MAY-31

Mingorance set to hand Reds a boost

Spanish star Jacob Mingorance has promised to sign a new deal at Llanelli - but there are doubts surrounding the future of another key player. Striker Mingorance, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, is expected to commit himself to another stint at Stebonheath Park when he returns from his homeland on June 10.

However, there are question marks regarding defender Stuart Jones, who has rejected Llanelli's terms over a new deal.

The former Swansea City defender became the club's first professional in more than 50 years when he signed in 2005.

Llanelli Star

MAY-31

Wrexham re-sign youngster Evans

The 20-year-old former Newi Cefn Druids player made 15 appearances for the Dragons first team last season.

The club seemed set to release Evans prior to last season due to financial problems, but funding was then found to keep the adaptable centre back.

"I'm delighted to have been offered a new contract and even more so as it's a two-year deal," Evans, who would have been out of contract, told the club.

"Last year I thought my time at the Racecourse was up, but then the club came back late in the day to sign me on.

"I was determined to work hard and make the most of my second chance, and this is my reward.

"I know I still have plenty to do, but I have enjoyed being involved with the first team and if I keep working at my game, then I'll be ready when I next get the chance."

Evans is the first of a number of players out of contract this summer to agree a new deal with the north Wales club.

BBC

MAY-31

Wharton shines at Merthyr awards

MERTHYR Tydfil FC's annual presentation night saw ex Cwmbran defender Gareth Wharton cap a fine debut season by scooping four awards.

The centre-half formed an encouraging defensive partnership with Jamie Rewbury as the Martyrs recovered from a mid-season slump to finish in 12th place in the BGB Premier Division.

His contribution of seven league goals - only two behind top scorer Garry Shephard - also proved vital.

The imposing defender picked up the awards for Supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player, Travel Club Player and the Martyrs to the Cause Trust Player of the Year.

MAY-31

Fresh fears over Racecourse future

FANS last night feared for the future of Wrexham FC’s Racecourse ground after council chiefs raised concerns over its redevelopment.

Developers MacNiven Cameron are submitting revised plans due to “changes in the local market”.

Yesterday club bosses and developers appealed for calm, insisting there was nothing to worry about.

An application for a mixed-use development with flats, shops and eateries was put to the council in February.

But that is currently being revised after council planners raised concerns over the proposals.

Club owner Neville Dickens and Jason Hurkett May, director of MacNiven Cameron, also insisted the historic Turf Pub will not be bulldozed and would be staying put.

Mr May said the aim was still to build a complex which would allow room for a 15,000 seater stadium.

But some supporters fear delays could jeopardise the club’s future.

Daily Post

MAY-31

£500,000 Tag on Duffy

Darryl Duffy admits he has no idea where he will be playing next season amid speculation Hull have slapped a £500,000 price tag on his head.

Duffy remains a top target for Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez despite last week's acquisition of fellow front man Jason Scotland.

But there is no chance of Swansea meeting Hull's inflated asking price, leaving Martinez to play a waiting game as he bids to snare the Scottish speedster on a permanent basis.

Hull have told Duffy he will be part of their Championship squad next season if no suitable offers come in over the summer.

But Swansea must hope Tigers boss Phil Brown, who has six forwards on his books and is trailing Bradford's Dean Windass, decides to cash in on a player whose contract expires in 12 months' time.

Former Hull boss Peter Taylor paid £250,000 for Duffy in January last year and Swansea could be prepared to stump up something near that to bring their former loanee back to Wales.

''I was hoping I would have something sorted one way or another by now, but I haven't got a clue what's happening,'' Duffy said.

''I haven't spoke to Roberto Martinez for a few weeks. He said he'll let me know if there's any news that concerns me, but at the moment I'm in the dark.''

Evening Post

MAY-31

Another New boss for Barry Town

Phil Clay replaces Jeff McLean in the Jenner Park hot seat, and brings a wealth of experience at Welsh League level.

The former AFC Cardiff captain led Taffs Well to consecutive promotions in his first seasons in management - taking them from Division Three to Division One - as well as bringing success to Bridgend Town, Llantwit Major and Bryntirion Athletic.

Barry Town club secretary David Cole says the new boss is the ideal candidate to resurrect The Dragons' fortunes following relegation this season.

Mr Cole said: "We interviewed four people for the job but Phil was by far and away the stand-out candidate.

"He's been there and done it, by taking three clubs - who had little or no money - to promotion, and he certainly has the ability to wheel and deal while getting results.

"We now hope he can stabilise the club after last season and then build for promotion."

Barry's new chief enjoyed a 14-year playing career as captain of Llantwit Major, Tondu Robins, AFC Cardiff and Taffs Well before retiring through injury in 1992

Barry District News

MAY-31

Koumas keen on joining Premier class

WALES star Jason Koumas admits he has been waiting too long to play at the top level.

Koumas, 27, has often been described as the best player in the Championship, both at West Brom and during his one-season loan stop at Cardiff City in the 2005-06 campaign.

So, following Albion’s play-off final defeat to Derby on Monday, it wasn’t surprising that what happens to Koumas next was high on the post-match agenda.

“I’m at an age where I want to step up,” said Koumas, who has attracted interest from Celtic and Everton among others.

“It’s been too long in waiting. I’m desperate to play in the Premiership, but it’s up to the chairman (Jeremy Peace). We’ll have a talk and see what happens.

“The season has gone well for me, but it makes no difference with what happened on Monday.”

The 27-year-old has had an outstanding season after going AWOL from West Brom last summer.

Back then Cardiff were hoping to re-sign a player who had been an outstanding success at Ninian Park, but a grander stage surely awaits the Wrexham-born playmaker now.

“I’ve no idea what my future holds,” said Koumas.

icWales

MAY-31

Grobbelaar's training camp in the Cynon Valley

LIVERPOOL football legend Bruce Grobbelaar is hosting a soccer camp in the Cynon Valley this summer.

He will be joined at the Blaengwawr all-weather pitch at Aberaman by Ronnie Whelan and David Johnson.

Born in South Africa in 1957, Grobbelaar played at Anfield during Liverpool’s golden and dominant period throughout the 1980s.

Grobbelaar remains a firm favourite among the Anfield faithful and places at his Cynon Valley soccer school are expected to be in high demand.

The three-day camps will run in August, with limited places available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gary Marsh

MAY-30

Nico rings the changes at Stebonheath

The club has announced its squad for 2007/08 on their official website, but there are a number of notable absentees from last season's as well as some interesting additions. The most notable missing player is the versatile Cortez Belle, formerly of Chester City and Newport who figured in defence, midfield and attack last term. There has been a clear out of midfielders with Neil Thomas, Efren Fernandez, Richard Lewis and Richard Appleby all appearing to have been released, whilst former Haverfordwest wide man, Nicky Palmer also looks to have moved on.

Negotiations with the first ever Full-Time player at the club, Stuart Jones, are on-going, but the recent acquisition of 'keeper Ryan Harrison (Forest Green Rovers) means that last year's back-up Gareth Williams has been allowed to leave. It's good to see that the Reds have named a third last line of defence, in Ryan Lewis, who has graduated from the club's Academy, which was re-structured last year. Striker Jordan Fellows, who featured towards the end of the year in the first team squad has also been named.

Other recruits for the Reds are defender Paul Wanless, who will be the Player/Coach and he joins from Forest Green Rovers, Chris Holloway (pictured left) who joins from Merthyr Tydfil and Sam Small, the former Cwmbran striker who impressed and scored at Stebonheath in the last weeks of the season. Wanless played over 500 League games for Oxford and Cambridge, whilst Holloway re-joined the Martyrs in the middle of last season from Tiverton Town and he has been a Wales Semi Pro International in the last three Tournaments. He is a fiery and skilful centre midfielder that will certainly strengthen the Reds.

With so many players leaving the club, it adds to the speculation that Holloway will be joined at Llanelli by his former Merthyr colleague, Darren Davies. New Martyrs boss Gary Shephard, who was announced as the new Manager at Penydarren Park today, will be desperate to hold onto the experienced left-sided player, who boasts Barry Town, Morton, Stirling Albion, Dover Athletic and Forest Green Rovers amongst his former clubs.

The Reds squad for 2007/2008 season is:

Goalkeepers: Ryan Harrison, Duncan Roberts, Ryan Lewis (Under 19)

Defenders: Gary Lloyd, Lee Phillips, Wyn Thomas, Dale Griffiths, Paul Wanless

Midfielders: Andrew Mumford, Antonio Corbisiero, Craig Williams, Chris Holloway, Matthew Thompson

Strikers: Rhys Griffiths, Jacob Mingorance, Sam Small, Jordan Follows (U19)

Welshpremier.com

MAY-30

Rhys relishing Reds European Campaign

Peter Nicholas' side begin their European preparations as early as next week but Griffiths will team up with them slightly later after he was allowed to delay his holiday to play for his country in the Four Nations Tournament, in which he played in all three games and scored the decisive penalty in the opening win against the Scots.

The striker from Cardiff certainly benefited from the Tournament as he told us exclusively,

"I have definitely accomplished a personal goal of mine, which was to play and score for my country. Every time I score a goal, in whatever competition, that can't be taken away from me, so it's a great personal achievement. I've also met so many new friends from being involved in the squad. We bonded from Day 1, and it's been a great environment to be involved in.

"I picked up a lot from different people last week, the obvious being players like our skipper Tony Roberts as his preparation for the games is so professional. I've also learnt a lot from the inexperienced players as well who were winning their first cap like me."

Welshpremier.com

 MAY-30

Martyrs announce new management team

www.nonleaguedaily.com

MAY-30

False start for Carmarthen

BBC

MAY-30

Stand off at the Liberty

Evening Post

MAY-30

Murtagh swaps seaside resorts

www.nonleaguedaily.com

MAY-29

Crewe set to sign Stones from New Saints

The 25-year-old scored four goals in 22 Welsh Premier League appearances after signing from Rhyl last June.

"I think TNS have accepted he is going to move on," Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker told the club's website.

"We'd like him to come soon, although there's one or two things to sort out. There would be international clearance to obtain in the long run."

BBC

MAY-29

Neath looking to the future

The sweetest thing for Neath Athletic was topping the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One.

Finishing with 92 points - the highest in the league's 100 year history - more than made up for being held back by the league last year, said coach Andy Dyer.

'The main challenge as coach in the Premiership will be survival,' he said.

'Over the past five years we've come from Division Three and we've been winning all the way, gaining honours.

'Realistically, that's not going to happen now. We have to get our minds around that. It's about how we react now when we lose one or two games on the bounce - because that is going to happen. It's about developing the strength to cope with those situations.'

In the Premiership, the club will be up against teams including The New Saints and Llanelli who have full-time players but Dyer is not daunted by that prospect.

'We'll prepare just the same as we have over the past five years. We're a difficult side to beat, which is what we've always been. As long as we maintain that and remain strong we'll be competitive against them. We won't be going into the games negative, we will prepare by knowing what the opposition is all about. Whether you're winning or surviving, you have to be competitive'

With a settled coaching team in place that has carried the club through to promotion, Dyer feels no need to make changes or add to it. Although, as he says 'we never say never'.

He is confident the team will meet the tougher challenge posed by the Premiership and that the players will raise their game.

'There's no reason why we can't stay there. One thing about the side is that it's useful, with a young, youthful side it gives that enthusiasm to do well. We are well equipped to stay. We had a five year plan to get into the League of Wales and we achieved that, now we have a five year plan to get to and keep us at the top end of the table.

'We'll take each year as it comes. The first year we aim to be at least third from bottom and then keep going up from there.'

There have been several new signings to strengthen the team, a striker, midfielder and defender but the current squad - including experienced players like Carl Shaw - all remain.

Neath Guardian

MAY-29

Flint lose boss Beck

FLINT Town United’s long-serving manager Dave Beck has resigned after more than 17 years with the Silkmen.

An active figure since first helping out with the club’s juniors, Beck has been Flint’s first team manager for the past six years but says he has had enough of the Cymru Alliance League.

“I don’t like the way they operate and I don’t believe they have given Flint fair treatment over the years so I am getting out of it,” he said.

“Two seasons ago they deducted three points from us for fielding an ineligible player that cost us getting promotion back to the Welsh Premier League.

“Yet this season another club had nothing deducted for the same offence. There seems to be an anti-Flint attitude and as far as I am concerned it stinks.”

Paul Davies steps up from assistant and will be aided by long-serving Flint player Andy Davies.

Daily Post

MAY-29

Bluebirds set sights on a goalkeeper

CARDIFF City will this week turn their attention to signing a goalkeeper for next season.

The Echo exclusively revealed Plymouth left-sided player Tony Capaldi has signed for the Bluebirds, while the arrival of Hibernian striker Chris Killen, pictured is imminent.

The Bluebirds hope to seal the Killen deal by the end of the week.

And now, after the season officially finished with yesterday’s Championship play-off final in which Derby were promoted to the Premiership, City will now concentrate on strengthening their last line of defence to fill the void left by the departing Neil Alexander.

“We will now focus our intentions on bringing in a goalkeeper and we have three or four targeted,” said Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale.

“The process is well under way and it goes without saying we are looking to bring in quality.”

City have David Forde in their ranks, who replaced Alexander towards the end of the season, after the Scotsman could not agree a further contract with the club after six seasons with the Bluebirds.

The club are also targeting a ball-winner in the centre of midfield to add a bit more bite in the engine room.

South Wales Echo

MAY-29

Wrexham stages celeb super six

Singers including Liberty X, Goldie Lookin' Chain, former footballers Ian Rush and Mickey Thomas, and members of the current Wrexham team, also played.

The travelling event has helped a variety of different good causes.

Wrexham FC's Football in the Community Project will benefit from the money raised during the bank holiday Mondaytournament.

Also among the line-up were stars from TV soaps, Channel 4's Big Brother and ITV's The X Factor, as well as the likes of former Manchester United and Leeds player Lee Sharpe.

A WAGs (wives and girlfriends) team from Wrexham FC also took part.

BBC

MAY-29

WBA boss won’t be forcing Koumas to stay

WELSH international Jason Koumas could be one of a host of West Brom stars to leave the club following their Championship play-off defeat to Derby.

Koumas, Curtis Davies and Diomansy Kamara are among the players who may be heading out of The Hawthorns if the price is right – and manager Tony Mowbray will not stand in their way.

The Baggies were beaten 1-0 by Derby at Wembley, with Stephen Pearson’s first goal since his £650,000 move from Celtic in January settling the issue.

And Mowbray knows he may not be able to keep his squad together through the summer.

Koumas is being linked with Celtic, while Davies is interesting Arsenal and Kamara is in Roma’s sights.

South Wales Echo

MAY-28

‘I’ll sign for City’ says Killen

CARDIFF City are set to seal their second transfer of the summer with Hibernian striker Chris Killen on the brink of joining the Bluebirds.

After the Echo exclusively revealed last week that City manager Dave Jones had snapped up Plymouth left-back Tony Capaldi, Killen now looks to be on his way to Ninian Park as well.

The 25-year-old New Zealand international, who scored 14 goals this season for Hibs, has not played since suffering an Achilles injury a week before the January transfer window opened.

But Killen revealed to the Echo that once he is fit again, he is ready to sign for the Bluebirds ahead of Hibs’ rivals Hearts.

“I have spoken to Cardiff City and hopefully everything will be sorted out this week,” said Killen, who sat out Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Wales at Wrexham through injury.

“I still have my medical to come, but we have agreed personal terms.

“I came to Cardiff a couple of months ago and met the manager, players and staff and I like what I heard.

“I saw the plans for the new stadium and training ground.

“There are exciting times down there and I want to be part of those ambitious plans.

“Everything has been agreed and hopefully I’ll be a Cardiff player by the end of the week.”

icWales

MAY-28

I’ll help Wrexham again – Bellamy

CRAIG BELLAMY has vowed to help Wrexham with another donation if he ends up in more controversy next season.

The Wales striker, who scored twice against New Zealand at the Racecourse on Saturday, made a donation to the Dragons two months ago after he was fined by Liverpool for a training-ground bust-up with club-mate John Arne Riise.

The cash boost enabled the club to sign loan players who helped keep the Dragons in the Football League.

And Bellamy joked he would splash the cash again to help the club if he landed in more hot water next season.

“There’s usually a fine round the corner for me at some stage of the season so I’m sure Wrexham will be

waiting in anticipation for another fine so I can help them out,” said Bellamy.

“I don’t think Wrexham would have come back if they’d been relegated. That would have been it. I watched Newport County do it a number of years ago. They were the first professional team I ever saw play when I watched them play Cardiff. I watched them then drift out of the league and that was it, and we can’t afford to have another Welsh team go the same way.

“It’s important not just to the people up north to have a team representing Welsh football in the English leagues.

“It’s about producing players – a lot of good players come from North Wales and a lot of them do come through the Wrexham set-up at one time or another, and it’s vital for us that they continue to do that.

icWales

MAY-28

Llanelli announce four new signings

llanelliafc.org

MAY-28

Ridsdale on Euro mission

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has revealed his next project is to ensure the Bluebirds can again qualify for European competition.

The Ninian Park outfit has effectively been barred from Europe since their right to represent Wales as Welsh Cup winners was withdrawn in 1994.

“I’ve spent four fifths of my time until now working on the new stadium project and now that’s going ahead, I will turn to other matters including Europe,” Ridsdale said.

“If we win the FA Cup or the Premiership in seasons to come, we would not be nominated by the FA because we don’t come under their jurisdiction.

“It’s the FA who nominate clubs, but we come under the Football Association of Wales and they don’t want to lose us

“Berwick Rangers are in England, but they play in Scotland and come under the Scottish FA. If it happens there then there should be no reason City cannot come under the English FA.

“This is not Wales v England. We play in the English system and we ought to be able to qualify for whichever competitions other clubs are able to qualify for.”

icWales

MAY-28

Wales lose Semi-Pro crown to England

Wales were defeated by England in their final Four Nations match in Inverness this afternoon, but the 3-0 scoreline was no reflection on the game at all. Things could have been so different for Tony Pennock's men if two referee decisions had gone their way and a dubious disallowed goal was allowed to stand. Add this, to the twice that Wales had hit the bar in the opening half and all in all, it was a very unlucky day.

It wasn't to be Wales' day when Craig Hughes of Newport County rattled the bar with a rifled free-kick and then Todd hit the same woodwork with his header at a corner. To add to Wales's frustrations in a half that they dominated, a Lee John cross was handled in the area by Kevin Nicholson, but the Referee and Assistant were happy for play to continue.

