AFAN
LIDO FC NEWS PAGE FOR MARCH 2008
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APR-24 |
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Cut
league to make it better sys Reds Chairman
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Llanelli
chairman Nitin Parekh has backed proposals to cut the Welsh Premier League to 10
teams.
Parekh was one of 10 top bosses to throw support behind the new plans, which
will see two top divisions of 10 clubs based on licensing and ground criteria
from the 2010-11 season.
Current Welsh Premier League champions Llanelli would be in the top flight due
to their fine facilities and playing surface at Stebonheath Park.
And Parekh believes this radical step is the way forward as the
league looks to improve its image and standard.
"I am a firm believer that these new plans will benefit Welsh
football," said Parekh. "Teams of a higher standard would play each
other on a regular basis and top players would want to be in the top league.
"At Llanelli, we are always open to ways of improving our club and the
league in general. it's a step in the right direction."
The proposals will be forwarded to the Football Association of Wales for their
consideration as part of the Association's strategy plan.
Interest has also risen regarding the issue of switching the league to summer
football.
Previously, only two clubs - Llanelli was one of them - were in favour. But a
change of heart has seen seven clubs give the idea the thumbs-up, one against it
and the remainder calling for more time to consider it.
Parekh insists summer football would be a huge step forward for the league.
"It is an idea that would certainly benefit clubs competing in Europe,
which would in turn help the nation's co-efficiency," added Parekh.
"I understand a lot of people will want to go away for a break during the
summer, but there's no reason why there couldn't be a short break in between.
"By playing football in the summer the media interest would surely
increase. Besides cricket, there isn't much else to watch, so we could
capitalise on that. More clubs are starting to warm to the idea and it will be
interesting to see what happens."
LS
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APR-24 |
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Martinez’s Premier
goal as Swans warn off rivals
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ROBERTO MARTINEZ last night
renewed his pledge to take Swansea City to the very top after the club gave him
a bumper new contract, issuing a firm “hands off” to the Premiership
vultures.
Martinez’s astonishing start
in management, winning promotion to the Championship in his first full season,
has grabbed the attention of bigger clubs throughout English football.
At 34 years of age, the
Spaniard is widely regarded as one of the brightest young bosses in the game
after his team secured the League One title.
The Swans have acted within
days of going up by agreeing terms on a new deal with Martinez, which means they
have secured his services until at least 2011.
The Swans value Martinez so
highly, it is believed they have made him the highest paid manager in the
club’s history.
“I’m confident that, if
I’m given the time, I can get this club to the Premiership,” declared
Martinez.
“It would be a big mistake to
just try and somehow get there quickly and then not be good enough to remain
there.
“In that respect my job is to
work on a daily basis towards creating a football club that will be able to get
there and achieve our Premiership dream.
“For that I believe five, six
or seven years to be the normal amount of time needed to be a Premiership force.
But our end goal is that we can be a top 15 club in the UK.
“That is achievable because
of the fan base we have got, the talented squad we have got and the people we
have got on the board.”
He continued: “It’s going
to be a big jump into the Championship. But we will slowly make sure we are a
solid club that can remain there and that, further down the line, we are strong
enough to compete at that level.
“Then we can dream of the
Premiership.
ICW
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APR-24 |
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Ridsdale: Cardiff
City will sell stars
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PETER RIDSDALE last night declared
Cardiff City’s Wembley bound stars have become the most wanted players outside
the Premiership ... and stated that every single one of them is still up for
sale this summer.
The Bluebirds chairman made his
candid admission despite Cardiff already banking in excess of £2m as a result
of their stunning march to the FA Cup final.
Cardiff’s crown jewels Aaron
Ramsey and Joe Ledley are among the Ninian Park stars being watched by every
leading club scout in Britain, according to Ridsdale.
He insisted the price on
City’s players had gone up radically, as a result of the team reaching their
May 17 Wembley showpiece against Portsmouth.
But Ridsdale warned that
despite City’s stunning cup success, they may still be forced to cash in on
their most valuable assets if the right money is offered.
The Cardiff chairman spoke out
after Everton boss David Moyes watched teenaged ace Ramsey and Welsh
international Ledley in action at Wolves on Tuesday night.
“Every scout under the sun is
watching Cardiff at the moment and every player has a value,” said Ridsdale.
“I expect people to be
knocking on my door, but they can knock as much as they like. Certain players
have a value and that is that.
“Every player is up for sale,
that has always been the case. What has changed is that the price has just got
bigger – it would take a massive cheque to prize certain players away.”
ICW
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APR-24 |
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Quadruple
dream dies as Reds are pipped by Neath
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Llanelli's
dream of a season quadruple died at Stebonheath Park on Tuesday night as a
youthful side lost an epic West Wales Senior Cup final to Neath Athletic after
extra time.
The
Reds can still add the Welsh Cup and League Cup to their Welsh Premiership
crown, but a Chris Pridham goal in extended play denied them this regional
prize.
LS
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APR-24 |
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Brace
believes Carmarthen can make huge strides next season
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Deryn
Brace believes Carmarthen Town can make huge strides next season.
Town's player-manager led his side to a sixth-place finish in his first campaign
in charge but believes there remains plenty of room for improvement.
"The main thing is the squad knows where they went wrong and we need to use
this experience to hold us in good stead," he said.
"We'll go away and work on to ensure it will be better
next time.
"That's what I'll be doing and that's what I expect the players to
do."
Town ended their season on Saturday with a 4-3 defeat at Connah's Quay, a
thrilling clash which saw the visitors fight back from three goals down to
equalise, only to concede a late winner to their hosts.
"They always say the league table never lies and I think that's probably
right," he said.
"Over the season we are short of a few of the clubs that are above us and
obviously there is some work to be done.
"We all feel that progress is being made as the squad is a lot younger.
"We've won more games, scored more goals, conceded fewer but we still make
basic errors that we'll work on.
"Overall I think the squad knows it could have done something a little bit
better than what we have done this season.
"We need a lot more backbone where players toughen themselves up mentally.
We concede goals far too easily, but the one saving grace is that we are very
good at scoring them.
"I think we need to be more focused. What it shows is that everybody can
get up for the big games as we've taken points off the big clubs this year,
probably for one of the first years in a long time.
"I think a lot of players this season have played their first season in
senior football and I think the experience will hold them in good stead.
"They are now relishing a second season.
"They know a bit more about what the league is all about, the consistency
you need to show and the sacrifices you need to make."
CJ
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APR-24 |
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Trophyless
Swans will still party
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A defiant Roberto
Martinez insists Swansea City will still celebrate becoming champions after
their final home game despite not having a trophy.
They face Leyton Orient on
Saturday after being crowned champions last weekend after rivals Carlisle lost.
The Football League has refused
to hand over the League One trophy until Leeds United's arbitration hearing over
a 15-point deduction has been settled.
"We've been the leaders
for a long time and are there to stay," said Martinez.
The Swans beat Orient 5-0 in
their corresponding fixture earlier this season and are hoping for a similar
victory in front of their own fans to sign off a fine season at the Liberty
Stadium.
"We want to keep the
winning feeling and that's the philosophy in the football club," added the
Spanish manager.
