Afan Lido Football Club

MERTHYR Tydfil, one of the great brand names of Welsh football, could be playing their home matches 20 miles away from Penydarren Park next season.

Merthyr, who were playing European football and eyeing up a Football League spot towards the end of the 1980s, have secured a deal to ground share with Welsh League outfit Taffs Well.

There is still hope among fans and the club’s Supporters’ Trust that the last ball has not been kicked at their famous Penydarren home.

The Trust are waiting to hear if their application to reform the club has been accepted and what division they will play in next season and things should become a lot clearer on June 12 when the current administration period comes to an end.

In the meantime, with a developer renewing an interest in buying Penydarren Park, the Trust have had to scour South Wales for an alternative home to start the new season.

South Wales Amateur League club Treforest was considered as an option, but the Trust has chosen Taffs Well, more than 12 miles outside the Merthyr borough and nearly 20 from Penydarren Park.

At least £2,000 will be spent on the Rhiwdda ground to meet the criteria set by the Western League, the division Merthyr expect to be playing in next season. The Trust is also discussing transport plans for match days.

The Trust is looking to boost the funds coming into the club and they have agreed to pay Taffs Well a sum of money at the start of every month they are using their facilities.
South Wales Echo

 

THE Malaysian takeover of Cardiff City has been given the go ahead by shareholders – with promotion to the Premier League already the target for next season.ost the funds coming into the club and they have agreed to pay Taffs Well a sum of money at the start of every month they are using their facilities.

Dato Chan Tien Ghee – known to fans as TG – is now Bluebirds chairman, taking the reigns from Peter Ridsdale, who stands down after more than five years at the club.

During the meeting TG promised exciting times ahead at the Cardiff City stadium with the target of a top-two finish following this season’s play-off heartbreak.

TG told shareholders he was “deeply privileged” to be involved with the Bluebirds.

He said: “Believe me, it’s going to be quite a journey yet again.

“Cardiff City has advanced, each year we are closer and I would like very much not to do any more of these play-offs!

“This is a Welsh institution and we have one team but two nations.

“We want to go out there and get us promoted, I think we want to stick to focusing on a top two position.”

Following the EGM, Paul Guy and Michael Isaac joined the board, alongside TG and existing members Steve Borley and Alan Whiteley,. U-Jiun Tan also joins as non-executive director.

Also confirmed were the appointments of Gethin Jenkins and Doug Lee as chief executive officer and finance director respectively.

Mr Jenkins said: “It is our continuing aim to attain Premier League football for Cardiff City and the wider Cardiff community, while building a strong and sustainable business platform that can see the team and the club develop.

“In doing so we will look to engage fully with supporters, business partners and the community, while asking that they engage with us as we look to continue the progress of the club in recent years.

“It is an exciting time and an opportunity to forge new partnerships that will see the club stand on stable foundations for the future.”
South Wales Echo

 

Billed as the richest match in club football, an estimated is at stake in the winner-takes-all Championship play-off final, which will propel one of these sides into the big time.
For Blackpool, who started the season among the favourites for relegation and have not been in the top flight since 1971, promotion would be an amazing achievement. It would also see them go from the bottom division to the Premier League in the space of nine years.
And it would be a crowning moment for boss Ian Holloway, who tasted play-off agony at Cardiff's hands while QPR boss in 2003.
City's extra-time victory at the Millennium Stadium that day took them into the second tier for the first time in 18 years. Now they are looking to go a step further and compete in the top division for the first time since 1962.
Manager Dave Jones is hoping to repeat his 2003 play-off triumph, when he took Wolves up. His position at Cardiff was in doubt after their capitulation resulted in them being nudged out of the top six on the final day of last season. One year on, he could be about to seal his place in the club's folklore.
Two years ago, Holloway presided over relegation with Leicester and has had to rebuild his reputation since Blackpool appointed him last summer. His pre-season claim that the Seasiders could seriously challenge for promotion seemed to many to be over-ambitious, but he has been proved right.
While Blackpool have defied the odds to get this far, Cardiff have defied serious off-the-field problems. Their financial future has been uncertain all season, but they now have a chance to hit the jackpot and emphatically wipe out their debts.