The game continued to be a fiery affair, in which five Welshman received yellow cards,

The English had taken the lead on eleven minutes when their striker Gareth Seddon of Hyde Utd struck a 25 metre effort that was deflected and looped over Tony Roberts in the Welsh goal. This was a cruel blow for Wales, who had the better of the opening minutes.

the game was all but over and the Tournament sealed for the Three Lions on 70 minutes, when against the run of play and with Wales attacking, Glen Southam broke free and although his effort was cleared off the lion by Gethin Jones, sub Mitchell Cole was on hand to put England 2-0 up.

Wales responded well and Hughes was again unlucky when his shot beat the keeper, only for Quinn to clear his goal bound shot. England rubbed salt into the Welsh wounds just moments later though when Southam again took advantage of a Wales attack to catch them on the break. He unselfishly fed Seddon, who struck his second of the match.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-28

£15 Million Sky deal for FAW

WELSH football is celebrating a TV jackpot after signing a double-your-money £15m deal with Sky Sports.

Sky Sports' bid, which eclipsed a £10m offer from BBC Wales, includes a £13m down-payment and a £750,000 bonus every time John Toshack's national team hosts a European footballing giant like Italy, England or Spain.

The Welsh FA have English football to thank for their whopping new deal, with Sky having cash to spare after losing the rights to televise England internationals and the FA Cup.

icWales

MAY-27

No job is too small for sacked manager Jones

Jones’ dismissal came as a complete shock to Cardiff-born manager and Carmarthen moved quickly to appoint ex-Wrexham defender Deryn Brace.

“I simply want to get straight back in,” said Jones, who is a Uefa A licence coach. “I’m a football man and I’ll consider any job at a reasonable level.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

Jones started his managerial career at Welsh League Maesteg Park and led them to the Welsh Cup semi-finals, losing 2-1 against TNS.

Maesteg also finished runners-up in the Welsh League, being edged out on goal difference by Ton Pentre, and had the option of taking promotion. But they decided against going up.

After seven years with Maesteg Park, Jones revitalised Port Talbot, lifting them from rock bottom in the Welsh Premier League to top spot at one stage and the Welsh Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.

He took charge at Carmarthen three years ago and has earned domestic and European success. Jones admitted he was ‘gutted’ by Carmarthen’s decision to sack him this week.

South Wales Echo

MAY-27

County fancy Port's Lee John

County boss Peter Beadle was impressed by the 22-year-old when the sides met at Spytty Park in last season’s FAW Premier Cup.

But he says the Nationwide South club won’t rush into a move.

“We are not in a panic,” he said.

“We need two or three more players, but we will wait and see how the summer pans out.”

South Wales Argus

MAY-27

Another departure from Rhyl

Hay follows fellow striker Paul Roberts and Dylan Owen out of the Belle Vue exit door as John Hulse's squad is reshaped in time for their UEFA Cup campaign.

Hay's departure is the most significant of the three as he made 45 appearances in total last term, netting nine times, whereas Roberts and Owen both failed to make an impression.

He signed for Rhyl from Vauxhall Motors in June 2006 after previously playing for Tranmere Rovers, Rushden & Diamonds, Altrincham and Bangor City. John Hulse is expected to bring in some new faces next week to add to the captures of midfielder Craig Garside who joined from Connah's Quay and winger Craig Jones, who made the switch from Aberystwyth Town.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-27

Tiny rise in Premier League attendances

Rhyl had the highest average of 492, while Airbus UK had the lowest at 148.

Relegated Cwmbran Town recorded an average of 165 with a high of 286 and a low of 103.

The average attendance over the whole league was 269.

That’s a rise of one from the previous season – and 33 from 1994-95.

Average attendances: Aberystwyth 353, Airbus UK 148, Bangor 442, Caernarfon 250, Caersws 199, Carmarthen Town 323, Connah’s Quay Nomads 207, Porthmadog 225, Cwmbran 165, Haverfordwest 232, Llanelli 286, Newi Cefn Druids 172, Newtown 256, Port Talbot 218, Rhyl 492, The New Saints 321, Welshpool 276.

South Wales Echo

MAY-27

Dorus next on the list for Swansea

South Wales Echo

MAY-27

Boyle at Welshpool

Boyle, who is now the football development officer for Gwynedd, is currently in Scotland assisting Welsh semi-pro manager Tony Pennock at the Four Nations tournament.

South Wales Echo

MAY-26

Celtic view WPL as it gains academy status

The Celtic Park outfit is now just two steps from gaining a place in the Welsh Premier League after recently winning promotion to Division Two of the MacWhirter Welsh League.

However an even significant move came recently when the club was granted academy status, a pre-requisite of membership to the WPL.

Celtic went head-to-head with Cwmbran Town for the right to put their name to the academy at the town's Fairwater High School - and came out on top.

"It's great news and hopefully it will help speed up our ambition to progress to the Welsh Premier League," said Celtic secretary Malcolm Jarrett.

"However we'd only want to play at that level if we managed to find the right financial package. We wouldn't want to do as some clubs have done and relied on one particular individual or one company."

South Wales Argus

MAY-26

Wales Internationals stay on Sky

That will take it up to the end of the 2011/12 season, including Wales' home qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.

Sky will also show all Wales' friendly internationals played at home and a number of Under-21 matches.

"The increased money benefits football in Wales," said FAW boss David Collins.

BBC

MAY-26

Crows hope of a WPL return dashed

Now the Crows have suffered another massive blow by losing their academy status, a scenario which rules them out of a return to the WPL.

There was added spice to the situation because one of the academy's leading figures is Cwmbran Celtic first-team coach Della Cheedy, who previously held a similar position with Town.

"We had a partnership agreement with Cwmbran Town which had operated for some six years, but that had actually expired, " said Fairwater High School head teacher Stephen Cocks.

"The school governors felt very, very strongly that they had a responsibility to actually find the best deal for the students.

"So they invited interested football clubs to come along and make a presentation and it was after the presentation that Cwmbran Celtic was chosen.

"Everybody who knows Della Cheedy recognises that he's a fantastic coach and has tremendous respect from all concerned."

Town last week appointed Spaniard Guillermo Ganet as their new manager and he now faces a difficult task to revive the Crows fortunes.

South Wales Argus

MAY-26

Wales held by the Irish

The plucky Irish, who were made up of the best players in the successful Eircom Under 21 League took a surprise lead after a quiet opening period. The goal was of real class from the impressive Conor McDonald of Waterford Utd who struck a 25-metre belter that lobbed over Wales skipper Tony Roberts in the Welsh goal.

Just before the goal, Wales had a good chance to take the lead when Michael Byrne's effort from the edge of the box was tipped around his post by the impressive Eugene Ferry. Following the goal, Shane Fitzgerald of UCD tried to replicate his team-mate when his 25 yard shot went just over Roberts' cross bar as the Irish played with growing confidence.

Chris Venables of Caersws had the only other chance of a disappointing first half, but his left foot volley went wide of the upright.

Tony Pennock's men came out with more urgency after the break and they almost pulled level just minutes after the re-start, when Dagenham's Chris Moore crossed from the left with pace but it zipped off the bar. Graham Evans hobbled off moments later after a knock on his right ankle and Newport's Craig Hughes came on for his second cap.

The Irish had a great chance to double the advantage when Shelbourne's David Bracken capitalised on hesitation in the Welsh defence, but the burly striker hit his shot straight at the reliable Roberts.

Wales then created their best chance when two smart headers from midfielders Adie Harris and Venables fell at striker Rob Duffy's feet but his volley on the turn went agonisingly wide of the post.

The Welsh continued to exert pressure in search of the equaliser and sub Lee John again looked dangerous wide on the right. He managed to create a chance in the penalty area, but his placed shot across Ferry in the Irish goal also went narrowly wide. Ferry then twice denied Hughes on his near-post as he saved well following Paul Keddle's deliveries.

The Irish almost sealed the win, when a strong Fitzgerald effort was palmed away by Roberts. From the resulting corner, sub Chris Todd headed against his own bar with his first touch. Moments later though Todd again hit the woodwork but at the correct end and Moore was on hand to head home the rebound from a yard out.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-26

Scotland moves to Wales to join Swans

Swansea have fended off competition from a number of Scottish Premier League clubs to sign St Johnstone striker Jason Scotland.

The Trinidad & Tobago frontman was thought to have been interesting Hibernian, Hearts and Dundee United after scoring 26 goals last season.

But Swansea boss Roberto Martinez has persuaded the 28-year-old to sign for the Welsh club subject to a work permit being granted.

The Swans have agreed a nominal fee with St Johnstone for Scotland's release as he was under contract with the First Division club until August 24.

The Coca-Cola League One side have already submitted an application for a work permit and are awaiting a hearing date from the Home Office.

Scotland was denied a work permit to continue his two-year stay at Dundee United in 2005 before being forced to step down a division with Saints.

Former Motherwell midfielder Martinez told www.swanseacity.co.uk: "I'm delighted to be able to secure a player of Jason's calibre.

"Goalscorers are the most precious commodity in football and I believe we've persuaded a quality striker to join us.

"He is a striker with all-round ability which will enable him to play in a number of roles that give us different options.

"He has a magic touch and can make something happen out of nothing.

"He's an exciting player who always entertains and attracts the crowds and players like that are a rare breed.

"It's also a bonus that he knows the British football scene having spent four successful years playing in Scotland."

Evening Post

MAY-26

Bluebirds snap up Capaldi

CARDIFF City today clinched their first summer signing.

Left-back Tony Capaldi, who is out of contract with Plymouth Argyle, has signed a three-year contract for the Bluebirds.

Sunderland made two offers for Capaldi during the January transfer window, while Wolves and Norwich City were also keen on the Northern Ireland international.

Former Birmingham City defender Capaldi, 25, completed his medical at Ninian Park late yesterday and leaves Argyle after four years at Home Park.

They offered him a new contract, but he was keen on a move closer to Birmingham where he grew up.

That made Wolves favourites to sign him, but he has opted for Cardiff.

Manager Dave Jones has now landed his first target and is also close to bringing in a striker.

There are also talks progressing with goalkeepers and midfield players as Jones seeks to bring in at least six new signings over the next month or so.

icWales

MAY-26

Dundee United offer Flood lifeline

DUNDEE United are close to signing Cardiff City winger Willo Flood.

The Scottish Premier League club are keen to sign the lively and dangerous Flood on a season-long loan.

City manager Dave Jones believes Flood, 22, has genuine potential, but wants to see how he performs over a full season of league football.

Dundee United are offering the Dublin-born midfield player regular first team football.

Flood, who has had loan spells with Rochdale and Coventry City, joined the Bluebirds at the start of last season.

He started only five league games for Cardiff City, firing the winner at Leeds United after going on as substitute.

Flood's career total of first team appearances is 29 starts plus 31 from the subs bench.

He has scored three goals, one of them for Cardiff.

South Wales Argus

MAY-26

Neil steps up a rung

FORMER Wales Under-21 international Neil Gibson is to step up a rung and take over as new manager of his home-town club Prestatyn Town.

Gibson, 27, whose former clubs include Tranmere Rovers, Sheffield Wednesday, Southport and Rhyl, was Prestatyn's assistant manager last season but now moves into the hot seat following last week's decision of player-manager Dave Fuller to stand down for family and teaching reasons.

Daily Post

MAY-25

Bluebirds track Wales star

WEMBLEY-BOUND Arron Davies is being tracked by Cardiff City.

The Bluebirds will watch once-capped Welshman Davies play for Yeovil Town in Sunday’s League One play-off final against Blackpool at the new Wembley Stadium.

Cardiff City fan Davies, 22, did ‘the Ayatollah’ in celebration after scoring twice in Yeovil’s semi-final triumph against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

A year ago, the Bluebirds signed Stephen McPhail immediately after he helped Barnsley earn promotion with victory in the play-off final at the Millennium Stadium.

McPhail had played for Barnsley when Peter Ridsdale, now Cardiff’s chairman, was in charge at the Yorkshire club – and so did Davies!

The attacking midfield player had a loan spell with Barnsley when he was a Southampton player in 2003-4.

Davies, who has scored 27 goals in 113 first team appearances, 33 of them from the substitutes bench, and is also being watched by Bristol City.

South Wales Echo

MAY-25

Weaver: Dragons won’t rush signings

WREXHAM assistant boss Steve Weaver has admitted he and manager Brian Carey will not be rushed into any panic summer signings.

The Dragons, who narrowly avoided dropping out of the Football League for the first time in their history with a final day win over Boston United, have released only two players from the squad that kept them up.

Only Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Michael Ingham and former Manchester United defender Lee Roche have left the club, while the management duo have also acted quickly to bring in two of the loan players that ensured the Dragons stayed in the League, signing stopper Anthony Williams and striker Michael Proctor.

However, Carey’s right-hand man admitted it might be quite a few weeks before Wrexham go back into the transfer market.

"Speaking to other managers and people who’ve been around for some time, they all warned us not to rush in and sign a player just for the sake of it," said Weaver.

"The fans have to be patient, just as we have to be patient. It’s no good signing someone for whatever reason and then when we get back to pre-season training not having it work out.

"You have to make sure that the players you bring in are right for the club."

Daily Post

MAY-25

Scimeca crucial to promotion plans

As thoughts turn to next season, Terry Phillips looks at what Cardiff City can do to improve on the last campaign

THE biggest single blow to Cardiff City’s promotion hopes last season was the injury to Riccardo Scimeca.

Yes, there was a major problem when Glenn Loovens was hurt at a time when Darren Purse was already ruled out, but, for me, Scimeca was the key.

The Bluebirds looked a quality team when the hugely influential Scimeca partnered Stephen McPhail in central midfield.

Cardiff City were unable to fill the massive gap left by Scimeca and that’s one of the key positions where manager Dave Jones will look to add competition for next season.

South Wales Echo

MAY-25

Stay fit or you'll be fined say Swans

Swansea City's players face hefty fines if they return next season any heavier than when they signed off at the end of the last campaign. Roberto Martinez's squad were given a fortnight off after defeat by Blackpool saw them miss out on the League One play-offs.

But they have all been sent close-season fitness guides this week to ensure they come back in good shape for Swansea's next challenge for the Championship.

"We don't want to spend pre-season training getting the players fit," explained Swansea physio Richie Evans.

"They should come back fit so the focus can be on football.

"It's also vital to be fit from the start because the fitter they are, the less chance there is of picking up injuries.

"All the studies show that a heavy proportion of injuries come during the early part of the season, and that's something we want to avoid if we can.

"The lads were given two weeks off, but then we sent out a close-season conditioning programme. If they follow that there is much less chance of them picking up injuries when they do come back."

Lee Trundle and Co's summer jobs are based around three gym visits a week.

Evening Post

MAY-25

County close in on Simpson

Simpson, 18, joined the Exiles on loan in March and impressed during County's run-in, where they only missed out on the Conference South playoffs on the final day of the season.

Comfortable across the midfield and at fullback, Simpson is seen by Beadle as a utility player with the ability to shine in the Conference South.

He explained: "James is good on the ball, is an excellent passer and his attitude is first class.

"I was always keen to keep him but he rightly felt he should examine the options available to him after being released by Cardiff City.

"He spoke with Scott Young (County assistant manager) and Scott gave him some advice and then I spoke with both James and his father.

"I explained what role I had in mind for James next season and his father explained that they'd sat down and decided on signing with us.

"They have decided that James is better off being part of the first team squad at Newport County than he would be playing reserve football at a league club.

South Wales Argus

MAY-25

Big day in the life of Byron

The 22-year-old from Conway Road will play a leading role for Bristol Rovers as they take on Shrewsbury Town in the League Two play-off final - and he can't wait to play at the new-look 90,000 seat arena.

"It's probably the best stadium in the world," said Anthony. "When you consider that some of the great players never get the chance to play there it's a dream come true for me."

It's a remarkable upturn in fortunes for the former Wales under-21 defender who was released by Cardiff City last year.

After a spell on loan at non-league Forest Green Rovers, Anthony signed for the Pirates last summer and has quickly established himself as a key player in their promotion charge.

The side were lying 16th in the table in March, but a run of nine wins in 12 games saw them clinch a play-off place with a last-day win at Hartlepool.

They confirmed their Wembley spot with a thumping 7-4 aggregate victory over Lincoln City in the semi-final and now only Shrewsbury lie between them and a return to League One football.

South Wales Argus

MAY-24

Larsson set for Old Gold date

Swedish legend Henrik Larsson may be on his way to Richmond Park to face Carmarthen Town.
The former Celtic, Barcelona and Manchester United striker is now playing for Helsingborg in his native country and next month's Uefa Cup draw could see his side paired with Carmarthen.
Town have earned qualification for the second-tier European competition following their historic 3-2 victory over Afan Lido in the Welsh Cup final earlier this month.
And the prospect of Larsson arriving at their home ground is a mouth watering one.
The Old Gold will have to wait until next month for the draw in Switzerland, where they will definitely be pulled out against a team from either Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden or Norway.
Larsson - who has won 93 international caps - is no stranger to opposition from the Welsh Premier League.
He was in the Celtic side who thrashed Cwmbran Town 10-0 on aggregate in the 1999 Uefa Cup.
Carmarthen have had mixed success in Europe.
They beat Eircom League qualifiers Longford Town two years ago in the Uefa Cup, with their 5-1 home victory the biggest win by a Welsh club in Europe.
Last season, however, they were comprehensively beaten 8-1 on aggregate by Finnish outfit Tampere United in the Intertoto Cup.

Evening Post

MAY-24

Parekh set title target for Reds

Llanelli Star

MAY-24

Bangor set for the new season

South Wales Echo

MAY-24

Reds star dreaming of another Euro adventure

Llanelli players' player of the year Antonio Corbisiero is dreaming of waltzing on the European stage once more next season. The former Swansea City midfielder was rewarded for his tireless displays for the Reds last season when he picked up the gong voted by his fellow team-mates on Saturday night.

And he hopes to set the Continent alight next month when Llanelli take on Lithuanian side Vetra Vilnius in the Intertoto Cup.
The 22-year-old already has fond memories of European football.
He famously scored the equalising goal at the Liberty Stadium in the Uefa Cup second qualifying round defeat to Odense last August.
It was what dreams are made of for the hard-working midfielder.

"We all have great memories of our ventures in Europe last season," he said.
"We beat Gefle which was a fantastic achievement for the club and then we did well against Odense.
"It was great for the club as it attracted a lot of interest and this year we are setting out to do the same in the Intertoto Cup.
"We don't know much about our opponents.
"But then again, we didn't know much about Gefle, so we know we can do it.
"European games, for a player, are the ones you really look forward to.
"The experience you can gain from playing in these games is huge.
"Hopefully, we can repeat the success we had in the Uefa Cup this year."
Before then, however, Corbisiero is hoping to sign a new deal at Stebonheath Park which will see him lead the club's charge for the Welsh Premier League crown.

