JUN-16

Goytre's managers agree to stay

IT seems that the dust has finally settled at Goytre United.

Joint managers Andrew Radford and Craig Duggan had been furious that the club had refused an invite to join the Welsh Premiership after securing the Macron Welsh League Division One title.

After a meeting with club director Lyndon Suhanski, both Radford and Duggan have agreed to bury the hatchet.

Such was the strength of feeling at one point, it looked as if the management duo would walk away from Glenhafod Park.

But Radford and Duggan have agreed to stay in charge of the division one champions.

"Craig and myself will be at the helm with Goytre United next season," confirmed Andrew Radford.

"Everyone has worked damned hard for three years at the club and this time we have won the Flocon Cup, runners-up in the league and champions this season.

"We are probably one of the favourites to win it again next year but, believe me, Neath, Afan Lido, Maesteg Park, Pontardawe and newly-promoted Pontypridd Town will be in the mix."

"The comradery and atmosphere is brilliant at our club and we hope it continues next season," he added. 

JUN-16

I've got my sights on Europe

European glory has become the sole focus at Llanelli FC. In less than a month the club will play its first game in Europe as it makes its Uefa Cup debut.

And with the draw for the first qualifying round taking place a week on Friday, everyone at the Reds is gearing up for the most significant period in the club's 110-year history.

"The first leg is a month away and in football terms that is nothing at all," said manager Peter Nicholas. "I am getting excited by it all and everyone at Llanelli is focussing on Europe.

"The Welsh Premier League doesn't start for a month after Europe, so we are fully committing ourselves to the Uefa Cup game.

"If we get through our pre-season injury-free, then we should be in good shape for Europe."

Nicholas has seen the majority of his squad return to training, along with the recently-released Jamie Rewbury, who has rejoined. Also involved is defender Wyn Thomas, who has signed from Haverfordwest.

Spaniards Efren Fernandez and Jacob Mingorance trained with the club on Tuesday while Ivan Nofuentes is due to return next week.

Trialists Ryan Maxwell and Neil Thompson have been involved in conditioning sessions while former Swansea City striker Tony Bird is expected to start his trial soon.

Llanelli Star

JUN-16

'Giles good enough to be in pro football'

Former Cardiff City defender Martyn Giles is a key player for Carmarthen Town in their InterToto Cup first round tie against Finnish League leaders Tampere United.

But Carmarthen manager Mark Jones, whose Carmarthen team play in Finland on Saturday, reckons Giles shouldn't even be playing for his Welsh Premier League club.

'Martyn should be playing full-time football at Coca-Cola League level,' says Jones. 'I have no doubts he is that good. He was outstanding for Carmarthen last season.

'Personally I'm delighted he's still in our team, but what do Football League clubs want?

'He is easily good enough to step up and do a terrific job at a much higher level.

'Gilo is 6ft 2in tall, the quickest player in our team, tackles hard and has a great football brain.'

Swansea City have shown interest in Giles, but have not made him a firm offer.

South Wales Echo

JUN-16

Rhayader are happy to share

RHAYADER Town chairman Neil Holder has given Newbridge’s ground share plans the go-ahead.

Holder joined Football Association of Wales councillor Phil Woosnam in backing Newbridge’s ambitious plans.

The 2005 Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South) champions applied for promotion after ending 2006 runners-up to all conquering Rhosgoch Rangers.

The club currently fails to meet Spar Mid Wales League ground criteria but have promised work will be completed by December.

The club has since implored Rhayader Town to allow them use of the Weirglodd during the early stages of next season.

Rhayader Town chairman Neil Holder said: “I have no problem with Newbridge’s request and it will benefit Radnorshire to have another club in the Mid Wales League set-up.“I can’t see there being any major problems with allowing Newbridge ground share for part of next season.

“Newbridge could use the facilities at Llandrindod Wells and Builth Wells but we are happy to try and help.”

Border Counties

JUN-15

Park Hall field of dreams

THE redevelopment of Park Hall is set to begin in August following a grant of almost half a million pounds.

