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WELSH SOCCER NEWS PAGE FOR JUNE 2007

JUNE-30

Cardiff hit by Thompson setback
Cardiff City striker Steve Thompson is likely to miss the start of the new season after having groin surgery.

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
Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins says that the club are still no closer to signing Darryl Duffy from Hull City. With an undisclosed offer on the table for the former Glasgow Rangers youngster, the Liberty Stadium supremo says that talks are still ongoing with his counterpart Paul Duffen.

"We have an offer on the table but we still differ in our valuation of the player.

"I wouldn't say that we are far apart but we do have to be mindful of making sure that Roberto (Martinez) can do all that he wants to this summer."

"But the Hull chairman has confirmed to me that Hartlepool have come forward and that obviously means we will have a battle on our hands if we are to sign Darryl.

"One way or another, we expect things to be sorted out by the middle of next week, and by that I mean the situation over Duffy and possibly three or four more signings that Roberto is working on."

With Hull in the hunt for former Brazilian international Juninho, Duffy's future at the KC Stadium remains unclear.

However, the 23-year-old would like to return to Wales if his services are no longer required on Humberside.

The Tigers are hoping to recoup the reported £250,000 they paid Falkirk for Duffy, but the former Scotland Under-21 international, who scored five goals in his last five games at Swansea during his two-month loan spell, managed only 13 games with Hull last year and is down the pecking order.

Evening Post

JUNE-30

Derby sign £3.5m striker Earnshaw
Premiership new boys Derby County have broken their club record fee to sign Robert Earnshaw from Norwich for £3.5m.  
The Rams' offer activated a clause in the 26-year-old Welsh international striker's contract at Carrow Road.  

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
Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez has made his second Spanish swoop of the week, this time capturing Angel Rangel for an undisclosed fee.Hot on the heels of Gulliem Bauza Mayol, the 24-year-old attacking right-back joins from Catalan club Terrassa and heads to the Liberty Stadium next week after agreeing a performance-related contract, believed to be a season with an option of a further year.
Having played 34 times in La Liga 2B - the same league as Espanyol B where Mayol joins from - Rangel netted twice as the Catalan side finished sixth.
"He is player that we have been following for a while," Martinez said.
"There were championship (2A) clubs in Spain who were after him but we had made him an offer and he was more than happy to keep his commitment to us.
"It is great to see a player accept a challenge abroad rather than take the easy option and stay at home.
"He is desperate to be successful at Swansea City."
Rangel flies into Wales tomorrow and will join up with his new team-mates on Monday for pre-season training.
While the 24-year-old is an attacking full-back, Martinez says that his defensive duties do not suffer.
"He is a hungry player and is looking to progress his career with us," he added.
"He is a defence-minded full-back and can play in other positions at the back.
"Angel makes good use of the ball and can produce some quality crosses.
"He covers a lot of ground and can get into the final third of the pitch very easily.
"He is the perfect player for British football with a good brain and sense of responsibility on the pitch."
Rangel had one-year left to run on his contract at Terrassa, but his impressive displays brought a lot of attention.
Rangel, from the Catalonia town of Tortosa, joined Terrassa from Sant Andreu, who play in the same division, having also played for Girona and Reus Deportivo.
The 24-year-old joins Swansea for an undisclosed fee and is Martinez's fifth signing of the summer following Mayol, Jason Scotland, Ferri Bodde, Matty Collins to the Liberty Stadium.

Evening Post

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
Former international striker Dean Saunders has been appointed assistant manager of Wales.
The 43-year-old replaces Salvador Iriarte, who has been appointed director of football at Real Sociedad.

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
NEWPORT County supporters desperate for summer signings should have some good news within the next seven days, the Argus understands.

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
Welsh Premier champions The New Saints will face Latvian side Ventspils in the first round of the Champions League.
Ventspils lost 1-0 to Newcastle over two legs in the Uefa Cup last year.
The Saints, who lost to Finland's MyPa-47 at the first hurdle last year, will face Austrians FC Salzburg if they advance from the two-leg first round.
In the Uefa Cup first qualifying round, Rhyl will play against Haka of Finland while Carmarthen Town will face Norwegian side Brann.
The Saints will play the first, home leg at Newtown's Latham Park, with the return in Ventspils, a city in north-western Latvia on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

Welsh Cup winners Carmarthen will also have home advantage in the first leg, while Rhyl will be away in Bergen on Norway's south-western coast to face Brann, who have former Leeds United player Eirik Bakke in their ranks.
The two-legged Uefa Cup ties will be played on 19 July and 2 August, with the Saints in action in the Champions League on 17/18 and 24/25 July.
Saints manager Ken McKenna had hoped to face a team who, like them, are in pre-season training.
But Ventspils, who were founded only 10 years ago, are already halfway through their domestic season, currently fourth in the Virsliga with seven wins from 14 games.

