmadog's Phil Jones for north Wales.

At the annual dinner, The New Saints' boss Ken McKenna was given the manager of the season award, with the Golden Boot for the highest scorer going to Llanelli's Rhys Griffiths for the second consecutive year.

BBC

JUNE-17

Spanish Armada down to one

Following midfielder Efren Fernandez's release, Principality Welsh Premier club Llanelli's `Spanish Armada` has been reduced to one, but maybe not for long.
Midfielder Jacob Mingorance is due to renew his deal at Stebonheath Park last week and triallist Francisco Lucas Nuez is also trying to earn a contract.

The 23-year-old Nuez, known as `Kiko`, has come to the club through a contact of chairman Nitin Parekh and has played for the second teams of Albacete and La Liga club Levante in both midfield and striking roles.
He was given a run-out in the Reds' friendly against Afan Lido on Friday night, but Llanelli would have to move swiftly if Kiko is to be eligible for the UEFA InterToto Cup tie in Vilnius next Sunday.
Meanwhile, Mingorance is set to start his third season at Stebonheath Park, one of several countrymen initially brought in by former boss Lucas Cazorla Luque.
The former Malaga man has been a great success and rapidly became a fans' favourite.
He has been named in the league's dream team for the past two seasons and, with nineteen goals last season, was second only to team-mate Rhys Griffiths in the race for the `golden boot`.

To date, five Spaniards have played in the league for the Reds, along with several other triallists who have been and gone.
Striker Rudy Torres was transferred to Hamilton Academicals but later returned to Zaragoza, midfielder Ivan Nofuentes spent a full season at Stebo, while Cipri Rodriquez played just five games.
Fernandez managed just seventeen games over two campaigns, but his time at the club was hindered by a broken leg shortly after his arrival.

Non League Daily

JUNE-17

Ei don’t expect any Tosh favours!

EIFION WILLIAMS insists it would beTosh to suggest his joining Wrexham will enhance his international chances.

The Bangor-born striker completed a Bosman move from Hartlepool to Wrexham this week, becoming Brian Carey’s fifth signing of the summer.

But rather than state international ambitions as one of the reasons behind the move home Williams, 31, said: “I’m not thinking about that. What difference should it make simply because I’m playing for a Welsh club?

“I’ve been playing well for a couple of years at Hartlepool and not had a look in. It’s the job of the Welsh manager to check up on players wherever they are, so it shouldn’t matter now I’m at a Welsh club.”

Having been called up to the national squad under Mark Hughes three years ago, Williams has been left in Wales’ wilderness ever since.

And though players like new teammate Chris Llewellyn claim that returning home can improve your international chances, Williams doesn’t see things that way.

The Wales B cap said: “John Toshack is clearly bringing through younger players, and that’s good for the longer-term side of things, so I can’t see myself getting a chance now.

“I’m just looking forward to my time at Wrexham.”

Wales On Sunday

JUNE-17

Cardiff target striker Beattie

CARDIFF City are poised to offer Scottish striker Craig Beattie an escape route from Celtic.

Parkhead manager Gordon Strachan has told Beattie he can leave the SPL champions and Cardiff are preparing to tempt him to South Wales.

The 23-year-old frontman is surplus to requirements at the Scottish double-winners after Celtic hijacked Chris Killen’s proposed move to Cardiff at the 11th hour.

Beattie has said he wants to fight for his Parkhead place but the Championship club will offer him regular first-team football alongside City’s star striker Michael Chopra.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale was in Glasgow on Friday where he held negotiations with two agents regarding potential new signings.

Ridsdale refused to confirm the identity of the agents or players concerned but Wales on Sunday understands the Ninian chief met with Beattie’s agent Mel Stein.

Beattie has played European football with Celtic - including against Barcelona in the 2004 UEFA Cup and Milan in last season’s Champions League - and has scored 16 goals in 22 starts. But most of his appearances have been from the substitutes’ bench.

Peter Shuttleworth

JUNE-17

Roberto 48-hour deadline for Gang of Four

SWANSEA CITY will insist it’s deal or no deal inside the next 48 hours as they await answers from their contract rebels, writes CHRIS WATHAN.

A gang of four Swansea stars have so far refused to sign new contracts offered by Liberty Stadium chiefs a month ago – and have until Tuesday to accept.

If they don’t, captain Garry Monk, striker Bayo Akinfenwa, defender Izzy Iriekpen and longest serving player Kris O’Leary will all see the offers ripped up and told to find new clubs.

Swansea boss Roberto Martinez has publicly stated he wants all four to stay with the club, but the players are all known to be unhappy with the length of the deals in front of them. Each of them has been offered a 12-month stay – with a second year to follow should they make 25 appearances in the season.

But with security and longer contracts elsewhere, Swansea could find themselves four players lighter come Tuesday.

Still, boss Martinez has backed the idea of performance-related deals as he looks to introduce commission-style contracts throughout his squad.

Dutch midfielder Ferrie Bodde is also thought to have agreed a similar deal and manager Martinez said: “They can determine their own careers by working hard to achieve things for themselves and for Swansea City.

Wales On Sunday

JUNE-16

Beadle keeps arrivals to a minimum

NEWPORT County manager Peter Beadle says he is looking to make no more than three signings ahead of the new Blue Square South season.

The Exiles boss feels the current squad is capable of at least emulating last term’s sixth-placed finish, and needs only fine tuning before this year’s promotion push.

He said: “We’ve been pretty quiet in the transfer market, but that’s because we’ve already got such a strong squad.

“James Simpson has just signed, and by the end of next week midfielder Lee Fowler should have put pen to paper.

“Once Lee has signed, that takes the squad up to 18.

“That means we’re only looking at two, maybe three, more players.”

Going in the other direction is 20-year-old striker Matt Prosser, who heads to BGB Premier Division side Yate Town on a season-long loan.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-16

Ganet in double trouble for Crows

Non League Daily

JUNE-16

"All in the mix" says Jenkins

Evening Post

JUNE-16

Carey hopeful Pejic will commit

BRIAN CAREY is hopeful Shaun Pejic will commit to Wrexham next week to bolster his defence for the new season.

The centre-back, who formed a strong partnership with Steve Evans last year, is yet to decide on a new two-year deal at the Racecourse.

Wrexham signed ex-Shrewsbury Town defender Richard Hope earlier this month, while full-backs Ryan Valentine, Mike Williams and Simon Spender also impressed last year.

But manager Carey hopes 24-year-old Pejic will sign to give the Dragons a formidable strength in depth at the back as they look to improve on last year’s relegation dogfight.

Carey said: “We’ve made him the offer, as we have to all the lads, so hopefully we’ll hear back from him in the next week or so. We’ve got him until the end of June so we’re just waiting for him to decide what he’s going to do, but hopefully he will be signing for us.”

Daily Post

JUNE-16

City rule out bid for Kavanagh

CARDIFF City today ruled out bringing former club captain Graham Kavanagh back to Ninian Park.

According to reports in the north east, the Bluebirds were ready to try to lure the Irish midfielder back to South Wales from Sunderland.