"We can't afford to drop
our standards and the players know that."
Earlier this week the Football
League revealed it would not present the League One trophy to Swansea this
weekend due to Leeds' ongoing arbitration process.
Should United win their battle
to regain the points taken off them earlier this season then they could still be
in the running for the title.
As a result, the League has
been legally advised not to engage in any actions which might be misconstrued or
viewed as pre-empting the arbitration process in any way.
BBC
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APR-24 |
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Croesy
boss heading for the exit
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CROESYCEILIOG
are in the hunt for a new manager after joint boss Chris Evans confirmed he is
to quit at the end of the season.
Evans
has been in joint control of the Woodland Road outfit in tandem with Neil
Gilmore for the past eight years, the pair having dragged the club up from grass
roots Gwent football to Division One of the MacWhirter Welsh League.
Now,
however, the partnership is to come to an end following Croesyceiliog's final
match of the campaign - the away fixture with already-relegated Pontypridd Town
on May 3.
Evans
and Gilmore started together with Girlings FC, who they took through to Division
One of the Gwent County League before joining Croesyceiliog - where they
repeated the feat and also guided the club to its current status.
"But
all good things come to and end," remarked Evans. "There's nothing
sinister in me finishing, I just believe managers can get stale and that players
can also get stale with managers.
"I
don't know whether I shall be staying with the club. At the moment I'm also
acting chairman, but I've not made my mind up yet.
"I'd
like to say a big thank you to Neil (Gilmore), who has been brilliant over the
years and, of course, to everyone who has supported me at the club."
Evans
revealed Croesyceiliog could announce the identity of a new manager as early as
next week, but stressed he didn't know if Gilmore was in the frame to take over.
"It
might be Neil on his own, Neil with someone else or a new man by himself - I
really am unaware of the committee's feeling," continued Evans.
"There's
a lot going on off-the-field at the club with, hopefully, the installation of
new floodlights and changing rooms.
"So
you can see the club is attempting to progress and it'll be great now if we can
finish the season off by retaining our Division One status."
SWA
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APR-24 |
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Hamm
keeps Dinas in title race
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DAVID Hamm headed an injury time
winner for Dinas Powys to maintain their MacWhirter Welsh Football League title
challenge.
Hamm’s goal, two minutes into
injury time, earned Dinas Powys a 2-1 victory at Caldicot Town. Wayne Morley had
put the home team ahead with Drew Fahiya equalising.
Dinas have four matches left in
their quest for the championship, against Cambrian and Clydach (away), Bridgend
Town (home), Pontardawe Town (home) and Cwmbran Town (home).
Goytre United won 3-0 at
Croesyceiliog, while Afan Lido defeated Garw 4-0 and Aberaman Athletic won 1-0
at Caerleon.
That leaves Ton Pentre top of
Division One, one point in front of Goytre and Dinas Powys.
ICW
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APR-23 |
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Porthmadog Hero Viv
decides to leave Y Traeth
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Only days after keeping Porthmadog
in the Principality Welsh Premier League on the final day of the Season, Manager
Viv Williams has decided to leave Y Traeth.
His departure brings an end to
his nine year stint with the club as Player, Assistant Manager and Manager. Viv
explained his decision to the club's official website,
"I only agreed to take the
job in a caretaker role to the end of the season and though the task proved more
difficult than I had imagined, we have achieved what we set out to do and have
kept the club in the Welsh Premier."
There is no indication as to
who will succeed Viv Williams in the Port hot-seat, but current Assistant Alan
Bickerstaffe could be a potential candidate. He has been at the club for five
months and has previous Welsh Premier experience with Airbus UK. He is also on
the Pro Licence Course which meets UEFA and FAW Club Licensing criteria.
Viv himself is hopeful that the
standard of applicant will be high but suggested that the post may go externally
as he added, "Port is one of the best run clubs in the league with a broad
base in the community and I will only be too happy to liaise with anyone
appointed to secure a smooth transfer, enabling the new manager to settle in and
get to know the players."
OWP
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APR-23 |
It's
no longer the big 3, just the big 2 now
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Wrexham's 87-year
stay in the Football League came to an end after going down 2-0 at
promotion-chasing Hereford.
Gary Hooper broke the deadlock
after hitting the Dragons on the break three minutes before half-time.
The home side doubled their
lead on the hour when Wrexham's offside trap was beaten and Richard Rose crossed
for Theo Robinson to fire home.
The win boosts Hereford's hopes
of gaining automatic promotion to League One, but sends Wrexham down.
BBC
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APR-23 |
City
fed to the Wolves
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Wolves kept their
play-off hopes alive but ended Cardiff's with a convincing win at Molineux.
Andy Keogh put the home side
ahead with his 11th goal of the season after eight minutes heading home Kevin
Foley's cross from the right.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake added a
second just before the break and was involved in the third on 56 minutes.
He forced a save from Peter
Enckelman and Michael Kightly pounced first for the rebound.
Cardiff assistant manager Terry
Burton:
"In between the two boxes, we were arguably as good as Wolves and probably
better, but unfortunately, it's what you do in the box that wins football
matches.
"We got the ball in and
around the Wolves box on many occasions but we weren't cutting enough with it.
Our final pass let us down.
"In our own box, we've got
to defend the balls better."
BBC
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APR-23 |
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Martinez set for new
deal, but no trophy
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ROBERTO MARTINEZ is poised to give
promoted Swansea City a huge boost by putting pen to paper on a new contract.
The Western Mail understands
Swans officials have been tying up negotiations behind the scenes to sign their
manager on a new deal after he took them roaring into the Championship.
But the good news about
Martinez, has been offset by the Football League confirming to the Swans they
will NOT get their hands on the League One trophy at the Liberty Stadium on
Saturday.
Martinez’s men were hoping to
parade the cup around the ground after their home game with Orient. But League
chiefs have contacted the club to officially state they cannot be handed the
trophy, or declared champions, until the fate of Leeds United and their 15
docked points is known.
ICW
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APR-23 |
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Llandudno
out of 2nd spot and promotion
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LLANDUDNO virtually bowed out of
the contest for runners-up spot – and possible promotion – with last
night’s defeat to Flint.
The Seasiders were quick off
the mark through Shaun Eardley’s fifth-minute penalty, but an injury to
captain Darren Jones followed and then Flint took over, netting through Paul
Williams after 11 and Andy Renshaw on 35.
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APR-22 |
Griffiths
again a target for league clubs
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Speculation
has been rising that Llanelli top scorer Rhys Griffiths could once again be
attracting the interest of league clubs - both Swansea City and Cardiff City are
names thrown into the arena. But after Saturday's decisive 3-0 defeat at The New
Saints Griffiths remained cool on the subject.
''Yes, I've heard the rumours but until someone talks to me they are just
rumours,'' he said.
''No one has been in contact and I'm happy at Llanelli. We still have some
unfinished business to attend to.''
That
business starts at Stebonheath tomorrow night in the final of the West Wales
Senior Cup against holders Neath, while League and Welsh Cup finals against Rhyl
and Bangor City follow on Sunday and Sunday week, both at Latham Park, Newtown.