Virtually the whole squad is out of contract next month, but manager Peter Nicholas is keen to nail down his squad well before then.
Corbisiero has become a key component in Nicholas's machine.

Llanelli Star

MAY-24

Ferrie not sailing to Liberty - Yet

Evening Post

MAY-24

Ridsdale bids for FAW power

PETER Ridsdale has put himself forward to be the first Cardiff City chairman to serve on Football Association of Wales council for 16 years.

Bluebirds chairman Ridsdale has been nominated for a place on the new FAW council which is to be elected over the next couple of months.

City have been left frustrated with the FAW over disciplinary matters and have made it clear they would prefer to come under the English FA, while a switch could help their quest to find a route into European competition.

Chairman Ridsdale, though, believes City must work closely with the FAW and his nomination has been sent in.

Today, Ridsdale would not make any comment, although sources within Welsh football confirm the nomination has been received.

Clubs who are full members of the FAW will vote on the nominations with six council places available in South Wales.

The last Cardiff City chairman to serve on the FAW council was Tony Clemo, whose three-year spell ended in 1991.

That was part of an agreement that the chairman of one of Wales’ three Football League clubs – Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham – would have a place on the council.

Doug Sharpe (Swansea) was first, Clemo next and Wrexham's Pryce Griffiths followed. But the arrangement was ended and City have not had a representative since.

South Wales Echo

MAY-23

Carmarthen appoint Deryn Brace as manager

The statement explained that "Deryn Brace has been appointed Player / Manager of Carmarthen Town. The former U18 & U21 International spent six years with Wrexham before signing for Carmarthen Town in 2000-2001.

Following four seasons as Player / Manager at the New Bridge Meadow the Tenby based defender re-signed for Town in November 2006 and will now take over managerial responsibilities at Richmond Park.

Ironically, Jones brought Brace to the club after he left Haverfordwest last season and he also surprisingly picked him for the Welsh Cup Final, Jones's final game in charge, over the current Welsh Semi Pro left-back, Paul Keddle.

Brace's first game in charge will be in the UEFA Cup Qualifying Round, which will be a baptism of fire, although he did guide County into the competition three season's ago when they were defeated by Hafnarfjordur of Iceland.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-23

Agent admits strong interest in Purse

CARDIFF CITY have been told by Darren Purse’s agent that there is strong interest from elsewhere in the Bluebirds’ skipper.

The centre-half has one year left on his contract at Ninian Park and admitted on Monday that he was disappointed not to have been offered an extension yet.

Now the Bluebirds do appear to have opened up a dialogue with their 30-year-old skipper.

But Premiership sides Wigan, Fulham and promoted Birmingham have been linked with him, along with relegated pair Charlton and Sheffield United.

Purse’s agent Richard Cody said talks were under way with Cardiff, but interest from elsewhere could not be ignored.

“Talks have begun over extending Darren’s deal, but we know there is a great deal of interest,” said Cody.

“Darren’s enjoyed himself at Cardiff and that’s why talks have begun over a new deal.

“But, when you have big clubs looking, it’s something that needs to be considered. We’ll have to see what Dave Jones (Cardiff manager) has to say.”

Western Mail

MAY-23

Bluebirds and Blues stadium deal on

Rugby regional side Cardiff Blues will quit their historic Arms Park home to ground share with Cardiff City Football Club – the decision expected to be announced as early as within the next fortnight.

The Western Mail understands Blues’ board members will give the green light to relocate across the capital at the Bluebirds’ new 25,000-seat stadium which is about to begin construction.

The move will signal an end to more than 130 years of rugby at the Arms Park and bring the capital in line with Swansea City and the Ospreys, who share the Liberty Stadium.

Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale and Blues chief executive Bob Norster have already held a number of meetings which have been described as “very positive”.

The main stumbling block has been the fact that the Arms Park is owned by Cardiff Athletic Club and is leased by the Blues for matches, but this detail is expected to be overcome.

It seems likely the city-centre site would then be freed up for the building of a conference centre next to the Millennium Stadium. This is a long-cherished plan of Cardiff City Council.

It is proposed that Cardiff RFC would then play their home games at Sophia Gardens, though this could encounter local residents’ opposition on the back of Glamorgan County Cricket Club’s redevelopment project nearby.

Western Mail

MAY-23

Tredegar Town Re-appoint manager

Tredegar Town FC have reappointed Rob Ellis as Manager for the 2007-2008 season.  Rob Ellis had to step aside last September due to sad personal circumstances; however,  the Tredegar Town committee have now re-appointed Rob as Manager as of yesterday evening.

Riley Gray said "it was always our hope that Rob would return as Manager. Jason Mogan who took over in Rob's absence will now revert back to Assistant Manager.  It is hoped with this management team in place they can take the club to the next level".

Welshleague.org

MAY-23

Carmarthen sack manager Jones

But even though Jones has led Carmarthen to cup success and Europe, it seems he has paid the price for failing to make Town a force in the league,  Town have one of the highest player budgets in the league, but Mark Jones's era has seen them fall well short of making a claim for the premier title, in his first season in charge they finished in 6th place 17 points off winners TNS, in the 2005-06 they finished in 4th place but a massive 29 points off the title, and this season they could only manage 7th place 26 points from the top.

They have a few options for a replacement at hand at the club, with Mark Aizelwood and former Haverfordwest County player/manager Deryn Brace on the books, Brace took unfashionable Haverfordwest into Europe and a 3rd and 4th place finish in the league, but was sacked as manager and discarded as a player by the new Bluebirds committee early last season, and was snapped up as a player by Carmarthen.

Tony

MAY-23

Wales off to a winning start

Wales could have taken the the lead earlier but had several chances cleared off the line by the Scots. England top the table following their 5-0 demolition of the Irish semi-pro side at Inverness.

Tony

MAY-22

Premier Pair to make Welsh Debut

It will be a first cap for both players at any level and marks a fine season for both. The two were team-mates at the Remax Stadium last season but Griffiths, who has been the League's Golden Boot for the past two years, has continued his excellent scoring record at Llanelli this year and he links up with another former Port Talbot player Craig Hughes in a potentially deadly strike force.

New Wales Semi Pro boss Tony Pennock, who continues the Port Talbot Town connection (he's now their Manager) also names Carmarthen Town left-back, Paul Keddle in his first eleven, who will win his fourth cap.

The other three Principality Welsh Premier players in the squad, Graham Evans and Chris Venables of Caersws and Carmarthen's Chris Thomas will all start the game against Ireland on Friday, but for the latter two, they will also win their first caps should they come off the bench this evening. At the other end of the spectrum, Evans is the record cap-holder at this level and he will be hoping to add to his sixteen appearances tonight at Ross County's Victoria Park.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-22

Jones: We need quality

DAVE Jones today vowed to build a new team this summer capable of sustaining an assault on promotion from the Championship.

The Cardiff City boss insisted that at full strength, his Bluebirds are already just as good a side as play-off finalists Derby County.

But now he is on a major recruiting drive for next season, determined a threadbare squad will not block the path to the Premiership again.

Two goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers are all on his wanted list.

He has released 14 players including Neil Alexander plus making Steve Thompson, Kevin Cooper and Chris Barker available for transfer.

But Jones says only one ingredient will take City up next season – extra quality.

“Success in the Championship comes down to one factor – the quality of your players,” said Jones.

“Every player at this level has a flaw in their make-up, otherwise they would be in the Premiership.

“When I was at Wolves I signed Paul Ince and Denis Irwin. Both of them had a flaw – not ability, but age.

“We need to build a team with less flaws than the other Championship teams.

South Wales Echo

MAY-22

Fitness boost for Swans injured trio

Swansea City have received a triple boost with the news that Darren Way, Owain Tudur Jones and Bayo Akinfenwa should be fully fit early next season. The trio of long-term casualties will continue rehabilitation work throughout the summer and Swansea are optimistic they will all be playing again by September at the latest.
Way has managed only 17 appearances since arriving in a £150,000 deal from Yeovil back in January 2006 thanks to a long-standing shin complaint, while Tudur Jones played just five times last season because of career-threatening knee trouble.
Akinfenwa, who is out of contract next month but has been offered a new deal, has not played since breaking his leg in February. "The view on all three of them is very optimistic," said Swansea physio Richie Evans.
"Owain has been out to America to see the specialist, Dr (Richard) Steadman, and he was really happy with the condition of the knee.
"He is now concentrating on a strengthening programme and is coming along quite nicely.
"We will start him running at the start of pre-season and a realistic target for him to be playing again is late August or early September.
"I'm confident that we've cracked the problem after sending Owain out to America, and the situation is similar with Darren.
"His problem stems back to his Yeovil days and we were just unlucky to catch him when we did.
"The injury has baffled everybody, but as with Owain, I believe we have now finally got to the bottom of it.
"Darren is a quality player and hopefully now he will have the chance to show what an asset he can be to this club.
"His running programme starts later this week and he should be back playing around the same time as Owain.
"Bayo is also looking at September.
"He came off the crutches a week ago and he will start running in three weeks' time.
''He's already working very hard in the gym and the consultant is very optimistic we'll have a positive outcome."

Evening Post

MAY-22

I may have to move on - says Purse

CARDIFF CITY captain Darren Purse seems likely to leave the club this summer if he is not offered an extension to his contract.

The 30-year-old defender has revealed his disappointment that City boss Dave Jones and chairman Peter Ridsdale have not yet come forward to extend the one year he has currently left on his Bluebirds’ deal.

Purse has been a stalwart in his two years at Ninian Park, making almost 80 appearances despite being ruled out for a sizeable chunk of this season with injuries.

Speculation is now rife the no-nonsense centre-half could leave this summer with Wigan, fresh from their successful Premiership relegation battle, keen on securing the Londoner’s signature.

Purse, who arrived in South Wales in June 2005 for £750,000 from West Bromwich, admits he wants to stay a “few more seasons” with Cardiff.

But, despite assurances from Jones, he admits he might have to leave, though he is optimistic there will be clubs out there keen to acquire his services.

“I do find it a little bit disappointing that they (Cardiff) haven’t tried to snap me up already, especially as captain,” said Purse, who has also spent time at Birmingham, Oxford and Leyton Orient.

“I’ve had two years here already and put in some good service, but that’s football nowadays.

“We’ll have to wait and see how it goes, but I’m hopeful that I’ve got a bit more time to come at Cardiff.

“If a new contract doesn’t come along then I expect I’ll have to move on elsewhere.”

Western Mail

MAY-22

Pennock banking on goal rush

GOALS shouldn’t be a problem for Wales when they start the defence of their Four Nations title against hosts Scotland at Dingwall tonight, writes Terry Daley.

Port Talbot boss Tony Pennock has a trio of prolific sharpshooters plus a goal-scoring midfielder to choose from as he gets his Wales semi-pro managerial career under way in the Scottish Highlands.

In his 18-stong squad are Caersws’ Graham Evans, Wales’ most capped player and top scorer at this level with 13 and seven respectively; and Newport County hitman Craig Hughes, who netted 25 times for the Conference South side in 2006-07.

Pennock can also count on Rhys Griffiths, who found the back of the net 30 times last season for Welsh Premier outfit Llanelli.

Backing up that prolific lot is Oxford United midfielder Robert Duffy, who cracked 18 Nationwide Conference goals last season.

“Yes we certainly have players who know where the back of the net is,” admitted former Newport goalkeeper Pennock. “But he trick is not to concede at the same time and if we can do that, then we’ll do well.

After tonight’s match, Wales play Ireland in Borra on Friday night before taking on England, at Inverness, on Sunday afternoon.

Western Mail

MAY-22

Lloyd Williams to take over at Nomads

The League's highest ever goalscorer, Marc Lloyd Williams is set to be named as the new Manager of Connah's Quay Nomads. It is understood that 'Jiws' was offered the role today, which will be his first Managerial job after an illustrious playing career in the League. The hotshot, who was released by Bangor City last month, just before Steve Bleasdale also left Farrar Road, was looking for a club to remain in the Principality Welsh Premier and this provides a tremendous opportunity for the ex-Golden Boot winner to adopt a Player/Manager role.

The Nomads hot-seat became vacant when the long-serving Neville Powell left the Deesiders to ironically go in the other direction to Farrar Road. Alun Morgan, who was Powell's Assistant last year at the Nomads was then offered the vacant position but he opted to follow Powell to become his Number 2 at the Citizens. The club then issued a statement to say that they would fill the position as early as possible to provide security to their players and they appear to have been true to their word.

Jiws struck his 250th League goal this season after re-joining Bangor following a successful spell with TNS, winning the Welsh Premier twice and winning the Golden Boot in the Double winning 2004/05 season with 34 goals.

He is currently undertaking his 'A' coaching Licence and his appointment at the Nomads is a tremendous opportunity for him and will be welcomed by Nomads fans.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-22

Semi Pro side arrive in Inverness

The Welsh Semi Professional side, managed by new Port Talbot Town boss, Tony Pennock have arrived in Inverness after two excellent days of training in Bristol. The squad assembled in Filton on Saturday lunchtime and after a two-hour session on Saturday, they had a double session on Sunday before this morning's flight to the Highlands. The squad were joined at the airport this morning by the eighteenth player, Exeter City skipper, Chris Todd, who missed out in Play-off glory on Sunday afternoon at Wembley as his side went down to Morecambe for a place in the Football League.

The squad completed their fourth training session today in the city of Inverness and have one final hour planned on Tuesday morning in preparation for the Tournament opener in the evening against the hosts, Scotland at Victoria Park, the home of Ross County FC.

There are six Principality Welsh Premier League players in the squad and Carmarthen's Paul Keddle is certain to start at left back tomorrow. Port Talbot wingman Lee John has impressed in training and should play down the right flank to gain his first cap, whilst the League's Golden Boot Winner Rhys Griffiths of Llanelli is also likely to win his first cap after Oxford's Richard Duffy aggravated a slight knee injury this afternoon. The highest Cap holder at this level, Graham Evans of Caersws who has struck seven times in sixteen matches could also start but he is vying for a place with former Carmarthen striker Craig Hughes, now of Newport County.

Keddle's Old Gold team-mate Kris Thomas should start on the bench as should Caersws' Chris Venables. The team will be captained by Dagenham 'keeper Tony Roberts for the second consecutive season.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-21

Ex Port Talbot keeper released by Lincoln

Raynor played 21 times for Barry Town in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons, before Joining Port Talbot after Barry Town's financial demise, and he notched up 25 WPL appearances for the Steelmen.

He also had a week long trial with Premiership club Newcastle United at the end of the 2003-04 season.

Since joining Lincoln as a professional player, he has only made 5 first team appearances for the Imps. This season he managed just 1 league cup game for Lincoln before playing 10 games for relegated Torquay United on loan, Raynor was is one of 5 players to be released by Lincoln. Other clubs on his list are Salisbury and AFC Bournemouth, plus an under 23 cap for Canada.

Tony

MAY-21

Wrexham complete Proctor capture

The 26-year-old joined the Dragons on loan in March on an initial one-month agreement that was then extended until the end of the season.

Proctor has signed a three-year deal and the former Sunderland trainee will join Wrexham when his current deal with Pools expires in June.

"This is a big signing for us, he is a clever and bright footballer," Wrexham boss Brian Carey told the club website.

"Michael came here along with Anthony Williams at a period when we needed help and the pair certainly made a difference.

"Now I want him to help us push on and mount a challenge at the top of the table.

"With a full pre-season under his beat I think there is even more to come from him."

Proctor scored twice from nine appearances for the Dragons, appearing both on the wing and as a centre forward.

The first goal earned a crucial win at Shrewsbury and Proctor's second came in the 3-1 victory over Boston on the last day of the season that ensured Wrexham's League Two survival.

Fellow Pools reject Eifion Williams is also thought to be a summer target for Carey.

BBC

MAY-21

Blues cash will help Bluebirds

CARDIFF Blues will help Cardiff City build a team fit for the Premiership – with the money they pay to play at the new stadium.

That is the message from Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale.

With many City fans still suspicious about a ground share that Ridsdale says is almost certain to go ahead, the chairman stressed the benefits of any future link-up will be seen on the field.

Asked for the latest on the rugby-football partnership, Ridsdale made the position clear.

“Do I think it will happen? Yes. Is it right? I can’t see an alternative and it will help our income from the stadium,” he said.

“That will help Dave Jones with the team.”

But Ridsdale hinted that Blues supporters may not be happy about the arrangement.

“The council have gifted Cardiff City land for the stadium and we will own that stadium.

“We were asked to talk to Cardiff Blues. The previous owner of this football club (Sam Hammam) said: “Over my dead body”.

“But how do you think the rugby supporters feel? Their club is going to be tenants of Cardiff City in a football stadium. How do you think they feel about that?”

South Wales Echo

MAY-21

Barry Town announce new manager

PHIL Clay is the new manager of MacWhirter Welsh League club Barry Town.

Clay has had coaching and management roles at Taffs Well, in all three divisions of the Welsh League, as well as posts at Bridgend Town, Llantwit Major and Bryntirion Athletic.

South Wales Echo

MAY-21

Martinez now looking to Spanish market

Roberto Martinez looks certain to add a Spanish flavour to Swansea City's squad this summer after making two scouting trips to his homeland last week. Swansea's manager twice jetted out to the Continent to check on possible new recruits, even watching a whopping four games in one day as part of his player search.
And Martinez believes the success of past imports at Swansea shows the value of looking abroad.
"The foreigners who have come to Swansea City have always done well," Martinez said.
"They have brought something different to the team and the club and I'm certainly not going to look only at the UK market.
"The Spanish market is a fantastic one if you target the right players and that's something I am looking to do.
"I'm talking about getting professionals in, players who have the right attitude and the hunger to succeed.
"You can find those players in Spain and also in France, Italy and Holland."
Martinez also believes the foreign market often offers better value for money than can be found on these shores.
But he is keen to stress that Swansea's dressing room will not be taken over by non-British players next season.
"You have to get the right balance," the former Real Zaragoza youngster added.
"It's important to recognise where we are strong already, and I already I have a squad which is strong in many aspects.
"What I am looking to do is add to that squad to make it stronger."

Evening Post

MAY-21

Davies joins Wales withdrawals

Yeovil striker Arron Davies will miss the friendly at Wrexham on Saturday to play in Sunday's League One final.

West Brom's Jason Koumas and Derby's Lewin Nyatanga had already been ruled out because their involvement in the Championship final on Monday.

All three will return for the Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech Republic on in Cardiff Saturday, 2 June.

But Southend striker Freddy Eastwood will miss both matches as he is still suffering from the back spasms which forced him to miss the final two games of the season.

