January 2012 Transfer Window Watch
	Players In	Players Out	Players In	Players Out
	Mike Walsh midfield from Bangor City Chris Llewellyn (loan) striker from Llanelli Josh Shaw striker from Penrhyncoch Chris Doran goalkeeper from Neath Carl Lamb striker from Droylsden	Anthony Finselback midfield to Afan Lido Ricky Evans		Chris Llewellyn (loan) striker to Aberystwyth
	Liam Thomas midfield ex Neath Shane Williams winger ex Birmingham Alan Ricketts winger Canadian league Anthony Finselback midfield from Aberystwyth	Jon Hood striker to Carmarthen Town	Lee Kendall goalkeeper re-signs	Paul Fowler midfielder to Carmarthen Matt Whattley defender to Carmarthen
	Paul McManus striker from Rhyl Mark Danks striker from Hednesford Jon Bathhurst striker from Ashton United Jay Connolly Defender from Burscough	Ian Sheridan striker to Bala Town Mark Allen Defender
	Ben Collins left back from Connahs Qy Ian Sheridan striker from Airbus Matty Boswell goalkeeper from Hanswood	Liam Loughlin midfield to Connahs Quay
	Damien Allen midfield from Colwyn Bay	Shaun Pejic defender to Canada Paul Smith left club Mike Walsh midfield to Aberystwyth
	Paul Fowler midfielder from Neath Matt Whattley defender from Neath Dan McDonald striker from Monmouth Jon Hood striker from Afan Lido		Luke Holden left winger from Chester fc Ryan Fraughan winger from Stockport	Jermaine Johnston

Parry Powers Port Push...

Porthmadog are fighting for promotion at the top the CA - guided by former blue Gareth Parry

It was a surprise to be sure. Newpapers headlines for the Cymru Alliance seemed to be about Connahs Quay and Rhyl, so when I picked up Daily Post and saw the league table it was a shock to see Porthmadog near the top. But they are, firing on all cylinders, and pushing their big spending rivals all the way.

Port manager Gareth Parry made just three WP starts for Bangor. One in 1999-2000 and two in 2007-08. The early start came under Meirion Appleton, the Bird-Hazelden-Brett side which won the Welsh Cup. Former blues boss Peter Davenport saw something of a yo

ung Owain Tudur Jones in the lanky midfielder but injury and form never came together to help push for a permanent place. Nev Powell was drawn to Parry too but again circumstances conspired against him.
Bangor's loss was Porthmadog's gain as Parry spent the best part of a decade at Y Traeth making more than 150 WP starts and scoring 22 goals. He was appointed manager during the summer of 2010 after Tomi Morgan continued his love affair with Carmarthen Town. It was not a particularly successful season as Port finished eighth with 46 points from 30 games.
But Rome wasn't built in a day and Parry had a plan. Pull together as much of the available talent from North West Wales, from Port, through Caernarfon, along to Bangor and taking in Anglesey. It helped his cause that Holyhead and Caernarfon were in the Welsh Alliance and - with no malice intended - that funds had dried up a

t Llangefni.
Ever green 33 year old goalkeeper Richard Harvey is a match for any in the CA whilst centre backs Ryan "Rio" Davies and Rhys Roberts are a force to be reckoned with. Well they would be - Parry has a tendency to push the tall left footed Roberts into midfield where he can infuence the game more. Leftback Chris Williams opted against staying with Chester where he was first choice left back whilst play anywhere Clive Williams is enjoying his loan spell from Bangor City.
In midfield youngster Jamie McDaid and Gareth Jones Evans have caught the eye with their flair and eye for a goal.

Upfront the most naturally talented player in the league, Bontnewydd lad Darren Thomas can be unplayable. Former blue Craig Roberts still has plenty to offer. As if that wasn't enough Parry has added the mercurial talents of Arran Richmond [LEFT] who came through the Bangor academy and reserves structure, and teenager Mark Jones from Airbus UK who was leading goalscorer at Bodedern last season.
The Traeth is more accessible than ever these days with the recently opened Porthmadog bypass skirting around the perimiter. But level headed chairman Phil Jones will make sure the club keeps moving in the right direction - and trust Parry to plot a course back into the top division of Welsh football.

Powell Spot On - TV Coverage Is Hurting Bangor

Bangor boss Nev Powell is absolutely right about fans staying away from Farrar Road because of TV coverage.
I know because I am one.
Speaking to the Daily Post he commented: "Hopefully it won’t affect the game too much that it’s being televised live," he told the Daily Post ahead of the Neath game. He was referring to S4C live coverage.
"We need the crowd behind us for a game like this, but some of the fans have been staying at home when we’ve been on telly or watching it in the pubs around Bangor.

"We’re better when we get a big crowd behind us. Three of our first four home games were shown live and it has affected our attendance, but hopefully the fans will come out for this one and be our 12th man. S4/C seem to always want Bangor because we’ve got a big fanbase, but it’s not helping us.
"It affects us financially and also when we get a big crowd the players realise how much atmosphere they can create and that spurs them on."
Of course S4C dont like this type of comment and issued a response.
"S4/C’s football flagship Sgorio provides live match coverage from every Welsh Premier League’s home ground in their turn during the season. S4C also strives to broadcast matches which will interest and excite our viewers. The three matches covered at Bangor’s Farrar Road so far aga