But while Kavanagh would welcome the chance to return, City do not see him as part of their future plans and he is not on their list of potential recruits.

“There is absolutely no truth in the rumour that Graham Kavanagh is coming here,” said a City source.

“It’s pure speculation and it is just wrong.”

Kavanagh, 33, is seeking to kick-start his career after missing the second half of last season with a serious knee injury.

He has still not made a first team appearance in 2007 and Sunderland have said they will listen to offers.

But City boss Dave Jones already has a powerful central midfield combination in Stephen McPhail and Riccy Scimeca, who were among the best pairing in the Championship when they were together for Cardiff last season.

Jones badly needs to bring in one or two players who will challenge those two, but Kavanagh is not among his targets.

The Bluebirds are planning a senior squad of 23 players – two for each outfield position plus three goalkeepers.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-16

Wrexham give Crowell extra time

The 22-year-old suffered a serious knee injury against Derby at the start of the year that required surgery.

Bridgend-born Wales Under-21 international Crowell was at Southampton as a teenager and moved to the Racecourse in 2003.

Wrexham manager Brian Carey gave him a short-term deal in May.

BBC

JUNE-15

Denbigh star Williams-Cooke signs for Newtown

A spokesman for Denbigh Town said

JUNE-15

Newtown want Lloyd-Williams

Western Mail

JUNE-15

Koumas happy at the Hawthorns

WEST BROM have been reassured by Jason Koumas’ agent that the midfielder will not hand in a transfer request should the club deny him a move to the Barclays Premier League.

Wales international Koumas is keen on a return to the top-flight following Baggies’ failure in the Coca-Cola Championship play-off final last month.

Newly-promoted Birmingham and Fulham have both had joint bids for him and striker Diomansy Kamara rejected, while Wigan’s £4million offer for Koumas was also dismissed.

The players’ agent Peter McIntosh insists Koumas will be more than willing to stay at The Hawthorns should Albion decide to keep hold of him.

“Jason is away on holiday so he certainly won’t be slapping in a transfer request,” McIntosh told the Birmingham Mail.

“And it would never happen anyway. Jason had his difficulties with the club in the past but that was all forgiven last summer and since then his relationship with chairman Jeremy Peace and manager Tony Mowbray has gone from strength to strength.

“He is happy at West Brom but he has made no secret of the fact that he wants to play in the Premier League. But if West Brom say he is not going anywhere, he won’t be going anywhere and will report back for pre-season with the rest of the squad.

“The bottom line is Jason is under contract at West Brom for two more years so until West Brom accept a bid for Jason we will stay in the background and wait to see what happens.

“Once they have accepted a bid and given Jason Koumas permission to speak to clubs, that is where we will come in and get involved.

Western Mail

JUNE-15

Leon looking for good start for Swans

LIBERTY STADIUM favourite Leon Britton believes the first few games of the new season will go a long way to determining the Swans’ promotion credentials this time around. Roberto Martinez’s side travel to Oldham on the opening day, before entertaining highly-rated Nottingham Forest and then travelling to newly-promoted Walsall. The Swans narrowly missed out on a play-off place themselves at the end of last season and in Oldham and Forest will face two teams smarting from just missing out on promotion. 

“Those are two sides who will want to bounce back after reaching the play-offs and not quite making it,” said 24-year-old Britton. “Sure, there were disappointments for us that we didn’t make it, but we knew by the end it was out of our hands. “It’s a lot worse to make it into the play-offs and fail, we know all about that from the season before. 

“So Oldham and Forest will have something to prove and Walsall will be tricky. They’re just promoted and will want to make as good a start in this division as they can. “Obviously, it’s hard to judge anything so early on. If I had to look at an important time now it would have to be Christmas and New Year. “We’ve got a few games at home and, if you can be in contention then and string some wins together, you can really put yourself into the mix as things start to gather pace. “In the end, though, you’ve got to play all these teams and you’re not too concerned what order you really play them in.” 

During his four and a half years at Swansea, Britton has made more than 200 appearances for the side and believes the club is better placed now than ever to achieve promotion. 

Western Mail

JUNE-15

Jones calls for City reality check

CARDIFF CITY boss Dave Jones is calling for a reality check all round at Ninian Park as the Bluebirds steel themselves for another long Championship campaign.

First up for City will be the visit of Stoke on August 11, then Brighton arrive for Carling Cup action three days later, while the following Saturday sees City’s first away action at QPR.

The Bluebirds enjoyed their best start to a season last year, topping the Championship into November, but then slumped to one of their worst ever run-ins and a 13th-place finish.

And Jones has warned supporters not to get carried away this time around.

“After the start of last season it was inevitable people would get carried away with things,” said Jones. “I think we need a bit of a reality check this time around to be honest.

“If you look at the clubs that got promoted, it was Birmingham and Sunderland, big clubs in their own right and Derby, who spent millions on making sure they got up.

“We haven’t got the money to do that. I see us as about one of 12 clubs who will be hoping to get promotion the hard way.

Western Mail

JUNE-15

Carey warns Dragons fans

WREXHAM boss Brian Carey has warned Dragons fans not to set their sights too high as the fixtures for next season were announced.

Following last season’s great escape at the Racecourse, expectations will be high for the new campaign, but Carey was keen to keep things in perspective.

“We achieved what was needed to be done at the end of last season and must now push on from there,” said Carey. “We would love to be up there challenging at the right end of the table this time around, but people must not get carried away.

“We don’t want to set expectations too high and then leave people disappointed when we’re not able to live up to them.”

Carey has added five new players to his squad so far this summer with striker Eifion Williams the latest to arrive from Hartlepool. And the Wrexham boss has not ruled out more new faces.

“We’re preparing for our preseason now and plans are going well,” said Carey. “I’m still looking at all areas of the pitch and, if I’m able to being someone in who can strengthen us in a certain position, I’ll most definitely do it.”

Western Mail

JUNE-15

Players Flocking to Shephard

NEW Merthyr Tydfil manager Garry Shephard has wasted little time in tempting three former players back to Penydarren Park.

In his first week in charge, the 31-year-old player-manager has persuaded the midfield trio of Dean Clarke, Dane Williams and Ryan Dorrian to return to the BGB Premier League side.

Clarke and Dorrian have re-signed after two seasons at champions Bath City, while Williams has left Welsh Premier side Port Talbot Town after less than 12 months.

Shephard said: “With over 200 games for Merthyr already under his belt, Dean will bring a wealth of experience as we look to steady the ship in midfield.

“His ability to give a defence protection is second to none.

“You know what you’re going to get with him – he wears his heart on his sleeve and fights for every ball.

“He will be an ideal replacement for Gareth Phillips and, in a holding role, will allow the likes of Matthew Harris to express himself fully.”

Dorrian returns after a frustrating spell at Twerton Park, where injuries and lack of form saw his chances restricted under former Martyrs boss John Relish.

“I’ve known Ryan since he was in the youth team at Newport,” said Shephard, “and I can’t think of any player I’ve lined up with who has the energy and running Dozza has.”