EP
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APR-22 |
Rhyl
face Irish trip in Intertoto Cup
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Welsh Premier
side Rhyl have been drawn against Irish side Bohemians for next season's
Intertoto Cup first round.
The Lilywhites will play the
first leg in Dublin on Saturday, 21 June before the return leg at Belle Vue a
week later.
"It's a good draw for
us," said Rhyl boss John Hulse.
"It's the fifth
consecutive year we've qualified for Europe and it's been unkind for us - it's
nice to get a draw near home as we are a part-time team."
BBC
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APR-22 |
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Swans wait for
answers for league trophy
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SWANSEA CITY have been left in the
lurch as they wait for confirmation over whether the League One trophy will be
at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
The ongoing fiasco into Leeds
United’s 15-point deduction continues to disrupt Swansea’s promotion
celebrations.
And it now remains unclear
whether Roberto Martinez’s men will get the chance to receive the trophy in
front of their home fans.
Club officials have tried to
contact the League and make sure the trophy is at the Liberty Stadium this
weekend.
But, as has been the case after
numerous calls from the Western Mail, an answer has not been forthcoming.
It’s yet another embarrassing
situation to add to the long list this saga has already created for the Football
League.
And yet another unnecessary
distraction from the Swans’ achievement.
Results on Saturday have
already guaranteed the Swans promotion, irrespective of what happens to Leeds.
But, as they deservedly
celebrate winning the league as well, an unwelcome cloud still hovers over the
Liberty.
Should Leeds get all their
points back, there is still a possibility they could overtake Swansea.
As such, Martinez’s team need
another two wins to put the matter beyond any doubt. There’s every chance the
Swans will get three of those points against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
ICW
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APR-22 |
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Bluebirds boss Jones
throws in play-off towel
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CARDIFF CITY boss Dave Jones has
reluctantly thrown in the towel when it comes to the play-offs this season.
The Bluebirds head to Wolves
tonight for their game in hand, but the City boss admits his side’s chances of
promotion are over following defeat at Scunthorpe on Saturday.
It was a result which saw City
drop to 13th in the Championship, eight points behind sixth-placed Crystal
Palace with three games remaining.
And Jones feels it is
unrealistic now to hope teams above the Bluebirds would drop enough points to
make promotion a reality.
But he is expecting no let-up
from his players in their remaining fixtures, with the Bluebirds looking to
secure their best finish since their return to the second-tier.
Cardiff need six more points to
beat the total of 65 gathered when they finished 13th in their first season
following promotion back in 2004 under then boss Lennie Lawrence.
ICW
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APR-22 |
Little
ready for 'another chance
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Brian Little says
Wrexham have 'another chance' to hold on to their Football League status as they
go to high-flying Hereford on Tuesday.
The Dragons boss will keep
faith with his youngsters after they helped the League Two strugglers back to
winning ways on Saturday.
"It's a big night for the
club," said Little.
"Everybody got a lift on
Saturday. It's another chance and nobody has given up here."
Defeat will consign Wrexham to
non-league football and a draw will leave them on the brink.
But a win will keep their
chances of staying up alive.
"It would be great to win
a couple of games in a row and would put a little bit of pressure on a couple of
sides," said Little.
"We have got nothing to
lose. We're playing a very good side and we will do our best to get something
out of the game.
"It would be a fantastic
result if we can get one."
BBC
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APR-22 |
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Heavy loss hits County's
play-off hopes
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COUNTY were outplayed by Thurrock
as they crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season last night.
The Essex side put a lethargic
County to shame with a display of fluent running and movement, spearheaded by
high-class display from striker David Bryant.
Bryant struck in the fourth
minute, racing past a static County defence from a throw-in, and added a second
on 22 minute after fatal hesitation from Ian Hillier. Fola Orilonishe headed the
third in just after the hour and, even after Thurrock skipper Lee Flynn had been
shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident, Matt Bodkin added to Newport’s
misery with a fourth goal.
County grabbed a consolation
three minutes from time when Andy’s Gurney free-kick was fumbled into the net
by goalkeeper David Blackmore.
The defeat means County must
beat promotion rivals Fisher in their final game on Saturday – as well as
hoping Bishop’s Stortford do not win their last match by a huge margin – to
reach the Blue Square South play-offs.
ICW
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APR-22 |
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Bay need 3 wins for
play-offs
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COLWYN Bay begin another hectic
week with the first of three home games in five days against Goole Town tonight
(7.45pm), writes Mike McEvoy.
Boss Gary Finley believes the
Seagulls must win their final three fixtures to maximise their chances of making
the Division One South play-offs.
Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at
Gresley Rovers was a big blow to the Bay’s aspirations of finishing in the top
six.
The Bay manager said yesterday:
“We’ve got to win all three games – it’s in our own hands.”
He added: “Normally, if we
had three home games coming up against Goole, Belper and Spalding on alternate
Saturdays we’d fancy our chances of winning all three, but having those games
across five days makes it much harder.”
Bay have been hampered by the
early departure of skipper James Olsen, who has just finished a three-match
suspension but has taken up a coaching job in America and will miss the final
games.
The Seagulls’ top scorer Neil
Black, who came on as a late substitute at Gresley on Saturday, might be risked
from the start tonight despite the striker carrying a hamstring problem.
Defender Steve Rowland, who was
on the bench on Saturday but did not take part due to a shoulder injury, faces a
late fitness test.
Striker Anthony Wright is out
due to work commitments while John Lawless, who played despite illness on
Saturday, will be assessed today before Finley makes a decision on whether to
include the midfielder.
DP
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APR-21 |
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Port Talbot chairman
praises manager Tucker
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THIS defeat signalled the demise
of Llangefni Town after one season in the top flight.
It has been a traumatic
campaign, both on and off the field for the Anglesey side, whose decision to
change the management team twice through the season has not helped their cause.
Needing to win to have any
chance of survival, the visitors rocked the Steelmen when Steven Kehoe put them
ahead in the 32nd minute with a crisp left-foot drive.
But goals from Martin Rose,
Matthew Rees and Liam McCreesh gave Port Talbot victory, sealed Llangefni’s
fate and gave the Steelmen a fourth-place finish, their best performance after
eight years in the top tier.
Joining a struggling Remax
Stadium side after Tony Pennock resigned in November, manager Nicky Tucker has
transformed the Steelmen.
Chairman Andrew Edwards said:
“Nicky has done a fantastic job for us and we can build on the progress he has
made.”
ICW
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APR-21 |
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Goytre
win again but can't close the gap
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Second-placed
Goytre United remain three points adrift of Ton Pentre after gaining a 3-0 home
win over Caldicot in the first division. Following a goalless first half, an
eighth goal of the campaign from Daniel Thomas put Goytre ahead on the hour,
with two strikes from Richard Ryan wrapping things up.
This moved Ryan, who has scored 44 times this season, one goal ahead of
Bryntirion's Robbie Walters.
Goytre visit Croesyceiliog on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's clash at Newport
YMCA.
However,
Afan Lido slid down to fifth place after surrendering an unbeaten away record in
the league in losing 2-1 at Caerleon.