The 23-year-old was set to win his first cap after proving his eligibility through a Welsh-born grandfather.

Wales added Wrexham striker Chris Llewellyn to the squad last week because of the doubts over Eastwood.

Evening Post

MAY-21

Troubled club ‘was in profit’

FIGURES released by the insolvency firm which took over the running of Wrexham FC reveal that the club actually made a profit for much of the time that it was in administration.

The Dragons’ trading profit was more than £208,000 during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, a report shows.

The news means creditors will now get back more of their investment than they expected.

Insolvency firm Begbies Traynor took over the club in December 2004, before finally selling it to local businessmen Neville Dickens and Geoff Moss in August last year.

In its final report, the Preston-based firm has told creditors they can expect to receive back 32.69p in the pound, an improvement on the 27.73p they voted to accept 12 months ago so that the rescue package could go ahead.

An interim payment of 28p in the pound has already been paid out.

The detailed financial breakdown confirms that Dickens and Moss paid £3.325m for the Racecourse club, £1.2m of which will be shared by the unsecured creditors, which include HM Revenue and Customs, former owner Alex Hamilton, ex-Wrexham directors and dozens of small businesses.

Daily Post

MAY-20

Ex Valencia midfielder is new Crows boss 

CWMBRAN Town have unveiled a former midfielder with La Liga outfit Valencia as their new manager. Spaniard Guillermo Ganet succeeds Cwmbran-based Sean Wharton, who resigned following the Crows relegation from the Welsh Premier League at the end of the 2006-7 season.

Ganet attended a meeting with a number of the club’s playing staff and committee at the Crows’ Old Cwmbran-based clubhouse last night before speaking to the Argus ahead of catching a midnight flight back to Spain.

“I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Cwmbran Town,” he said. I’ll be returning early next week when I look forward to speaking to you at length about how I see the way forward for this club. Ganet spent a month in charge of Welsh League Division One outfit UWIC earlier this year and brought in a couple of players from Cameroon.

Before joining the students, Ganet was In charge of Welwyn Garden City, who he guided to promotion, and was also on the coaching staff at Watford.

Guillermo's playing carer took him from Spain to England and the non-league scene with a host of different clubs before he entered management first at Windsor & Eton.

A cash crisis nearly two years ago proved to be the catalyst for Cwmbran’s eventual demise from the top flight of Welsh domestic football.

Now as they prepare for life in the Welsh League following a 15-season absence, the Crows have turned to Ganet, who watched the Crows towards the end of the season, to help them on the road to recovery.

‘We’re extremely pleased that Guillermo has agreed to join us and we look forward to his input over the coming months,” said a Cwmbran committee spokesman. Cwmbran fans will get the chance to meet Ganet on Thursday when the Crows host an open forum at its clubhouse, 7.30pm start.

South Wales Argus

MAY-20

Liam gives late father best tribute possible

LIAM McCreesh has had two emotional football moments at Port Talbot’s Remax Stadium this season.

McCreesh is captain of Afan Lido, while his late father Gerald McCreesh was honoured by Port Talbot for his services to football.

The new stand at the Remax has been named after Gerald.

Liam led Afan Lido to a Welsh Cup quarter-final win at Port Talbot – and to a 1-0 victory against Goytre United in the MacWhirter Welsh League Shamrock Travel Cup final, also at the Remax.

“It’s been fantastic to earn two memorable victories in front of a stand named after my father,” said Liam.

“We’ve had a good season at Lido, but it was important to finish with a trophy. We achieved that by winning the Shamrock Travel Cup and now we start to plan for next season.

“Our big goal is to regain our place in the Welsh Premier League.

“Reaching two cup finals this time was a big achievement, but that meant a pile-up of fixtures which made things difficult for us.

“We really need to push on next season and step up our challenge for promotion.”

South Wales Echo

MAY-20

Fire Strikes At Farrar Road

The main stand at Farrar Road has been damaged by a fire which struck in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Emergency services attended the blaze shortly after midnight and managed to restrict the damage to the area above the main players entrance.  Reports suggest that the fire was caused  by an electrical fault in the tannoy (PA) system in the commentary box - although this is unconfirmed.

The worst affected areas are said to be the commentary box and the directors seating area.
A more detailed assessment of the damage will take place during the week.
It is not clear what the implications are for Bangor City next season.

Citizens Choice

MAY-20

Glyncorrwg keep hold of the silverware

GLYNCORRWG Hall retained the South Wales FA Intermediate Cup following an incident-packed 4-3 win over FC Martyrs at Taffs Well.

Aside from the seven goals, the final, which was eventually settled in extra-time, also produced four red cards with each side picking up two apiece, while Martyrs’ Chris Brogden suffered a broken ankle.

The Martyrs took the lead through Chris Owen’s eighth minute goal, only for Glyncorrwg to be gifted an equaliser when Martyrs’ goalkeeper Gary Flye was unable to hold the ball in greasy conditions.

Flye soon made amends with a superb save, but disaster struck again when defender Ryan Evans headed the ball into his own net.

On the hour, Owen was again involved as his cross was turned into the net by a Glyncorrwg defender, while the Martyrs’ Nathan James was sent off just before the match went into extra time.

Glyncorrwg then took a 3-2 lead prior to Martyrs’ Sean Quirk and a Glyncorrwg man being dismissed.

Glyncorrwg added a fourth goal before they too suffered a second dismissal, while Owen completed his hat-trick in the final minute.

South Wales Echo

MAY-20

Martinez looks north for new blood

ROBERTO Martinez hopes a double Scotch will help Swansea City toast promotion next season.

The Liberty Stadium boss is close to confirming a link-up between Swansea and Scottish rivals Hamilton Academicals and Motherwell.

The ambitious League One club has already agreed tie-ups with Swedish Third Division club Ostersund and Dutch side Den Haag.

Now Martinez wants to tap into the bargain Scottish market after insisting he will not be held to ransom for over-priced English-based players. The Spaniard is already chasing St Johnstone's Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland and St Mirren pair John Sutton - younger brother of ex-England striker Chris Sutton - and David van Zanten, an ex-Celtic full-back.

And he's weighing up the possibility of sharing playing resources with Motherwell, despite watching his former club lose to St Mirren at Fir Park last weekend. Hamilton Accies, for whom Swans' assistant boss Graeme Jones is a former favourite, are also on his radar as he looks to take the Swans' influence north of the border.

"I have a special relationship with Motherwell, while Graeme is close to Hamilton, but I wouldn't class the link as an official tie-up, more like a footballing friendship," said Martinez.

"The Scottish market is thriving and more affordable than the English league and it's something the club should tap into.

icWales

MAY-20

Purse won't be off say City

CARDIFF City have rejected suggestions that they will sell captain Darren Purse.

Wigan Athletic - who survived in the Premiership after the last-day dramas - apparently want Purse to replace released defender Arjan de Zeeuw.

Centre-back Purse - who has 12 months remaining on his Ninian Park contract - has also courted attention from Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United.

But Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale insisted yesterday: "Don't believe anything you read - silly season has started where every player is linked with almost every club."

icWales

MAY-19

Cambrian & Clydach win youth cup

They easily brushed aside the challenge of Pontardawe Town winning 5-2, this is the 2nd final in a row that Cambrian and Clydach have reached, last season seeing them beaten in the final by Haverfordwest, it brings an end to a successful season for the side who also finished runners up in the East division behind champions Cwmbran Town. 

Cambrian & Clydach have proved to be the most consistent youth team over the last 2 seasons, as they won their Youth central division last season ahead of Merthyr, runners up this season and playing in two finals, well done to the team, whose senior team have won their 2nd promotion in a row since joining the welsh league, and will now play in division 1 next season, the clubs future looks bright on the field, with their up coming stars from the youths pushing for a place in the first team.

Tony

MAY-19

Young Swans fly off to Sweden

Swans official website

MAY-19

Local Derby at last claim City

Bristol City clinched promotion on the final day of the season beating relegated Rotherham 3-1 in front of over 19,000 fans. Next season will see City play Bristol in the league for the first time since the 2002-03 season, and having met twice in league games they faced each other in the promotion play off semi-finals, when City took a 1-0 lead to Ashton Gate with a Peter Thorne goal, and progressed to the play-off finals by securing a 0-0 draw at Ashton Gate. And as every City fan knows Cardiff went onto win the final by beating QPR.

The last time the two clubs met in the 2nd top division of English soccer was back in the season of 1980-81, in that season Bristol were relegated to division 3. 

Tony

MAY-18

Martinez waiting on answers

MAY-18

Price spot on as Neath win cup

MAY-18

Saints and Llanelli confirmed of European Spots

Llanelli AFC are also confirmed as UEFA Intertoto Cup entrants after their Appeal was also upheld at the meeting held in the FAW Headquarters in Cardiff. Their appeal was of a similar nature to the Champions and both clubs were wished the best of luck in their respective competitions by the five person Panel.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-18

Powell always wanted to Manage the Bangor

Neville Powell revealed last weekend to the loyal Supporters of Bangor City that after his successful playing career with City, he always had aspirations to one day Manage the club.

Members of the Bangor City Football Club Supporters Association welcomed back the new Manager last Saturday in the Regency Hotel in Bangor at an event to re-introduce the former Connah's Quay Nomads boss back in to the club. Neville and his family were given a warm welcome by over 30 Supporters and they were touched by the efforts of the supporters who attended the meet and greet meeting.

A large part of the get together was spent reminiscing on the good old days when Powell graced Farrar Road in some of the most important games in the Club's history including the European Cup Winners Cup games against opposition Fredrikstad and Spanish giants Athletico Madrid in 1985.
The new manager also spoke about his determination to make the Club successful once again and when asked what attracted him to join the Club he was quick to point out that he has always had aspirations about one day managing the Club he loved playing for in the 80's. He announced that he will be looking for players from the local area as well as from the North Wales Coast.

The new manager is looking forward to the new season as manager of Bangor City and can't wait for pre season to begin. As announced yesterday, Powell will be joined at the club by his Number 2 at the Nomads Alun Morgan. Meanwhile, their former club continue to look for a new Manager after Morgan turned the post down.

Daily Post

MAY-18

Mark backing hot-shot Rhys to keep on scoring

Former Llanelli striker Mark Dickeson has backed Reds star Rhys Griffiths to continue his amazing goalscoring record at Stebonheath Park. Dickeson, now playing his football for Carmarthenshire League champions Trostre, saw his six-season-long record of 21 league goals for Llanelli ended by Griffiths this season.

Griffiths only arrived from Port Talbot last summer and went on to score a remarkable 46 goals in 48 games, 30 of those coming in the league.
That saw him retain the Golden Boot award, and Dickeson can only see him continuing his goal spree.
"Rhys was brought in during the summer to score goals and he has done that," said Dickeson, who made 143 appearances for the Reds, scoring 56 goals.
"He is quite quick and strong and holds the ball up well and to have a goal-per-game ratio like he has in his first season is fantastic.

"Service is an important thing to strikers and when I was at Llanelli I had Andy Hill supplying some great crosses, and Rhys has got the same around him.
"His record speaks for itself, and hopefully he will be at the club next season."
Dickeson, whose career was blighted by a terrible cruciate ligament injury while at Newport County, was highly thought of by Llanelli fans for his hard work.
While Griffiths has been the top scorer in the Welsh Premier League by a huge margin, he has still had his critics.
But Dickeson had comforting words for Griffiths, and rubbishes any form of negativity from the touchlines.
"He has had criticism this season, which is out of order," said Dickeson.
"You won't find another striker in the league that has a record that Rhys ended up with this season.

Llanelli Star

MAY-18

Wrexham snap up keeper Williams

Wrexham have signed former Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams on a two-year contract.

Williams made nine appearances on loan for the Dragons from Carlisle at the end of the season, keeping five clean sheets as the club avoided relegation.

The 29-year-old was out of contract at League One side Carlisle so moves down a division on a free transfer.

"The club is geared up for success and hopefully we can get out of this league next season," Williams told BBC Sport.

"I was looking to join a club which would give me more opportunities to play and the fact that Wrexham is a Welsh club was also a factor.

"The training ground and improvements they are making convinced me this is a big club and one that's going forward."

Wrexham boss Brian Carey told the club website: "He made a big contribution and we are delighted that he is staying."

BBC

MAY-18

'City had to get rid of Thommo'

DAVE Jones had no choice but to show the door to misfiring Cardiff City striker Steve Thompson.

That’s the verdict today of Echo columnist David Giles after the Bluebirds boss began a mass player clear-out in readiness for next season.

Of all the impending departures, it’s Thompson’s placing on the transfer list that set tongues wagging most.

But Giles insisted nobody should be surprised.

“Thompson had to go in the end, simple as that,” said Giles.

“Nobody takes any pleasure out of it, but if a striker’s job is to score goals, then he hasn’t produced.

“I’m not saying he hasn’t given it his best, but a return of six goals for the season isn’t acceptable and he can’t really say he didn’t have the chances. He’s got no excuses.

“The bottom line is that if Thompson had scored 15 or 16 goals City would have been in the play-offs.

“One of the key reasons why City’s challenge fizzled out was the over-reliance on Michael Chopra as a source of goals.

“I’m sure Dave Jones knows full well he has to address that and he appears to be doing so.”

icWales

MAY-18

Dragon's set Blackburn friendly

WREXHAM yesterday confirmed that Premiership outfit Blackburn Rovers will play a pre-season friendly at the Racecourse on Tuesday, July 10 (7.30pm). Managed by former Wales boss Mark Hughes, the Ewood Park club have qualified for the Inter-Toto Cup and will enter the competition at the third round stage, which is being staged during the final two weeks of July.

The fixture promises to be a financial attraction for the Dragons and manager Brian Carey is thrilled by the prospect of an entertaining workout for his players. “It’s a big honour for us to play host to a big club like Blackburn Rovers and we are delighted they have agreed to come,” he said yesterday. “I hope both teams will gain a great deal from the game. “Teams like Newcastle have used the competition in the past as a springboard into the Uefa Cup so I know Mark will be taking it very seriously and we are pleased to do anything we can to help.” The Racecourse date will be Blackburn’s first outing of the summer and is likely to be marked by the return to action of Wrexham-born midfielder Robbie Savage, who missed much of last season after breaking his leg. And striker Matt Derbyshire, who scored 10 goals during a 16-match loan spell at Wrexham in the 2005-6 season, is also set to figure in the game

icWales

MAY-17

Pennock makes his first new signing

Gareth Phillips has returned to Port Talbot Town after a season at Merthyr Tydfil to become Tony Pennock's first signing since taking over as manager. 

The former Swansea City and Newport County midfielder enjoyed two successful seasons at Port Talbot before switching to Merthyr Tydfil last summer and his return is a major boost for the club ahead of the new season. 

Pennock has a number of targets ahead of his first season in management but will first lead the Wales Semi-Professional squad in the annual four nations tournament in Scotland next week. 

www.porttalbottown.com

MAY-17

Evans helps Cwmaman clinch promotion success

CWMAMAN Institute have earned promotion to the MacWhirter Welsh Football League for next season.

Thunder Road Motorcycles South Wales Amateur League champions Cwmaman beat Thomas, Carroll South Wales Senior League winners Sully Sports 2-1 in a fiercely contested promotion play-off in front of more than 350 spectators at Maesteg Park FC.

Sully drafted in Mark Dodds from Carmarthen Town, while Cwmaman included Neath Athletic’s Jarrod Price.

Both have been on dual registration forms this season.

Chris Banfield fired Cwmaman ahead after nine minutes, but they then missed a penalty when Sully goalkeeper Barrie Niblett saved from Lee Williams.

Dodds equalised with a powerful far post header from a free-kick after 40 minutes and at half-time the teams went in level at 1-1.

Robert Evans broke the deadlock with the winning goal when he shot low into the net after 66 minutes.

Cwmaman will now play in Welsh League Division Three next season.

South Wales Echo

MAY-17

No Crowing over clubs new boss

CWMBRAN Town were today remaining tight-lipped about any appointment of a new manager and whether it has recruited a main sponsor.

The club held a committee meeting last night to discuss both matters, although an expected statement never materialised The Crows' managerial hot-seat has been vacant since Sean Wharton quit at the end of last season, when relegation spelt the end of the club's 15-year-old Welsh Premier League status.

And Cwmbran has been without a main financial backer since local businessman John Colley retired from football before the start of the 2005-06 campaign.

One of the favourites to replace Wharton is Coed Eva FC's Steve Grey, who was a member of his back-room staff, while it's understood a Gwent-based sports-kit supplier is to provide financial clout.

A quick managerial appointment, however, would appear to contradict the club's recent statement that it would advertise the vacancy in the local press and on its web-site.

But with Cwmbran now joining four other sides from the county in next season's Welsh League Division One, it's obvious the need to install a new man to crack on with player recruitment over-rode that original plan.

South Wales Argus

MAY-17

Special meeting called by FAW on £10M deal

WELSH football bosses have called a special meeting for next week to discuss whether to accept a £10m BBC bid to cover John Toshack’s team over the next four years.

The Western Mail understands BBC Wales have tabled the bumper offer in a bid to win back TV rights from Sky.

Secretary general David Collins has written to the 27 FAW council members to ask them to attend a meeting to debate the matter in Wrexham a week tomorrow.

There is only one item on the agenda, headlined ‘Sponsorship.’

It is unclear whether Sky, who currently hold the rights to televise Wales games at the Millennium Stadium, have put in a similar offer to the one tabled by the Beeb.

Sky recently announced a £10m deal to cover Northern Ireland matches and, it is understood, the agent who put together that package is also working for the FAW on theirs.

Sky will be loathe to lose a Wales team that, unlike Northern Ireland, contains genuine star names like Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and up-and-coming sensation Gareth Bale.

But we understand BBC Wales have put together a tempting package to the FAW, which includes a pledge to screen a number of Welsh Premier League, Welsh Cup and women’s international matches.

Asked about the looming TV deal, Collins would only say, “I’ve no comment to make.”

He continued, “You know I never comment on contractual matters.”

Western Mail

MAY-17

Morgan Turns down Nomads job

Alan Morgan has informed Connah's Quay Nomads Chairman, John Gray, that he will not be taking the Manager's post at the Deeside Stadium. The position was vacated last week by Nev Powell, who left the club to join Bangor City and Morgan has decided that he will follow him to Farrar Road.

In a club statement on their official Website the Nomads said,

"Morgan said that he does not feel quite ready to step into management and feels that a move to Bangor City as Assistant Manager will enable him to continue to fill the gaps in his experience.

"The Chairman thanked Alan for all the excellent work that he has done since joining Nomads and wished him good luck in his new post. Secretary Bobby Hunter, is contacting several potential experienced applicants who have expressed an interest in the post, later today and will ensure that the players and fans are kept fully informed of any further developments via this (the club's) website."