The New Saints club has received an award of £445,038 from the Football Foundation towards new and improved multi-function facilities at Park Hall for a range of activities, including football.

Redevelopment of the site will include replacement of the existing grass pitch with a floodlit, full-size artificial surface, new changing facilities, coach education training rooms and social facilities including a bar, catering, an indoor children’s play area and a 10-lane bowling alley.

The improvements to Park Hall Stadium are expected to cost more than £3million in total, with the project currently out to tender. The club say they are hopeful that work will begin in August, for a May 2007 completion.

“The improvements to Park Hall Stadium will provide the club with state-of-the-art facilities that can be enjoyed by all sectors of the local community,” said Mike Harris, Managing Director of The New Saints Football Club, with general manager Ian Williams adding: “The New Saints Football Club is fully committed to providing the best facilities for the local area and looks forward to partnerships with local organisations who will benefit greatly from the new facilities.”

Border Counties

JUN-15

Carmarthen at full strength

Carmarthen Town head to Finland on Friday with no injury worries ahead of their Intertoto Cup clash with Tampere United.

The Richmond Park side start their second successive assault on Europe against the Finnish League leaders at the Ratinan Stadion on Saturday as they look to claim one of 11 spots on offer in this season's Uefa Cup.

Six games separate Mark Jones's men from the competition they impressed in last year and it will take another sterling performance against the Scandinavians for them to progress into the second round of the Intertoto Cup.

Tampere have two Finnish internationals in their ranks, with keeper Mikko Kaven understudy to Fulham's Antti Niemi in the national side, and ex-Hibs midfielder Jarkko Wiss having 34 caps to his name.

"We know it is going to be a tough game," said Town boss Jones.

"But we are optimistic that we can get a result - otherwise what's the point of going over there.

"We head up to London tomorrow before flying out on Friday where we will have our final training session at their ground later that day."

Carmarthen Journal

JUN-15

Keeper backs Euro assault

Mark Ovendale has already faced the might of European football - now he is on the brink of another assault.

The former Luton and Bournemouth stopper will be part of Carmarthen Town's Intertoto Cup campaign when they take on Finnish outfit Tampere United on Saturday.

Ovendale, 32, was part of the dominant Barry Town side that played Dynamo Kiev and Aberdeen during their European exploits.

Having tasted top-level football in Europe, along with a number of years in the English league, Ovendale is determined to make the most of the two-leg clash.

His move to Richmond Park comes following his release from Tiverton Town.

He has signed on a non-contract basis and will then sit down with manager Mark Jones to decide his future following the two-leg affair.

"Europe is a great occasion and I'd like to be a part of it with Carmarthen," said the Rhondda-based keeper.

"I have signed for the two games and after that we will have to see what happens.

"I did not want to commit myself to anything and Mark is happy with that.

"Obviously I played in Europe with Barry and we had some great times - the best was reaching the Uefa Cup first round proper."

Carmarthen Journal

JUN-14

Martin is new WWFA Chairman

Neath League secretary Martin Jones is the new chairman of the West Wales Football Association. He took over at the helm at the Association's annual meeting in Swansea from Carmarthenshire's Mike Fuse who stepped down after his two-year spell.

It was all change at the top as Goff Thomas, a product of the Carmarthenshire League, took over as president from Terry Hancock, from Saundersfoot.

There is a new vice-chairman as well in referees' representative Ceri East, who has been succeeded as the nominee of the Referees' Society by Roger Upward.

In his annual report to clubs, secretary Bob Waygood reported that sendings-off had increased during the season to 592 - a rise of 12 per cent on the previous winter.

Eleven charges were preferred under the FAW regulations governing assault of the match referee.

Evening Post

JUN-13

Welsh premier look for new sponsor

Vauxhall MasterFit, one of the league’s commercial partners has completed its agreed period as the competition’s title sponsor.

John Deakin Secretary of the Welsh Premier League said ‘The partnership with Vauxhall MasterFit has proved to be the most successful commercial agreement since the launch of the Welsh Premier League.