Goals from Luke Cueto and Chris Pearce took Caerleon clear, but they had Jamie
Hillier dismissed in the 68th minute.
But Lido, who travel to relegated Garw on Wednesday, failed to score until the
92nd minute when Michael Waters struck.
Pontardawe Town crashed to a 5-0 defeat against Bridgend Town at a windswept
Lock's Lane in Porthcawl.
The Exiles were two goals up at the break through Brian Showdery and Michael
Parkins, with a goal brace from Leigh Pratt and a Dale Raven penalty wrapping
things up.
Ponty remain nine points clear of Maesteg Park - and the relegation zone - after
the Old Parish side lost 2-0 at Aberaman. Goals from Chris Summers and Dean
Morris steered the fourth-placed Cynon Valley side to victory.
EP
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APR-21 |
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Caersws
hoping for a reprieve
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TECHNICALLY, Welsh Premier
founder-members Caersws have been relegated following another dismal home
showing – but a reprieve could be around the corner.
With Welsh League promotion
candidates Ento Aberaman and Afan Lido struggling to make it into the top two of
their division, the Bluebirds could yet be saved.
Dean Buckley settled this game
when he hooked a 20-yard shot over despairing goalkeeper Andy Mulliner.
ICW
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APR-21 |
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TNS
ready to hit back
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FORMER champions TNS gave their
successors a firm warning that they are not the spent force many people thought
they were.
This win was a far cry from the
hammering they received at Stebonheath Park last month, a defeat that signalled
the end of their fourth successive title bid.
“Believe me, we will come
back fitter, stronger and faster next season and we will be the team to beat,”
said Saints’ owner Mike Harris.
ICW
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APR-21 |
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Neath
make telling point
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HONOURS were even at Farrar Road
in a full blooded encounter that saw seven players booked as tempers flared on
more than one occasion.
Chris Seargeant put Bangor
ahead with a skilful 23rd minute solo effort, but Lee Bevan (72) levelled to
earn Neath a deserved point.
“We have finished seventh in
our first season in the Welsh Premier which is very respectable,” said Neath
boss Andrew Dyer.
ICW
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APR-21 |
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Swans dream came true
- Martinez
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Roberto Martinez
says Swansea City's dream came true after clinching the League One title thanks
to Carlisle's defeat by Southend.
The Swans lost 2-1 at home to
Yeovil, but Carlisle needed at a least draw to keep the title challenge alive.
"We didn't get the result
we wanted today but overall after 44 games we got what we wanted in terms of our
dream," said Swans boss Martinez.
"Only one team can win the
title and this is special."
BBC
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APR-20 |
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Steel team’s
sterling effort
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Port Talbot 3-1 Llangefni
THE Steelmen clinched the
points that secured a best-ever fourth place finish, while condemning the
Anglesey outfit to bottom spot and relegation back to the Cymru Alliance.
It concluded a turbulent first
season in the top flight for the North Wales club, who have gone through three
managerial changes.
In contrast, Port Talbot boss
Nicky Tucker has done a sterling job in guiding the Steelmen to fourth after
taking over from Tony Pennock, who quit in November.
Tucker was naturally delighted
to have achieved such a feat.
“It’s a massive achievement
for the club to finish in the highest position in its history.
“All credit to the players
who have responded magnificently,” he said.
Against the run of play,
Llangefni drew first blood when Steve Kehoe netted in the 32nd minute, but their
joy was short-lived as Port Talbot levelled before the break with main marksman
Martin Rose on target.
That made a big difference to
the course of the game and the visitors’ destiny as the home side created a
hatful of second half chances, with skipper Matthew Rees setting the example
when he latched onto a deflection from a corner to fire in a left foot shot.
The Steelmen drew the curtain
on their most successful campaign and Llangefni’s Welsh Premier status two
minutes from time as a Liam McCreesh header found the net.
WOS
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APR-20 |
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Alfie
helps restore TNS pride
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Newi Saints 3-0 Llanelli
ALFIE Carter made his point
with a first-half double as dethroned champions The New Saints turned the tables
on the Welsh Premier’s top dogs.
The front runner had been
placed on the transfer list by the Saints just a few days earlier but responded
in style as his side cantered to victory at Park Hall.
In fact, Llanelli rarely looked
like newly crowned champions as the home side earned some last-day consolation
after seeing their three-year reign at the top ended by their rivals the
previous week.
The encounter had been billed
as a top-of-the-table decider a month ago, but with the visitors having already
secured the title there was little at stake apart from pride. The Saints could
at least reflect with satisfaction on their display, underlining that they will
be desperate to reclaim the championship next season.
The transfer-listed Carter made
his point with two well-taken first-half strikes, the first on the half hour
when he turned on the edge of the box before dispatching his sweet shot inside
the left post.
TNS had already carved the
better openings, Mike Wilde’s header turned over the bar, while the striker
also volleyed wide, and Carter also saw an effort cleared off the line.
But Carter was not to be denied
his second when he was teed up by Scott Ruscoe, steering his low 15-yard shot
past keeper Duncan Roberts.
Llanelli rarely threatened,
Rhys Griffiths having a couple of efforts from distance, while Wyn Thomas was
off target and sub Steve Evans had a shot saved in the second half.
However, it was the hosts who
looked the more incisive going forward, with John Leah adding a spectacular
third goal nine minutes after the break when he curled his rising 25-yarder past
the despairing dive of Roberts from Ruscoe’s left-wing corner.
Having used their three
substitutes, Llanelli played out the last 25 minutes with 10 men after top
scorer Griffiths left the field.
And the Saints could have added
to their tally but Carter was denied his hat-trick by the legs of Roberts, while
John Toner and Wilde also went close.
WOS
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APR-20 |
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Martinez
unfazed by Leeds points dispute
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SWANSEA CITY boss Roberto
Martinez is refusing to let the spectre of Leeds United ruin his team’s title
celebrations.
Martinez’s Swans say they are
the League One champions, even though Leeds can technically still overhaul them
if they get their 15 points back.
The Swans celebrated on the
Liberty Stadium pitch despite yesterday’s 2-1 home defeat to Yeovil.
Carlisle’s shock loss against Southend meant Martinez’s men were definitely
promoted.
Leeds could haul themselves
back to within a point of the Swans, if they are awarded the 15 points docked at
the start of the season. But Martinez insisted: “From the football side of
things, we have earned the right to celebrate. If the Leeds decision goes
against the football rules, it’s going to be a much bigger problem.
“As far as I’m concerned,
Leeds are not in the race for the title.”
WOS
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APR-20 |
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Referee shows card seven times in Neath game
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Bangor 1-1 Neath Athletic
AN end-of-season encounter with
little at stake proved to be full of incident, as Caldicot referee Darren Adie
produced the yellow card seven times.
And a couple of the offenders
were lucky to escape more serious punishment.
A series of bad tackles mixed
with dissent resulted in Neath players receiving five cautions, while two on
Bangor’s side got into trouble.
The rival goals were scored
midway in each half, Chris Seargeant for Bangor during their purple patch around
24 minutes, and Lee Bevan for Neath, when they impressed on 72.