inst Llanelli, Aberystwyth and The New Saints were attractive fixtures, especially as Bangor are current Welsh Premier champions.
"The same is true about Bangor v Neath this weekend. The Sgorio live match on Saturday afternoons has proved popular and providing coverage of the best games in the league to a wider audience throughout the UK hopefully benefits all the clubs.
"S4C is eager to continue its investment in Welsh domestic football."
Read that last statement again, because it is bitter in irony. There is no investment. With crowds down due to TV coverage and no compensation to the clubs, there is no investment or payment reaching the clubs who are left out of pocket.
This is not a cheap shot at the individuals involved. The production standards are not in question.
But by my own admission I chose to miss the TNS game due to TV coverage alongside a combination of home circumstances.
Getting home later that evening was going to prove a problem. Add to that a 150 mile round trip costing close on £30 in diesel and its became a simple decision. I comforted myself with the thought that as a season ticket holder my absence was not hitting the club financially, other than a couple of quid spent on a raffle ticket and programme.
It is not for me to name names but I am not alone. Especially amongst the distant blues who have travelling costs to overcome.
But I suspect Powell is also right that some Bangor followers are watching the game in the pubs within walking distance of Farrar Road.
Of course you cannot blame Sgorio. They want to broadcast a game with some atmosphere and that can only be found at Farrar Road these days. Despite the wholesale absence of visiting fans - Neath brought no one that I saw - Bangor can still pull in 500+ although it has to be said that was a disappointing turnout undoubtedly reduced by a hundred or more due to the armchair option offered by the camera coverage.
   But with Neath and Llanelli clearly in financial distress, and other well placed clubs less than honest about their crowd figures, it doesnt take an Alan Sugar to realise that S4C are killing the very thing they come to see.
   Surely the host club should attract some compensation - even on the basis that they cut the admission fee to pull in a few more punters - and there should be a limit of one club per month in the live broadcast.
   And sooner rather than later...

Solitary Citizen In U23s

WALES 23 SEMI PRO SQUAD

   There is just one Bangor City player in the Wales Semi Professional Under 21 side selected by manager Terry Boyle.
   That is goalkeeper Lee Idzi who is in his first season at Farrar Road after signing from Neath. Of course this is due in no small part to most of the Blues squad being over the "born in 1988" age limit.
   Unsurprisingly though there are five Neath players. Two of whom Kai Edwards and Jack Lewis Boyle signed for Neath fromWelsh Premier rivals Prestatyn Town during the summer. The other three are Chris Jones who has been oustanding this season, Kerry Morgan and Luke Bowen.
   There are three TNS representatives in the form of fringe defender Connell Rawlinson, midfielder Aeron Edwards and Alex Darlington. Young leftback Tom Roberts is on stand by.
   There are also calls for Conference club Barrow pair Jamie Owen and Jack Mackreth. Caernarfon midfielder Owen was at Chester as a teenager whilst Liverpool born winger Mackreth was on the Tranmere Rovers academy. (Barrow often include two more Welsh youngsters, 21 year old Bangor born goalkeeper Shaun Pearson (ex Llangefni) and his 23 year old brother, defender Mike Pearson.)

The Wales U23s are due to play in the International Challenge Trophy fixture in Tallinn's National Stadium on Wednesday 5th October 2011.

Stephen Cann (Aberystwyth Town),
Lee Idzi (Bangor City)
Ryan Edwards (Airbus UK)
Kai Edwards (Neath)
Curtis McDonald (Forest Green Rovers),
Jack Lewis (Neath),
Andrew Hughes (Newport County),
Connell Rawlinson (TNS)
Chris Jones (Neath)
Aeron Edwards (TNS)
James Owen (Barrow)
Jack Mackreth (Barrow)
Kerry Morgan (Neath)
Scott Barrow (Tamworth)
Alex Darlington (TNS)
Luke Bowen (Neath)
Marc Williams (Kidderminster Harriers)
Craig Moses (Llanelli)

Players on stand-by: Chris Maxwell (Wrexham),
Richie Dorman (Narpes Kraft), Tom Roberts (TNS), Ashley Evans (Llanelli), Jordan Follows (Aberystwyth), Luke Cummings (Neath), Toby Jones (Neath).

Twenty One clubs seek FAW Domestic License

the twenty one...

Twenty-one clubs have applied for the FAW Domestic Club licence for season 2012/13, which is pre-requisite for participation in the Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League. In addition to the current dozen of top-flight clubs, there are seven clubs applying for promotion from the Huws Gray Alliance, but just two from the Welsh League in South Wales.

FAW Club Licensing Manager Andrew Howard said; "I am delighted with the response from those clubs in the Huws Gray Alliance. The League is getting more and more competitive and standards are increasing both on and off the field in that League.

"It's vital for the Welsh Premier League to have active promotion and relegation annually and with those in contention from the north, I know that the majority are already in a very good place to achieve the licence.

"I am looking forward to speaking with the clubs in the Welsh League in the near future about the benefits of club licensing and hopefully, there will be more clubs from that league who aspire to reach the standards required in future years."

There are currently fourteen clubs with the FAW domestic licence, which are the existing twelve members of the Welsh Premier League, as well as Haverfordwest County who were relegated from the League last season and Llandudno Town, who have achieved the standard for the last two years. Porthmadog achieved the licence in 2010/11 when they were relegated on sporting merit from the Welsh Premier League, but decided against applying last year.

Clubs are assessed on their infrastructure (stadium), youth development, legal, financial, coach qualifications, personnel and club charters. This season marks the FAW's third year of mandatory licensing for participation in the Welsh Premier League.

Corbett Sports
Welsh Premier League
1. Aberystwyth Town
2. Afan Lido
3. Airbus UK
4. Bala Town
5. Bangor City
6. Carmarthen Town
7. Llanelli
8. Neath
9. Newtown
10. Port Talbot Town
11. Prestatyn Town
12. TNS

Huws Gray Alliance
1. Buckley Town
2. Cefn Druids
3. Flint Town
4. GAP Connah's Quay
5. Llandudno Town
6. Porthmadog
7. Rhyl

Welsh League
1. Bridgend Town
2. Haverfordwest County

Transfers, News & Rumours

September 2011

   FAW Youth Cup 2011-12

   The draw was made today for The FAW Youth Cup.
   City face a short trip to Porthmadog on Sunday 25th September 2011

Northern Section

Southern Section

Aberystwyth Town v Halkyn United
Borras Park Albion v Ruthin Town
Brickfield Rangers v Towyn Rangers
Caernarfon Town v Newtown
Cefn Druids v Bodedern Athletic
Flint Town United v Coedpoeth United
Gap Connah’s Quay v Rhyl
Llandudno v Bala Town
Machylleth v Penrhyncoch
Porthmadog v Bangor City
Saltney Town v Waterloo Rovers