 

SWANSEA CITY’S battle to hold on to Darren Pratley has begun as Nottingham Forest prepare to launch a renewed bid for the Liberty star.
But chairman Huw Jenkins has issued a hands-off warning after speculation also linked Roberto Martinez’s Wigan Athletic with a move for the 25-year-old Londoner.
Beaten play-off semi-finalists Forest had a m bid for Pratley turned down in January but boss Billy Davies is eager to up the offer. But he was denied doing so by the City Ground outfit’s unusual transfer acquisition committee, headed by former Spurs boss David Pleat.
Davies frustration with the committee saw the Scot hold clear-the-air talks with the Forest hierarchy yesterday d it ended with talk of a fresh offer for Pratley.
Pratley has also interested Newcastle, while reports in Wigan suggested Martinez could also be prepared to lure the former Fulham youngster away.
That news comes after Martinez had already expressed an interest in out-of-contract midfielder Leon Britton.
But with the Spaniard also being touted as a potential suitor for full-back Angel Rangel, Jenkins said: “I understand how these links come about, but there’s nothing going on as far as we’re concerned.
“And I have had no discussions whatsoever with anyone at Wigan Athletic about any of our players.
“I know Angel was brought over during Roberto’s time here, but he is under contract and until we receive a fantastic offer he will remain here.
“As for Darren, he is definitely not for sale. He’s under contract, he’s been with us for a number of years, he’s settled and he loves it here.> Britton is still to make a decision over his future with talks set for next week with an offer from Middlesbrough and one other Championship club already on the table.
Britton, 27, is believed to have been offered to double his money on Teesside but he is still weighing up his options with Wigan interested and Swansea happy to give the long-serving star time to make up his mind.

 

NEWPORT County’s summer spending spree began last night with two new arrivals signing on the dotted line.
On an extremely busy day at Spytty Park the Exiles secured the signatures of striker/winger Giuseppe Sole from Woking and defender Ollie Thorne from Forest Green Rovers.
Sole, still only 21, is a player boss Dean Holdsworth hugely admires and he has been a long-term target. He has not only agreed a one-year contract with the Exiles but confirmed he will be relocating to Gwent as well.
Central defender Thorne, 20, has also penned a one-year deal and both players will join the likes of Craig Reid, Sam Foley and Danny Rose in essentially being full-timers next term.
Thorne is a former MK Dons player and also had a spell with Rushden and Diamonds, having never played below the Conference National.
The good news for Exiles supporters does not stop there either, defender Jamie Collins also signing on to stay with County after smooth contract negotiations with boss Holdsworth. The Exiles will also today confirm that Chris Todd has been signed up on a permanent deal from Torquay although, as reported here, that was agreed several weeks ago.
However, Paul Cochlin has played his final game for the Exiles, agreeing a move to the Welsh Premier League with Neath, where he will form a formidable partnership with former County captain Ian Hillier and will also be reunited with Craig ‘Guppyghes.
Striker Dave Gilroy is apparently in negotiations with other clubs and seems certain to leave, while winger Charlie Henry is now the only member of the Blue Square South winning squad whose future is uncertain, contract talks having stalled recently.
The Exiles will be announcing another new signing early next week, a midfielder who has been a regular opponent in previous seasons in the Blue Square South

 

The FAW Board has approved the Domestic Committee's recommendation to an increase in Prize Money for the FAW Cup Competitions for Season 2010/11, with the winners now scooping £30,000.
A further boost for the twelve Welsh Premier League clubs is that they will enter the competition in Round Three on Saturday 6th November, which is one round later than previous seasons. This will guarantee the Welsh Premier League clubs £1,500 when previously they were only guaranteed £500 if knocked out in their first game in Round 2.
The FAW has also announced its annual conference dates for the five competitions and the Welsh Cup Final has been put back one week after the Bank Holiday weekend, with a provisional date as Saturday 7th May 2011.
The total Prize Money for the Welsh Cup last season was £132,000 and that has been increased to £167,000 by the Board for its flagship competition. In all, the Football Association of Wales will pay out £217,000 in prize money in its five National Competitions next season, emphasising their commitment to the domestic game - An increase of £51,000 from 2009/10. These figures need to be ratified at the next meeting of the FAW Council next month to rubber-stamp the recommendations.