Seargeant excelled with a mazy
solo run past three defenders into a shooting position at 15 yards, before
directing a confident effort beyond keeper Craig Morris.
And, while Bevan’s equaliser
was different, it was quality as well, the centre-back swivelling at an angle on
the left to slam an unstoppable 18-yarder.
City had provided the game’s
first thrill, when Marc Limbert propelled a volley from 10 yards that would have
made a super opener, but Morris reacted with a brilliant reflex save and soon
after Les Davies went close with a header.
When Neath had their turn as
the pace-setters, Jarrod Price, Dale Evans and Carl Shaw all went within inches
but then visiting keeper Morris chopped City’s Karl Noon and escaped with a
caution.
WOS
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APR-20 |
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Little still praying
for Dragons
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Brian Little says no-one should completely write off
Wrexham's survival chances after a crucial 1-0 win over Notts County.
The Dragons are six points from safety with three games to go but face a
tough trip to promotion-hunting Hereford on Tuesday.
"We are still in there, we still might surprise everybody," said
boss Little.
"It is a tall order but there is still a chance and you cannot give up
on that."
And midfielder Matty Done says the win has lifted the spirits in the camp.
"Today is a massive confidence boost for all the lads and everyone
involved," he said.
"We knew it wasn't going to be a thriller, but the lads who have come in
have done absolutely brilliantly.
"It was a bonus to win and we will go into Tuesday full of
confidence."
BBC
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APR-19 |
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Neath encouraged by
first season at football’s top table
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NEATH Athletic go into the final
round of Principality Welsh Premier Football League matches feeling good about
their first season at the top level.
They are currently seventh, but
could climb as high as fourth with a win at Bangor City tomorrow.
Neath are also in the West
Wales Senior Cup final, against new Welsh Premier League champions Llanelli, at
Stebonheath Park next Tuesday.
It has been an excellent first
season for Neath and their manager Andy Dyer.
But they only drew 2-2 against
relegation- threatened Caersws in midweek and a disappointed Dyer said: “We
should have won. There was a lack of desire on our part.
“When there is no silverware
or title to be won then the level of performance can drop.
“But we are at Bangor
tomorrow and we know a good level of performance is needed to put us in the
right frame of mind for our West Wales Senior Cup final against Llanelli next
Tuesday.”
Neath won the trophy last
season, while Dyer concedes it’s a tough task at Stebonheath, saying:
“Llanelli are on a real high.”
A win at Bangor will put Neath
ahead of their hosts, while they would also be above Carmarthen Town if they
fail to beat Connah’s Quay Nomads away.
Port Talbot Town are fourth and
they play at bottom club Llangefni Town. The North Walians, though, could still
stay up with a win and if they achieved their aim could let Neath in for fourth
spot.
ICW
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APR-19 |
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Leaders must show
bulldog spirit in quest for league title
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LEADERS Ton Pentre, three points
clear at the top of MacWhirter Welsh Football League Division One, play their
final home match of the season at Ynys Park today.
Taffs Well are the visitors and
the Rhondda Bulldogs must win to keep their title hopes on track.
Second-placed Goytre United are
three points behind with two games in hand – and the top two still have to
meet at Glenhafod Park this season.
Goytre are at home to Caldicot
Town, while Dinas Powis, in third place, are at bottom club Garw, who have
conceded more than 200 goals in 30 matches this season.
Afan Lido are the only team in
the leading group who can still earn promotion and they travel to Caerleon.
In Division Two, Bettws lead
the way with Barry Town second and Cardiff Corries third. Bettws are at Caerau
Ely, while Barry Town travel to West End and Corries entertain Llangeinor.
There are plenty of matches in
midweek coming up. Cardiff Corries are at home to Grange Quins on Monday and
then entertain Caerau Ely on Wednesday.
Barry go to Llanwern on
Wednesday, while Bettws travel to Garden Village on Tuesday.
ICW
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Summer season not
split answer to Premier woes
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SUMMER football is the answer to
revitalising the Welsh Premier League, not splitting it into two divisions.
That is the view of Caernarfon
secretary Elwyn Hughes as the debate resurfaces about how best to improve
Wales’ top flight.
Plans are being forged to split
the Welsh Premier into two tiers of 10 teams each after the League’s chairmen
voted by 10 to four – four abstained – for the radical proposal at a meeting
in Oswestry on Sunday.
Caernarfon were one of the
clubs who didn’t support the idea.
“If the season was from March
to November I think attendances would improve – especially in June, July and
August,” said Hughes. “On summer evenings you’d have people coming in
shorts and T-shirts, you’d get families coming to watch games, and tourists
possibly at a loss for something to do of an evening might think ‘There’s a
football match on, we could go and watch that’. It would probably improve
attendances, and it all boils down to bums on seats.
“At the moment attendances
are poor, and I think that’s got a lot to do with matches on a Tuesday and
Wednesday night when teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and United are on
telly. If it’s a cold, wet night you’re not going to go and watch a Welsh
Premier game, you’re going to sit in the comfort of your home and watch one of
these big teams.”
Hughes said a two-tier system
would not be popular with fans, saying: “It’s a Scottish system, and it’s
not even very popular in Scotland.”
Newi Cefn Druids also voted
against the split, with chairman Brian Mackie saying teams in the lower division
would be forgotten.
Mackie said: “Teams who
don’t get into the top tier will get left behind. It will end up with no
promotion or relegation because of the strict licensing being brought in now,
and there will be natural wastage.”
DP
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APR-19 |
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TNS bid for win over
champions Llanelli
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THE title may have eluded them,
but The New Saints will look for a last-day consolation when they tackle
newly-crowned champions Llanelli at Park Hall today.
The game had been billed as a
possible championship decider a few months back, but the Saints’ mixed form
and an eight-match winning run from Llanelli saw the title settled last week.
However, the encounter will at
least give the deposed champions a chance to make a statement before they head
into their summer break.
Joint manager Mike Davies said:
“It’s an unusual position for the players, who are not used to finishing
second, but at least it’s a chance to end the season on a positive note.
“We want to put in a good
performance for the fans who have supported the club during the season.
“It’s a good game for us to
play as we look to build for next season, and we want to take positives out of
it.”
The Saints cemented runners-up
spot with the midweek 3-1 victory at Connah’s Quay Nomads, and a couple of
young guns are again likely to be involved including Bosnian Nikola Andelic and
17-year-old John McKenna.
Forward Alfie Carter has been
transfer-listed by the club while four other players, Martyn Naylor, Luke
Holden, Carl Lamb and Kevin Townson, have also been released.
“It’s inevitable there are
going to be changes,” said Davies.
He added: “These lads were
not going to feature any more, so we thought it best to release them now so they
have longer to find a new club.”
DP
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APR-19 |
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We can’t let fear
get the better of us - Porthmadog
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SECOND-bottom Porthmadog will go
for the jugular when they host Rhyl today looking to pull off a last-ditch
escape from relegation.
The Traeth side need to win to
have a chance of staying up, and will be looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat at Belle
Vue on Easter Monday.
Manager Viv Williams said:
“We need the three points, obviously, and intend to adopt a positive mood and
go for the win.