Deakin continued ‘We are now entering into dialogue with companies who have asked to be kept informed of commercial opportunities arising in Welsh football. 

The league and its member clubs are keen to work with partners as committed to the competition as we are. There are many firms who understand the value of widening their brand awareness on a local and national level. We are committed to ensure that we will have a new title sponsor in place for the start of the new season

FAW Press release

JUN-13

Rhyl add half a dozen new faces

Rhyl have brought in 6 new faces according to the official Rhyl website www.rhylfc.com.

Four of the 6 are from welsh premier clubs, Midfielders Marcus Orlik and Dylan Owen come from Caernarfon Town. The highly rated midfielder Conall Murtagh from Connah's Quay and defender Adrian Moody from Newtown. The other 2 players Ian Burrows and Alex Hay come from the english pyramid system.

Tony

JUN-12

Port Talbot make two new signings

Port Talbot have moved in the transfer market and made two new signings to strengthen their squad for next season.

They have brought in the now former Haverfordwest County midfielder Dylan Blain and Striker Martin Rose, they have also re-signed former Afan Lido player Chris Pridham.

The news comes from Port Talbot's website The blue skinned beast, who has an interview with PTT chairman his comments were - "Eddie told us 'We have signed Martin Rose who a centre forward that played for Nicky Tucker at Llanelli. Martin has an eye for goal though it will be a difficult task to replace Rhys Griffiths we believe that he will settle at the club and we can bring the best out of him. We are also delighted to secure Dylan Blaine's signature. His quality is recognised throughout the WPL and we know that he can bring some great attributes to the Blues and be a success with players and supporters alike"

Tony

JUN-12

Last season Haverfordwest now the world cup

Not many people will have realised that when Trinidad and Tobago played Sweden the other night in Trinidad and Tobago's first ever world cup game, that two of their players played at Haverfordwest's Bridge Meadow last season.

Carlos Edwards & Dennis Lawrence played for Wrexham in last season's FAW Premier cup game at the bridge meadow in which Wrexham narrowly won. 

As Jimmy Greaves used to say "It's a funny old game"

Tony

JUN-12

Nicholas gets Bird for Llanelli

Llanelli have signed former Barry Town, Newport County and Cardiff Grange Quins striker Tony Bird.

The former Wales Under-21 international has joined Llanelli for training ahead of their Uefa Cup tie next month.

South Wales Echo

JUN-12

Neath to fight premier league vote

Neath Athletic are appealing against a decision by the Vauxhall Masterfit Welsh Premiership to deny them membership.

The Llandarcy Park club have received written confirmation of last week's vote at the Welsh Premiership annual, ruling out promotion because of the Welsh League runners-up falling short on ground criteria. However, Neath's decision to appeal will now be heard by the Football Association of Wales, and the outcome is anticipated ahead of the Welsh League annual meeting at Maesteg.

The confirmation that grant money is forthcoming has led to Neath commencing ground improvements, and they will continue whatever the outcome of the appeal.

Tony Poole

JUN-11

Sun, sea and training for Town

CARMARTHEN town boss Mark Jones has been putting his squad through their paces on the beach.

The Welsh Premier outfit are in Intertoto Cup action on Saturday when they play the first leg against Tampere in Finland, before moving to Newtown's Latham Park for the return a week later.

Jones said: "We've been working hard on the beach at Porthcawl for the past four weeks and we are as ready as we'll ever be."

Wales on Sunday

JUN-10

Barry Town back to Jenner at last?

And that could mean the once-proud club, which represented the town of Barry against some of Europe's great teams, could be saved from extinction - something die-hard fans feared they would not see.

The latest development in the long-running saga occurred last week in a meeting between Vale Council leader Cllr Jeff James, council officials and Barry Town AFC's chairman Stuart Lovering, its secretary Dave Cole and its Youth Academy director Mike Coslett.

Mr Cole said that the meeting was a very positive and constructive experience and that the club was hopeful a deal could be struck.

He said: "We are hopeful that within the next few days we will come to an agreement which will mean Barry Town playing at Jenner Park for the 2006-07 season."