FAW Welsh Cup 2010/11

Qualifying Round 1 - Saturday 14th August 2010
Qualifying Round 2 - Saturday 28th August 2010
Round One - Saturday 11th September 2010
Round Two - Saturday 2nd October 2010 (Losers in this Round get £750)
Round Three - Saturday 6th November 2010 (Losers in this Round get £1,500)
Round Four - Saturday 29th January 2011 (Losers in this Round get £2,500)
Round Five - Saturday 26th February 2011 (Losers in this Round get £6,000)
Semi Final - Saturday 9th April 2011 (Losers in this Round get £12,500)
Final - Saturday 7th May 2011 (Runners-Up get £20,000 and Winners get £30,000)

 

The fight to stay in division 1 with 5 clubs being relegated has been decided. But no one anticipated the 9 times welsh league champions (and former league of Wales club) would be one of the 5 clubs to go down.
Their fate lied in their own hands going into their last game, victory away to Pontardawe would ensure their survival, but the resurgent Pontardawe had other ideas and won their home game against Ton Pentre 3-2, that result alone would not relegate them unless Cardiff Corinthians beat current champions Aberaman which they did 2-1 in their final home game (played at Caerau Ely). It has been a rapid drop down the table for the bulldogs who only back in march were 4th in the table on 36 points from 24 games, but just 5 points from a possible 30 condemned them to their current position and relegation.  So the 5 teams relegated are 1: Caerleon, 2: Dinas Powys, 3: Bettws, 4: Ely rangers, 5: Ton Pentre.
While the bottom has been decided, the top is still up for grabs with Goytre Lido and Cambrian all still fighting to be crowned champions, but whoever wins the title will do so with the lowest points total ever in the welsh league div 1 for a 34 game season, the highest total any of the 3 teams can achieve is 69, whether it is a sign of a very competitive league this season or lack of top quality teams in the division? the previous lowest total for a 34 league season (3 points for a win) was back in 1981/82 season and that was the first season 3 points for a win came in and it was posted by recently relegated Ton Pentre who managed 70 points.

 

Today, Monday 17th May 2010, is one of the most important days in the history of the Welsh Premier League as the Club Licensing Appeals, which will be heard in Cardiff at 10:30, will determine the composition of the restructured Welsh Premier League for 2010/11. At least eleven of the twelve members for next season will be confirmed, the only vacancy may still not be confirmed until later this week, if Welsh League side Afan Lido are successful with their appeal.

The appeals will be heard by a committee, independent of the FAW and of any club or League and they will make a final and binding decision for the FAW. Rhyl, Bangor City and Airbus UK Broughton, who all finished in the Top Ten, are awaiting their licence. The other seven top ten finished clubs are confirmed in next season's League.

If the three clubs named above are licensed on appeal today, there are ten confirmed clubs. The other two vacancies will be filled by Cymru Alliance Champions Llangefni (if they win their appeal) and Afan Lido (if they win appeal and finish season in Top Two).

If any of those five are not licensed, the vacancies will be filled in the following order;

- Bala Town (if they win appeal)
- Haverfordwest (already licensed)
- Newtown (already licensed)
- Connah's Quay (if they win appeal)
- Porthmadog (if they win appeal)

The seven confirmed teams for the League so far are Aberystwyth Town, Carmarthen Town, Llanelli, Neath, Port Talbot Town, Prestatyn Town and The New Saints.

Welshpremier.com

 

TITLE-CHASING rivals Afan Lido and Goytre United both hit four goals to set up a crunch clash on Wednesday evening.

Goytre are top of MacWhirter Welsh League Division One with one game to play. That is against Afan Lido, who are at home against Goytre at the Marstons Stadium on Wednesday.

It’s a case of winner takes all – unless Cambrian and Clydach intervene.