Despite Morgan's reasoning behind his decision, the 'B' Licence coach has previously been in charge of a Welsh Premier League club when he took the hot seat as Player/Manager of NEWI Cefn Druids. He took over from current Caernarfon Town boss, Steve O'Shaughnessy in May 2004, but he was replaced at Plas Kynaston in December 2005 by their current incumbent Dixie McNeil.

The Nomads are now back to square one and with the departure of both their Manager and his Assistant and today's other news that midfielder Craig Garside has also departed to join Rhyl, the Nomads Board of Directors will have to act quickly to ensure that there are no more departures at the Deeside Stadium.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-17

Jones chases £250k winger

CARDIFF City are keen on winger Martin Devaney.

The lively and dangerous Barnsley player was watched by Bluebirds’ scouts a number of times this season.

Manager Dave Jones wants a wide midfield player who can deliver accurate crosses into the strikers and Devaney is that type of player.

Barnsley manager Simon Davey wants to keep Devaney at Oakwell and the player has signed a new contract.

But it would only take a small fee, probably around £250,000, to tempt the cash-strapped club to part with Devaney.

Cardiff City are to name their official retained list later today and with many players on their way out manager Dave Jones will be working flat-out to strengthen his squad over the next few weeks.

With striker Steve Thompson facing a Ninian Park exit, New Zealand international hitman Chris Killen is a major target along with a goalkeeper to take over from the departing Neil Alexander.

Devaney is another on Jones’ wanted list, although Cardiff have not yet made a bid for the player. Devaney has scored 12 goals in 92 first team appearances for Barnsley over the last two seasons.

He started his playing career as a trainee with Coventry City and moved on to Cheltenham Town and Watford before joining Barnsley in 2005.

He has netted 57 goals in more than 300 first team appearances during his career.

South Wales Echo

MAY-17

Thompson heads Cardiff clear-out

Scotland international Thompson has paid the price for a poor season where he managed to score just 6 goals.

Defender Chris Barker, who has been on a loan for a season at Colchester, and midfielder Kevin Cooper are the others under contract to be transfer-listed.

Neil Alexander and Kevin Campbell are among 12 players out of contract who have been allowed to leave Ninian Park.

Arsenal's Kerrea Gilbert, Willem II's Iwan Redan and Charlton's Simon Walton have returned to their clubs after the end of their loan deals.

Jones warned before the end of the season he would need to sell some of the current squad members in order to raise funds to sign new players.

South Wales Echo

MAY-17

Keeper Alexander says his goodbyes to supporters

NEIL Alexander was saying his goodbyes to Cardiff City supporters at Ninian Park last night.

Scottish international goalkeeper Alexander, 29, is out of contract this summer and leaving the Bluebirds after six years with the club.

All senior professionals attended a sponsors evening at Ninian Park and they mixed with fans who had backed individual players.

City players remain in training until the end of the month as fitness coach Alex Armstrong conducts tests.

The fitness of every player will be measured before they leave for a one month break and again when they return for the start of pre-season training at the end of June.

South Wales Echo

MAY-16

Llangefni look to say Alliance farewells

CHAMPIONS Llangefni Town can expect a rousing ovation from their fans tonight when they stage their Cymru Alliance farewell.

In their final match of the campaign, manager Adie Jones’ team play Holyhead Hotspur, who contributed to the title triumph by restricting Cefni’s rivals Flint and Bala to costly draws.

Llangefni’s summer objective is to seek confirmation of their promotion to the Welsh Premier at the league’s annual meeting at Llandudno on June 16.

The club’s general manager Bryan Owen said: “We have all sorts of things to do, getting the ground finished, organising the funding, the squad of players, plus all the other preparations.

“It will be a case of rolling up our sleeves and getting on with the job. It is an exciting challenge”.

All of Llangefni’s regular players will be on standby tonight but a goalkeeper change is planned, with 16-year-old Liam Ewing having an outing in place of regular choice Farai Jackson.

Holyhead also plan a keeper swap, recalling Mike Doutch, who has not played since February, as replacement for the injured Liam Shanahan.

Mike Kelly and Nigel Moore are also out injured and assistant manager Mark Williams will be in contention to play.

Daily Post

MAY-16

Nomad Garside joins Lilywhites

Craig Garside has become the first player to leave Connah's Quay Nomads in the post Nev Powell era. The former Everton Youth teamer has joined John Hulse's Rhyl as the Lilywhites boss continues to add to his squad, who will embark on another European adventure on Thursday 19th July.

He's just had an excellent season for Nomads and a lot of clubs were interested in him, so I'm delighted to sign a player who I'm sure will be a great asset to Rhyl

Garside, 22, featured in the same Toffees team as Wayne Rooney in the 2002 FA Youth Cup final before going on to play for Caernarfon Town, Airbus UK, Bangor City and Colwyn Bay prior to joining the Nomads. The Chester born Garside had an excellent record as a Young International after captaining Wales at under-15, under-16 and under-19 level. He featured 30 (+1) times for the Nomads last year, scoring four times.

The capture of Garside is the second for the Belle Vue club in the close season after signing winger Craig Jones from Aberystwyth Town last week. The Rhyl boss says he has his eye on one or two other players and a couple more signings are expected soon. Hulse also reported the majority of last season's squad have re-signed, with just two players currently on holiday still to put pen to paper.

Daily Post

MAY-16

Swansea's Jones close to a return

He said: "I can't stress how difficult it has been but the important thing is not to let it affect you too much.

BBC

MAY-16

Premier hopefuls pass ground test

The league's board has recommended that both clubs' application be approved at next month's Annual General Meeting.

With only Cwmbran Town relegated, the league will return to a full compliment of 18 clubs next season.

Cymru Alliance champions Llangefni and Welsh League champions Neath will be competing for the first time Wales' top-flight league.

Neath almost made it a year ago, but their application was rejected after failing to meet the league's required ground criteria.

But the south Wales club, who won the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One title with a record 92 points, have made the necessary upgrades and .

Llangefni pipped Bala Town to the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance title by just one point.

BBC

MAY-16

Wales Misses out on Extra UEFA Cup Place

The top eleven Nations, who throughout the season, reached a high enough Fair Play co-efficient are rewarded for their efforts towards the value of Fair Play by gaining an opportunity to enter the UEFA Cup 1st Qualifying Round. The overall winners who were Sweden are automatically awarded a place, whilst in today's draw Finland and Norway were the lucky beneficiaries, as two further teams were drawn out of a possible ten.

This is the second consecutive year that Wales has entered the draw, but unfortunately, we have again missed out, so we will be represented with the normal two entries in 2007/08, who will be Rhyl (Principality Welsh Premier League Runners-Up) and Carmarthen Town (Welsh Cup Champions).

Sweden finished top of the UEFA Fair Play ranking for the second consecutive year, and their nomination last year, Gefle IF faced Llanelli in the UEFA Cup 1st Qualifying Round last year, in which the Reds won 2-1 on aggregate to progress in their first ever European match.

The other seven National Associations, which missed out in today's draw were - Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Aston Villa from England and France, who all gained a coefficient equal to, or higher than, 8.0 in the rankings.

The 2006/07 Fair Play competition began on 1 June 2006 and finished on 30 April this year. This competition is based on Fair Play assessments made by official UEFA delegates at all UEFA competition matches for club and national teams. The coefficient is founded on a number of criteria such as positive play, respect for the opposition, respect for the referee, and behaviour of the crowd and team officials, as well as cautions and dismissals.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-16

Swans close to Scotland capture

SWANSEA CITY were last night closing in on the capture of Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland.

Though Swans boss Roberto Martinez poured cold water on a possible deal last week, sources in Scotland are claiming that the St Johnstone striker could arrive in South Wales by the end of the week.

It is understood that Swansea would pay a nominal fee for the 28-year-old who is contracted to the Perth club until the end of August.

Martinez insisted he had “only been getting information” about the player when Swansea’s interest in Scotland was revealed last week.

Scotland scored 26 goals last season and would provide the extra pace up front that Martinez is seeking.

“He is a player that we have been watching for quite a while and I’m still to make my mind up as to whether he would be a good Swansea City player,” said Martinez.

South Wales Echo

MAY-16

Merthyr Cup win has its 20th birthday

Yesterday Merthyr Tydfil celebrated the 20th anniversary of a Welsh Cup success which sparked a massive upsurge in fortunes.

The Martyrs won the 100th Welsh Cup final on May 15, 1987, beating Newport County 1-0 thanks to a Chris Baird penalty.

That centenary victory was just the start for a Merthyr Tydfil team rated the club’s best for 30 years.

They won the Beazer League Midlands Division a year later and then lifted the Premier Division title.

That earned promotion to the Conference where Merthyr Tydfil finished fourth – the highest they achieved in the club’s history.

“That team who won the Welsh Cup were outstanding, there was quality in every position,” said Merthyr Tydfil FC historian David Watkins.

“From Gary Wager in goal, the best ‘keeper in non-League football at the time, through David Tong who played for Blackpool and Cardiff City to number 11.

“It was such a well balanced team. And it was virtually that cup winning side who went on to earn league successes.

“One or two were added along the way, but it was basically the same line-up.”

South Wales Echo

MAY-16

Bluebirds are still Joe’s priority

CARDIFF City are searching throughout Britain and Europe for a left-back, but they could yet have the answer close at hand.

And Wales under-21 international Joe Jacobson, currently on loan with Bristol Rovers, is keen to be given a chance.

“I am learning and gaining experience with Rovers and I’d love to think I can do well when I go back to Cardiff,” said Jacobson.

“My aim, of course, is to break into the first team with Cardiff and help them to promotion.”

A number of Coca-Cola League clubs are keen on Jacobson, who has made only two first-team appearances for the Bluebirds. He is in the Bristol Rovers team along with two former Cardiff club-mates, Byron Anthony and Ryan Green.

South Wales Echo

MAY-15

Martinez sets up Swedish link for Swans

Swansea City will send players on loan to Sweden this summer before spending a week training there themselves in pre-season. Teenagers Scott Evans and Kerry Morgan are to have spells with Swedish third division side Ostersund, while Steve Watt or Shaun MacDonald could follow them depending on their fitness.

And boss Roberto Martinez, who is friendly with the club's chairman, has revealed that Swansea's squad will travel to Scandinavia as well as Holland as part of their preparations for the new League One campaign.

''The season runs differently to ours in Sweden, with matches from April to the end of June and then August to October,'' Martinez explained.

''These players will go out there because they've not had enough football.

''They will be above the standard out there, but the club is very professional, the pitches are beautiful and it will be a great experience for our young players.

''Going abroad will help their progression and the competitive football will get them ready for our pre-season.''

After reporting back on June 29, Swansea will jet out to Sweden for a training camp in early July.

The trip will culminate with a friendly against Ostersund to mark the opening of their new 5,000-capacity stadium.

Swansea then return to Wales before playing four friendlies in Holland in late July and early August.

''The place where we're going is where Sweden's skiing world champions are based and the facilities are fantastic,'' Martinez added.

''It's also 1,000 metres above sea level, so it will be great for our players to train out there.''

Gareth Vincent

MAY-15

Dave Jones wields the axe

CARDIFF City’s end-of-season clear-out starts today.

Manager Dave Jones was holding one-on-one meetings with Bluebirds players throughout the day – and 15 will be leaving the club.

The big names in that group, all out of contract, are Neil Alexander, Kevin Campbell and Jeff Whitley.

Chris Barker, who had an outstanding season on loan at Colchester United, Kevin Cooper, whose loan spell with Walsall was a factor in their promotion, Paul Parry, Steve Thompson, Willo Flood, Jason Byrne and Joe Jacobson, currently earning rave reviews on loan with Bristol Rovers, could all come into that category.

Cardiff are aiming to have a senior first-team squad of 23 players for 2007-2008, including youngsters Darcy Blake and Chris Gunter – two for each position plus three goalkeepers.

And today’s clear-out will leave Jones needing to bring in at least five players to go straight into the first-team squad.

A goalkeeper is a top priority with Neil Alexander on his way out. City have identified three who would be ideal – and all of them are with Premiership clubs.

City are also keen on Hibs’ striker Chris Killen, who Jones feels could help answer goal-scoring problems.

Following today’s clearout there will be 18 senior players left at Cardiff for next season and Jones is intent on bring new signings in over the next few weeks.

Those who are under contract through next season are: Darren Purse, David Forde, Joe Ledley, Kevin McNaughton, Glenn Loovens, Roger Johnson, Peter Whittingham, Paul Parry, Willo Flood, Stephen McPhail, Riccy Scimeca, Darcy Blake, Chris Gunter, Steve Thompson, Warren Feeney, Jason Byrne, Matt Green

South Wales Echo

MAY-15

Austin on verge of signing

Kevin Austin hopes to tie up his new deal at Swansea City by the end of the week. Liberty Stadium boss Roberto Martinez has told the 34-year-old defender that he would be offered a new contract this summer.

And the former Bristol Rovers player is hoping that talks won't drag on for too long.

"Things are still ongoing at the moment but it is looking good," said Austin.

"There are couple of last-minute things to sort out and hopefully I will be meeting with the gaffer later this week."

The powerhouse defender had an impressive campaign this term, making 34 appearances.

But Austin is under no illusion that it is going to be even tougher next season once skipper Garry Monk is fit again, and there will be competition too from Izzy Iriekpen and Dennis Lawrence.

"That has always been the way here," the 34-year-old added. "But I want to stay.

"For me personally this season has gone very well, although there is still room for improvement - even at my age."

Austin is one of six players who have been offered new contracts this summer.

Both Monk and Iriekpen are looking to tie up a new deal at the Liberty Stadium, along with Kristian O'Leary, Steve Watt and Bayo Akinfenwa.

Evening Post

MAY-14

Final Saturday round up for Gwent clubs

Caerleon played on Friday night when they were held to a 1-1 home draw by already-relegated Ely Rangers, with Mark Williams grabbing an equaliser.

"It's been a learning curve this season for us and we're very happy with the position we've achieved," said Caerleon chief Brendan Dowd. "You always look back and think you should have won more games, but in general we're satisfied and it goes without saying that we'll try and better it next season."

Caldicot travelled to face Merthyr Saints locked level on points with promoted rivals Bettws, with the Gwent club having the better goal difference.

However, the issue of who goes up never came down to that scenario because Caldicot won 3-1 while Bettws could only draw 2-2 at Caerau Ely.

"It's been a long, hard season and to be honest I thought we were out of contention about a month ago when Bettws had three games in hand," said Caldicot boss Jason Pritchard, who saw David Lloyd miss a penalty while it was 0-0 before he made up for it by getting on the scoresheet alongside Gareth Cullimore and Mark Williams.

"But Bettws kept losing and we started to pick up points and I'm delighted at the way every player has responded to the challenge.

"But we've an even bigger challenge next season and we'll keep the bulk of the squad we have at the moment."

In Division Three, Aberbargoed Buds finished their debutant campaign in a highly respectable sixth position following a 2-1 home success over Porthcawl Town with both goals coming from Ross Fowler - although Ross Murzczak was straight red-carded.

"It's been a very satisfying first season for us and now we'll hope to build on it," said Buds' assistant manager, John Randall.

But while the Buds celebrate, Chepstow Town must now wait to discover if they are to be relegated back to the Gwent Senior League after finishing second from bottom of the division - despite Saturday's 4-2 home win over Ystradgynlais.

"We've been told unofficially that three teams have applied to come up, but that none will be able to, so it's a case of waiting now for the official verdict," said Chepstow manager Ian Davies. "To be fair, if we do go down then it'll be right because we've finished second bottom. But if there is a chance of us staying up, then that would be great and we'd take it."

South Wales Argus

MAY-14

Coldrick out to catch Gwent's top dogs

However, he has every reason to because with Cwmbran Town coming down from the Welsh Premier League and Caldicot Town being promoted from Division Two of the WL, there will be no fewer than five Gwent teams in Division One in 2007-08.

"We're already looking forward to July and pre-season, so bring it on really and let's go again," said Coldrick, who is assisted by Darren Bidgood. "The less travelling the better, obviously, because we've a few lads on shift work and all that helps - plus having that many Gwent clubs will make it far more intense.

"You want to be the top dog in Gwent and credit to Croesyceiliog this year for becoming just that and finishing top of the tree, but we'll be looking to catch them next season."

YMCA began the match with the students at Mendalgief Road knowing they were safe from the drop and that their opponents had been relegated following a 4-0 mid-week defeat at ENTO Aberaman.

But despite there being no pressure, the match was a pretty drab affair and was punctuated only by a couple of fine saves from home goalkeeper Kieron Blackburn and a late, point-blank miss by substitute Faris Yafi.

"It could have gone either way in the end and I suppose it would have been unfair if a team had lost," reflected Coldrick. "This game gave us a great opportunity to get some of our youth-team boys in the squad and Rico Zulkarnain and Mark Greenfield came on the second half and did a fantastic job for us.

"We're always looking to the future and trying to strengthen behind the scenes with the youth structure and the junior section and the future is bright. As far as the first team is concerned, I've told the players we have to put our faults to bed and build on the good things in the summer.

"We've had a few walking wounded for five or six weeks and no doubt they'll be looking forward to a rest and getting a bit of treatment - ready for pre-season, of course."

South Wales Argus

MAY-14

Steelmen strike duo could be on their way

Port Talbot could be without their two top strikers come next season. Martin Rose (Port's tops scorer with 10 goals) and Chad Bond (8 goals) could both get their chances to join league division 1 sides Doncaster Rovers and Swansea City respectively.

Rose went on a weeks trial with Doncaster and made enough of an impression with the Rovers boss that he was asked to join up again for pre-season training.

While Chad Bond was involved with Swansea City before being released and joining up with Port Talbot, he spent time back with Swansea and has also been asked back for pre-season training.

The loss of either striker to new manager Tony Pennock would be a big blow ahead of a new season, and have him looking desperately to fill the voids, and hopefully if it were to happen he would be looking at strikers from outside the Port Talbot area for replacements.

Tony

MAY-14

Peter's pledge to Bluebirds

PETER Ridsdale will be remembered as the man who did more than anyone to help realise Cardiff City's dreams of a new home.

But in a week when the £58m stadium project achieved 'unconditional' approval, the City chairman admits he may have ridden off into the sunset by the time the 25,000-capacity arena opens for business in March 2009.

"People are trying to make out the stadium project is something I've done," said Ridsdale.

"It is not being built for me or by me, I just happen to have had the responsibility of making the stadium happen.

"The stadium is being built by Cardiff City FC for the city of Cardiff. The football club is about the supporters, not about individuals like me. I'm simply doing a job for the supporters.