Rhyl and Carmarthen face a similar disadvantage as Haka and Brann are also well into their league campaigns.
Haka beat Bangor City 3-0 on aggregate in the Uefa Cup Winners' Cup in 1998, with West Ham striker Marlon Harewood playing in both legs for the Finish side.

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
BARRY Town's new Manager, Gavin Chesterfield, has announced his intent to demand nothing less than promotion from his players this season!

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
WELSHPOOL Town's proposed merger with Waterloo Rovers has been "unanimously rejected" by the Spar Mid Wales League club.
Welshpool Town chairman Steve Hughes had hoped a merger would have aided football in the town but respected Rovers resolve to maintain their proud independence.
Hughes said: "There is no animosity and wish Waterloo Rovers the best for the future.
"The clubs have a much improved relationship nowadays and it was hoped a merger would have benefited football in the town.
"However we bare no ill feeling. It was a genuine proposal to become partners but we will now press ahead with our own plans."
The club will now form a reserve side for next season's J T Hughes Montgomeryshire League while continuing successful academy and junior sections.
However the club's top priority must now be the development of facilities at Maesydre to satisfy stringent new ground criteria set to be enforced in in 18 months times.
Failure to develop such facilities by the start of the 2009 season would mean Welshpool Town being demoted from the Principality Welsh Premier.
Hughes said: "We are in talks with the Welsh Football Trust and Welshpool Town Council and both have been supportive.
"We have been granted dispensation to develop three sides while leaving one open to accommodate the cricket club.
"We are also planning to invite Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Mick Bates to a forthcoming meeting wit a view to seeking assurances that investment is planned for Mid Wales sport."
Meanwhile Waterloo Rovers spokesman Dave Proctor assured supporters the club would not be merging.
"It was a unanimous decision by the committee with each member to a man voting against merging with Welshpool Town.
"We have a good relationship with Welshpool Town and thank them for the opportunity and the professional way in which they presented these proposals.
"However we have a strong junior section and good facilities and under new manager Brian Rollinson I think we are well positioned to have a successful season 

Gavin Grosvenor

JUNE-29

Llanelli add two more to Euro squad
Llanelli have surprisingly re-signed Hucknall Town boss Andy Legg as cover for their Intertoto Cup match against Vetra on Sunday. The Registration of the former Welsh International was completed on Thursday and his name, as well as Lloyd Blackman, will be added to their list of Registered Intertoto Cup players on Friday, ensuring there will be no last minute registration problems like last Sunday.

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
Chris Coleman has been appointed the new manager of Spanish second division outfit Real Sociedad.

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
Former Bangor City defender, Alan Goodall has signed for League One side, Luton Town after leaving Rochdale on a Bosman Transfer. Goodall has sealed a two-year contract with the Hatters and moves on a Free Transfer as the 25-year-old left-back was out of contract at Spotland.

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
Llanelli say the door remains open for influential playmaker Jacob Mingorance to return to the club if he lowers his wage demands.

The 28-year-old Spaniard has failed to agree terms on a new contract with the Welsh Premier club.

Llanelli say Mingorance rejected a "good offer to stay" by insisting on a £1600 weekly wage, plus bonuses.

But Mingorance claims he has not been offered a new deal but admits he has asked for about £1,000 a week to stay.

The contract dispute meant Mingorance missed Sunday's Intertoto Cup first round, first leg defeat to Lithuanian side Vetra.

And although he is still under contract until the end of the month, he will also miss the return leg in Carmarthen on Sunday.

"I'm very disappointed that Jacob has left," Nicholas told the South Wales Evening Post. "I haven't been back from Lithuania long and I find out that he has left.

"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
EIFION WILLIAMS is relishing the prospect of making his Wrexham debut against the club he grew up supporting.

Boyhood Liverpool fan Williams is excited about the possibility of lining up against the five times European Cup winners, and has singled out Steven Gerrard as the player he most admires from the star studded squad.

"Gerrard is one of the best players in the world. It is unbelievable what he does, but that is why he plays for Liverpool," said Williams today.

Wrexham face Liverpool at The Racecourse Ground on Saturday, July 7 and Williams added: "We have got some really interesting games to look forward to during pre-season but because I supported Liverpool as a kid, then they are the ones that I can't wait to play against.

"Clubs like Liverpool and Blackburn (who Wrexham also meet in a friendly on July 10) are great teams who don't give the ball away very often so we will probably be running around like headless chickens – it will be really good for us in terms of getting us up to match fitness."

The former Hartlepool striker also admitted that should himself and Gerrard be on the pitch together at the end of the match, he would be trailing the Reds skipper in an attempt to swap shirts.

"I would love to get his shirt after the match, but I think all the lads here will be thinking the same thing," said Williams.