Merthyr Express

JUNE-15

O'Leary still hanging out for contract

Kristian O'Leary is still in talks about extending his Swansea City career despite being offered a three-year contract by Cheltenham Town. The Robins are desperate to take Port Talbot-born O'Leary back to Whaddon Road after a successful loan spell last season.

But Swansea's longest-serving player, who is due a testimonial game this summer, would prefer to stick with his local club if he can agree terms on a new deal.

O'Leary is one of four out-of-contract Swans whose futures are up in the air.

Evening Post

JUNE-15

Three new recruits for Nomads

BEFORE jetting-off to Spain for a holiday, new Connah's Quay manager Jim Hackett lined-up three new faces to attend pre-season on Deeside, with a view to signing for the Nomads.

Best-known of the trio is striker Stewart White, a former Wales Schoolboys Under-18, who represented the Welsh Colleges Under-19s and also played for the League of Wales Under-19s.
White had trials with Wrexham, Oldham and Morecambe, and made 15 substitute appearances for Rhyl in seasons 2002/3 and 2003/4 without ever being selected for a full start.

After signing for Airbus in February 2006, where he made seven Welsh Premier appearances, he spent some time in Rhyl's Reserves, signing for Steve Bleasdale at Bangor City in February and appearing five times from the bench.

Hackett's other trialists are left-footed central midfielder and former Rochdale junior Nicky Taylor and Wayne Morgan, who was released by Chester at the end of last season, and can operate either as a fullback or in midfield.

Welsh-premier.com

JUNE-15

Ferrie's comments Bodde well for club

First impressions suggest Swansea City's fans needn't worry whether Ferrie Bodde will roll his sleeves up on a wet Tuesday night in December. In this case, the clich??d question marks levelled against foreign imports to the British game probably do not apply.

Asked what had attracted him to League One, the player who had offers from two Dutch top-flight teams and another from Swiss Champions League qualifiers FC Zurich this summer pointed to referees. 
"In Holland, when you make a tackle you get a yellow card very quickly," Bodde said in impressive if not perfect English. "That means that every year I have nine or 10 yellow cards. 
"But in English football, if you make a tackle you don't get booked so quickly and that's good for me. 
"I believe that football is a man's sport. 
"A lot of Dutch players go to Spain, Italy or England. England is best for me because of the style of play."
It is not hard to see why Bodde is known back in Holland as the Dutch Roy Keane.

Understandably, Swansea's third summer recruit is keen to play down comparisons with a Manchester United great.

But the £50,000 signing does speak openly about his desire to emulate Keane by one day playing in the Premiership.

Evening Post

JUNE-15

No chance for Ridsdale

CARDIFF CITY chairman Peter Ridsdale is a former member of the FA’s six-man Premier League Board.

Thus, as a real mover and shaker in the game, he has walked the corridors of power, knows the football ins and outs, is aware of how to get things done.

As the building of Cardiff’s new stadium, following years of dragging of heels in the Welsh capital, would tend to suggest.

Ridsdale would thus be an ideal figure, one would presume, to sit on the FA of Wales to help drive the Welsh game forward in the 21st century.

As such, he has put his name forward for the coming elections to sit on the 28-man FAW ruling council.

The chances of Ridsdale succeeding, however, are somewhere in between no hope and Bob Hope.

And his prospects might not even be that good!

Personally, I believe Ridsdale’s know-how from his time at the top with Leeds (including the errors he made at Elland Road), his spell as chairman of the Bluebirds and, most importantly, the experience he gained as one of the English FA’s top men, would hold Welsh football in good stead.

We are in an era where our game is being driven forward by £12m TV deals, huge sponsorship contracts and where our top Welsh stars earn £50,000 a week.

But the reality is that Ridsdale’s chances of getting on the FAW are pretty much doomed, although I promise him I will be more than happy to eat my words should I be proved wrong.

Paul Abbandonato

JUNE-14

Spaniard seeks deal with Reds

The Spanish contingent at Llanelli could soon be back to two as Triallist Francisco Lucas Nuez looks to earn a contract at Stebonheath Park. Following midfielder Efren Fernandez's release from the club, striker Jacob Mingorance was the sole Spaniard at the club.

But Nuez, who is on a week's trial with the club, could be about to join.

The 23-year-old - known as Kiko - has come to the club courtesy of a contact of chairman Nitin Parekh.

Llanelli Star

JUNE-14

A Duff Deal for Martinez

Roberto Martinez believes Darryl Duffy's future will soon be decided after the takeover at Hull - but still fears the striker will be too expensive for Swansea City. Martinez is confident Duffy's situation will be settled imminently after Paul Duffen succeeded Adam Pearson as Tigers chairman this week.

But the Swansea boss remains concerned he will be priced out of a move for the Scot (pictured above).

Pearson, who slapped an inflated £500,000 price tag on Duffy's head earlier this summer, is staying on at Hull in an advisory role so may yet have an influence.

"It wouldn't surprise me if something happens regarding Darryl Duffy after the change of ownership at Hull," Martinez said.

"I know Darryl returns from holiday tomorrow and I don't think it's going to go on much longer. I think something will be resolved.

"But I wouldn't say I'm confident that it will be good news for us.

"Three clubs have bid for Darryl - ourselves, Hartlepool and I think Hibernian, although I'm not sure about that.

"I can guarantee that Darryl would pick us out of those three, but whose bid is accepted is down to Hull, not him."

Duffy has expressed his desire to come back to Wales after netting five times in five starts during a loan spell at the back end of last season.

Evening Post

JUNE-14

Roberts: It’s time to erase bad memories

NEIL ROBERTS admitted he couldn’t wait for the start of the new campaign so he can put the disappointment of the last one behind him.

Club captain Roberts spent a large part of the season watching from the sidelines after damaging his ankle in the home win over Swindon Town in early September.

And it was a frustrating time.

That 2-1 victory over the Robins was the start of Wrexham’s downfall, which eventually lead to Denis Smith’s sacking, Brian Carey taking over and a final day winner-take-all relegation battle with Boston United to ensure the Dragons continued their League status into another campaign.

But following the 3-1 win over the Pilgrims on the final day, Wrexham start the new campaign with a brighter hope and Roberts is pleased to see manager Carey already bringing in a host of new faces.

“Last season was a bit of a nightmare for me personally,” said Roberts. “But I am quite confident that if I can get a whole season under my belt then I can reach double figures.

“It is just a case of keeping myself fit. Last season I had quite a bad injury and I came back maybe 80% fit.

Daily Post

JUNE-14

Welsh clubs learn league fixtures

Championship side Cardiff host Stoke at Ninian Park on the opening weekend, before travelling to QPR on 18 August.

In League One, Swansea face an 11 August trip to Oldham, welcoming Nottingham Forest the next week.

Wrexham travel to Darlington on the opening League Two weekend and host newly promoted Morecambe the next week.

"It hits home how close we are to the new season when the fixtures come out," Swansea manager Roberto Martinez told the club's website.

"Every club would like to start at home, but the Forest game on the second weekend will be a massive occasion and probably a Liberty Stadium sell-out.

"There are some great games to look forward to and we'll be ready."