"If I was to go, why would it matter?

"I might not be here when the stadium opens. I can't give any guarantees about that.

"Even if I left tomorrow the club wouldn't be affected as it is owned by a broad base of shareholders."

icWales

MAY-14

Final welsh league round up for 2006-07

Neath's triumph over Dinas Powys meant they overtook the long-standing points record for a season of Briton Ferry taking their tally to 92, notching up 100 goals in the process with only two losses.

Neath had clinched the title 10 days previously but wanted to complete their season with a bang and did so, Carl Jenkins netting two of the goals and Andy Hill getting the other.

Goytre, last season’s champions finished as runners-up, pipping Pontypridd on goal difference with both on 80 points.

Elsewhere in the top flight, Newport YMCA fought out a goalless draw at home to the students of Uwic, while Bryntirion scored through Matthew Price in the seventh minute of injury-time to secure a 2-2 draw with Bridgend, who had opened up a 2-0 advantage through Raith Plant and Gethin Jones.

Bryntirion pulled one back with Andrew Lyddon netting before Price struck.

Barry, Ely Rangers, Grange Quins and Uwic will go down from the first division.

Two wins in a week made sure of Caldicot’s promotion from division two along with champions Garw and Cambrian and Clydach.

AFC Llwydcoed overcame Morriston in a battle between two relegated clubs.

Luke Davies, Jonathan Biggins and Matthew Doherty were on target for Llwydcoed, while Gary Taylor, from the penalty spot, and Rob Hidle scored for Morriston.

Western Mail

MAY-13

Williams parting shot at Swansea

Williams, 26, who had his season disrupted by two hernia injuries, made more than 50 appearances for the Swans since joining from Gillingham nearly 18 months ago. And the defender also revealed to BBC Sport that he is close to finding a club with five or six having shown an interest in him. He said: "A club came in for me in March but Swansea couldn't agree a fee so it didn't happen and we decided to put it off 'til the end of the season. "To be fair I've been linked with five or six clubs which is a nice position to be in and I'm confident a deal can be done."

BBC

MAY-13

Bluebirds exit saddens Alexander

"We always knew that if Cardiff didn't come back with the contract that we agreed in January then we wouldn't be signing," said the Scotland stopper.

Cardiff would not offer improved terms and eventually withdrew any contract.

"I've got used to the fact now that I'm leaving, but I would have loved to have stayed," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"It's part and parcel of football, but it's going to be a sad day when I drive away from Cardiff for the last time.

"We couldn't agree a new contract, which was unfortunate, but I'll not be leaving with any grudges."

Asked if current manager Dave Jones was the man to lead Cardiff into the top flight, Alexander replied: "Who knows?

"Sometimes it's not always about the manager, sometimes it's all about the players.

"We thought we had a good enough squad this year but maybe we just tipped it short."

BBC

MAY-13

Neath's Crème de la Prem

The decision to merge two football clubs only a stone's throw apart has reaped rich rewards.

Barely two years ago, Neath AFC and Skewen Athletic linked up to become Neath Athletic, and the move has proved to be a fairytale. Having had the rug pulled from under their feet by the Football Association of Wales last season, after finishing runners-up, this really is a fantastic achievement by the Llandarcy side. Visiting the club next season will be some quality teams, including New Saints, Rhyl, Llanelli and close neighbours Port Talbot Town. Now Neath Athletic secretary Tony Melding has urged football supporters and the town's businesses to support them in the Welsh Premiership. 'Everyone at the club is ecstatic,' said Melding, who linked up with Neath from Skewen along with manager Andy Dyer.' We got knocked back last year, and to come out and get automatically promoted shows the character in the club. 'We are absolutely over the moon and I hope people come along and support us in the Premiership. 'These are exciting times for the club and we are looking forward to playing in the Welsh Premiership.'

Melding claims the FAW made an error last year by not accepting the club into the top league after finishing runners-up. Neath were adamant that they had carried out the necessary works, but their pleas fell on deaf years. There will be no repeat of the fiasco this season as Neath have made absolutely sure that all the FAW's requests have been met.

'We had a re-inspection by FAW chairman John Deakin and his colleagues,' said Melding. 'Every box will be ticked and rubber-stamped - there won't be any problems.' You can't put a price on Neath's progress and sponsors are expected to be queuing up to be affiliated with a successful club and possible exposure on selected match days on S4C. Melding, said: 'It has been phenomenal progress in two years and shows what can be done with the right people.

'We do not have a sugar daddy at the club and some people do not believe that our manager Andy Dyer does not take a penny out of the budget for himself, which is extremely rare in Welsh League Division One, let alone the Premiership. 'The money goes on players and we are really grateful to Andy and his coaches Raymond Pennock and Simon Dyer.' Melding confirmed that every current Neath player will be retained, but it was inevitable that they would be adding players to the squad through the summer.

MAY-12

Aber's Craig Jones signs for Rhyl

Craig's career started at Buckley Town before progressing into the WPL with Airbus UK. At the start of the 2006/2007 season after impressing manager Brian Coyne he switched alligence to the Black and Green cause. During that time became popular both with the players and the fans and scoring some top quality goals in the process.

He has made 22 league starts for the Seasiders last season and has so far scored 14 goals from 65 Welsh Premier appearances.

www.atfc.org.uk

MAY-12

Garden Village ready for the champs

Garden Village may have ended their league campaign in disappointing fashion but they now have the chance of winning some silverware for the first time in five years. They take on Welsh League champions Neath Athletic in the final of the Tony Nakonecznyj West Wales Senior Cup at Llandarcy Park on Wednesday (7.30).

A 4-1 reverse at neighbours Ammanford in midweek brought the curtain down on their second division campaign, but three defeats in their final 15 games gives Village manager Bob Lloyd plenty of positives.

"This is a very prestigious game for the club, it will be our first appearance in the final and it will be a challenge," said Lloyd.

Evening Post

MAY-12

Welsh Lge Promotion to div 3 deciders

SULLY Sports and Cwmaman United go head-to-head at Maesteg Park FC on Tuesday (7pm) – and the winners will be promoted into MacWhirter Welsh League Division Three.

For Sully, this is the chance to make the step up after they won the Thomas, Carroll South Wales Amateur League title last season and were denied the chance to go up because their ground did not reach Welsh League standards.

This time the grounds of both clubs have already been inspected and given a thumbs up.

Cwmaman, edged out by Llangeinor a year ago, go into the promotion play-off as champions of the Thunder Road Motorcycles South Wales Amateur League.

There is no nomination for a team to be promoted from West Wales this season, while Gwent County have recommended Monmouth Town, who finished runners-up behind Newport Civil Service.

Monmouth, it is felt, have the ground facilities to play at Welsh League level, while Newport CS do not.

South Wales Echo

MAY-12

Cambrian go for under-19 cup glory

This is a second season Cambrian have reached this final, slipping 1-0 to a Haverfordwest County goal scored in the last minute of extra time a year ago.

Cambrian, who have strong links with former England coach Terry Venables, are a well organised club who are making progress at junior and senior level.

Their first team have been promoted to MacWhirter Welsh League Division One for next season.

The junior section at Cambrian have under-nine and under-11 teams playing Rhondda mini-football, while the under-13 and under-15 teams are in the Rhondda and District League.

“It is a lot of work organising a lot of teams in a small area,” says club secretary Keith Jenkins. “But we put in a lot of effort to maintain progress.”

Dean Payne is Cambrian’s top scorer, while Darryl Phillips is captain.

South Wales Echo

MAY-11

Swansea target Dutchman Bodde

Bodde is believed to be looking for a move from Den Haag, who have just been relegated from Holland's top flight.

The 25-year-old is still under contract with Den Haag but Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins says he hopes to negotiate a cut-price transfer fee.

"We tried to get him last season, but with them going down it might make it easier," said Jenkins.

BBC

MAY-11

Crows will carry on

The Crows were recently relegated after finishing rock bottom of the Welsh Premier League, over two years after a financial meltdown proved a catalyst for the club to turn to amateur status in a semi-professional league containing two full-time clubs.

In an exclusive interview with the Argus last week, goalkeeper Gareth Wesson called on the club to confirm its intention one way or another.

With the one-player-one-club rule to be implement across the whole of Welsh football next season, Wesson said he and his team-mates needed to know if they had to make a decision to move on to other clubs.

However Crows secretary Ian Greaney confirmed that the club: l Is to continue l Is to advertise for a new manager to succeed Sean Wharton, who recently resigned l Is to carry on playing at Cwmbran Stadium l Is to explore two possible avenues of money-making "I can 100 per cent confirm that Cwmbran Town will be carrying on next season," said Greaney.

"We will be soon be advertising the post of manager for what is now our Welsh League side, in local papers and on our website.

"We obviously need to make a quick appointment because there is much for the manager to do during the summer months.

"I'd also like to dispel the rumour which has been doing the rounds in the town that we haven't got a home ground.

"Cwmbran Town will definitely be playing at Cwmbran Stadium in the 2007-08 season and we are not looking for a new home and it's never been our intention to do so.

"Also, we've not made any contact with the local council for a reduction in the rent. However dependant on what's happening in the background at this club, a decision on that will be made as and when.

"In terms of where is the money going to come from, we are looking to go down a couple of avenues.

"There may be two possible sources of income on the table, but I can't disclose either of them at this point.

"As a committee, we are looking now to set out an AGM for the club, so that officers can be elected. "We are compiling our constitution ready for that AGM in the next two or three weeks.

"We're looking at introducing a membership scheme in order to give people voting rights, so that this club is run fairly for all."

The Crows will start the 2007-08 season in the MacWhirter League Division One alongside Gwent rivals Caerleon, Croesyceiliog, Newport YMCA and possibly Caldicot Town if they gain Division Two promotion.

Daily Post

MAY-11

Morgan to be offered Quay role

CONNAH’S Quay Nomads are to hold talks with assistant manager Alan Morgan early next week after Neville Powell took over as Bangor City boss.

Despite an improved offer from Nomads to continue his reign into a 14th season, Powell decided the lure of his old club Bangor was too great to resist.

“We were shocked by what happened and went as far as we possibly could to keep Neville, but after a three-hour meeting, in the end the pull of Bangor was the deciding factor," said Nomads secretary Bobby Hunter yesterday.

"My phone hasn't stopped ringing with people enquiring about the situation but there is nothing settled at all and that's what I've told everyone."

Based on the Wirral, the highly-rated Morgan, 34, had a brief spell as player-manager with Druids and continues coaching at Tranmere Rovers.

Powell is also such an admirer of Morgan that he is understood to have invited him to continue the partnership at Bangor in a similar role.

"We hope to sit down with Alan and see what his thoughts are, and if nothing comes of it we'll have to move on," Hunter said. “Plenty of people are showing great interest in the manager's job.

“We are really sorry to lose Neville, who has done a tremendous job for us, and we can only thank him and wish him well."

Daily Post

MAY-11

Llanelli make UEFA plea

Llanelli have applied for special dispensation from Uefa to stage their Intertoto Cup match at Stebonheath Park. The Reds hope support from the Football Association of Wales will persuade Europe's governing body to relax their rules and allow them to play their European match with Lithuanian side Vetra Vilnius at their home ground.
The appeal is likely to be rejected, but the club remain hopeful they can bring European football to the ground for the first time in its 111-year history.
"At the moment we will be playing at Carmarthen's home ground," said Llanelli's business development manager Nigel Richards.
"We feel that we have a better ground than Carmarthen and we even staged the Welsh Cup final last week so we want to have our European game here.
"Our fans deserve to see their club play at their home ground, and the FAW have applied to Uefa on our behalf."
They were given special dispensation by Uefa last season to play at Stradey but were told the ground would not be good enough for their second round qualifying match.
That saw them head to the Liberty, but on reflection, the cost of playing at the Liberty proved too expensive, despite a crowd of more than 2,500.
While Carmarthen's home ground boasts a 1,000-seater stand - a key component in Uefa's criteria - the Reds plan to use their own stand at Stebo.
That would mean just 650 fans at Stebo, as European competitions do not condone terracing.
With the club having run out of time to erect an extra stand, their hopes rely on a kind response from Uefa.
"We feel we could have only 400 fans going up to Carmarthen," added Richards.
"We would have more at Stebo and although it will only be 650, at least it would give the town the added financial bonus of staging European football.
"We have been told not to expect much in the response, but we can only try."

Chris Barney

MAY-11

£45k a week players are out of our league

CARDIFF City boss Dave Jones has declared the Bluebirds will not splash the cash this summer.

The club announced yesterday the much-awaited £58m new stadium project had gone ‘unconditional’ and chairman Peter Ridsdale told the Echo money will be available for new players.

But the Bluebirds’ manager quickly sent out a message to fans not to get carried away at the thought of joining the Championship’s big spenders.

He was shocked by the salary demands of his targets last January, including Birmingham striker Mikael Forrsell who was rumoured to be earning £45,000 a week.

“We cannot be stupid in the market this summer,” Jones told the Echo. “We can’t go looking for players costing £2m to £3m – just forget it. Some of those we were looking at in the January transfer window were on £45,000 a week and we just can’t and won’t compete with that sort of money.

“At the other end of the scale we are not looking at bargain basement either as the club has gone forward – it is more a case of getting players that we can afford.

“I have given Peter a list of players who are currently playing in the Premiership and the Championship and every playing position at this club needs to be improved.”

And Jones has revealed next Tuesday will be D-Day for the current squad when he tells them what their future holds at Ninian Park.

South Wales Echo

MAY-11

Lithuania a trip for Euro ace Lloyd

Llanelli Star

MAY-11

Swansea target Dutchman Bodde

Bodde is believed to be looking for a move from Den Haag, who have just been relegated from Holland's top flight.

The 25-year-old is still under contract with Den Haag but Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins says he hopes to negotiate a cut-price transfer fee.

"We tried to get him last season, but with them going down it might make it easier," said Jenkins.

BBC

MAY-11

Brough: I’ll miss County - big time

Brough, 34, was one of five players released by manager Peter Beadle after County failed to make it into the playoff positions in the Conference South.

In a further cruel blow to the skipper who was instrumental in helping the Exiles to avoid the drop a year ago, Brough's final appearance for County didn't even last half an hour as injury forced him off in the decisive loss to Cambridge City.

It is no secret that Brough was hugely disappointed with Beadle's decision to let him leave after being such an integral part of the side for 14 months.

He made 47 first team appearances this term and is adamant he'll say a proper farewell to the Spytty Park faithful.

He explained: "I had two of the best years of my career at Newport and for me the club is a Conference outfit or above in every respect other than league position.

"The fans were always fantastic to me and I feel bad that I didn't get to say a proper goodbye to everyone.

But I guarantee I will, be it as an opposing player, manager, coach or simply a supporter, I will make sure I return next season and say farewell to everyone.

"Newport County is a very special club, it's a real shame from my perspective that I won't be involved next season."

South Wales Argus

MAY-10

Cwmbran Celtic go up as champions

Cwmbran Celtic were crowned Division Three champions with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Risca United in a hard but exhilarating game at Ty-Isaf Park, writes Ray Parker.

Celtic, in only their second Welsh League season, whipped the trophy away from watching Llanwern with two stunning late goals after Risca had taken the lead.

Celtic ended the season in perfect style, gaining the title and extending their unbeaten league which began in mid-September after losing to Llanwern.

In their first season of Welsh League football, Celtic escaped a swift return to the County League by the skin of their teeth. Manager Mickey Copeman has achieved a remarkable turnaround.

It was something special for Celtic coach Del Cheedy to celebrate because he was previously the manager at Risca.

Ray Parker

MAY-10

The big £58m go-ahead for City

CARDIFF City chairman Peter Ridsdale today announced the final go-ahead for the club’s new stadium – but promised it will not affect Dave Jones’ summer transfer kitty.

The Bluebirds were today celebrating the final piece of the stadium jigsaw going into place as they deposited £58m into a Cardiff council bank account ready for the new development to begin.

The funds come from Cardiff City’s land deals, new investments and commitments from retail park tenants.

It marks the end of years of uncertainty over whether the project – which has now been deemed “unconditional” – would ever become reality.

“We have paid £58m into the council project bank account – for the whole scheme,” a delighted Ridsdale told the

“That £58m will fund the new multi-purpose stadium, a new athletics stadium, a house of sport, road improvements and money for the regeneration programme under our business plan, plus money for allotment holders.

“This truly is the final piece in getting the work started, there is no more talking to be done.

“This is now a funded project which will start in the next few days.”

And Ridsdale allayed fans’ fears that the stadium will drain money away from vital squad strengthening.

“Any money that has been raised for the stadium has not been diverted from Dave Jones’ transfer pot,” he insisted.

Ray Parker

MAY-10

New deal on the table for Swans six

MAY-10

Carey opens door to bring in new blood

WREXHAM manager Brian Carey has signalled his intention to keep former Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Anthony Williams at the Racecourse after telling former No 1 Mike Ingham his services are no longer required.

In his first act after agreeing a two-year rolling contract as successor to former boss Denis Smith, Carey released the Northern Ireland international together with defender Lee Roche, who is also out of contract.

But the big Irishman has decided against a major clear-out, despite the fact that Wrexham avoided relegation to Conference football by the skin of their teeth after winning a final day decider 3-1 against Boston United to send the Lincolnshire club down instead.

Regular first team players Shaun Pejic and Simon Spender have been offered new deals, while youngsters Marc Williams, Gareth Evans, Michael Carvill, Jamie Reed, Levi Mackin and Andy Fleming have also been offered new contracts.

And midfielder Matty Crowell, whose season was restricted to 15 appearances because of injury, has been given a six-month deal in which to prove his fitness.

Carey, whose position and that of his assistant Steve Weaver will be confirmed at a press conference this morning, said he was looking to bring in three or four new faces during the course of the close season.

"All the younger lads have been kept on because they didn’t let us down when we needed them to come into the team, so they have earned this chance," he said.

"We have invested a lot of time and effort in them over the years in terms of their development and hopefully we will reap the benefits in the season ahead.

"We are also actively engaged in trying to bring in a few fresh faces, but exactly how that develops will be clearer when we have finalised our budgets for next year."

Daily Post

MAY-10

Flint secure Coast Cup

A GOAL by Jay Forlan four minutes into the second half was enough for Flint Town United to get their hands back on the North Wales Coast FA Amicus Challenge Cup.

Flint’s victory in a competitive final at a rain-swept Colwyn Bay, was their first in the competition’s showpiece for 17 years.

Looking for their first victory in this top domestic competition battling Prestatyn were always in the hunt.

But despite having beaten Rhyl's Welsh Premier League side in the quarter-finals couldn't get the better of the Silkmen on the night.