AFC Porth v Barry Town
Cambrian & Clydach Vale v Haverfordwest County
Cardiff Corinthians v Lucas Cwmbran
Croesyceiliog v Aberaman Athletic
Dinas Powys v Bryntirion Athletic
Fleur de Lys Welfare v Clwb Ieuenctic Cymric
Garden Village v Cadoxton Barry
Garw SBGC v Port Talbot Town
Llanelli v Cwmbran Celtic
Merthyr Town v Llangeinor
Monmouth Town v Treforest
Neath v Taffs Well
Newport County v Carmarthen Town
Newport YMCA v Afan Lido
Pentwynmawr Athletic v Newcastle Emlyn
Ragged School v Cwmaman Institute
Risca United v Pontardawe Town

4th September 2011

Transfers, News & Rumours

August 2011

   WP Bets On Corbetts

    The new sponsor for the Welsh Premier is Corbetts, a north Wales based bookmaker.
    Accordingly the new title of the league will be
    The Corbett Sports Welsh Premier League.
    A three year agreement is in place although at present no details of benefits to the WP clubs
    have been announced.
    FULL DETAILS ON THE OFFICIAL WELSH PREMIER

8th August 2011

Transfers, News & Rumours

July 2011

	Eagles Swoop for Jones Former Llandudno striker Toby Jones has joined Neath. Last season's leading goalscorer in the Welsh Alliance with Conwy United, the North Wales youngster also caught the eye of Newport County but accepted an offer to join Neath instead. Toby has also represented Wales Colleges. 21st July 2011
	Burke & Bull Joins Bucks Buckley Town have signed Mike Burke after his trial period with Crewe, and Alan Bull's brother Lee. Both played for Bangor in pre season, Lee at left back and the freescoring Burke at centre forward. Only Connahs Quay striker Gary O'Toole scored more than Burke in the CA last season and with any sort of service he should be amongst the goals again. 21st July 2011

Champions Kick Off S4C Coverage

TUESDAY 19TH JULY 2011

Bangor's opening WP fixture of the season will feature as the first live televised match on S4C, with the ko time moving to 14.45pm. This is one of three matches involving Bangor in the first series of seven live matches announced by the welsh language broadcaster, with the home encounters with Aberstywth and TNS also facing the cameras.	Saturday 13th August	Bangor City v Llanelli	ko 15.45
	Saturday 20th August	Bala Town v Carmarthen	ko 17.00
	Saturday 27th August	Bangor City v Aberstwyth	ko 15.45
	Saturday 3rd September	Llanelli v TNS	ko 15.45
	Saturday 10th September	Bangor City v TNS	ko 15.45
	Saturday 17th September	Newtown v Neath	ko 15.45
	Saturday 24th September	Airbus UK v TNS	ko 15.45

Trust in Youth?	THURSDAY 30TH JUNE 2011
A few years ago the English Rugby Union, alarmed by the growing number of foreign players and stymied by EC Employment Law, introduced a ground breaking system. Designed to encourage Premier clubs to pick English qualified players it offered cash rewards for those who did just that, to the tune of £1 million in 2009, twice that amount a year later, with power to add over a further six years. The dozen or so clubs gain a share of this pot of gold if they average 14 English players out of 23 each match day across the season. Simple enough. So how does this relate to Welsh domestic football? There has to be a real concern of the paucity of young talent on show in Welsh football. There are academies at WP clubs and youth structures up and down the pyramid, but what happens then? Especially to those Welsh Premier youngsters who have been identified from a young age, coached and developed? Yes clubs might name two youth subs (amongst the seven permitted from August 2011) but few if any actually run on the field during the game. By and large the young lads get splinters - if they are there at all. They get fed up and drift away to lower league sides and can be lost to the game. They are unlikely to receive the same training and coaching but the cash - plus the lure of actually playing - can be very tempting. So how can the RFU approach help? The issues may be different, but the approach can be used to boost the number of youngsters playing in the Welsh Premier. In effect offer a reward to clubs who play youth team players, as starters or as substitutes. As with other well intended schemes the devil can be in the detail, but it cannot be beyond the means of man to find a simple system to distribute say £6k in the first season amongst clubs who meet a certain level of minutes of match time. Over the 32 games how about a total of twenty four hours? That would average roughy seventy mins per game. So if a team plays one youth player for a whole game they get ninety minutes, two and its 180 and so on. The end of season awards could recognise this change, a new category for youth team player of the year. There could also be an cash bonus worth an extra thousand pounds to the club who topped the chart of minutes played by the youngsters. It has to be worth a try. The RFU have been delighted with the success of their scheme in England. Hopefully all this would encourage managers to pick youngsters, without that chance they can never progress. Which surely was one the main reasons the league was created all those years ago?
http://www.welshpremier.com/news/WelshPrem35465.ink