BBC

JUNE-14

City face battle to sign tall guy Parkin

South Wales Echo

JUNE-14

Holloway targets quick Euro return

New signing Chris Holloway admits he is devastated at missing Llanelli's Intertoto Cup first leg clash with Vetra Vilnius - but is hoping to make the return clash. The 27-year-old joined three other players in signing deals at Stebonheath Park last week but has been rocked by injury.

Having made the switch from Merthyr Tydfil, Holloway was looking forward to opening his account for the club in their clash with Lithuanian side Vetra on June 24.

But those ambitions were dealt a massive blow when he broke a bone in his foot while playing for Wales in the Four Nations last month.

Llanelli Star

JUNE-14

McKenna to get by with help from his Friends

The charismatic Manager, is known for his immaculate preparation and he is already planning for the possibility of a return trip to Finland, as one of the fourteen potential opponents could be the Finnish champions Tampere United. It was against their predecessors, MyPa-47, that the Saints lost last year in their first games under their re-named entity, but officials within the club believed that they could have progressed if they had a few more games under their belt going in to the fixtures.

Reports that McKenna's first port of call will be friend and former Carmarthen Town boss Mark Jones and current Richmond Park coach Mark Aizlewood. The two were in the Old Gold dugout 12 months ago, when the West Walians crashed out to Tampere, and their information and advice from those two legs could prove invaluable for McKenna to achieve what must now be his Holy Grail. McKenna will already know himself that the Fins are a very fit and physically strong outfit as he was at Carmarthen's 'home' leg at Newtown's Latham Park.

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-14

Karolina provides Reds with inside info

Llanelli boast an advantage going into their Intertoto Cup first leg with Vetra Vilnius - they have special inside knowledge. No-one was more excited than general manger Karolina Stasaityte when the Reds were drawn alongside Vetra.
Lithuanian Stasaityte, who hails from the country's second largest city Kaunas, has been busy contacting old pals in order to get an upper hand on Vetra ahead of next week's tie.
In fact, she has had to split her role of general manager alongside that of spy and interpreter.

Stasaityte, who joined Llanelli in December 2005, believes the Reds have one over on Vetra. The Lithuanians have been rocked in the last couple of weeks following the departure of head coach Aleksandr Tarkhanov.
Former Russian international Ilia Tsymbalar was tipped to replace him but he has been ruled out of the running.
As a result, assistant coach and former Vetra midfielder Donatas Vencevicius has taken over the reins.
The appointment of the 33-year-old former Lithuanian international has not gone down too well in Vilnius.
"I went to school with a big fan of Vetra and he is now part of the fan club," she said.
"I have spoken a lot to him and he told me about the new coach - the fans are not convinced about him. They are quite worried because he is very inexperienced.

Llanelli Star

JUNE-14

Cheltenham make move for O'Leary

The midfielder, 29, impressed in a loan spell at Wheddon Road last season.

O'Leary is one of four out-of-contract Swans players who have until Tuesday to decide whether to accept the new minimum one-year deals offered them.

The Swans offers are performance related, with an extension to the year available if players make a certain amount of appearances next season.

Garry Monk, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Izzy Iriekpen are the other Swansea players pondering the limited deals.

Scunthorpe United have been linked with a move for Iriekpen.

BBC

JUNE-14

Rhyl swoop for defender Ruffer

The Chester born 32-year old has signed from Conference North champions Droylsden and he again links up with his former team-mate Dave Cameron at Belle Vue. He arrived at the Bloods from Morecambe, who released the commanding Centre Back in November 2005, after making only a handful of appearances in an injury hit spell. Previously, he was part of the Chester City squad that won the Nationwide Conference in May 2004 and although he started that Championship season in Chester's first team but was loaned out to Droylsden for the run in, before signing for the Shrimps in the Summer of 2004. He has also played for Runcorn in a much-travelled career, but his arrival at Belle Vue will be his first experience of Welsh Premier and European Football.

Mr Peter Parry, the Rhyl Club President and Manager John Hulse are delighted with the signing and announced;

"Carl is a vastly experienced player having played with Chester City, Droylsden FC and Morecambe. Carl is expected to be joined by several new players in the near future. He was voted North West Player of the year and also Droylsden Player of the Year last season."

The Lilywhites are just waiting for International Clearance to complete the transfer, which should be finalised tomorrow.

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-14

WBA reject Wigan Koumas bid

It is the second bid turned down for Koumas in the space of 24 hours after Birmingham offered a joint package of £5m for Koumas and Diomansy Kamara.

Fulham also made a cash-plus-players bid for the duo that was also rebuffed.

The 27-year-old Koumas is looking to secure a move to the Premiership after the Baggies missed out following defeat in the Championship play-off final.

There has been speculation about Koumas' future ever since West Brom lost the Championship play-off final to Derby last month.

The Baggies rejected a £3m offer from Birmingham for striker Kamara on Monday before Blues came back in for their offer for the pair.

Albion have made it clear that they are unwilling to allow any of their star players leave on the cheap.

Koumas cost the club £2.25m when he joined from Tranmere in August 2002.

BBC

JUNE-14

Croesyceiliog to upgrade facilities

Last season, changing rooms without showers were installed and it's those that the club want improving along with new pitch drainage and the eventual installation of floodlights. "The drainage will be completed by the time the new season starts in August," revealed joint team manager Chris Evans. "We've received a grant from the Football Association of Wales for the water connection to be made from the mains, although we must now carry out the dressing-room improvement work ourselves after receiving planning permission. "We're also looking to get floodlights installed and all Division One clubs must have these by 2010. "We're in the process of getting some quotes for the installation of lights and then we will apply for the necessary planning permission. "We've had various meetings with the planning committee of Torfaen Borough Council, which has been extremely helpful." Evans and co-manager Neil Gilmore are currently strengthening their squad after Croesyceiliog ended the 2006-07 season as Gwent's top club ahead of Caerleon and Newport YMCA.

Croesyceiliog, who return to training on June 28, also defeated Cwmbran Town to win the Gwent Senior Cup while their reserves lifted the Harris Printers Cup. Next season, Division One will also include Cwmbran, relegated from the Welsh Premier League, and Caldicot Town, promoted from Division Two. Meanwhile Croesyceiliog have applied to enter a team in the Gwent County Under-18s League.

South Wales Argus

JUNE-14

Ferndale Fillies fantastic four!

FERNDALE Fillies Ladies Football Club have enjoyed a successful season.

They finished fourth in the South Wales Ladies Football League.

The Ferndale Under-16’s squad now boasts three Welsh internationals including goalkeeper Sophie Dando who was recently offered a trial with FA Cup winners Arsenal LFC.

The under-14’s had a particularly successful season finishing runners-up in both the league and cup.

On the road to the cup final they defeated Dinas Powys in the quarters and the Merthyr Saints in the semis.

The final between the Fillies and Cardiff City proved to be a very exciting and tension-filled game before Cardiff claimed the cup by virtue of a 3-2 win.

Ferndale Under-12s finished third in the league and Nicole Hall and Angharad Chown were called up to represent South Wales.

The club plan to introduce training for children from the age of three through to senior level.