Starting strongly, Prestatyn's Neil Gibson was only an inch too high with a rising drive on eight minutes.

At the other end Flint were thwarted by two outstanding saves by Prestatyn goalkeeper John Dunt before John Davies scooped the ball off the Flint goalline with keeper Andy Hughes stranded just moments before the break.

The only goal of the game came soon after the restart when opportunist Forlon rolled a rebound past three Prestatyn defenders and into the net from 22 yards out to the surprise of just about everyone.

Prestatyn again suffered misfortune when a blistering shot from Ian Griffiths thudded against a post with ten minutes to go.

Prestatyn’s only consolation on the night was the award of man-of-the-match to their central defender Jamie Duffy.

Daily Post

MAY-10

Dragons' players will know fate in two days

WHO goes and who stays as Wrexham begin planning for next season should be more or less sorted out by tomorrow evening, manager Brian Carey said yesterday.

But the Dragons boss, whose position was confirmed verbally by club owners Geoff Moss and Neville Dickens on Saturday evening, is first hoping to reach a formal agreement on his terms and conditions before entering into talks with his out-of-contract players.

“Despite what’s been said on Saturday, it’s a bit presumptuous of me to be deciding on players until there is written confirmation that I’m in charge,” he said.

“I’ve got to sort out my own position first – hopefully in the next 24 hours or so – and we’ll then move on to everything else that needs to be done. Hopefully everyone will know where they stand on Thursday.”

The Racecourse boss, who plans to stick with the current Colliers Park coaching staff, has not ruled out the prospect of other clubs looking to cherry-pick some of his players during the close season.

He added: “Let’s not forget where we finished in the league this season.

“There are areas of the team we will be looking to strengthen and that means we have to consider any and every situation.

Daily Post

MAY-10

Ex WPL star Eifion Williams released

He started his WPL career with Caernarfon Town playing 71 games for the north Wales outfit scoring 63 goals, he then joined professional WPL side Barry town where 59 games over almost 2 seasons and scored a terrific total of 68 goals.

His scoring record was noticed by Torquay Utd in the 98-99 season and was then transferred to Hartlepool. He joined them in 2002 and netted for them 50 times.

Tony

MAY-9

Bangor appoint Nev Powell as boss

Powell, a former Bangor midfielder, ends a 14-year reign at Connah's Quay Nomads to replace Steve Bleasdale, who quit at the end of the season.

He becomes Bangor's 14th manager since the Welsh Premier's inception in 1992, and will be assisted at Farrar Road by Alan Morris.

"There is no doubt that Neville is the right man for the job," said Bangor City chairman Ken Jones.

"He has taken Connah's Quay to the brink of Europe despite financial constraints.

"He has an undoubted commitment to, and knowledge of, the Welsh Premier League, and importantly has historic roots with Bangor City FC, who have always held him in high esteem.

"The last two managerial appointments have, on reflection, been mistaken.

"Clayton Blackmore, although a good player and servant to the club over many years, had no managerial experience, and this quickly revealed itself in the club's dismal performances under his leadership.

"Steve Bleasdale, whilst bringing in professionalism sorely needed after Blackmore's reign, could not adopt to the WPL system."

BBC

MAY-9

Ground inspections for WPL hopefuls

But both Neath and Llangefni are said to be confident of passing the criteria. But if either club fails, both runners up in the two divisions Pontypridd and Bala Town have also applied to join should it pass down to them.

So it is hopeful that the WPL will next season revert back to an 18 team league.

Good luck to both teams in the quest to join the top of the welsh pyramid.

Tony

MAY-9

Lethal Bowes to miss final

PRESTATYN look like being without record-breaking goalscorer Steve Bowes for tonight's final of the North Wales Amicus Coast Challenge Cup against Flint Town United at neutral Colwyn Bay (7.30pm kick off).

Bowes, scorer of 56 goals to top the Cymru Alliance League charts by a distance, has told club officials that he has work commitments and is extremely unlikely to be available for Prestatyn’s final match of the season.

"He's still trying to see if it's possible to play but it's not looking very hopeful," said Prestatyn's assistant manager Martin Jones.

The absence of key man Bowes adds to Prestatyn’s woes as they are already without player-manager Dave Fuller and striker Jon Fisher-Cooke, who are both still injured.

Brighter news is the expected return of Steve Hoult after six weeks out with a fractured foot bone, together with the versatile Dale Milne.

Andy Hoyle has completed his suspension and is also included.

The two finalists have one home win each to show from their league meetings this season, with Flint shading third place in the final table three points ahead of fourth-placed Prestatyn.

Daily Post

MAY-9

Bala aim to bounce back

BALA Town will be looking to bounce back from missing out on the Cymru Alliance crown when they take on Gresford Athletic in the final of the NE Wales Cup at Wrexham's Racecourse tonight (6.30pm).

“It was disappointing to miss out on the title, but people should remember what we’ve achieved in a short space of time,” said manager Colin Caton.

“Gresford will be a tough game. We beat them 2-0 in the league a few weeks ago, but the only difference was that we took our chances and they didn’t.”

Gresford hope to have striker Craig Williams back following a shin injury, while Alex Game will also be included following his appearance for Wales under-18s.

Bala will take on Holyhead Hotspurs in the final of the League Cup at Llandudno on Saturday.

Daily Post

MAY-9

Blackmore hits out at Bangor fans

Blackmore, 42, spent almost 10 months as player-manager at Bangor before quitting last November and then joining Porthmadog as a player.

"The fans had too much to say at Bangor and I didn't think the club was run well," Blackmore told BBC Wales Sport.

"I'm glad I'm not involved in that again. It's not as ruthless at Port and the fans are a bit more sensible."

The former Manchester United and Wales star played 15 games for Port since arriving at Y Traeth last November, helping the north Wales club to finish 11th in the Welsh Premier.

They reached the semi-finals of the Loosemores Challenge Cup and lost to eventual winners Carmarthen in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals, beating league champions the New Saints in both competitions.

But Port have been a mid-table side since regaining their Welsh Premier status in 2003 and Blackmore has made improving their league results his priority for next season.

"If we can beat teams like TNS in the cup, we should be able to do better in the league," said Blackmore.

"But we need to sort out our goalscoring, we didn't score that many goals last season."

Despite his strong links with Manchester United and Football League clubs, Blackmore fears the lack of funds at Porthmadog will mean he will struggle to tempt young professionals to join the club.

But the former Wales Under-16 coach says he is keen to continue Port's recent tradition of giving local players their chance.

"It's all about money in our league and there's not a lot about," said Blackmore, who is considering playing again next season.

"TNS and Rhyl can spend a bit, and even a team like Bangor will have a much bigger budget than Port.

"I'd love to be able to be able to go back to Manchester United and prize away a few players on loan, but I don't think we'll be able to afford them.

"It's a pity but what it means is that it gives the local talent more chance to break into the first team.

"So it's down to them really to roll up their sleeves and give their best shot to get into the team."

South Wales Echo

MAY-8

Racecourse eleven sweating on futures

ELEVEN Wrexham players are sweating on their futures despite helping the club steer clear of relegation.

Manager Brian Carey has a nucleus of a dozen players under contract as he begins planning for a new season in the Football League.

But following Saturday’s crucial win over Boston that safeguarded Wrexham’s League status, 11 members of the squad are waiting to hear what the future holds for them.

And the Dragons boss, who graduated from a caretaker role following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat of Boston United, is also looking to retain the services of goalkeeper Anthony Williams and striker Michael Proctor, who have both been on loan at the racecourse.

Carey’s assistant Steve Weaver said: “Before Saturday we didn’t dare to think about next season because we didn’t want to tempt fate.

“Brian will talk to the players who are out of contract and also discuss with the likes of Anthony and Mike what their plans are.

“Anthony knows he is not going back to Carlisle and he likes it here, but he may get a few more offers based on his performances in recent weeks.

“Michael’s situation is somewhat different because he’s a Hartlepool player and will want to see what’s happening there.”

South Wales Echo

MAY-9

Pete and Paul net the Principality April Awards

The Reds certainly did it the hard way though and had to play seven League games in April, but they managed to win five of those and draw two to mark an outstanding unbeaten month, claiming seventeen points on their way. After a disappointing goalless draw at home to Caersws, the irrepressible full-timers scored thirteen goals in their final three matches at Stebonheath, recording wins over Bangor City (3-0), Cwmbran Town (5-1) and Porthmadog (5-0).

Their three away fixtures were all very testing encounters, but superb wins at Carmarthen's Richmond Park (2-0) and a triumph against Connah's Quay Nomads (1-0), as well as a 2-2 draw at Rhyl's Belle Vue were all outstanding results and mean that the Reds boss is a thoroughly deserved recipient of the Award to mark his team's return to European football..

Meanwhile, Caernarfon Town's striker Paul Addo is the final winner of the Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League Player of the Month for 2006/07 Season. The red hot striker has been in scintillating form throughout the month and his goals have ensured that the Canaries will be playing top flight football again next season. The 22 year-old Liverpudlian only signed on the 2nd February this year, but his signing has proved to be the difference for Steve O'Shaughnessy's men in their battle against the drop.

The former Vauxhall Motors marksman struck six goals in just five games and thoroughly deserves the award in the month that the Cofis gained seven points. He started off in April by scoring in the excellent 2-0 home win over Welshpool Town and then turned brilliantly to score the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against NEWI Cefn Druids. Next up was the match against TNS at Treflan and Addo scored two excellently taken goals in their tremendous 3-1 win over the Champions. Caernarfon were then beaten 2-0 by Airbus, but Addo did go closest in that game when his 25-yard effort narrowly went wide. He then rediscovered his scoring touch in the final game of the season, by netting a brace in their 5-3 defeat to Carmarthen, but gained the Man of the Match Award from Old Gold boss Mark Jones, who described the striker as "Red Hot and one of the best players we've faced all Season."

Welshpremier.com

MAY-9

Swans face competition for Duffy

Welshpremier.com

MAY-8

Croesyceiliog's cup revenge

This was an incident-packed encounter between town rivals, and with matters simmering at gas mark 99, it was no surprise that it spilled over into flashpoints before and after the interval.

Referee Andrew Murdock was kept busy, dishing out three red cards and seven yellows on a day when pure football often took a back seat.

Despite carving out the better chances and leading through a Goodridge header at a Dawe corner, Cwmbran saw a lot less of the ball before the break.

Croesyceiliog, who also included the Jenkins brothers, Jamie, Jody and Daniel, knocked the ball about in some style - although Cwmbran were generally happy to see their opponents do so in non-dangerous areas.

Striker Jody Jenkins fired wide of a post with seconds of the second period starting before we arrived at what many believe to be the game's turning-point.

Crows marksman Martin Houston side-stepped his way past goalkeeper Pat O'Hagan before inexplicably missing an unguarded goal by hitting his shot past an upright.

Doubling their advantage at that stage would almost certainly have led to a Cwmbran win, but you could see Croesyceiliog being visibly lifted by Houston's howler.

Just five minutes later central defender Mike Dewar had equalised with a fine header, and soon striker Mark Jones had the Woodland Road outfit ahead for the first time after Jamie Jenkins had headed down a Michael Pattimore free kick.

Jody Jenkins weaved his way past two would-be tacklers before seeing his goal-bound shot brilliantly saved one-handed by Crows goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, but shortly before the final whistle Jamie Jenkins swept home following a cross from younger sibling Danny.

There was no denying the winners were deserving victors, although the battling Crows played their part in an absorbing struggle.

South Wales Argus

MAY-8

Swan's release Williams and Oakes

BBC

MAY-8

Merthyr clinch youth title

The victory over Goyt's see's them go 8 points clear of West End with just 2 games remaining for both sides.

West End saw their hopes of winning the title slip badly with a 4-1 away defeat to Bryntirion and then a 1-1 a few days later also against Bryntirion.

A point from our last league game of the season will see the Lido youth's clinch 3rd spot, but that game is against Briton Ferry the only team that can catch us for 3rd. That game takes place at Ferry on May 13th.

Ferry's other game is against lowly Carmarthen and victories in both their remaining games will see them pip us by a point.

View league table

Tony

MAY-8

Former TNS player Evans is top Dragon

AT Sunday's Player of the Season event, held at the Lion Quays, a number of awards were handed out to the Wrexham squad following their dramatic escape from the relegation zone.

While everyone recognised that it was not a case of celebrating finishing 19th, it was more an expression of relief that they remain a Football League club after all the hard work that has gone into achieving the feat.

The main award for Player of the Season was presented to former TNS player Steve Evans, who collected the trophy after just his first season at this level.

MAY-7

Blackmore becomes new Porthmadog manager

Clayton Blackmore has been installed as Porthmadog FC's manager following the recent appointment of current incumbent Osian Roberts as the Football Association of Wales new Technical Director of Football.
Roberts assistant Viv Williams, who was originally appointed as Porthmadog manager in 2000 and then shared the managerial responsibilities for several years with Roberts, has also decided to call it a day primarily for personal reasons.

Making the announcement the club's Chairman Phil Jones said that his board members had met with the current management team over the weekend.

"This was a bitter sweet occasion as we are all extremely pleased for Osian, his new post being one of the most strategically important in Wales as regards the development of grass roots football. But we were all deeply saddened as this is the end of a crucial era in the history of the club. Over the seven years that Viv and Osian have been at the helm we have seen the club take giant strides forward despite the fact that we have not had the kind of financial resources that most clubs in the Welsh Premier League have. They have moulded a squad of talented locally based players which many a club would give their right arm for"

"After our meeting with Osian and Viv we met with Clayton Blackmore who, of course, has been a player at Porthmadog since late last year and are more than glad to announce that he has accepted the post and will be in charge as of this week"

"Clayton came with the recommendation of our current management team, he is a qualified UEFA A Licence coach, is a very experienced player who has vast English Premiership and Welsh international experience and has already impressed us as a Board with his plans for the club. Clayton will inherit a stable squad, the vast majority of whom have already signed for next season and will also receive the Board's support to strengthen it. The last thing we wanted was to see Viv and Osian go but the big compensation we have is that Clayton can now take the reins without disruption"

Welshpremier.com

MAY-7

WPL team of the year announced

The stubborn Saints defence, who conceded just nineteen goals all season are commended for their efforts as the Champions supply three of the back four. Duane Courtney, who joined Ken McKenna's side this season from Burnley makes the star team in his first year in the League, showing exactly why he was an outstanding signing by McKenna. Courtney is being courted by a number of Football League clubs, so hopefully he will remain loyal to the Saints, as he is a player of real quality.

Also featuring are Phil Baker, who is one of the unsung heroes in the Saints team. Baker shows class and determination in every game he plays and always does the basics right, which makes him such a consistent performer. Chris King fills in the left-back slot, despite missing a chunk of the season through injury and Rhyl's dependable and classy centre-back George Horan completes the defence.

Perennial selection, Lee Kendall of Haverfordwest County is the top 'keeper after being nominated by no less than 13 Manager's as the League's Number One, Number One. County's Left Winger Lee Hudgell, who like his Bluebirds skipper was a Principality Player of the Month this Year, is also selected with Rhyl's Northern Irish midfielder Conall Murtagh selected down the other flank. Murtagh was signed by John Hulse this season from Connah's Quay and he has proved to be an excellent signing and is already a crowd favourite at Belle Vue.

The centre of midfield is occupied by Leah and Llanelli's mercurial Spanish wizard Jacob Mingorance in what would be any Manager's dream partnership, containing flair, shooting prowess, stability, vision and mobility.

The two striking berths are awarded to the League's top scorer Rhys Griffiths and the Phil Stanley Player of the Year, Lee Hunt from Rhyl. Griffiths has continued his excellent scoring form at his new home this year and celebrates his second consecutive top-scorer award with selection to the Wales Semi Professional Team. Hunt has overcome family bereavements and injury this season to fire the Lilywhites into another UEFA Cup campaign, so he thoroughly deserves his selection too.

The Principality Welsh Premier Team of the Season:

Lee Kendall (Haverfordwest County), Duane Courtney (TNS) , George Horan (Rhyl) , Phil Baker (TNS) , Chris King (TNS); Conall Murtagh (Rhyl) , John Leah (TNS), Jacob Mingorance (Llanelli), Lee Hudgell (Haverfordwest County); Rhys Griffiths (Llanelli), Lee Hunt (Rhyl)

Welshpremier.com

MAY-7

Bala bow out in second

BALA bowed out in style in midweek, overcoming Guilsfield 4-0 to finish second to new Cymru Alliance champions Llangefni Town, who have one game remaining, writes Chris Smart.

On target for Bala were Gethin Lloyd, Craig Lawton, Neil Davies and Robbie Chesters.

Holyhead Hotspur who enjoyed a good run in the Welsh Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, moved into eighth spot over the weekend with a comfortable 3-1 win over Llanfairpwll.

Curt Williams bagged a brace – four minutes into the second half and on the stroke of full-time – while Ian Williams got the other goal.

Billy Evans had given Llanfair the lead after 24 minutes, but it didn’t last.

Tim Nunnerley grabbed a hat- trick as Guilsfield bounced back from their Bala blitzing with a hard-earned 4-3 triumph over Glantraeth.

But Llandudno finished their disappointing campaign in tenth place after a 4-2 defeat by Flint.

Queens Park will drop out of the Alliance after finishing at the foot of the pile with just 10 points, some 18 behind the club ahead of them, Lex XI.

Western Mail

MAY-7

Parry so pleased for Wrexham

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry has spoken of his delight after Wrexham clinched League survival with a 3-1 victory over Boston United on Saturday.

Parry, whose two sons are both involved in the Dragons’ set up, was kept informed of the scoreline from the relegation decider during Liverpool’s game at Craven Cottage via text message.

The former goalkeeper has been central to forging a close relationship between the two clubs, which sees the Racecourse used for the Merseysiders’ reserve games.

The gate money generated by pre-season friendlies also assisted Wrexham to end their period of administration and fund the Colliers Park all-weather pitch.

And a delighted Parry revealed that he sent a text message to owner Geoff Moss after learning of the score which ensured Wrexham’s unbroken League status.

“It’s great news,” said Parry. “I was worried at half time. I’ve just sent Geoff a text now to say well done. It’s brilliant.

“I was looking at the Macclesfield score as well and hoping they might do Wrexham a favour but obviously they have done it on their own now.

“There is a great relationship between the two clubs, there is the reserve set up and we’ve played friendlies there and helped to fund the Astroturf pitch at Colliers Park.

“There is a genuine friendship between the two clubs and I am absolutely delighted.

“Two of my sons are involved there – one of them coaches, one plays – and I reserve a strong interest in how they are doing and I must say that was the result I was looking for first today.

“I’m over the moon for them.”