Transfers, News & Rumours

June 2011

	Prestatyn Sign Former Blues Pair After some notable departures from Bastion Road news of two former Bangor players signing in. They are goalkeeper Dave Roberts and leftback Martin Beattie. Roberts has been with Newtown whilst Beattie arrives from Cefn Druids as a direct replacement for the departed Jack Lewis. 23rd June 2011
	Strikers Sign Carmarthen have signed one of the Welsh Premier best known strikers Jack Christopher from relegated Haverfordwest. The 24 year old scored 71 goals in 114 WP matches for County. Meanwhile TNS have signed Basingstoke striker Greg Draper. The 21 year old Somerset born striker has played in Australia and New Zealand and has a cap for The Kiwis. 18th June 2011
	Ryan Quits Robins Newtown manager Darren Ryan has resigned after less than three weeks in charge. He has taken up the positon of assistant manager at Northwich Victoria, one of the most famous names in English non league football. Vics manager Andy Preece played alongside Ryan at Stockport County during the 1993-94 season where one of their team mates was Joel Cantona, lesser known brother of Eric... 18th June 2011
	Rhyl Slatwart Owens Up - Heart Was At Bus Midfielder Gareth Owen has ended his three year stint with Rhyl to return to Airbus - whom in turn he left to join The Lilywhites. He was player manager at Broughton before moving along the A55 to Rhyl. As a parting comment Owen observed "I'm really pleased to confirm my return to Airbus, obviously being player/manager previously I already have the club at heart." He joins Airbus a Head Coach. 16th June 2011
	Lido Swap Boss Bowley for Dyer Newly promoted Afan Lido have parted company with promotion winning manager Kim Bowley and replaced him with former Neath boss Andrew Dyer. 15th June 2011
	Hunt Latest To Leave Prestatyn As Bala Towh announce the signing of former blues striker Lee Hunt the writing is on the wall for Prestatyn. With larger than life goalkeeper Jon Hill Dunt a doubt for next season, the Seasiders have already lost leftback Jack Lewis to Neath who was a stand out player last season. Bastion Road regulars will be keen to for some sign of rebalance in the not too distant... 14th June 2011
	WP Loan & Subs Rule Changes Welsh Premier League clubs will be allowed to name up to seven substitutes on match days, in line with their English equivalent. However two of the seven must still qualify as youth substitutes. There has also been a change to the regulation of loans whereby a maximum of four loan deals per season (and three at anyone time) will be allowed between member clubs. The devil is in the detail on this topic which as it stands needs clarification. It is surely wholly wrong that clubs in the same league can loan players, although of course it happens across British football. How can it be right that for instance a dominant club like Barry Town could have signed and then loaned out goalkeepers to rival clubs, who would in turn be forced to rest them when the two clubs met? 4th June 2011
	Former Blues in charge of Musslemen Former Bangor pair Steve Jones and Dean Martin are the new management duo in charge at CA newcomers Conwy United. Steve was a goalscoring striker in the blues side of 1998-99 managed by Lee Williams assisted by Dean Martin. More recently a popular managerial pairing at Denbigh Town. 4th June 2011
	Planemakers Land Four Airbus UK have announced four new signings. They are former TNS and Newtown striker Craig Whitfield, Bala Town striker Mike Hayes, Stalybridge defender Glenn Rule and leftback Rees Darlington who rejoins from Rhyl. Ellesmere based Whitfield is a pacey left footed striker, Chester born Hayes ex Chester City as in defender Rule who made twenty league appearances for the stricken Deva outfit. Darlington is an attack minded left footer. 3rd June 2011
	Rhino's Robins Return Oswestry based Darren Ryan is the new manager at Newtown after the shock departure of Andy Cale. "Rhino" left Latham Park in August 2010 and was replaced by Dr Cale who is a member of the England Youth and Schools football set up. Ryan returns after a token spell - license nonesense - with Airbus and experience on the Wolverhampton Wanderers academy. Reports suggest centre half Michael Jackson has left Newtown. 2nd June 2011
	Nicholas In Dyer Out at Neath No big surprise here as stalking horse Peter Nicholas takes over at The Gnoll. Andrew Dyer pays the price for not finishing higher than third with his big budget side. He must be the only man, woman or child in welsh football who did not see this coming... Doesn't make it right of course. 1st June 2011
	Bickerstaff in at Tudno Former Rhyl coach Allan Bickerstaff is the new manager at Llandudno. Long serving Grant Montgomery whilst local lad Mark Hewitt - who I think played for Bangor years ago - will work alongside smiler Bickerstaff. Happy days. 1st June 2011

Cymru Alliance Team of The Year

SATURDAY 28TH MAY 2011

    Steve Walters of Rhos Aelwyd was voted Manager of The Year in the official poll.

    A team of the year has also been voted by the club managers, with some familiar names on view.

	David Jones Guislfield
Mark McGregor CQN	Adam Hesp Cefn Druids	John Davies Flint	Ben Collins CQN
Darren Thomas Llangefni	Brad Maylett Rhyl	Graham Evans Caersws	Chris Williams Rhyl
	Gary O'Toole CQN	Mike Burke Rhos Aelwyd
CYMRU ALLIANCE OFFICIAL TEAM OF THE YEAR 2010-11

   Clearly CQN have done well in the league and three Nomads mae the eleven along with two from Rhyl (including new TNS signing Williams). Maverick Llangefni winger Darren Thomas is probably the most talented player in the CA and merits his selection as does former blues striker Mike Burke who has scored consistently for Steve Walter's Rhos Aelwyd side all season.
   So would I have gone along with same faces? Mainly yes, but...
   My own selection would have been...

	Alec Ramsay Caersws
Mark Harris Cefn Druids	John Davies Flint	Andy Alston CQN	Ben Collins CQN
Brad Maylett Rhyl	Matty Hurdman Cefn Druids	James Henderson Guilsfield	Darren Thomas Llangefni
	Gary O'Toole CQN	Mike Burke Rhos Aelwyd
CITIZENS CHOICE UNOFFICIAL TEAM OF THE YEAR 2010-11

   This team would both represent the CA and the season that has been and have a good chance of performing in the WP.
   Seventeen year old Alec Ramsay has been outstanding between the sticks for Caersws whose defence can be fragile,
Andy Alston is strong at the back for CQN whilst scouse right back Mark Harris has probably been The Druids' most influential player this season.
   Brad Maylett looks classy - with sixty English Football League appearances behind him he should - Darren Thomas is a tremendous talent whilst big James Henderson is a powerful presence in The Gills midfield. Upfront its easy enough although I would rate former blue Mike Burke, at 23, younger and better than strike partner O'Toole whose 31 league goals beat Burke by four, but he did play in a dominant Nomads side.