“At the same time, we
recognise the Rhyl threat, because they are in third place, have invariably
finished near the top and were champions four seasons ago.
“This is just like a cup
final and we have to ensure we are up for it, keep our discipline and take our
chances when they come.”
Matthew Hughes, who has hit 35
goals for the reserves in the Gwynedd League, will be promoted to the senior
squad and utility man Richard Hughes will return after missing last Saturday’s
0-0 draw in Carmarthen.
Porthmadog are missing Rhys
Roberts, who is banned after Saturday’s dismissal, and Richard Smart and Danny
Hughes, who have work demands.
Rhyl manager John Hulse
dismissed fears that his side would be soft-pedalling against Porthmadog, writes
Mike McEvoy.
Anxious to allay the concerns
of Porthmadog’s relegation rivals that the Lilywhites – who are guaranteed
third – would be travelling simply for the ride, Hulse said: “We will be
going flat out for a win.
“As far as we are concerned
we will be looking for three points and we owe that total commitment to all the
clubs involved and to the League.”
DP
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APR-19 |
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Swans on red alert as
Jones heads for exit door
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WALES midfielder Mark Jones has
emerged as a target for Roberto Martinez’s Swansea City as they get ready to
bolster their squad for the challenge of Championship football next season.
The Swans celebrated promotion
with their win at Gillingham last weekend, only to be rocked by the news that
the Football League will not confirm they are up while Leeds United’s fate is
in the balance.
The Swans can put the
controversial issue to bed by beating Yeovil at the Liberty Stadium this
afternoon. Three points would mean Carlisle could not catch them, even if Leeds
still could with a return of their 15 points.
But Martinez is clearly already
planning for the future and will be put on alert after silky midfield man Jones
said he would be leaving Wrexham at the end of the season.
The Swans, Cardiff, Burnley and
Barnsley are among those said to be monitoring the player John Toshack rates
highly.
Jones admits he does not know
where he will end up next season, but confirmed it will not be at the
Racecourse.
“I’ve been at Wrexham since
I was eight and I am a fan of the club, but I just thought it was time to move
on,” said Jones.
“I wanted a new challenge. My
decision is made and that is it.”
Martinez will note Jones’
comments with interest and admits he is already looking at his squad to face the
rigours of the Championship next season.
ICW
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APR-18 |
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Victory
for Aberaman throws their hat back in the title race
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Victory
for ENTO Aberaman last at Pontardawe see's them throw their hat back into the
title race. They beat Pontardawe 2-0 with a goal from Chris Summers in the 14th
minutes, but did not make the game safe until the last minute of normal time
when Dean Morris sealed the victory.
The
3 points see's them climb a place to 5th and on 56 points a point above
Bryntirion and 1 point below Afan Lido. Just 2 weeks ago five clubs were
battling it out for 2nd place with the Bulldogs clear out in front and looking cert.'s
for another welsh league title, but their recent poor home form has seen the
other 5 teams close the gap, and even Bryntirion in 6th place and 7 points off
the top can not be ruled out if results go against the teams above them.
Ton
Pentre threw a spanner in the works of Dinas Powys's title hope on Wednesday
night with a 2-0 victory, but it is Goytre who have the games in hand to climb
into top spot.
Two
Gwent teams will have big a say in who wins the title, Newport YMCA, have 2
games to play against Bryntirion and one against Afan Lido and Goytre, and
Newport not goal shy, they have scored 77 goals so far in the league, only Ton
Pentre and Goytre have scored more. Caldicot Town may also throw a wobbler in
the title race as they have to meet Goytre, Dinas Powys, ENTO Aberaman and Ton
Pentre, Caldicot Town are the top welsh league club on recent form winning their
last 5 games.
One
game that might have a final say on the title takes place at Glenhafod Park on
May 5th when Goytre host Ton Pentre, while Ton Pentre's home form of late has
been poor their's nothing wrong with their away form so this game should be a
cracker.
Tony
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APR-18 |
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Llanelli
Chairman's title dream fulfilled
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Nitin
Parekh arrived at Llanelli with the dream of delivering the Welsh Premier League
title. Twenty two months later he can finally give himself a huge pat on the
back.
Not that he will, for Parekh is someone who deflects praise onto his colleagues.
But the Reds chairman has lived up to his word.
When Parekh (below) entered Stebonheath Park for the first time
after buying into the club, he put together a three-year plan to push the club
from relegation battlers to title winners.
Just in time, they did it.
Of course, praise must be showered on the likes of manager Peter Nicholas, his
management team, the players and the backroom staff.
But Parekh, such a popular figure with Reds fans, must surely take a bow.
Financial matters are such an important part of creating a structure for a club
aiming to hit the top, not just in attracting top players, but also developing a
platform for an academy to produce local talent.
It has helped the club make massive strides in less than three years.
When Llanelli clinched the title on Friday following Airbus's victory over The
New Saints, some said text messages flew around the town saying they had wished
the title could have been won on the pitch at Connah's Quay Nomads the next day.
It means Saturday's trip to The New Saints - earmarked as a title decider
earlier in the season - is now insignificant.
That underlines how far the club has come.
LS
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APR-18 |
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Martinez
set to sign new contract
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Swansea boss
Roberto Martinez hopes to cap off last week's promotion to the Championship by
winning the League One title and signing a contract extension.
The Spaniard's current deal
runs out in May next year but BBC Sport Wales understands a new deal could be
announced as early as next week.
"I've always been
committed to Swansea City with or without a contract," said Martinez.
"They had to kick me out
as a player and it will be the same as a manager."
A win against 18th-place Yeovil
at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday would seal the title for the Swans.
And Martinez says that would
"mean everything".
"The emotion we had after
the game against Gillingham is something we have been waiting for, for 24 years
and to be able to share that with the fans is something special," he said.
BBC
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APR-18 |
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Wrexham
release on loan strike trio
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Wrexham's end of
season clear out has begun with three loan players appearing to have played
their last games for the relegation-threatened club.
MK Dons striker Drewe Broughton
and West Brom front man Stuart Nicholson have been told they will not feature
again this season.
And Robert Duffy, who is
injured, is returning to Oxford United.
"The manager has said he's
going to throw in some youngsters and give others a chance," said a club
official.
"They are not being sent
back in disgrace or anything like that. But we have 39 players on our books.''
All three have failed to make
any significant impact for Wrexham. Broughton scored two goals in 16
appearances, Nicholson failed to score in nine starts while Duffy was restricted
to six substitute outings.
BBC
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APR-18 |
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Swans
say promotion will see income rise by £2M
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Swansea City say
promotion to the Championship will see their income rise by around £2 million a
season.
And chairman Huw Jenkins insists Swansea will be strong enough to compete in
English football's second tier even though they will be dwarfed by many rivals
in terms of financial power.
Swansea's
climb to the Championship means a dramatic increase in cash coming into the
club, with their share of Football League TV money jumping from £450,000 to
around £1.5 million a year.
Swansea are also predicting a significant rise in sponsorship,
while the increased gates they anticipate will also have an impact.
"There's going to be a lot more money coming into the club," Jenkins
said, "but you've got to remember there's also going to be an increased
budget.
"These things go hand in hand.