Western Mail

MAY-7

Martinez angry over Swans contract policy

ROBERTO MARTINEZ believes Swansea City have been “exposed” by letting the contracts of eight players run out.

Swansea boss Martinez fears he could lose key players as he seeks to rebuild following the disappointment of missing out on the League One play-offs.

And defender Izzy Iriekpen – who scored twice in the fateful 6-3 defeat to Blackpool – says Swansea have been “disrespectful” by not offering contracts to players they may wish to keep.

Three players who started the Blackpool defeat – Iriekpen, Kris O’Leary and Kevin Austin – are out of contract, as is second-half substitute Tom Williams.

Injury victims Garry Monk and Bayo Akinfenwa must also wait to discover their fate, so too second-choice goalkeeper Andy Oakes and back-up defender Steven Watt.

The future of the Duffy's, loan signings Darryl and Richard, must also be determined by Martinez with all talks planned for today.

But for now, taking what appeared a hefty swipe at the previous regime of Kenny Jackett, he is unhappy at the situation he has inherited.

“A football club of our size should never be in a position where we’ve got eight players out of contract,” he said.

“I believe we are the Man United or Chelsea of League One, and if you feel that you cannot be in this situation. I have never seen Man United or Chelsea in this situation and we need to make sure we get that right.

Western Mail

MAY-7

Cardiff target cut-price signings

Cardiff City manager Dave Jones has warned the fans not to expect any big-money signings over the summer.

Jones, who saw his side collect just two points from their last nine games, revealed that some 17 players will exit the club as he rebuilds his squad.

Some of those to leave will include players under contract, he said, as the club needs to raise the funds to spend.

"It's going to be slow rebuilding, we haven't got millions of pounds to spend," Jones told BBC Wales Sport.

"Some of the players are not good enough to do what I want them to do and will leave, that's just football.

"Some players under contract will go on the transfer list because we have to move some out to bring others in.

"We'll go away for a week, then the rest of the close-season has been planned.

"When the players come back, I will explain everything to those who are staying and to those who are going.

"Hopefully we'll find the right ones to come in - people who want to come in to this club.

"When you haven't got the right facilities, you've got to sell the dream.

"We've been able to do that on most occasions and we'll have to continue to do that for the next 18 months."

With Neil Alexander leaving the club after rejecting a new contract offer, signing a new goalkeeper will be one of Jones' priorities.

Western Mail

MAY-7

Carey set to secure Wrexham job

"He's certainly in the front line for it after what he's done in the last month," Dickens told BBC Sport Wales after the 3-1 last-day win over Boston.

"We'll meet shortly and I'm sure everyone can guess the outcome.

"Everybody connected with the club has worked hard to save it, and there are brighter days ahead at the Racecourse."

Former Wrexham defender Carey, 38, took over at the Racecourse following January's shock dismissal of manager Denis Smith.

After a difficult start, the Irishman and assistant Joey Jones helped to save the season with four wins from the last five games.

They were staring down the relegation barrel at half-time in Saturday's crunch game, trailing Boston 1-0 after an awful first 45 minutes.

The players have credited Carey and Jones with giving them the "rollocking" that helped inspire three second-half goals to send the Pilgrims down, but the manager was keen to praise the efforts of others.

That was the biggest game in the club's history and people will remember it for a very long time.

"But we can't really celebrate because we haven't done anything. This is a game that we must use as a springboard for the club.

BBC

MAY-7

Martinez plans early rebuilding

"He's a brilliant manager to work under and Swansea will push on under him, there's real hope for next season at this club."

BBC

MAY-7

We'd have been Prem pushovers says Jones

Peter Shuttleworth

MAY-6

Flynn: Go for it, Lido

BRIAN FLYNN has backed his boyhood team to create history in today's Welsh Cup final.

Afan Lido are hoping to become the first team from Welsh football's second tier to win the cup when the Welsh League also-rans clash with Carmarthen Town in Llanelli.

Welsh international great Flynn believes his home-town club's youth policy has inspired the kind of camaraderie needed to shock Town.

Lido, relegated from the Welsh Premier last season, are focussed on securing an unexpected European qualification from their first Welsh Cup showpiece.

Flynn, who played for Afan Lido at under-14 and under-15 level, said: "From what I understand Afan Lido are not a wealthy club and rely heavily on local talent the club have nurtured themselves.

"Afan Lido have an extremely productive youth system which has proven successful time and again.

"Their local-boy philosophy galvanises team spirit because the local club is in their blood, winning for Afan Lido means everything.

"And the players have grown-up together so they've a bond."

Flynn, raised near Lido's ground at Aberavon, is himself a great advocate of developing young talent.

And Lido's honorary vice president will be an interested spectator at Stebonheath Park today (kick-off 4.15pm) as Lido aim to bank the £25,000 winners' jackpot.

"I'm confident Lido can cause a shock today and create a little history," he added.

"Afan Lido is a club close to my heart. I played for them as a youth before I joined Burnley in 1972. Without playing for the Lido I might not have got my break.

"But I always look out for their result on a Saturday afternoon.

"I occasionally catch a game when I'm visiting my parents, who still live just down the road in Aberavon."

Wales on Sunday

MAY-6

Wrexham joy at relegation escape

Thousands of fans celebrated at their Racecourse ground after beating League Two relegation rivals Boston United.

Joyous fans poured onto the pitch after their 3-1 victory kept league football in north Wales.

Wrexham thought they would need at least a draw, and were 1-0 down at half-time. But three second-half goals condemned Boston to the Conference.

Police and stewards stood no chance of stopping home supporters rushing onto the pitch at the final whistle.

Fans had tried to pour onto the pitch after Wrexham's second goal in the 86th minute, and a pitch invasion also seemed a certainty after the third a minute from the end.

BBC

MAY-6

Swans play-off dream shattered

Izzy Iriekpen's header gave Swansea the lead, but Morrell equalised after a good run and Keigan Parker made it 2-1.

A fine swivel and shot from Lee Trundle made it level and, after Trundle blew a penalty, Iriekpen put the Swans ahead.

But Morrell struck three more in quick succession and Parker rounded off the scoring a minute before full time.

The defeat was Swansea's second in 12 games under Roberto Martinez.

Slim consolation for the sold-out Liberty Stadium crowd will be that Oldham's 1-0 win over Chesterfield meant Swansea would have needed to have won by four clear goals to have made the play-offs.

Blackpool will carry fine form into the knockout stages, having won seven straight games and lost just once in the last 14 matches.

BBC

MAY-6

Cardiff finish season with another defeat

Francis Jeffers gave the home side a dream start, picking up Owen Garvan's through ball against offside calls.

Cardiff came back strongly, Paul Parry equalising with a brave far-post header from Warren Feeney's whipped cross.

But Garvan found Walters who scored with his first touch and the substitute got another from Jamie Peters' set-up.

BBC

MAY-5

Welsh football’s £10m bonanza

WELSH football is set for a cash bonanza worth a minimum of £10m as BBC Wales bosses seek to wrest TV coverage of John Toshack’s team back from Sky.

The Western Mail understands the Beeb are poised to table the record bid in an attempt to bring the Welsh game to terrestrial television again.

With their move likely to be matched by Sky, who own the current rights to Wales home matches, it means the FAW are guaranteed a bumper pay-day as they decide which broadcaster to go with in a new four-year deal.

The revised TV contract will coincide with new-look Wales hitting their peak under John Toshack in time for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, following two and a half years of painstaking rebuilding work.

Negotiations are set to step up in earnest in the coming months as the FAW’s senior officials meet to discuss the offers likely to be on the table.

But we understand BBC Wales are already talking about upping the ante to £10m in an effort to win back their historic rights to screen international matches.

Those rights were snatched away last time following Sky’s sudden and unexpected decision to get involved with Welsh football for the first time, a move which netted the FAW a then record £7.5m.

But the FAW’s decision to go with Sky caused unease among large sections of the Welsh public who were denied the opportunity of seeing their national team play on free-to-air television.

Among the matches which went to Sky was Wales’ huge World Cup qualifying showdown with England at the Millennium Stadium.

But, well though the Irish are doing at the moment, Sky know that with players such as Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy, Jason Koumas and Gareth Bale on board, Wales are an even bigger attraction.

They will be keen to renew their contract for a period which takes into account the next World Cup and the 2012 European Championship qualifying campaign.

We understand, however, that BBC Wales are putting together an impressive four-year package in an attempt to win the day.

As well as covering Toshack’s team home and away, they are talking about expanding TV exposure of the Welsh Premiership and Welsh Cup.

The immediate future of the FAW Premier Cup, which they sponsor, would also be assured.

FAW secretary David Collins confirmed agents had been employed to look after the TV bidding rights process.

They are thought to be the agents who netted the £10m TV deal for the Northern Ireland FA.

Daily Post

MAY-5

Lido gunning for cup glory

AFAN LIDO seek to become the first Welsh Premier feeder club to win the Welsh Cup when they meet local rivals Carmarthen Town in the final at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, tomorrow.

Relegated from the top tier two years ago, the Aberavon club have beaten Port Talbot and Welshpool Town in the previous two rounds and manager Phil Holmes is hoping to make it a hat-trick of Welsh Premier scalps.

“My players have given me everything in this competition and, if they perform to the same level again, that’s all I can ask,” said Holmes.

“If we lose it will be because we have been beaten by a better side. Carmarthen are a fine side and will start favourites, but we have beaten favourites before and can do it again.”

However, Holmes admitted his side’s preparations had not been ideal. “We had two league matches this week, but I have managed to involve just three first-team players,” he said.

“We were in contention for the title a month ago and, if we had still been in the hunt, I don’t know what we would have done.

“But to reach the final is a fantastic achievement for a club like ours and we are going to enjoy the occasion and, hopefully, come home with the trophy, which would also put us into Europe.”

Lido will be at full strength as defender Karl Evans managed to squeeze in the fifth and final game of his suspension period this week.

Spare a thought for Phil Robinson, who founded Lido 40 years ago, as he will miss the match because of commitments with the Boys Clubs of Wales under-14s team in Scotland.

“It’s a real shame as Phil still is Mr Afan Lido,” Holmes added.

Western Mail

MAY-5

Osian lands big one

Porthmadog manager Osian Roberts has been named as new technical director for the Football Association of Wales.

He beat former Welsh internationals Ian Rush and Barry Horne to the job. Roberts is the most highly-qualified coach in Welsh Premier football.

He holds the Uefa Pro badge qualification and teaches other managers from the Premiership downwards.

South Wales Echo

MAY-4

History in your hands say Carmarthen boss

Carmarthen boss Mark Jones is desperate to celebrate an historic win on Sunday, and has drummed home the message to his side.

Since their memorable 1-0 Welsh Cup semi-final win over Llanelli, the Old Gold boss has been delivering the same talk to his side: be history makers.

Sunday's final clash with Welsh League side Afan Lido will see a new name engraved on the trophy regardless of who wins it.

Carmarthen Journal

MAY-4

Nicholas to stay in charge at Llanelli

Llanelli Star

MAY-4

Play-offs planned for WPL UEFA spots

League secretary John Deakin is to press ahead with a proposal – revealed in this column – to introduce a play-off system at the end of the season for the league’s Uefa Cup and Intertoto places. The play-offs would see the second to fifth-placed teams next year going into two semi-finals and a final, with the winners qualifying for the Uefa Cup and the losing finalists going into the Intertoto. The Welsh Premier champions would still qualify for the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.

Deakin said: “I’m going to make a proposal to the board of directors to move into a play-off system next season for the European places. I think it would bring additional revenue into the clubs and would also make the end of the season more exciting for the fans.”

Daily Post

MAY-4

Six Welsh Prem Players in Semi Pro Squad

Carmarthen Town and Caersws both supply two players with Old Gold left-back Paul Keddle gaining selection for a second consecutive season, whilst Defender-cum-Midfielder, Kris Thomas also makes the squad of eighteen. Graham Evans, the most capped player at this level, will get the chance to add to his tally as will his team-mate Chris Venables, who were both shining lights in a poor League season for the Mid Wales Bluebirds. The League's top goalscorer Rhys Griffiths of Llanelli is also named as is his former Port Talbot Town colleague, Lee John who has impressed throughout the season.

Unfortunately, Lee Kendall of Haverfordwest, Les Davies of Porthmadog and Scott Ruscoe of TNS were all unavailable after making the provisional squad and therefore hindered the number of Welsh Premier players selected.

Welshpremier.com

MAY-4

Beadle lets five go

Skipper John Brough, striker Dean Holdsworth, midfielders Tyrone Topper, and Ashley Williams and defender Stewart Edwards are those who have left.

All of the other players in the first team picture were offered new deals.

Of those players Sam O'Sullivan and Richard Evans have asked for more time to consider the terms and striker Charlie Griffin wasn't able to meet with Beadle - though he is thought to be keen on staying at Spytty Park.

The rest of the first team squad are now committed for next season after agreeing to stay.

Midfielder Lee Fowler - who signed for County on loan near the end of the campaign - has also agreed a deal to join the club, the Argus can reveal.

And Beadle expects to sign a replacement for influential skipper Brough within the next 24 hours. He says the decision to part company with his popular captain was the hardest of all.

He explained: "Yesterday was a long, tough day, the hardest of my managerial career. It wasn't nice to make those decisions.

"Broughy was an especially tough call to make. I've known him for years and consider him to be a friend.

"He was a massive factor in us staying up a year ago and he has given me everything this season.

"But I feel it is time to bring in a younger player and though John was disappointed he understands.

South Wales Argus

MAY-4

Red hot Griffiths douses his 30 goals

Llanelli Star

MAY-4

Deakin aims to give League Cup an overhaul

THE league’s Challenge Cup is set to be revamped next season with six groups of three battling for a quarter-final spot.

League secretary John Deakin will today put his proposal for a new cup system to Welsh Premier directors after last year’s format was criticised by managers for involving too many games.

The new cup structure will see the league’s teams split into six groups of three, with teams in each group playing each other home and away (four games each in total). The winners of each group will then go into the quarter-finals along with the best two runners-up, with the eight teams battling it out in a straight knockout to reach the final.

This would involve teams having to play less games than in the early stages of this season’s competition, which began with three groups of four teams and one group of five. The league’s South Walian sides claimed to have suffered particularly from the format – as they were in the bigger pool and had to play eight games in the group stages.

The revamp is dependent on the Welsh Premier containing 18 teams next season, approving the idea.

Daily Post

MAY-3

Bleasdale's parting shot at the Welsh Premier

www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk

MAY-3

Bangor to name manager sooner than later

www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk

MAY-3

Jerome windfall boost for Bluebirds

The England Under-21 striker, 20, left Ninian Park for St Andrews last summer for an initial £3m fee.

But the Blues' return to the top flight has triggered a £500,000 payment, with the same to follow if they stay up.

"Cardiff will benefit from us going up by £500,000 now," Birmingham chairman David Sullivan said.

"And if we stay up in the Premiership I'll happily send another £500,000 down to Cardiff.

"The deal was done when Sam Hammam was (chairman) at Cardiff and he always wanted extra bits and pieces put into contracts - he drove a hard deal."

Jerome has hit nine goals for Steve Bruce's side this season, including scoring in each of the last two wins over Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday that clinched automatic promotion

BBC

MAY-3

Cwmbran's keeper info plea

A lack of finances have brought an end to the Crows' 15-years stint in the Welsh Premier League with manager Sean Wharton and coach Matthew Bishop both quitting.

The club is scheduled to drop down to the Welsh League Division One in 2007-08 when the one-player-one-club ruling comes into effect across the whole of Wales.

That means players must stick with the club they sign for at the start of the season, although transfers are to be allowed.

"I'd just like to know if there's going to be a club next season basically and we nee d someone to come out and tell us where we stand and what's going to happen," said former Newport YMCA and County stopper Wesson.

"We're looking for a bit of communication and need to know what's going on so that we can make our minds up in the summer.

"If we are going to have to be playing for another club we need to know."

The club held a committee meeting on Monday night with an official later explaining the matters discussed were confidential.

The money problems mean the club can not afford to pay the full rental price for hiring Cwmbran Stadium and it's understood it is to write to the local council seeking a reduction in the fee.

South Wales Argus

MAY-3

County players to learn fate

Manager Peter Beadle and his assistant Scott Young have already decided which players will be offered new terms after sitting down on Sunday to work out the plan of attack for next season.

Only striker Craig Hughes and academy graduate Shane Brewer are contracted to the club beyond the summer, but the Argus understands the majority of the current group WILL be offered new terms.

Around half a dozen players are set to be told they don't have a future at Spytty Park, but that could include some players who are now too old for the youth academy and haven't broken into the first team picture.

Comment-ing after the disappointing defeat to Cambridge on Saturday, Beadle explained: "We have some tough decisions to make and it won't be easy telling some of the boys we are going to let them go.

"We want to have a better chance of promotion next season, but I am proud to be the manager of the current players, they've all done well for me and the club.

"Letting people go for the sake of it is pointless, we will only do that if we think we can strengthen in a particular position."

South Wales Argus

MAY-3

Leah gets best player award

THE New Saints’ John Leah has been voted the Welsh Premier's player of the season in the annual vote by the league’s managers.

The midfielder proved a clear winner, finishing five points ahead of runner-up Jacob Mingorance, of Llanelli.

Rhyl striker Lee Hunt, winner of the Daily Post's Phil Stanley player of the season award, finished in third spot with Rhys Griffiths (Llanelli) in fourth.

Daily Post

MAY-3

Toshack backing Dragons to win dog fight

WALES manager John Toshack feels confident Wrexham will preserve their Football League status by winning their final match of the season against Boston United at the Racecourse on Saturday.

And after naming Dragons defender Steve Evans in his squad for the May 26 Racecourse friendly international with New Zealand and the European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic a week later, the Wales boss is backing Wrexham to bounce back from what has been a disappointing campaign to mount a League Two promotion challenge next season.

“I hope that for both Wrexham and Steve that they get the right result on Saturday,” he said.

“We need Wrexham to be playing league football next season and I believe that, as was the case for Swansea City a few seasons ago, this season’s disappointment will sharpen the senses.

“Wrexham have seen to all their problems off the field and the situation and set-up here is geared for better things. I am sure they will win on Saturday and I would fancy them to go up next year.”

Daily Post

MAY-3

Red Devil's winger for the Liberty? 

Manchester United youngster Jamie Mullan could be on his way to Swansea City this summer after a trial spell. The teenage right-winger has been told he can leave Old Trafford in the close season and spent last week training with Roberto Martinez's squad.

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

"He has a fantastic record in the United reserves," Martinez said. "He has pace and talent and he is highly-regarded, but he is being released so we've spent some time together.

Evening Post