Transfer News & Rumours

May 2011

	Cale leaves Newtown as chairman quits Dr Andy Cale has left Newtown after a disappointing season ended in turmoil. Assistant manager and former City manager Lee Williams also left Latham Park following the departture of chairman Mike Jones. Jones claimed he had fallen out with the rest of the Newtown board and felt it was time for a change. Newtown finished just above Bala at the end of the season, one place safe from relegation although of course Bala themselves were spared as CA champions Connahs Quay failed the license. 30TH MAY 2011
	Saints strengthen as Evans returns WP runners up TNS have continued their strenthening programme with the return of an old favourite and the arrival of a new winger. Suspended centre half Steve Evans has rejoined the club after a spell on the sidelines following a personal misdemeanour whilst Rhyl wideman Chris Williams has joined from the CA runners up. Evans can be hard to handle so that could be one to watch whilst winger sometimes Williams cut a dashing figure at Belle Vue with some pacey runs and close control. 28TH MAY 2011
	Port Talbot lose influential pair... Burly Port Talbot striker Luke Bowen has joined nearby Neath on a two year contract whilst left back Lloyd Grist has also departed with his probable destination likely to be Llanelli. Money talks... 26TH MAY 2011
	Congratulations to Owain Tudur Jones on his recall to the Wales squad With the national side competing in the Carling Nations Cup tournament in Dublin, the Norwich midfielder has the chance to add to his international caps against Scotland and Northern Ireland. Lofty has four full caps to his name in additon to Under 21 and Under 19 recognition. Owain Tudur Jones won his fifth Welsh Cap against Scotland on Tuesday night 26TH MAY 2011
	Former blues striker Ken McKenna is assistant manager at Championship side Morecambe. - Last week Jim Bentley was appointed manager in place of Sammy McIlory who stepped down. He in turn invited McKenna, who recently quit as manager of relegated Altrincham, to join his new management set up which also includes Stuart Drummond. Meanwhile one time City fullback Liam Brownhill has joined Chester City from Droylsden. - Liam is an England C International defender, in simple terms a Non League International. 18TH MAY 2011
	Major changes appear to be underway at Park Hall as owner Mike Harris follows through promised budget cuts at the former champions. On the way out are seasoned striker Jamie Wood, left winger Craig Williams, young defender Connell Rawlinson and rightback Danny Holmes. The four remaining academy graduates John McKenna, Craig Whitfield, Sean Jones and Essex boy Ryan Marriott have also been released. On the way in are former Wrexham and Barrow fullback Simon Spender - nephew of linesman John Spender (lets see if he runs the line in a TNS match...) and young Stafford Rangers centreback Jermaine Johnston. 13TH MAY 2011
	Former Blues defender George Horan has been voted Player of The Season at Evo Stik First Division North champions Chester FC. The reliable centreback celebrated the award by signing a two year contract extension with the upwardly mobile Deva Stadium side. Meanwhile freescoring Marine striker Jamie Rainford has signed for Chester for an undisclosed fee. The 23 year old scored 28 goals for the Merseyside club last season. 13TH MAY 2011

Play Off Pairing Confirmed MONDAY 16TH APRIL 2011

Welsh Premier UEFA PLAY-OFF Semi-finals

Neath FC 2 Craig Hughes 32' Paul Fowler 34'

Aberystwyth Town 1 James McCarten 90'

Neath FC

Lee Idzi, Ian Hillier, Paul Cochlin, Kristian O'Leary, Matthew Rees, Matthew Collins, Chris Jones (Liam Thomas

85'), Paul Fowler, Craig Hughes (Andrew Hill, 82') Lee Trundle, Chad Bond (Stephen Pockett 67')

Subs: , Craig Morris, Luke Cummings

Red Cards: None

Yellow Cards: Cochlin 50'

Aberystwyth Town

Stephen Cann, Craig Williams, Michael Howard, James McCarten, Sion James, Connal Murtagh (Adam Pepper 69'),

Lewis Codling, Bari Morgan (Steff Edwards 59'), Ashley Stott, Ricky Evans, Anthony Finselbach

Subs: Aneurin Thomas, Cledan Davies

Red Cards: None

Yellow Cards: Morgan 48' Stott 90'

Attendance: 410 Referee: Huw Jones

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prestatyn Town 2 Lee Hunt 84' (p) Dave Hayes 88'

Port Talbot Town 1 Lee Surman 29'

Prestatyn Town

Simon Williams, Kai Edwards, Jack Lewis, Dave Hayes, Paul O'Neill, Gareth Wilson, Michael Parker, Neil Gibson,

<>Lee Hunt, Steve Rogers, Ross Stephens (Ian Griffiths 74')

Subs not used: Chris Davies, Jon Fisher-Cooke, Ryan Davidson, Ben Hoult

Red Cards: None

Yellow Cards: Wilson 34' Hunt 63' Parker 72' Gibson 87'

Port Talbot Town

Dave Cornell, Leigh deVulgt, Lloyd Grist, Gareth Phillips (Matthew Thompson 90'), Kye Edwards, Lee Surman,

Casey Thomas, Craig Jones, Luke Bowen, Liam McCreesh, Nathan Cotterall (Nicky Holland 90')

Subs not used: Geraint Goodridge, Luke Martin (gk)

Red Cards: None

Yellow Cards: Thomas 76'

Attendance: 383 Referee: Lee Evans

Play off final: Neath v Prestatyn Town at The Gnoll on Saturday May 21st at 15:15

Transfer News & Rumours

May 2011

   Major changes appear to be underway at Park Hall as owner Mike Harris follows through promised budget cuts at the former champions.
   On the way out are seasoned striker Jamie Wood, left winger Craig Williams, young defender Connell Rawlinson and rightback Danny Holmes. The four remaining academy graduates John McKenna, Craig Whitfield, Sean Jones and Essex boy Ryan Marriott have also been released.
   On the way in are former Wrexham and Barrow fullback Simon Spender - nephew of linesman John Spender (lets see if he runs the line in a TNS match...) and young Stafford Rangers centreback Jermaine Johnston.

13TH MAY 2011

   Former Blues defender George Horan has been voted Player of The Season at Evo Stik First Division North champions Chester FC.
   The reliable centreback celebrated the award by signing a two year contract extension with the upwardly mobile Deva Stadium side.
   Meanwhile freescoring Marine striker Jamie Rainford has signed for Chester for an undisclosed fee. The 23 year old scored 28 goals for the Merseyside club last season.

13TH MAY 2011

Blues Gain License Green Light MONDAY 4TH APRIL 2011

The latest round of licenses awarded - and withheld - has a couple of surprises:

Ten Welsh Clubs Celebrate Licensing Success

The Football Association of Wales Club Licensing First Instance Body met in Cardiff today to assess the nineteen applications for the FAW Domestic Licence, which is a pre-requisite for participation in the Welsh Premier League.

The Domestic Licence, which was introduced as mandatory last season, is required for every Welsh Premier League club to maintain their status and also for any club aspiring to be promoted. There were ten licenses granted today, with nine current members of the Principality Welsh Premier League and one club from the Huws Gray Alliance being successful.