South Wales Argus

JUNE-14

Teenage star James upstages his seniors

ONLY a year ago rising football star James Mahoney was bed-ridden with pneumonia.

Now he’s celebrating becoming the youngest ever winner of the Player of the Year award in the Rhondda League following a dazzling season on the left wing for Tonyrefail.

“It was a big surprise to win it,” said Mahoney, who has just turned 17 and is studying for A- levels in Physics, Chemistry, Geography and PE at Llanharry Comprehensive School.

“I didn’t play for three months when I had the pneumonia, but I’m fine now and I’ve really enjoyed the season just gone.”

The bad news for Tonyrefail is that they may lose the services of their hot prospect next season.

Mahoney, who lives on High Street in the town, is thinking of joining Rhondda-based Cambrian Youth, who play in the National Youth League.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-13

Hotspurs now set up for crack at WPL

With the seats now installed in the impressive five hundred plus seater stand at their new stadium Holyhead Hotspur now have the facilities to follow in the steps of Llangefni Town and make a real push for Welsh Premier League status next season, they certainly can attract the crowds as they pulled the biggest attendances twice in their welsh cup ties last season with over 700 attending their home game defeat to Welshpool.

Manager Campbell Harrison will be looking for more consistency than during the last campaign when a win against one of the better teams was too often followed by a disappointing result against lowly opposition. With exciting young attacking players like Mike Edwards, Ian Williams, Tom Nathan Edwards and Curt Williams gaining all the time from their experience in Cymru Alliance football Hotspur are likely to build on their progress last season and that might just be enough to see them amongst the title challengers. 

Certainly these are exciting times for the club as they seek to recapture past football glories for the Island's largest town. The official opening of the new stadium in the presence of the Mayor of Holyhead takes place on Saturday 28th July when the visitors will be a Wolverhampton Wanderers XI.

JUNE-13

Hotspurs now set up for crack at WPL

With the seats now installed in the impressive five hundred plus seater stand at their new stadium Holyhead Hotspur now have the facilities to follow in the steps of Llangefni Town and make a real push for Welsh Premier League status next season, they certainly can attract the crowds as they pulled the biggest attendances twice in their welsh cup ties last season with over 700 attending their home game defeat to Welshpool.

Manager Campbell Harrison will be looking for more consistency than during the last campaign when a win against one of the better teams was too often followed by a disappointing result against lowly opposition. With exciting young attacking players like Mike Edwards, Ian Williams, Tom Nathan Edwards and Curt Williams gaining all the time from their experience in Cymru Alliance football Hotspur are likely to build on their progress last season and that might just be enough to see them amongst the title challengers. 

Certainly these are exciting times for the club as they seek to recapture past football glories for the Island's largest town. The official opening of the new stadium in the presence of the Mayor of Holyhead takes place on Saturday 28th July when the visitors will be a Wolverhampton Wanderers XI.

JUNE-13

Ambitious plans to set up a Celtic Cup

WELSH soccer bosses today unveiled top secret plans for a new Celtic Cup competition involving teams from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

They are keen to revamp the FAW Premier Cup, which has a prize of £100,000 on offer for the winners, by bringing in Scottish and Irish sides. That could mean Kilmarnock, who just missed out on European qualification in the Scottish Premier League, plus clubs like Portadown or Linfield from the Irish League taking on Cardiff City, Wrexham, Swansea, Llanelli and The New Saints. It looks an exciting opportunity to add new zest to a competition which has been a reasonable success over the last decade.

Plans are in the preliminary stages, but Football Association of Wales secretary general David Collins confirmed plans for a Celtic Cup are on the council agenda. He added: “Nothing has been decided yet.” Another FAW source said: “There is big talk of a new Celtic Cup and initial proposals will be talked through at today’s council meeting.” The proposals even came as a shock to FAW Premier Cup secretary Malcolm Stammers, who admitted: “I have not heard anything yet.”

It is unlikely a new format will be forced through in time for the 2007-2008 season, but if the plans are given the go-ahead at today’s council meeting then talks with the competition’s main sponsors, the BBC, plus the Scottish and Northern Ireland football associations will surely be the next step. 

TNS, champions of the Principality Welsh Premier League, are holders of the FAW Premier Cup, while there are again 16 clubs who have qualified for the 2007-2008 competition. The new Celtic Cup competition was on the agenda for the FAW Council meeting today.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-13

Welsh clubs get Carling cup draw

Championship outfit the Bluebirds will be confident in a home match against League One side Brighton.

The Swans face a fellow League One side when they welcome Walsall to the Liberty Stadium.

The first round of fixtures will be held in the week beginning 13 August as the road to the new Wembley begins.

BBC

JUNE-13

Dutchman Bodde signs for Swansea

The former Dutch Under-23 player, now 25, joins for a fee thought to be in the region of £50,000.

That amount could rise by a further £30,000 if Bodde makes 50 appearances for the Liberty Stadium side.

Swansea say they made a move for Bodde last season, but Den Haag's recent relegation from the Dutch top flight made the Welsh club's task easier.

BBC

JUNE-13

Powell denies reports of Hutchinson signing

North Wales Chronicle

JUNE-13

Hitman Bowes to stay at Prestatyn

PRESTATYN Town striker Steve Bowes has indicated he will remain with the Cymru Alliance outfit next season.

After netting 53 times for Town last season, Bowes is on the wanted list of a host of other clubs, but he has assured Prestatyn officials he will remain at Bastion Road.

“Steve has informed our new manager Neil Gibson that he will be signing for us for next season, which is terrific news for everyone at the club,” said chairman Tony Thackeray.

Daily Post

JUNE-13

Swans set to miss out on Mullan

Swansea City look to have failed in their bid to land ex-Manchester United prospect Jamie Mullan. The 19-year-old winger spent time on trial at the Liberty Stadium at the back end of last season and is thought to have been offered a three-year contract.
But amid suggestions Mullan, who has been freed by United, is keener on a move to Leeds than Wales, Roberto Martinez has all but signalled the end of Swansea's interest.

"Jamie Mullan is a young player with good potential," Martinez said. "He had a trial with us but he wanted to keep his options open. I think he is waiting on other things and it's unlikely he'll be coming to Swansea.
"We had a look at him and as far as I'm concerned it's down to how much the player wants to join us. I don't think he really wants to join us, and we only want players who do."

That means Martinez's summer search for at least one natural wide player continues. He is also in the market for a striker and possibly a central defender, depending on what happens with out-of-contract duo Garry Monk and Izzy Iriekpen.

But perhaps the most obvious need for strengthening is in goal, where Swansea want some serious competition for Willy Gueret in the wake of Andy Oakes's departure.
Martinez has admitted for the first time that out-of-contract Dunfermline stopper Dorus De Vries is a target - but insists he is just one of a number of possible recruits.
"Dorus De Vries is someone we have followed and he has just had a very good season," the Swansea manager added.
"But we have got a few names on our list at this stage. We are giving ourselves enough options to make sure we sign the right man for what is a key area, and I'm very confident that whatever happens will be good for the club."

Evening Post

JUNE-13

Carey’s not called time on spending

WREXHAM boss Brian Carey has refused to rule out the possibility of bringing yet more new faces into the League Two club.