Cllr James echoed the positive feeling and described the meeting as constructive.

He said: "Both parties - that is Barry Town AFC and the Vale of Glamorgan Council - have agreed to consider their respective positions, and there's also an issue with wanting more information from both sides.

"We will probably be setting up another meeting once that information is to hand."

Under League of Wales rules, Barry must ask for permission to play another season away from their designated home. 

JUN-09

Evans set to depart TNS for Wrexham

New Saints defender Steve Evans looks set to depart Treflan after 147 club appearances.

The 27-year-old is expected to sign for Coca Cola League side Wrexham in the next week.

Saints general manager Ian Williams confirmed: “The lads are back in training apart from Steve Evans who has been subject to an approach from Wrexham.

“We expect the free transfer to be completed soon and wish Steve all the best at the Racecourse Ground.”

County times

JUN-09

Newtown deducted 5 points by league

Newtown have been hit with a 5 point deduction following fielding midfielder Gareth Hughes when he was out of contract for the last five games of the season.

The club insisted that due to changes at the top level of the club, and the prolonged season it was overlooked that his 2 year contract terminated before the season ended.

Newtown 5 point deduction drops them 14th place to 16th.

Also at Newtown striker Peter Smith has left the club following a disappointing return.

Tony

JUN-09

Reds have 4 trialists at 1st training session

Llanelli FC will have four trialists at their first training session of the season tonight. The Reds begin their season early having qualified for the Uefa Cup for the first time in their history, and manager Peter Nicholas is determined to succeed where most Welsh teams have failed miserably.

Nicholas was in charge of Barry Town when they beat Portuguese giants FC Porto and with the exceptions of Rhyl and Carmarthen last season, Welsh success in Europe has been rare.

To bolster his options, Nicholas has brought in former Crystal Palace duo Ryan Maxwell and Michael Fowler along with Carlisle United keeper Neil Thompson.

Thompson, 19, could provide competition for the keeper's jersey with Duncan Roberts while former Irish Under-21 international Maxwell and Fowler - now at Merthyr - would boost the midfield options.

Another player on trial at Stebonheath Park is former Swansea and Cardiff striker Tony Bird (below).

The 31-year-old would offer added firepower to a strike force that already includes Cortez Belle, Rhys Griffiths and Richard Harris.

"I have got a few on the hit-list," said Nicholas. "I am looking at lads from around Britain. I am hoping to keep a lot of last season's squad, but with Europe upon us, I have got to look at how we can add to the playing staff.

Evening Post

JUN-08

Town can't wait for Euro tie

Carmarthen Town continue their European preparations with manager Mark Jones upbeat regarding the forthcoming Intertoto tie.

"We had a fantastic training session on the beach at the weekend," he said.

"It developed into a full-scale game and the spirit in the camp could not have been better.

"The tie is certainly bringing out the best in the players and they are all competing hard for their places in the squad that will travel to Finland."

This week Town have two warm-up games. Yesterday they were due to play Taffs Well at Pen-Y-Darren Boys Club Merthyr and tomorrow evening play Neath Athletic AFC at Neath, with a 6.45pm kick-off.

"Hopefully these warm-up games will give us have a bit of a competitive edge, but generally it will just get the boys back together again playing as a team," added Jones.

It is expected that Town's Intertoto squad will fly to Finland the day before the game with a training session at the Ratina Stadium later that evening in preparation for the Saturday night tie.

Evening Post

JUN-08

Carmarthen offer free travel for Euro tie

Carmarthen Town are offering free coach travel to their Intertoto Cup clash in Newtown to the first 100 fans who snap up tickets to the big game when they go on sale next week.

The historic match - versus top Finnish side Tampere United - is on Saturday, June 24, kick-off 2.30pm.

Tickets and the free bus passes to Newtown - which are being provided thanks to the generosity of Neil Alexander of the club's main sponsor, EMC Services - will be available at the clubhouse in Richmond Park between 6pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, June 13, 14 and 15, and again on June 20, 21 and 22.