The FAW Domestic Licence holders for 2011/12 season are;

Aberystwyth Town, Airbus UK Broughton, Bangor City, Carmarthen Town, Haverfordwest County, Newtown, Port Talbot Town, Prestatyn Town, TNS and Llandudno Town from the Huws Gray Alliance.

The Maesdu Park club have now gained a domestic licence for the second successive season from the second Tier of Welsh Football, which is testament to the progress that they have made as a club.

Those clubs who were rejected a licence today, which included Welsh Premier League sides; Bala Town, Llanelli and Neath, as well as promotion hopefuls GAP Connah's Quay, Cefn Druids, Flint Town Utd, Afan Lido, Barry Town and Bridgend Town have the option to appeal against that decision, with the appeals being heard by another independent panel on Thursday 28th April 2011.

Nine UEFA Licenses also Granted

The independent panel of experts, who are all external advisors to the FAW, also assessed the eleven UEFA Licence Applications. There is added importance for the UEFA Licence this season as it is essential not only for nomination to European competition, but also to be admitted into the inaugural Welsh Premier League Play-Offs for the final Europa League place.

There were nine UEFA licences granted today as follows;

Aberystwyth Town, Airbus UK Broughton, Bangor City, Carmarthen Town, Haverfordwest County, Newtown AFC, Port Talbot Town, Prestatyn Town, The New Saints FC.

Llanelli and Neath both have ten days to appeal against this decision, with the Appeals Body meeting on Thursday 28th May 2011.

Summer Lobby Laugh in Face of Fair Play MONDAY 14TH JANUARY 2011

The current consultation process regarding summer football - which may well be forced upon the clubs like it or not - laughs in the face of any form of fairness in domestic football in Wales.

<> What else can you read into a consultation process that excludes the vast majority of the clubs who have played in the league during its brief history? And of course thousands who havent and probably now cannot dream of doing so.

Of the twelve sides given the power to summarily end relegation (and more importantly to most) promotion, how many deserve that right?
For instance what of the twenty founder members thrown together in 1992? How many of them are still in the league and set to be consulted? Caersws spent eighteen seasons in the league, so too Connahs Quay, Rhyl 16, Porthmadog 13, Cefn Druids 11, Welshpool Town 10. All currently ply their trade in the Cymru Alliance with realistic hopes of a return to the national league.

    In all 25 teams have gone from the league - some on more than one occasion - but these 25 are to be conveniently ignored. Amongst them six times former champions Barry Town, twice winners Rhyl as well as Cwmbran. Only TNS, Bangor and Llanelli currently play in the league as former champions.
   On the other hand Airbus have only six seasons under their belts in the Welsh Premier, Prestatyn 2 and Bala Town one! All three clubs are be in the league on merit and have worked hard on developing their grounds. It didnt happen overnight. But they are relative newcomers to the top tier having spent the vast majority of their history - even the Welsh Premier years - in the third tier.
   So clubs with little history in the league are handed the right to immortalise themselves. Can this be in any way right?
   What does this say to the rest of the pyramid?
   The likes of Caernarfon Town and Rhyl, bigger clubs by far than most presently occupying "voting" p<>ositions, are locked out forever? No amount of hard work from the new committee at The Oval can now return them to their rightful perch in the Welsh pyramid? Porthmadog and Cefn Druids locked out with no hope of return? Was there any point in the move to The Rock?
   Unless clubs hatch some bizarre plan to survive several months without a game? Would they pay the players or just let them all go and build a new side once their "relaunch" in the higher level came along?
   The more you weigh up the issues involved in this wholly unconstitutional and blatantly unfair proposal the more it points towards a legal challenge. A challenge from the clubs excluded, right down the pyramid, from Flint and Porthmadog down to Glantraeth and Bro Goronwy, to deny the so called authorities the right to end their prospects of playing at the highest level.
   If they want to start a fund I will go round Farrar Road with a bucket.
   To go back to the three North Wales clubs Airbus, Bala and Prestatyn. They are living proof of what was achieved through "love and labour" to lift themselves from the Welsh National League. Should they be able, gifted, the right to deny that prospect to those who stand below them in the rankings now?
   Stand up and be counted now, stop this nonesense before it is too late.
   If not for Bangor and the other eleven clubs entrapped & embalmed, then for the thousands locked out.

From Plaskynaston to The Rock - a short trip but a futile one?

Friday & Sunday Only Avoided - for now TUESDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 2010
The shocking spectre of clubs being forced to play only on Friday's & Sunday's did not materialise at Sunday's League meeting at Park Hall, Oswestry. What they did decide is shown on the right, but what it amounts to is that Bangor can be compelled to travel to the likes of Llanelli and Carmarthen on a Sunday despite the fact that players will have work the following day. They wont though be obliged to make round trips of 200 miles or more on Friday nights. Some commonsense thankfully there. Just one question though. Who decides the distance between clubs? Is it the shortest possible route or the one most normally used. Bangor to Newtown for instance is 89 miles down the A5 but 110 along the A55. But this gimmicky, lets try and avoid everything on TV approach is falling flat on its face. Where do they kick off on Sunday afternoons? The pubs are full of punters drinking and watching one SKY live match after another, kicking off at 1.30pm and then 4pm. Are they going to wander out of the warmth to watch Welsh Premier matches? Its hard to see. Having said that it is fair to acknowledge the excellent TV coverage provided by S4C both in terms of highlights My personal hope is that Bangor continue to see Saturday afternoon as their first choice for home games. They have for more than a hundred years and long standing traditions should not be tossed aside so readily. Beyond that it is a lottery. We could be going "down south" on Sundays and most probably heading to the likes of Airbus, Prestatyn and TNS on Friday nights. However, it is only fair to point out that the clubs had the right to decide and the much maligned John Deakin did not force an outcome on them. How all this works out will be reviewed at the League's AGM in June 2011, which is also even handed and democratic. But without wishing to sound particularly negative, it does seem as John Deakin's dream of "Summer football played on Sunday afternoons" is a small but measured step nearer. Meanwhile it might dawn on the powers that be that some clubs simply cannot engender support, no matter how much they try or how many invisible fans they add to their totals.	Clubs to decide their Fixture Day after Split The twelve Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League clubs met at The New Saints FC on Sunday, when a number of issues were considered. Primarily, the scheduling of fixtures following the January break was discussed, following a proposal by the League Secretary to schedule all games with the exception of that being shown live on S4/C, for either Friday or Sunday. This was based on the fact that the average attendances on Fridays and Sundays are in excessive of 100 better than those for Saturday games, even taking into account the excellent crowds that Bangor City have enjoyed so far this season. While the clubs were generally supportive, it was decided that all clubs would nominate their preferred match day and with the exception of away clubs being asked to travel in excess of a 200 mile total journey on Friday evenings, all preferences would be honoured. This will then be reviewed at the Annual General Meeting in June 2011. It was also confirmed to clubs that the League would maintain a membership of twelve in Season 2011/12 and beyond. This will mean that if no clubs from Tier 2 qualify for promotion at the end of the current season, no club will be relegated from the Welsh Premier League. The future of the Loosemores League Cup competition was also discussed and the greater majority of clubs present expressed a preference of a one-game straight knock-out competition, possibly being staged prior to the start of the Season. Clubs were also in favour of inviting four clubs from Tier Two of the pyramid top raise the numbers of those participating to sixteen. Following the discussion, clubs asked the League Management Panel to consider the future format of the competition and then revert to the clubs for a final decision. All of the clubs present expressed their total satisfaction with the level of television coverage being provided by S4/C in the current season, although some concern was expressed regarding the timing of the live match. Finally, following expressions of concern regarding the standard of football available for the development of players at Welsh Premier League clubs, those present were asked to consider the possibility of the introduction of an Under 19 or Under 21 League, with the possibility of an inclusion of a limited number of overage players. Methods of financing the League were discussed and this will now be given due consideration by the Management Panel in consultation with UEFA.