"However, at the end of the day I would be glad to get any of their tops, they are all fantastic players, but it is just one of those things. You want the shirt of your favourite player."

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
AS Rhyl officials stand by in Geneva for this week's UEFA Cup draw before their fourth consecutive European adventure, manager John Hulse believes he has the strongest and fittest squad yet to carry the Lilywhites flag on the international stage.

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
Swansea have signed Espanyol reserve striker Guillem Bauza Mayol - better known as Bussy - on a one-year deal.

The 22-year-old will join up with the squad in time for pre-season training.

Bussy has represented his country at Under-16, Under-17 and Under-20 levels, playing alongside Fernando Torres in the U20 World Cup in Trinidad & Tobago.

Swansea's Spanish manager Roberto Martinez, who promised more recruits in the weeks to come, has watched the striker several times in recent weeks.

Bussy, a fluent English speaker, has already visited the Liberty Stadium to see the facilities on offer at Swansea.

"He is excited about joining Swansea City, and we are excited about having him in our squad," Martinez told the club's website.

"He has a fantastic pedigree at all levels in Spain, especially playing in the U20 World Cup, and is a great prospect.

"He's a different striker to the ones we've got. He's tall, good in the air and a good link man.

"He plays deeper than an out-and-out striker and creates a lot of chances for people. In fact, his assist record is fantastic."

BBC

JUNE-27

Mingorance quits Llanelli
Spaniard Jacob Mingorance has left the club after failing to agree a new deal, and looks for a club back in his native Spain, Mingorance loss will be a huge blow to Llanelli as he was without doubt their star player.

Playmaker Mingorance, 28, scored 19 goals for Llanelli last season.

Mingorance made 54 appearances for the Reds (9) and scored 23 goals. 

Tony

JUNE-27

Brace-ing himself for the Euro draw
Town manager Deryn Brace is also relishing the European challenge.

''I don't fancy any one particular club. Of course Helsingborg is the kind of draw that would be fantastic, but we know we're not going to get an easy draw.

''I think I would probably prefer one of the Scandinavian countries as their style is similar to what we know and we can plan for that.''

The new Richmond Park boss is confident that pre-season preparations are going well.

''Training is going well,'' he said. ''Most of the boys have not had too great a time off to get unfit, so it's a case of sharpening up.

''The boys are showing up well and we'll have a good squad for the European games.

''We're all looking forward to it, especially as we will be playing our home game on our own pitch at Richmond Park.''

Tickets costing £10 for adults and £7 concessionary will be on sale every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at Richmond Park between 5.30pm and 7pm (while available).

The game will be all ticket, seated only, with no standing allowed in any part of the ground.

Carmarthen Journal

JUNE-27

O'Leary to stay with Swans

Kristian O'Leary is staying at Swansea City.

The 29-year-old midfielder has turned down a three-year contract at Cheltenham and agreed terms on a new one-year deal at the Liberty Stadium with the option of a further season if he plays 25 games this term.

Having come up through the ranks at Swansea, O'Leary has made the difficult decision to stay with his hometown club despite the security of a longer contract at Whaddon Road.

Swansea is where my heart is and I hope my decision to turn down the three-year deal proves my commitment to the club, said O'Leary.

I've virtually grown up in a Swansea shirt and I still want to do well for them.

The Port Talbot-product knows that he is going have to work hard to make the side next season with so many central midfielders already at the Liberty.

People like Kris are what this club are about and the last thing we wanted was for him to leave, said Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins.

Evening Post

JUNE-27

City turn down £1m bid for teen star Aaron

CARDIFF CITY have turned down an extraordinary £1m plus bid from a top Premiership club for their 16-year-old Welsh starlet Aaron Ramsey, the Western Mail has learned.

Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale described the offer, which has come from a leading London side, as unprecedented in the history of British football.

Ramsey has only one minute of senior first team action behind him, when he came on as a substitute against Hull to break John Toshack’s record as the youngest player in history to play for Cardiff.

But the precocious talent of the skilful midfielder has been noted by Premiership clubs nationwide and Ridsdale confirmed a seven-figure bid had been made.

It is understood the offer, thought to have come from either Arsenal or Tottenham, came before Cardiff rejected a £1m Everton bid for their teenage right-back Chris Gunter.

It is unheard of in British football for clubs to bid for an unproven player like this, but it underlines how highly Ramsey’s potential is rated in the game.

Confirming the £1m bid, Ridsdale said, “We have had a seven-figure offer for Aaron, but we had absolutely no hesitation in turning it down.

Western Mail

JUNE-27

Coleman set for Real

CHRIS COLEMAN is in line for a sensational move to become Real Sociedad boss after John Toshack’s decision to say ‘no’ to the Spanish club.

Coleman, out of work since being sacked by Fulham last season, is due in Spain today for talks, according to reports in a Basque newspaper.