Goytre and Afan Lido both have a goal difference of plus 38 and if either team wins the big clash they will have every chance of being crowned champions. A draw would leave Goytre in first place.

But Cambrian and Clydach, lying third with two games to play, could yet sneak in and snatch the title.

They travel to play Bryntirion on Wednesday and then, on Saturday, May 22, take on West End.

If Afan Lido beat Goytre and Cambrian win both of their remaining matches they would finish top by two points.

South Wales echo

 

Cwmbran Celtic can clinch the title tomorrow evening when they play Caerau Ely away in Cardiff.

That is Celtic’s final match of the season and if they slip up Penrhiwceiber Rangers could nip in to take the championship.

Cwmbran Celtic drew 1-1 at Newport YMCA on Saturday, while Rangers battled to a 2-2 draw at home against Croesyceiliog.

In Division Three Aberbargoed Buds have had a tiring schedule of matches and it showed during a 3-2 win at Pentwyn Dynamos. Title-chasing Buds led 3-0 soon after half-time thanks to goals from Iwan Aherne, Dean Randall and Benny Preece.

Pentwyn hit back with two goals and Buds were hanging on at the end. The home team were left to rue Aberbargoed’s second goal, scored from a Randall free-kick on the edge of the penalty area while their ’keeper was standing by one of his posts lining up the defensive wall.

Randall was able to chip his shot into an empty net.
South Wales echo

 

Neath Football Club have begun the rebuilding process for next season by signing Craig Hughes and Paul Fowler from Carmarthen Town. The club is delighted to have signed two players of undoubted pedigree that will hopefully provide a platform for the club to deliver the success that is desired at the Gnoll. Manager Andy Dyer commented this evening on their signing at the Gnoll, 'Both players have shown me a desire, hunger and enthusiasm to come here and make things happen. Paul is a big big player who can do well here and Craig brings a big character who can affect things around him. This is a good start to what I want here next year and I am delighted with these two signings'.
www.neathfc.com

 

Aberaman Athletic are pleased to announce that David Gough will be the new team manager with effect from Tuesday 18 May 2010.  
David who is a former player at the club is a level A coach and comes with a great pedigree. A former coach at Merthyr Tydfil and Clevedon Town he will form is own backroom staff and these will be announced when confirmed.
Aberaman would like to place on record their sincere thanks to all those applicants and wish them well in the future and also our sincere thanks to Lee Williams who took over from Leighton James in March.
With the close season almost upon us the work for next season will begin immediately with some new work being planned at the ground and of course David will begin in earnest to build a team ready for the challenges that lie ahead next season.
Welshleague.org.uk

 

Llanelli under-19s secured their third successive MacWhirter League Youth Division West title on Tuesday night when they beat Pontardawe Town 7-1 at Stebonheath Park. A Rikki Evans hat trick, a brace from Declan John, one from the penalty mark, and one apiece from Ryan Batley and Craig Frater, brought the curtain down on an eventful season at the Reds home ground.
The under-19s have one league game remaining at Carmarthen Town on Thursday 13 May.
Llanelli official website

 

CARDIFF CITY are turning to a rugby man to be their new Peter Ridsdale.
The Western Mail can reveal departing Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins (pictured below) has accepted a similar role with the Bluebirds. Jenkins will now be responsible for the day-to-day running of Cardiff, just as he has been with the Newport-based Dragons over the past six years.
Jenkins replaces Ridsdale, whose official title was chairman but who oversaw everything at the club.
The former Leeds supremo officially leaves his job at the end of May and City were keen to have their new man in place to take over immediately.
It is a fair bet that Paul Guy and former Wales rugby captain Mike Hall, who each have a strong tie up with the Bluebirds, will have been impressed with the work Jenkins has done at Rodney Parade.
During his tenure in charge, Jenkins has worked a tight ship and helped implement a policy which has seen Dragons coach Paul Turner bring through a number of home-grown players.
Some of the youngsters, such as fly-half Jason Tovey, flanker Dan Lydiate, wing Will Harries and prop Hugh Gustafson, are being tipped as Wales stars of the future.
Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell said yesterday: “We would like to thank Gethin for his hard work and dedication to the Dragons and Newport RFC over the past six years.
“He has been part of an organisation that has developed strong foundations and grown on sustainable lines during that period.
“We are confident that we can build on this legacy and continue to grow, especially as we hope to announce new development plans imminently.”
Jenkins said he was leaving to take up a new challenge.
ICWALES