Carey added Eifion Williams to the growing squad at the Racecourse on Monday, signing the former Welsh Premier player on a two-year contract after he was released by Hartlepool.

But Carey is not ruling out more transfer activity before the start of the new campaign.

"You are never the finished article and we are always looking to bring good players in," said Carey.

"There could be a few more if the right players come along. We are still looking. We are by no means finished yet.

"We’ve got our eye on another couple of things, but we’ve just got to wait and see what happens.

"I’ve had some tremendous backing from the lads, but we’re doing okay, we just need possibly one or two other faces.

"We’re all right with what we’ve got now, but if one or two things were to become available then we could possibly do something."

Daily Post

JUNE-13

Martinez philosophical over ‘Gang of Four’

Martinez, says he understands the position of the club’s ‘Gang of Four’ as the clock ticks down towards deadline day. Club captain Garry Monk, long-serving Kris O’Leary, striker Bayo Akinfenwa and defensive regular Izzy Iriekpen have all been told to sign on the dotted line by next Tuesday or ship out of the Liberty Stadium.

The players are said to be unhappy with the length of the contracts on offer which are believed to run for a year, with the chance of a further 12 months depending on appearances. Indeed, earlier this week Iriekpen said he felt “insulted” by the deal the club were putting in front of him.

Akinfenwa told the Western Mail last week there was interest from a number of clubs, including two in the Championship. Despite the stand-off, though, Martinez said he hopes the quartet do commit their futures to the Swans. “I’m not disappointed with them. This is all part of the situation we’re in and when you allow people to be out of contract they are going to look at their futures,” said Martinez. “From a football side of things, I would love them all to stay. I’ve spoken to them all and they all realise how important they are to Swansea City.”

Martinez, who has been out in his native Spain recently scouting for new talent, said he felt the four players may be getting conflicting advice about the situation.

Western Mail

JUNE-13

'Why I turned down £6m City bid' - Ridsdale

PETER RIDSDALE last night explained why he rejected a £6m offer to sell the Bluebirds to the consortium which has seized control at Hull City.

Media entrepreneur Paul Duffen yesterday revealed he had previously tried to buy Cardiff and West Ham after his southern-based consortium completed a £10m takeover of City’s Championship rivals Hull. City chairman Ridsdale confirmed he had met with representatives acting for Duffen (pictured) just before Christmas last year. But by then money was already in place to take a majority shareholding at Ninian Park from a group of investors including himself and current board members Mike Hall, Alan Whiteley and Steve Borley. The group had pumped £6.5m into the club to wrest control from former owner Sam Hammam, who relinquished his 82.5 per cent stake.

Ridsdale said with the club’s stadium plans about to get the go-ahead he felt a decision to sell at that point to Duffen and his backers would have seriously undervalued the Bluebirds. “They were offering in the region of £6m to take control of Cardiff City, but by then we already had our own financing in place. “We explained to them that there was now only a minority share left in the club, but Mr Duffen wasn’t apparently interested in a minority shareholding.

Ridsdale said it was felt the £6m offer did not adequately take into account the true value of Cardiff City, with the club’s new stadium development at Leckwith about to go unconditional at that point. “We estimate the club is now worth £25 to £30m. The stadium project is on track and going very well and we are sure the club will now go from strength to strength.”

Western Mail

JUNE-13

Dragons ‘going places’ says Williams

EIFION WILLIAMS was adamant his summer transfer to Wrexham is the perfect move.

Williams, 31, yesterday became Brian Carey’s fifth signing of the close season, following on the heels of Anthony Williams, Michael Proctor, Conall Murtagh and Richard Hope.

The Dragons boss had to fight off interest from other clubs to sign Williams after the forward was released by Hartlepool, but the striker said his heart was always set on the Dragons.

“Obviously it’s coming back to Wales for me, but the move is not about coming home to Wales, I made the decision because I think Wrexham are going places,” said Williams.

“It was a real shock to be released by Hartlepool, because personally I thought I was playing some of my best football.

“I didn’t score as many goals as I’d have liked, but I was playing on the wing a lot, which is out of position.

“But yeah, I was still shocked and it took a few days to get over it, but I’m a footballer so you’ve just got to get on with it.

“We need to forget about what happened to Wrexham last year and look ahead. I’ve come here, the facilities are unbelievable and I’ve spoken to a few players who I know here and they’ve said it’s a great place to come.

Daily Post

JUNE-13

Shrimpers could be ready to sell Eastwood

SOUTHEND chairman Ron Martin has admitted for the first time that he may be forced to cash in on star striker Freddy Eastwood over the summer.

Wolves have already failed with a £1million bid for Eastwood, but with only a year left on his contract an improved offer could tempt Martin to let the prolific 23-year-old leave.

“We are reluctant sellers but at the same time we don’t want to keep a player who isn’t happy here,” Martin told the Southend Echo.

“I wouldn’t say Freddy was unhappy but like every footballer he wants to be at the highest level he possibly can. There has been continued interest, which is what you would expect because he only has a year left on his contract.

“The offers so far though have not been cost effective from our point of view. We know Freddy can be instrumental in helping us get back up into the Championship, but then so could the money and you can never say never.”

Eastwood has hit 65 goals in three years for the Shrimpers, who won back-to-back promotions before failing to beat the drop from the Championship last season.

Western Mail

JUNE-12

Bluebirds courting Sullivan

WELSH multi-millionaire David Sullivan could be closer than ever to investing in Cardiff City.

The Echo understands that the Bluebirds ARE interested in courting Sullivan if a proposed £70m Far East buy-out of Birmingham City frees him up to invest at Ninian Park. Penarth-born Sullivan has always expressed his support for Cardiff City and suggested that one day he would “come home” in football terms. His personal wealth is estimated at £500m-plus and there is no question Cardiff City directors, headed up by chairman and chief executive Peter Ridsdale, would welcome talks with Essex-based Sullivan if a deal for Birmingham is completed.

The two men have known each other for years. First, though, Sullivan and his fellow Birmingham City directors must decide whether they are willing to sell the Blues. It has been confirmed that talks with a billionaire from the Far East are now taking place.

Newly-promoted Birmingham could yet be sold for less than the £70m suggested, while City’s current value has soared to between £25m and £30m since the new stadium project was confirmed.

The Bluebirds are due to move into their new, 25,000-capacity stadium by the end of 2008. Clearly, there has been no official contact between City and Sullivan, but Ridsdale and the board are thought to be watching developments at Birmingham with great interest.

South Wales Echo

JUNE-12

Surman turns down Llanelli again

“I am delighted that Lee has decided to stay at the club”, said Chairman Andrew Edwards. “He has shown tremendous loyalty and his decision to remain at the club is based on his view that we are assembling a strong squad of players here and will be challenging for honours very soon”. 

Surman was first touted as a Llanelli signing under their previous manager Nicky Tucker when the club become a professional outfit and current manager Peter Nicholas again followed on from his predecessor in looking to take the left sided defender to the club. Surman showed Llanelli what they were missing in January 2006 when he scored a superb individual goal against them, one of only two he has scored since signing for the club.