A decision on the new Real management regime will be made this weekend when the board meet shareholders to seek a vote of confidence.

If they win that confidence motion, Coleman can expect to be installed as coach, with Wales No 2 Salva Iriarte as the club’s sporting director.

Coleman is thought to be keen on taking up the post, knowing experience of coaching abroad would boost his blossoming reputation as a manager.

News of Coleman’s arrival for talks broke in a Spanish newspaper yesterday as the saga over relegated Real Sociedad’s future was fiercely debated in the column inches.

Real Sociedad have moved for Coleman after Toshack rebuffed the Spaniards’ bid to prise him away from Wales.

Western Mail

JUNE-27

Thomas signs for Merthyr

MERTHYR Tydfil have bolstered their defence with the signing of Andrew Thomas from BGB Premier Division rivals Tiverton Town.

The former Newport County centre-half was one of the first products of the Hartridge Football Academy, and has been capped at semi-professional international level by Wales. Thomas, who has made more than 200 league appearances, is seen as a direct replacement for Gareth Wharton following his move to Carmarthen Town.

Themartyrs.com

JUNE-27

Jones given all-clear for Reds second leg

STUART Jones, the Llanelli defender left on the sidelines for their InterToto Cup tie in Lithuania by a clerical error, will be back for the second leg.

Jones was ruled out because he had not been registered for the clash with FK Vetra and Llanelli went down 3-1.

The second leg is to be played at Carmarthen Town’s Richmond Park ground next Sunday.

The problem over Jones has been resolved and he is eligible for the return.

Llanelli initially seemed to blame the Football Association of Wales for the mix-up over Jones, but it now appears a club official was at fault.

The FAW say Jones was not on a list given to them by the club 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,” said an FAW spokesman.

IcWales

JUNE-27

County host Town in cup

NEWPORT County have been handed a home draw in the preliminary round of the Gwent Senior Cup.

The Exiles take on MacWhirter Welsh League Division Two side Tredegar Town at Spytty Park, with last season’s Division Three champions Cwmbran Celtic lying in wait in Round One.

In other preliminary round matches, Newport YMCA travel to Caldicot Town, Risca United visit Monmouth Town and Abertillery Excelsior entertain Aberbargoed Buds.

Cwmbran Town, relegated from the Welsh Premier League last term, play host to local rivals Goytre.

Dates for the above ties have yet to be confirmed.

Tony

JUNE-27

City fans can still bag shares in the club

CARDIFF City supporters still have the chance to buy shares in their football club.

Around £500,000-worth of new shares are still available to any Bluebirds supporters who fancies investing in the club.

A new issue of shares to raise £6.5m led to the takeover at Cardiff City and chairman Peter Ridsdale said: “Around half a million pounds worth of shares were held back and have not yet been take up.

“They are still available and we would be delighted to talk to anybody who wants to talk about buying shares.”

The minimum investment is £500 

IcWales

JUNE-26

Long serving Hughes leaves Newtown
Long-serving Newtown midfielder and former Wrexham trainee Gareth Hughes has agreed to return to Principality Welsh Premier rivals Aberystwyth Town.

Hughes, 26, started his career at Rhayader Town and spent a season at Park Avenue in 1999/00 before arriving at Latham Park.

He has scored eleven goals from 202 Welsh Premier appearances.

Meanwhile, striker and Royal Marine Christian Courtney will be available for the Robins this season following a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Courtney was able to make just six Welsh Premier appearances last term, scoring four goals.

But former Port Talbot Town duo Richard French and Nicky Jones will not be returning to Latham Park and are thought to be seeking clubs nearer their South Wales homes.

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
Garry Shephard, the new player-manager of British Gas Business Southern League Premier Division club Merthyr Tydfil, has announced the capture of Welsh semi-professional international Andrew Thomas from league rivals Tiverton Town.

The 24-year-old centre half joins Merthyr after spending half of last season at Ladysmead.

Prior to that the former Wales under-18 captain was at his home-town club Newport County.

With over 200 games for the Exiles, Thomas will bring experience and leadership to the Martyrs.

The tough-tackling right footer said on his signature: "It was a great experience to play alongside Garry for many years and I hope that playing under him can be equally enjoyable."

Mike Donovan

JUNE-26

Caersws appoint Barton as manager
Caersws have appointed Mike Barton as manager following the resignation of club stalwart Mickey Evans.

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

BBC

JUNE-26

Skipper Monk re-signs fro Swans
Garry Monk has signed the new one-year deal that Swansea City had offered their out-of-contract captain.

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.

BBC

JUNE-26

Rhyl's Moody calls it a Day
Rhyl defender Adrian Moody has decided to take a break from football and will not re-sign for Rhyl for the forthcoming season.

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."

Welshpremier.com

JUNE-26

City's Rae: I'm so fired up