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 Europ