Port Talbot official website

JUNE-12

Nomads boss attempts to build his squad

Hackett has already signed a new goalkeeper in Daniel Evans, ex Wrexham. Daniel is 22 years old and highly rated. He also has two young ex Chester midfield players coming in, along with two defenders and two strikers, all with WPL experience. Hackett said he won't name them until he has got their signatures, 'as these things have a habit of falling down'. 

However, he is confident that they will all sign. The Manager is on holiday for the next two weeks in Spain, but intends to remain in touch with the club and conduct any necessary business that will progress his team building, from there. Pre-season training will commence shortly after his return. 

JUNE-12

Get Freddie to partner Chopra?

CARDIFF City should try to lure Freddie Eastwood as the perfect strike partner for Michael Chopra.

That is the message today from Echo columnist David Giles as the Bluebirds continue to reshuffle for the coming season.

Giles believes the recruitment of a marksman to ease the burden on Chopra could make of break the future of manager Dave Jones.

And he says Eastwood, who will surely move from relegated Southend this summer but is unlikely to come cheaply, fits the bill better than anyone.

“The signing of a striker this summer could be the signing that makes or breaks Dave Jones’ future at Cardiff City,” says Giles in his column inside today.

“I don’t know whether it can be done but if it was up to me I’d be moving heaven and earth to try to lure Freddy Eastwood to Ninian Park.

“I really think Cardiff City and Freddy Eastwood would be a match made in heaven, especially now that he has thrown his lot in as an international player with Wales.”

Delme Parfitt

JUNE-12

Druids express disappointment at reports

NEWI Cefn Druids would like to express disappointment at recent press reports regarding a new stadium for the club.

These reports have been published without official confirmation and, in fact, this was told to the editor of the Welsh Premier League newsletter. Yet, this report still appeared in the publication and on the League's official website, much to our disappointment.

As yet, nothing has been agreed for any potential redevelopment of Plaskynaston Lane and any new site for NEWI Cefn Druids. The reports that have been published are ahead of themselves.

As soon as there is any announcement from the club on this issue, the first place it will be announced will be on the club's official website,

www.cefndruidsafc.co.uk

JUNE-12

Crows friendlies take them far and wide

Cwmbran Town face a trio of lengthy away pre-season friendlies in the summer - including first-time meetings with a couple of opponents from the English pyramid system.

The Crows return to training on June 19 in preparation for the 2007-08 MacWhirter Welsh League Division One campaign following last season’s relegation from the Welsh Premier League.

Under new1y-appointed Spanish manager Guillermo Ganet, Cwmbran visit Lincolnshire to face Stamford, who finished 11 points off a Southern League Premier Division play-off spot last season in eighth position.

That match will kick off at 7.45pm on Tuesday July 17, ensuring a very late homecoming for the Crows.

Four days later, they will face a trip close to Wrexham to meet NEWI Cefn Druids and following a game against town rivals Cwmbran Celtic the next Saturday, Cwmbran make another long journey into meet Northamptonshire-based Corby Town on Saturday, August 4.

However, the Crows should feel fairly comfortable playing at Corby’s Rockingham Triangle Stadium is, like Cwmbran Stadium, geared for athletics more than football.

The Gwent side will follow in the footsteps of world-famous opponents at the venue, their game taking place just six days after Corby host Glasgow Rangers in a pre-season match.

Because Cwmbran Stadium is used for athletics in the summer, all of the Crows’ pre-season matches are away.

JUNE-12

Jones heads Stateside in Prem keeper search

DAVE Jones has had face-to-face talks with a Premiership goalkeeper in Florida. The ’keeper is keen on playing for Cardiff City and chairman Peter Ridsdale is set to open talks on personal terms with the player’s agent. Manager Jones dashed to the United States where the goalkeeper is on holiday and they met in Florida. City have signed defender Tony Capaldi from Plymouth Argyle, but still need a top quality goalkeeper, midfield players and strikers. Jones and Ridsdale are working together on recruitment and their wanted list includes eight players they believe would strengthen the Bluebirds squad. They also have a back-up list and are keen to bring in five or more players over the next few weeks. 

“I expect things to start hotting up in terms of signings by the end of this month,” said Ridsdale. “We are working flat out to bring the right players to Cardiff City.” The goalkeeper in talks with manager Jones is known to be with a Premiership club – and he is English.

Ridsdale would not reveal the identity of the player, but it is thought England squad member Scott Carson could become available at Liverpool. Carson, 21, has had loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and, last season, Charlton Athletic. He almost joined the Bluebirds on loan last season and is highly rated by Jones. 

Terry Phillips

JUNE-12

Glantraeth invest in the future

North Wales Chronicle

JUNE-12

Cardiff revise training options

Cardiff spent the majority of last season training at the University of Glamorgan's playing fields in Treforest. But those facilities, which are unlikely to be available after next September, fall way short of those expected at a Championship club. Ridsdale added: "Clearly for a football club to be in the Championship and have no training facilities is a problem.

"This problem isn't something of my making over the last 12 months or so - it's been here for many, many years. "We're working on finding the right long-term solution and we do have three or four options. "The Vale would have been the preferred option but clearly the planning consent is outside our control."

BBC

JUNE-11

Former League Hotshot joins the Dragons

THE club is delighted to report that manager Brian Carey has completed his fifth signing of the summer by capturing Welsh striker Eifion Williams from Hartlepool United.

He has passed a medical this lunchtime and met Brian down at Colliers Park to complete negotiations on a two-year deal, despite the interest from several other clubs.

"I'm delighted to have joined Wrexham and after a successful spell with Hartlepool, I'm hoping that I will enjoy something similar here," said Eifion.

"I spoke to Brian several times and to be honest, once I knew he was serious, I was pretty much set on coming here.

"It will also be nice moving back to Wales after 10 years away, but that was not my prime consideration - I wanted to join a club that was looking to go up."

Eifion Wyn Williams (born 15 November 1975) is a midfielder/striker, who has recently been released by United and has represented Wales at 'B' level.

Born in Bangor, he began his career as a Wolverhampton Wanderers apprentice. However, things didn't work out and he moved back to Anglesey and joined League of Wales side Caernarfon Town, while working on a building site. Williams scored freely for Caernarfon and this attracted the attention of bigger clubs.

On the eve of the 1997-98 season, Williams left Caernarfon for Barry Town, then the only professional side in the League of Wales, breaking their transfer fee in the process at a cost of £25,000. He immediately began scoring regularly, including one against Dynamo Kiev in the UEFA Champions League

Williams also helped Barry Town record their highest win when he contributed four goals to help Barry Town beat Conwy United 9-0. Williams' performances and goal scoring record attracted scouts from Football League clubs.

Official Wrexham website

JUNE-11

Brace makes 3 new signings for Old Gold

“We took a look at where we thought we could improve from last year and one area that needed attention was keeping clean sheets.

“Gareth and Neil are both defend minded and have proven themselves in that area. We looked at that and hopefully they can help us put that right.