Friday & Sunday Only Suggestion is Rubbish WEDNESDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2010

I mean no offence but the suggestion by John Deakin that Welsh Premier fixtures should move exclusively to Friday and Sunday (unless they are live on TV) is absolute rubbish.

In an interview with the Daily Post the WP secretary is quoted as saying
"When the second round of fixtures start in February I will be recommending that apart from the live Saturday game, we play all matches on Fridays and Sundays and I believe a good majority of the clubs will back us".
   It remains to be seen if his predicted support turns up, but there are some hard facts to torpedo the proposal.
   Firstly the Friday night slot is only of use to clubs who are reasonably close to each other. Bangor could play the likes of Prestatyn, Airbus and TNS, maybe at a push Newtown (whose side is partly drawn from South Wales) but certainly not Carmarthen and Neath. Of course it depends in any case who makes the top six.
   So the long haul trips would be Sunday afternoons. No family weekend for the players, simply sit around Saturday, travel all day Sunday and get home late on Sunday night ahead of work on Monday. Thoughtless? Just a bit.
   Deakin comments "While gates have swelled for Bangor City and Neath, six clubs have seen their gates plummet with Saturday attendances particularly disappointing".
   What he fails to mention is that the gates at Bangor are up because the side did well in Europe and have started the season on a high. The true blue fans are ever present but hundreds more have been drawn in by playing well and winning. The Neath crowds reflect the shrewd acquisition of fans favourite Lee Trundle and some purposeful marketing. Neither have anything to do with the reduction in clubs which, conversely, could be seen as the reason behind the loss of interest amongst some of the other clubs.
   Secretary Deakin further observes "Many people have said to me since the start of the season that Saturday football for the WP is finished because there are so many other attractions." Saturday football seems alive and kicking in Bangor. Other attractions dont simply go away on Sunday, live Sky matches dominate the sporting agenda and regardless of well intended observations to the contrary, few floating football fans are going to come out to watch WP matches if their front room or local pub is showing Man United, Liverpool, Chelsea etc.
   There is of course the true supporter to consider. Bangor for instance draw support from London, the North West of England, the Midlands and many stations inbetween. Supporters who have backed the club through thick and thin, and there have been some thin time. They travel to games and of course need to get home afterwards. Should they be discarded now in favour of the casual observer who has watched his local Cymru Alliance of Championship side and now fancies a stroll to a convenient WP game? Football has been a Saturday afternoon sport since the Factory Act 1850 and the growth of the sport over the following twenty to thirty years. Sunday was a day of observance which for many people these days is now a family day. Monday it is back to work.
   I took in the Cefn Druids v Rhos Aelwyd match last weekend and enjoyed the surrounds of the new Rock stadium. Also watching were a handful of Airbus fans whose side were due at Bastion Road to play Prestatyn on the Sunday. One familiar face, a long standing Planemaker, offered the reasonable view that he would not be going to the Prestatyn match because he spent Sunday's with his wife and children. What a stick in the mud traditionalist to care about trivia like family life! A life players and managers would also be denied.
   Of course we all see things from different angles and there is no doubt that the old adage "all things in moderation" has value. There is much to commend Friday night games, and perhaps for Neath and a few others Sunday games, but if you are a football fan there is nowhere you want to be on a Saturday afternoon other than watching your team. The highest crowd of the season, a thousand or more as Bangor City entertained The New Saints, proves the point. Noisy support, singing, chanting, atmosphere, meaning. It has to be Saturday.
   And a chance to celebrate, recuperate and enjoy the weekend....

Wag The Dog!

WEDNESDAY 11TH AUGUST 2010

   The Tail That Wags The Dog....

   That is the only way to describe the newly released fixture schedule for the forthcoming WP season.
   S4C have announced that they will screen one live WP fixture each Saturday afternoon, to kick off a 3.45pm, and to accommodate this the rest of the fixtures will be brought forward to 2pm starts.
   Really of course the hidden agenda is that clubs should be encouraged to play on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Bigger crowds. Of course it is more difficult for clubs' with supporters who have any distance to travel (Friday) or have a family (Sunday) but will be welcomed by clubs with little or no support and who are keen to mop up local neutrals.