 

MERTHYR Tydfil could be dealt yet another massive blow by being kicked out of Penydarren Park, their home for more than 100 years, as early as next season.
A house-building company has renewed its interest in the site and the Martyrs could be forced to look for a new base outside the Merthyr area.
And Mark Evans of the Merthyr Supporters’ Trust says that would be a tragedy.
“There are a lot of things going on at the club, but the thought of leaving Penydarren Park has to be taken seriously.” said Evans.
“People must not forget that this is a community club that hosted 14 local cup finals after the senior side finished their season.
“We understand the administrator has a job to do, but we will not let this issue go.”
The club was placed in administration by the Martyrs to the Cause Trust in June 2009 in order to protect it from creditors, including HMRC.
The trust was hoping to buy the lease of Penydarren Park for next season, but the administrator has written to creditors advising a company, which has no intention of using the ground for football, has renewed its interest.
As a result, the administrator has stated he does not anticipate football being played at Penydarren Park for the 2010-11 season.
It is thought that in the long term it would be impossible to develop Penydarren Park for any commercial purpose, because it is a site of special historic interest, owing to the partly excavated Roman Fort below the ground.
IcWales

 

 

Experienced midfielder Dean Keates has agreed to join Blue Square Premier side Wrexham on a two-year contract.
Keates joined relegated League One side Wycombe Wanderers in January until the end of the season, having been released by Peterborough United in December.
Keates, 31, was recommended by ex-Wrexham player Darren Ferguson, the former Peterborough manager now in charge of Preston North End.
"I am really pleased to get Dean," said Wrexham boss Dean Saunders.
"He will be a great signing for the club and is someone who is highly thought of by everyone he has played for.
"Dean comes highly recommended by Darren Ferguson and [former Wrexham assistant manager and player] Kevin Russell, as they are two people I went to following their successful spell together at Peterborough."
Saunders is hoping that Keates will be able to drive Wrexham forward from midfield as they bid to return to the Football League, having been relegated in the 2006/7 season.
Since making his professional debut in 1996, Keates has won promotion six times with three different clubs - Walsall, Hull City and Peterborough.
"We have got Dean in for the middle of midfield and know he can do a job in there," Saunders told the Wrexham website. "Dean can score goals and he can create them.
"He is aggressive, is a good character and a good professional, which is what I want at the club. At 31 he is experienced enough and not too old.
"Dean has won six promotions so far in his career and has played in the Championship this season, as well as through the lower leagues.
"I wasn't sure I could get him, so I was delighted when he agreed to sign."
Keates was one of 12 players released by Wycombe boss Gary Waddock this week.
BBC

 

Garden Village sit top of the five team drop zone and are three points behind Ton Pentre with a game in hand.
IcWales

 

IcWales

 

Ex-Aberystwyth Town starlet Tom Bradshaw is being tracked by three Premier League teams. The striker, who cut his teeth in the Principality Welsh Premier League last season is being tracked by Fulham, Wolves and Birmingham according to newspaper reports in the Sun.

The youngster joined Shrewsbury from the Seasiders twelve months ago on second-year scholar terms, but broke into the first team recently. He scored a brace on his debut in the Shrews 3-0 win at Crewe's Gresty Road in April and also struck in their last game of the season.

The Shrewsbury-born Welsh speaker, who spent all of his upbringing on the West Wales coast, was only introduced from the bench 15 minutes from time as replacement but the Aber academy-product took just 10 minutes to mark his introduction to league football, scoring with what was almost his first touch.

The Seasiders revealed that the then 16 year old striker had signed as a second year scholar with the League Two side last May, shortly after he played for the Seasiders in the Welsh Cup Final.

The switch came after impressively breaking into the first team at Park Avenue last season, scoring two goals from four starts and a further five substitute appearances.
IcWales