A club spokesman said: ''We are very, very grateful to Neil. He continues to show fantastic support and hopefully our fans will repay his generosity by travelling to Newtown to support the lads in large numbers.

''Development of our ground means this match will, we hope, be the last time we have to play such a big European match away from Richmond Park.''

Evening Post

JUN-06

Ponty strengthen squad for WPL push

Pontypridd Town, newly promoted to Welsh Football League Division One, are moving quickly to strengthen their squad.

Their most recent signing is 24 year old Ross Lloyd signed from Aberystwyth Town. Lloyd made 22 appearances for Aber last season following his move from Cwmbran Town.

They are aiming to launch a big challenge for the First Division title against favourites Goytre United, the defending champions, and Bridgend Town.

Ponty manager Ryan Nicholls has also added former Everton and Leicester player Geraint Frowen and Ryan Jenkins from UWIC plus highly-rated Ely Rangers defender Daniel Hooper.

Nicholls has also re-signed players of the year Andrew Hughes and Mike Jones along with captain Dean Morris plus strikers Chris Summers and Peter Cheeseman.

JUN-05

Neath unhappy at WPL shut out

The Welsh Premiership board of directors rejected their request for time to bring Llandarcy Park up to the required standard. The member clubs also discussed their late application following the withdrawal of Macron Welsh League champions Goytre United, and a unanimous decision was made to go with a 17-strong league for next season.

In the end Neath lost out because they did not meet the required ground criteria when a second inspection of Llandarcy Park was made last month.

''The decision is bitterly disappointing as we couldn't go ahead with the necessary work, owing to grant money not being written in stone,'' said Neath Athletic treasurer Roger Brooks.

''That said, we gave the league a contractor's undertaking that all work would be completed by early July, but this obviously wasn't good enough for them.''

The situation proved a repeat of 2003 when a similar problem in enclosing the cricket side of the ground also led to their application being rejected.

''The Welsh Premiership knew the problems that we faced, and their decision was unprofessional and smacks of a closed shop,'' said Neath Athletic manager Andrew Dyer.

Tony Poole

JUN-05

New faces set for Llanelli

Llanelli are looking to add some experienced new signings to their squad ahead of their first ever European campaign.

Manager Peter Nicholas is on the look out for players with the extra cash club owners Jesco have made available to the club.

He has so far made just one new signing, that of WPL player of the year Rhys Griffiths from Port Talbot, but he has released 3 players from the club in Stuart Edwards, Kirk Huggins and Jamie Rewbury.

Tony

JUN-05

West End and Garw appeal points deduction

West End Football Club are appealing against a decision by the Welsh League to dock them three points.

They last month attended a Welsh FA inquiry, resulting in the Welsh League management committee handing out a points deduction as punishment. The Townhill club completed a successful first season in the third division by lifting the championship.

But these three docked points - for allegedly including Scott Thayer as an ineligible player against Cwmamman on February 25 - would cost them the title.

It would leave Cambrian & Clydach as champions, with West End being promoted in second place along with Treharris.

However, the biggest losers might well be second division Garw, who could miss out on promotion if a 33-point deduction is upheld.

The Blandy club allegedly included Jamie Morris as an ineligible player on 14 occasions, 11 of them in winning situations.

If their appeal to the Welsh FA fails then Aberaman would be promoted in third place along with champions Pontypridd Town and Croesyceiliog.

It has also been confirmed that first division Bryntirion Athletic have been deducted three points and fined £250 for refusing to field a side at Pontardawe last month.

This drops the Bridgend side from ninth to 11th in the table after a sound first season in the top flight.

Tony Poole

JUN-04

Football body set for bilingual move

THE Football Association of Wales has agreed to conduct its business in Welsh as well as English.

It is the first time in its 130-year history the national football governing body has ruled it could use the Welsh language.

The decision to reply to letters sent in Welsh in the same language was taken at a meeting of the FAW council.

Although the FAW's motto Gorau Chwarae Cyd Chwarae - meaning Best Play, Play Together - is in Welsh, English is its official language.