"Our income will go up significantly, but you have to remember that every
player we have will get an increase in wages in the Championship, and any player
we look to bring in will cost that much more than they would have done in League
One."
Swansea's owners pledged never to take financial risks after inheriting a club
riddled with debt from Tony Petty.
They have splashed out on players and facilities, but have never spent money the
club doesn't have.
"A lot of clubs have made mistakes trying to meet the financial demands of
the Championship. We won't be doing that," Jenkins added.
"We will continue to spend money as we earn it and we won't take on things
we can't afford."
EP
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APR-18 |
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Reds
star Jones faces anxious wait over scan
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Former
Wales international Matthew Jones will undergo a scan tomorrow which will decide
whether he will be back at Llanelli next season.
The ex-Leeds United and Leicester City midfielder returned from a
career-threatening injury earlier this season to turn out for his hometown club.
His surprise return from a major back injury led to Jones helping the Reds to
their first Welsh Premier League title, which they sealed last week.
But the roller-coaster ride continues for the 27-year-old, who
will have a scan on his back to determine whether he can continue playing
football.
It would be a heartbreaking blow for the 13-cap international, who showed huge
emotions when lifting the league title following Tuesday night's 5-0 win over
Newtown at Stebonheath Park.
And he is banking on some good news tomorrow as he is desperate to be a part of
the club's Champions League campaign in July.
"To have played half a game here and there for my hometown club is the best
thing that could have happened to me," said Jones.
"I have been sitting on the bench knowing the boys can do the job, but if
they need me to come on for a bit then that is fine. It has worked out well.
"It's getting better and better, which makes it very tempting to look
towards next season, but the scan tomorrow will dictate what happens.
"It will tell me what has happened to my back since I left Leicester. Has
it got worse, better or stayed the same? I'm not sure yet. If it's the same then
it gives me something to think about.
EP
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APR-18 |
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Bridgend teen hopes
to play in historic cup final
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A BRIDGEND boy is hoping to play
for Cardiff City in the FA Cup Final.
Jonathan Brown, who is 18
today, featured in the 18-man squad to play Barnsley in the club’s historic
semi-final, although he did not take the field.
But if key team-mates are
injured, the young striker from Litchard could make an appearance in British
football’s showpiece event.
Brown said Cardiff’s 1-0
Wembley win on April 6 was the best experience he ever had.
“We were given a police
escort to the ground through all the fans. Then, before the game, the gaffer
wished us all the best and told us to keep doing what we’re doing.”
So what of his “gaffer”,
the miracle-working manager Dave Jones?
“He doesn’t say much but he
has shown confidence in me,” said Brown.
A product of Archbishop McGrath
RC Comprehensive School, Brown was signed by the Bluebirds at the age of 12 and
given a two-year scholarship at 16.
But after working his way up
the ranks, he is now making his mark on the first team.
Impressive performances for the
academy and reserves mean he mixes with the likes of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and
Robbie Fowler.
He made his first team debut
away at Coventry City two months ago. And On Saturday he came off the bench to
terrorise Blackpool’s defence, in front of his home crowd at Ninian Park.
ICW
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APR-17 |
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Crows
to look for local talent
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NEWLY-appointed
director of football Gary Proctor has vowed Cwmbran Town will recruit more local
players in time for the 2008-09 campaign.
Following
last season's relegation from the top-flight Principality Welsh Premier League,
the Crows appointed Spaniard Guillermo Ganet as their new manager.
Ganet
packed his squad with a load of London-based players with the team going to the
top of the MacWhirter Welsh League Division One table after a 2-0 away win over
Gwent rivals Caldicot Town on October 6.
However,
matters quickly turned sour from that point with Ganet eventually having to
recruit a whole new bunch of London-based players.
As
a result, the Crows have plunged from top to 13th place following an horrendous
run.
Cwmbran
moved to promote Proctor from being Ganet's assistant and stressed in a
statement that the former La Liga midfielder is still in charge of team affairs.
The club also said Proctor's appointment will help build unity within the club.
"The
club has decided to restructure for next season and I believe we also need to
get local talent back playing at this club, it's something I have emphasised to
the committee," said Proctor.
Carolynn
Purcell, the local businesswomen who unsuccessfully attempted to take over
Cwmbran 18 months ago, has joined the club's committee.
SWA
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APR-17 |
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Cardiff
earn European approval
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Cardiff City look
set to play in Europe next season if they win the FA Cup, BBC Sport Wales
understands.
The Football Association's
professional game board has approved their entry into European competition next
season.
Five Premier League and
Football League delegates on the professional game board also sit on that
executive body.
Meanwhile, the club have also
confirmed that they will not press for the Welsh national anthem to be played at
Wembley before kick-off on 17 May.
On European entry, the main FA
board and Uefa will have the final say next week and Uefa has already discussed
the possibility of offering them a wildcard.
BBC
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APR-17 |
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WPL
Relegation still to close to call
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RELEGATION from the Welsh Premier
will go down to the wire after Llangefni were beaten 1-0 at Caernarfon Town on
Wednesday night.
The Anglesey outfit remain
bottom of the table on goal difference from Porthmadog, after a 74th-minute goal
from sub Dean Buckley gave the Canaries all three points.
Caernarfon continue to have the
key to the trap door as they travel to Caersws in the final round of games on
Saturday.
If they win at the Recreation
Ground, and either Porthmadog or Llangefni can gain maximum points against Rhyl
and Port Talbot respectively, the Bluebirds' continuous membership of the Welsh
Premier would be ended.
But the mid-Wales outfit only
need a draw to sentence Llangefni to the drop, as they have a better goal
difference than their rivals, while the Traethmen must beat Rhyl to survive.
UWP
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APR-17 |
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City's FA Cup ticket
share announced
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Ticket
allocations for Cardiff City's FA cup final with Portsmouth next month have been
announced by the club.
The club have been allocated
25,000 tickets for the 17 May Wembley clash.
Ambassadors - people who bought
season tickets early for 2007/08 and have renewed already for next season - are
entitled to two tickets.
Season ticket holders who
bought in the current season will be entitled to one ticket each, as will
ambassadors who have not renewed for next season.
Ambassadors who bought season
tickets for 08/09 only will get one ticket.
The club says it has 1,500
remaining 08/09 ambassador season tickets available and these have now gone on
sale on a first-come-first-served basis until Friday.
BBC
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APR-17 |
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Prestatyn
blinded by the light
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PLANNERS are recommending that
Prestatyn Town's application to erect floodlights at their Bastion Road ground
should be accepted by the local Council when it meets on April 23.
The Cymru Alliance champions
have applied for planning to erect 250 Lux floodlights, along with improvements
to stands and the installation of turnstiles in line with Welsh Premier ground
grading requirements.
In their report to the Council,
officers say that, despite substantial objections from local residents, the
development will not be to the detriment of local amenity, but have recommended
restrictions on use of the lights to 12 night games and once in every 14 day
period until 16.45.
The planners say that lighting
levels must not exceed the levels applied for, so Prestatyn would need further
planning permission to upgrade to the forthcoming 500 Lux requirement already in
use at most top flight grounds.