“I’ve worked with Nicky Palmer for a few years and he is an all round mid-fielder and has an engine bettered by none. He’s an influential player.

www.carmarthentownafc.net

JUNE-11

New Saints get new sponsor

Jonathan Martin has been appointed as a director and his company Martin Mortgages has become major sponsors of the club, they will become the official match sponsors for all New Saints home games, and they will be the official sponsor of the Saints academy, and has promised large sums of money towards the Academies development programme. He is also a member of AFC Telford supporters trust.

Saints managing director said "I am very excited at our addition to the board," says managing director Mike Harris. "Jonathan has already demonstrated at AFC Telford United his abilities in bringing local business into the football club and his enthusiasm and skills will further strengthen our off-the field team as we develop The New Saints within our community."

Jonathan stated "I am very proud and honoured to have been invited to join The New Saints board and very excited with Mike's plans for the football club and the creation of the Park Hall development, which will provide the football club and local community with a tremendous venue and range of facilities,"

Tony

JUNE-11

Martinez "more players to go out on loan"

Evening Post

JUNE-11

Hold up despair for TNS's Stones

The Sentinel

JUNE-11

Swans frustration as Mullan holds out

Swansea City are believed to be growing increasingly frustrated at Jamie Mullan.

The Liberty Stadium side are thought to have offered the Manchester United youngster a three-year deal after he impressed during a trial with the club last season.

The right-winger, known for his pace and crossing ability, joined United from Notts County three years ago and has been a regular in the Premiership giants' second string this term.

However, the 19-year-old went on trial at Leeds United after his spell in Wales and he again impressed.

Evening Post

JUNE-11

Swans get Scotland date

NEW Swansea City signing Jason Scotland is confident that he will be granted a work permit.

The Swans have already agreed terms with St Johnstone over the transfer of Scotland – a nominal fee in the area of £15,000 – and have tied the 28-year-old to a two-year deal.

The Trinidad and Tobago striker scored 26 goals in the Scottish First Division last season and Swansea manager Roberto Martinez believes he will be a big hit.

But Scotland must get a work permit first and his fate will be decided by the Home Office on July 4.

Believing that he will get the decision he wants, Scotland said, “I can’t wait to link up with the club.

“I’ve been brought in to score goals and help us win promotion, and I’m sure I can play a big part in that.

“Hopefully I can get a good partnership going with Lee Trundle – it will be a good contest to see who can pull off the best tricks and score the most spectacular goals!”

Western Mail

JUNE-11

Youngsters lapping it up in Lapland

Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez says he is delighted with the reports he is getting back from Swedish outfit Ostersund. The Scandinavian country's third division club have taken Liberty Stadium youngsters Kerry Morgan and Scott Evans on loan this summer.

And the Swans manager is hearing back from the club in northern Sweden on a daily basis.

"I'm very pleased with what I'm hearing about Kerry and Scott," the 33-year-old Spaniard said.

Evening Post

JUNE-10

Martinez: We’ve got a mountain to climb

UP A SWEDISH mountainside is not quite the dizzy heights Swansea City had hoped for this summer.

But Roberto Martinez is taking his men to a high altitude training for a gruelling fit club.

The ambitious Swans were dreaming of promotion to the Championship last season but narrowly missed out on a League One play-off spot.

Martinez is confident his City slickers have the footballing ability to win promotion but feels his squad must up their fitness levels if they’re to go up a division.

So new manager Martinez will drag his team 1,000m above sea level to Sweden’s World Championship ski resort in a bid to crank up their energy levels, and ensure their standards don’t go downhill next season.

Martinez confirmed: “I want Swansea to play high energy and intense football which will require superior fitness levels so energy will be a big thing.

“The week after my players return from their summer break, we’ll go to Sweden and do high altitude training where the air is so thin, even a little stroll is hard work.

“We’ll do a lot of endurance work so the players better not think it’ll be a holiday. It’ll be damn hard work.

“Our training base will be the World Championship ski centre which is among the best facilities in the world. They’ve a state-of-the-art gym for the injured players, great cross country running trails and a 4G indoor Astroturf.

Wales on Sunday

JUNE-10

Liverpool aid Dragons

WREXHAM are hoping to complete a quartet of Liverpool money-spinning friendlies.

The cash-strapped Dragons want their strong links with the Reds to drag them into the black – and aid their League Two promotion bid.

Wrexham chief Brian Carey has asked Kop boss Rafa Benitez for a fourth successive pre-season fixture with the Champions League finalists.

The lucrative games at The Racecourse helped generate vital income for Wrexham during their period in administration, gates averaging more than 10,000 fans.

Wales on Sunday

JUNE-10

City target ex-Martyr to fill left-side gap

Former Merthyr Tydfil defender Paul Keddle will join City for pre-season training as they look to the Welsh non-league international to strengthen their left side. 

The 23-year old switched to Carmarthen Town last season after four years with the Penydarren Park side and despite interest from the current Welsh Cup holders plus several other Welsh League sides, including full-time Llanelli, he has agreed to team up with City when they return to training at the start of July and then decide whether to commit himself to the club.

www.bathcityfc.com/

JUNE-10

Premiership price tag for Koumas

WEST Bromwich Albion have slapped a whopping £6million price-tag on Jason Koumas,

The Wales playmaker is hoping for a Premiership move this summer after West Brom’s failed Championship play-off bid and Koumas has attracted attention from Everton, Aston Villa and Reading.

But West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has warned big clubs they’ll have to pay through the nose for the talented 27-year-old midfielder.

Peace said: “If clubs want to sign our head-turning players they’ll have to pay head-turning prices.”

Koumas favours a move to his boyhood team Everton and his native Merseyside, but Villa are set to offer a lucrative package in a bid to lure the Welshman across the West Midlands. Premiership surprise package Reading want Koumas to replace Steve Sidwell after his move to Chelsea.

Wales on Sunday

JUNE-10

"We're counting the cost" says Thomas

MICKEY Thomas fears Welsh football could be left counting the cost of John Toshack’s rebuilding plans – both on and off the pitch.

Wales fans have made their feelings known by voting with their feet as just 30,714 gave Ryan Giggs his international send off last week.

And former Welsh international hero Thomas is worried the poor Millennium Stadium crowds will hit the Football Association of Wales hard.

The Millennium Stadium has sold out on a number of occasions in the past – banking the FAW an estimated £750,000 for every 72,500 full house.

Toshack’s out with the old and in with the new philosophy has left the Welsh football side in transition and crowds have declined. The average home gate during the current Euro 2008 qualifying campaign is less than 25,000.

Thomas said: “Welsh football could be irreconcilably damaged by Tosh’s transition.

“The masses of empty seats and only 30,000-odd fans at Giggsy’s Wales swansong – against a decent team like the Czech Republic – is disappointing.

Wales on Sunday

JUNE-9

Barry Town's manager meets the fans

Barry Town's official website

JUNE-9

Scotland gets permit hearing date

Trinidad and Tobago striker Scotland has agreed a two year deal with the Swans, but the transfer is subject to him being granted a work permit.

The hearing which will decide his fate will take place at the Home Office in London on 4 July.

Scotland, 28, scored 26 goals in 46 games for Scottish Division One side St Johnstone last season.