Now the FAW will consider holding disciplinary hearings in Welsh if requested.

Members of the council, whose patron is the Queen, also asked its management committee to look at drawing up a Welsh language policy.

The decision was made after secretary of the Caernarfon League, John Pritchard, waged a six-month campaign to be able to correspond with the FAW in Welsh.

He accused the FAW of being "anti-Welsh" for refusing to answer letters in Welsh. He was also not allowed to address a disciplinary hearing in his native tongue. He reported the FAW to football governing body Fifa, whose official language is English, but they ruled it was up to the FAW to make its own decisions.

Last night, Mr Pritchard said: "It's fantastic! This decision should have been taken right at the beginning."

Wales on Sunday

JUN-04

Hating England is 'un-Christian'

A PRIEST last night claimed it's un-Christian to want England to lose at the World Cup.

Hundreds of thousands of Welsh football fans will be cheering for whoever Sven's men's are playing when the competition kicks off in five days.

But Catholic Priest Father Michael Burke says fans should check their conscience before they roar on Paraguay, Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden, who play against England in the group stage. Father Burke, communications chief for the Mid Wales Minerva diocese, said: "It's the wrong attitude. It's not the Christian attitude, certainly.

"No-one wishes ill on anyone. It is no better than wishing bad fortune on your next-door-neighbour. These games are meant to be seen in a light-hearted way and should be taken in this context."

The priest said he was not sure whether it could be deemed a sin, but that fans should think before jumping on the anti-England bandwagon.

Wales on Sunday

JUN-03

Neath fail in attempt to join welsh premier

In fact all 17 clubs voted against allowing Neath promotion into the WPL. So next season the WPL will consist of just the 17 clubs, leaving one club idle each weekend.

Tony

JUN-02

"The new Saints" staring Ian Ogilvy

They explain that Llansantffraid's nickname is the saints and there was some mention about Saint Oswald connected with Oswestry any way that's how they came up with name. Don't know if Ian Ogilvy with be involved with club as he was the last new saint I heard of.

They had to change the name as previous sponsors Total Network Solutions are no longer club sponsors, and their search for a new sponsor via Ebay turned out fruitless, so it's TNS again. I think I preferred Txtchix.com

There is no doubting they have the best team in the WPL, but they sure do go for the worst names.

Tony

JUN-02

Carmarthen step up preparations for cup

Evening Post

JUN-02

One new face and 3 departures for Reds

Evening Post

JUN-02

Barry Town edge closer to deal

There is new hope that Barry Town Football Club will be playing Welsh League football in 2006-2007, writes Terry Phillips.

Owner Stuart Lovering and secretary Dave Cole had 'constructive and helpful' talks with Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Jeff James and other councillors yesterday.

The news means Barry Town could yet survive after their cause looked hopeless.

They were dealt another blow when former Cardiff City director Michael Isaac, a businessman who lives in the Vale of Glamorgan, decided he could not go ahead with a proposed deal to buy Barry Town.

Among the major problems was a covenant put on the main stand at Jenner Park during John Fashanu's time as chairman of the club. That has proved a major stumbling block.

Yesterday's meeting between Barry Town and the council was seen as the last chance - and there is now new hope.

The club owe back rent on Jenner Park to the Vale Council and could not play at any Vale of Glamorgan Council stadium last season.

Only a new deal with the council to return to Jenner Park could save the club which once ruled Welsh football.

Welsh League clubs have their annual meeting on Saturday, June 24, and Barry must find a solution by June 17, at the latest.

That leaves a fortnight to come up with the right answers and club secretary Cole says: 'We had a constructive meeting with the council. They were extremely helpful.

'Jeff James and his councillors showed they are keen to see Barry Town play on. It was a highly productive meeting and we all feel hopeful that we can come to agreement and save Barry Town.'

South Wales Echo

JUN-02

Neath Have written to all 17 WPL clubs

Tony Poole

JUN-01

Supporters satisfaction survey - have your say

If you wish to express your opinions click on the link to their website and fill out the survey.

http://www.low.org.uk/index2.htm 

Tony.