The club now awaits news from
the league on their application for an extension to the May 1 ground grading
deadline.
UWP
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APR-16 |
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Llanelli
enjoy party at Stebo with 5 goal haul
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It was a party atmosphere from
start to finish at Stebonheath this evening as Llanelli celebrated their first
ever League Title in style as they returned to their home ground for the first
time since being crowned Principality Welsh Premier League Champions for the
first time.
Over 700 turned out at the
Reds' game against Newtown as Peter Nicholas' side romped to a 5-0 victory over
the hapless Robins. Prominent midfielder Andy Mumford scored the opener after 21
minutes before Rhys Griffiths struck a memorable effort on 41 minutes. The
deadly striker registered his 100th goal in Llanelli colours, which was well
appreciated by the home faithful and a perfect time to reach the milestone.
After the break, youngster Craig Jones scored the third, whilst Griffiths
managed his brace and goal 101 after 67 minutes.'
It was an even more fitting and
memorable moment in the 80th minute though, when local boy Gary Lloyd, who very
sadly lost his father and long-serving Llanelli stalwart Gil earlier in the
season, rounded off the game by scoring the fifth and final goal. Ironically,
the game was re-arranged this evening as Gil suddenly died on the morning of the
originally scheduled game.
OWP
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APR-16 |
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Port
Talbot have 4th place in their own hands
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Welshpool Town were beaten at home
by Nicky Tucker's Port Talbot Town. The Steelmen bounced back from their 5-0
defeat to Rhyl over the weekend in perfect style by cruising to a 3-1 win.
The club's leading scorer,
Martin Rose got the opener jus before the break, but Ross Stephens cancelled
that out on 55'.
Dylan Blain restored the
advantage on 64 minutes and Rose settled it with his double later on, to
maintain the club's hopes of a record fourth place finish.
OWP
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TNS
start clear out and release 5 players
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THE New Saints have
transfer-listed forward Alfie Carter and released four other players - Martyn
Naylor, Luke Holden, Carl Lamb and Kevin Townson.
Carter, who joined the club
from AFC Telford United in August 2005, is in the middle of a two-year contract
and has scored 19 goals from 50 Welsh Premier appearances over three seasons.
The 27-year-old started his career in the Football League with Walsall before
playing around the non-league circuit, moving to the New Bucks Head from
Halesowen Town in August 2004.
It is the second time that wing
back Naylor, the brother of Celtic's Lee Naylor, has been released by TNS. In
total, he has spent six seasons with the club, scoring 13 goals from 114 league
appearances, but has made only seven starts this season.
A former Liverpool and Tranmere
trainee, 19-year-old Holden joined the Saints on a one-year deal last summer and
scored six times in 27 appearances.
Townson, who was a teenage
sensation at Rochdale and won a call-up to the England Under-18s, was signed in
January during an injury crisis for strikers and netted five goals from six
starts, while fellow striker Lamb was formerly at Bangor and NEWI Cefn Druids
but failed to claim a regular first-team place during his two seasons at TNS,
which yielded 10 goals from 33 top flight appearances.
UWP
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Rhyl
win the battle Coastal batch over cup finalists
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Rhyl enjoyed a win over Coastal
rivals and Welsh Cup Finalists Bangor City at Farrar Road. The Citizens took the
lead after 40 minutes through Michael Walsh, but it was the return of the
Prodigal Son that haunted Nev Powell's side.
Marc Lloyd Williams struck
straight after the interval to level the proceedings and he also grabbed the
winner on 54 minutes.
OWP
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TNS get
back to winning ways
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TNS got back to winning ways at
Connah's Quay Nomads with John Toner the hero again for the visitors. After a
goal-less first half, the long-serving forward scored immediately after the
break, and got a second just after the hour.
The Nomads were given hope when
Ged Courtney pulled one back on 65', but Tommy Holmes wrapped things up with six
minutes remaining.
OWP
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Rhyl have choice or
Five for Intertoto
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Rhyl will learn of their Intertoto
Cup opponents on Monday when the draw is held at the UEFA Offices in Nyon and
they could face Latvian's Skonto Riga again, the side they lost to in the
Champions League in 2004.
Wales are ranked in the un-seeded
pot of the Northern European Draw and their opponents will be representing
Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland or Republic of Ireland. The five teams have
been identified as one of the following;
Elfsborg (Sweden)
Skonto RIga (Latvia)
Ekranas (Lithuania)
TPS Turku (Finland)
Bohemians (Ireland)
OWP
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APR-15 |
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Welsh
league title race hotting up
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Goytre have the chance tonight to
go top of the table if they can win at Cold Blow Lane by more than 2 goals,
Victory over Caerleon would see them level on points with Ton Pentre.
Goytre have the leagues highest
points tally away from home with 30 points from 13 games consisting of 10 wins
and 3 defeats, while Caerleon's home form is poor with just 4 wins from 13
games. But victory and top spot could be short lived as Dinas Powys have the
chance to go top tomorrow night if they win their home game, but they have the
small problem of having to beat Ton Pentre to get top spot, so any one of 3
teams have the chance to lead the table come tomorrow night, for Lido a draw
between Dinas and Ton Pentre would be the best result with both sides dropping 2
points.
Also into the mix tonight and
tomorrow ENTO Aberaman and Bryntirion have the chance to close the gap on the
teams above them. Tonight ENTO host Bridgend and a win for the hosts would see
them move up to 53 points still 6 off the pace, ENTO must start as hot favourites
to take the 3 points as Bridgend's recent form is poor with just 3 points from
their last 7 games. It's a busy week for ENTO as they have 3 games in 5 days.
Bryntirion will be looking to
get back to winning ways following their defeat to us on Friday night and they
face Taffs Well, and victory for Bryntirion will see them level on points with
Lido but they would go above us because of their better goal difference.
Tony
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APR-15 |
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Welsh Premier League
backs summer football plan
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SUMMER football could be on the
way to the Welsh Premier League.
Clubs voted 7-1 vote in favour
of summer football, with the others abstaining, as the Welsh Premier seems
certain to follow the Irish Eircom League in terms of being played outside
traditional winter months.
The campaign would start around
February and March and finish in October and November.
ICW
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APR-15 |
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Swansea
will not try to buy success
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Chairman Huw
Jenkins says Swansea will not turn into big spenders and try to buy success in
the Championship.
The Swans secured promotion to
the Football League's second tier with a 2-1 win at Gillingham on Saturday.
But Jenkins has warned fans not
to expect a flurry of expensive signings when they step up a level next season.
"Many clubs have fallen
foul of spending too much money and sometimes spending too much money on the
wrong players," said Jenkins.
"I think that's what makes
or breaks a football club.
"Looking at the sides who
do spend a lot money, a lot of them are down in the bottom half (of the table)
fighting off relegation and they've continued to spend money like Leicester,
Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday.
"I think there's a
balanced view that there are sides who are achieving quite a lot - like Bristol
City and a few of the other ones near the top - and haven't spent that much.
"Spending money on good
players who can grow with the club and invest their futures in the club is a
different thing.
"So many try to gamble on
a quick-fix solution and we all know that in football, like in business, it
takes time.
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