   That way the well meaning broadcasters will hope to improve on the nil viewing figures (ie less than 2500) revealed last season. I say well meaning because S4C via Rondo are stepping in with some publicity, a high standard of presentation and what could be seen as a shot in the arm for the league.
   The down side is that the host club receives not a penny for the hassle of kicking off late, of accommodating the broadcasters, losing support, etc.
    Quite why the FAW are not prepared to meet this shortfall - at the rate of say £2500 per host club - is obvious but disappointing. If they are doubling their support to the clubs - to the six fewer clubs - why not make this a source of reward for those invovled?

   Where S4C think the TV audience will come from is not clear. Unless most of the other clubs switch to Friday or Sunday their supporters will be involved in their normal journey(s) home. The supporters of other pyramid clubs will be watching their teams. The supporters of the likes of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham will be watching as per normal 3pm kick offs.
   The idea to cut the number of clubs from 18 to 10 - mysteriously mutated to 12 to facilitate the mind numbing play off scenario - was difficult for many supporters to understand let alone embrace. This kick off change fits into the same odd shaped box.
   It presents more challenges for clubs with fans who work on Saturday mornings and/or travel any distance to a game. It is doubly difficult for those who might do both. Happily it therefore presents less of a difficulty for clubs' with just about no fans and will be warmly welcomed by them.
    Somebody in the capital city of Wales, in those nice new shiny offices, needs to get their head screwed on the way God intended and start to run this league properly before it really is too late...

AUGUST

14 Carmarthen v Aberystwyth

21 Bala v Bangor

28 Newtown v Prestatyn

SEPTEMBER

4 Llanelli v The New Saints

11 Prestatyn v Neath

18 Port Talbot v Bangor

25 Haverfordwest v Airbus

2 Bangor v The New Saints

OCTOBER

9 Bala v Llanelli

But dont forget....

League Revamp Needs Backing THURSDAY 5TH AUGUST 2010

The newly formed "Super 12" is set for an official launch in Bodelwyddan Castle today - and includes some positive news for Welsh Premier clubs.
It is probably fair to say that the cull of clubs was not a universally popular one - but that is history now.
What matters is that the clubs and supporters do what they can to make the new system and structure work.
   Amongst the new initiatives - along with the post Christmas play off structure - are plans for more televised live matches, greater financial commitment from the FAW and - well visit this link for the source article at the official league website..
   WELSH PREMIER RELAUNCH.
   It is anticipated that more news will be forthcoming during the day, the event began at Bodelwyddan at 11.30am.

Woosnam in Crazy Parting Shot SATURDAY 19TH JUNE 2010

Departing Welsh Premier Chairman Phil Woosnam has called for a switch to summer football.

At the WP end of season presentation evening retiring chairman Woosnam claimed that the league should switch to a summer fixture schedule. Before riding off into the Elan Valley sunshine, he stole the moment at Llandudno to say:
"I’d recommend you now look at the possibility of switching to summer football which I feel would improve the product which is the Welsh Premier League, We can’t compete against the Premiership - we never will - but we need to make our league much more professional and I definitely feel summer football is a way forward."

   Do they have televisions in Rhayader? At the moment football fans are in the thick of a "three games a day" feast of (free to air) football. Its called the World Cup and they (FIFA) hold one every four years.
   If Mr Woosnam had his way Aberystwyth, Bangor, Carmarthen and co would be trying to work out when to play this weekend.
   Friday night? Well only three lives games on Friday, kicking off 12.30, 3pm and then 7.30pm. Same again Saturday, and of course Sunday.
   So when would we play?
   Given that Wales aspire to qualify for major tournaments (there is Euro 2012 coming up) would the WP teams play when Wales were in action? Is Woosnam indirectly suggesting he doesnt see Wales ever reaching the final stages?
   Maybe people would shun the pubs and their houses to watch the WP. Confirmed figures for the 2006 World Cup though stated that close to 6,000 million people watched the finals with an average of more than 90 million viewers per game and 280 million watched the Final.
   England's most recent match (June 2010) against Algeria drew British viewing figures of 21 million. Of course those North and West of the English border may be hoping to see them lose - but the figures suggest the football public and many others are glued the tournament.
   Summer football? Port Talbot v Neath or Brazil v Germany? Bangor v Bala or Italy v France? We cant compete with the Premiership (but we can with the World Cup?)

   Perhaps its a good job he is retiring.

Clubs Meet To Square The Circle..

TUESDAY 8TH JUNE 2010

With twelve clubs left after the cull of 2010, its decision time...

The surviving clubs have to decide on a fixture format this weekend...	The twelve who must decide:
Playing four games home and away, generating 44 fixtures (thats two less than all three English football leagues) and could be accommodated easily enough by abandoning the largely ignored League Cup. Playing each other three times, generating 33 games, but containing some inequality of home advantage between the clubs. The wierd and wonderful Scottish option which involves playing 22 games and then splitting the league into top and bottom six who play within those groups, and generates the unwelcome scenario of seventh finishing below - yet on more points - than sixth. The bizarre "Dutch" option which also involves playing 22 games and then splitting the league into the top and bottom six who play fixtures within those groups. Then, to continue the absurdity, the clubs go into play offs! The champions and runner up go into Europe, but the next five go into a long winded play off system to produce one eventual "winner" whose prize is the remaining European place. Given that the Welsh Cup winner would probably come from the top seven, there is every chance the eighth placed club would be involved! That eighth placed club could then represent Wales in Europe. Thats eighth out of twelve? Bonkers.	Aberystwyth Town Airbus UK Bala Town Bangor City Carmarthen Town Haverfordwest County Llanelli Neath Newtown Port Talbot Prestatyn Town TNS
Which means that, having been bullied by the FAW into accepting a twelve club league, the survivors have to agree on some vaguely acceptable fixture format. The South Wales clubs have reportedly come to an agreement on the ludicrous Dutch format - which means anything else is virtually impossible. Those six are Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Neath and Port Talbot. The other six are Airbus, Bala, Bangor, Newtown, Prestatyn and TNS. In normal circumstances it would be vaguely worrying that six clubs have formed a power base to push through their own plans. These days it is par for the course.

Ten Welsh Clubs Celebrate Licensing Success

The FAW Domestic Licence holders for 2011/12 season are;

Nine UEFA Licenses also Granted

Clubs to decide their Fixture Day after Split