Neath FC







  Neath FC
  The Gnoll
  Neath

  West Glamorgan

  Ground
 Tel:

  Manager

   Andrew Dyer  
 
Secretary
   TonyMelding   


  
Exit the M4 at Junction 43 and follow the A465 into the town. At the roundabout, follow the signs to Cimla and Pontrhydyfen. At the traffic lights, go straight ahead until you approach a second roundabout. The Gnoll - also home to Neath RFC - is directly ahead.
 
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Neath FC History & Honours
  Neath Athletic AFC is a club that was formed between Neath and Skewen Athletic during the summer of 2005.
  Skewen Athletic can trace their history back to the 1920s when they played as Garthmoor FC in the Swansea Gwalia League. In 1934/5 they won the Neath League Championship and Open Cup, reaching the final of the West Wales Amateur Cup in 1939.
  They joined the Welsh League Division 2 (West) after the war, moving to Cwrt Herbert. This was followed by a change of name to Neath Athletic but it was not until 1967/8 that they finally reached the top flight of the Welsh League.  In order to meet the ground criteria they were forced to move to the Greyhound Stadium in Skewen and changed their name to Skewen Athletic
But after struggling to survive in the First Division and to finance the rent for the stadium, they moved to Tennant Park, their home until the merger.
  Their last three years before linking-up with their neighbours were their most successful, winning successive promotions from Division 3 to Division 1.
  Neath is a recent incarnation of a club that can trace its origins back to 1922 when the UK's first oil refinery was opened at Llandarcy. They also played in the Gwalia League before becoming a founder member of the Neath League in 1931.
  Playing as National Oil Refineries, they appeared in the first two West Wales Amateur Cup Finals but lost on both occasions. However, they finally triumphed in 1951 by beating Plasmarl and won the trophy again four years later.  By the late 1940s, NOR were also playing in Welsh League Division 2 (West) and there were plenty of derby games against their eventual partners.
  Following the acquisition of the refinery, the club became BP Llandarcy and stayed so for the next 45 years. In 1958 they left the Welsh League, returning in 1971 and won promotion in 1977 as Abacus League Division 1 champions to make it to the top flight for the first time.

   What is more Neath confounded their critics with a gritty first season in the Welsh Premier and achieved a creditable seventh placed finish.

 

Neath FC Playing Record 1991-2011
 
Season
Competition
Pos
P
W
D
L
F
A
Pts
1
1990-91









2
1991-92









3
1992-93









4
1993-94









5
1994-95









6
1995-96









7
1996-97









8
1997-98









9
1998-99









10
1999-00









11
2000-01









12
2001-02









13
2002-03
Welsh League (South)
2nd
34
24
5
5
71
29
77
14
2003-04
Welsh League (South)
8th
34
15
5
14
65
56
50
15
2004-05
Welsh League (South)
15th
34
10
4
20
38
71
31
16
2005-06
Welsh League (South)
2nd
34
22
7
5
76
32
73
17
2006-07
Welsh League (South)
1st
36
29
5
2
100
32
92
18
2007-08
Welsh Premier League
7th
34
15
9
10
57
52
54
19
2008-09
Welsh Premier League 14th 34
10
4
20
43
65
34
20
2009-10
Welsh Premier League 9th 34
12
11
11
41
38
47
21
2010-11
Welsh Premier League 3rd
32
16
10
6
62
41
58

 
Manager:  Kristian O'Leary

  A locally born midfielder Kristian stepped up to the role of manager in November 2011 following the departure of high profile pair Terry Boyle and Peter Nicholas.



  UPDATED FEBRUARY 2012


 Neath FC Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2011-12
Lee Kendall
Goalkeeper who joined Rhyl during the summer of 2007 after four years with Haverfordwest, son of former Welsh International stopper Mark Kendall.  A very agile 'keeper and first rate shot stopper whose previous clubs include Crystal Palace, Cardiff City, Shrewsbury and Barry.  Signed for Port Talbot during the summer of 2009. A Welsh Under 21 International.
(Dob:  08-01-1981)
Kerry Nicholas Young goalkeeper Kerry began the season as understudy to Lee Kendall.
(Dob:  24-10-1992)
Kai Edwards
  
  
A former Wrexham reserve defender Kai spent the 2010-11 season on loan at Prestatyn. When his contract with The Racecourse club expired during the summer of 2011 he joined Neath.
(Dob:  29-01-1991)
Jack Lewis
A left footed defender Jack joined Prestatyn in June 2008, having previously played for Welsh Colleges and Rhyl Youths.  After close on a hundred Welsh Premier appearances for the Bastion Gardens side he moved to Neath during the summer of 2011.
(Dob:  18-05-1988)
Ian Hillier
A Neath born defender Ian returned to his home town club in April 2009. He began his career as an apprentice with Totthenham and went on to make sixty odd Football League appearances with Luton and Chester before returning to Wales and notching up over a hundred starts for Newport County.
(Dob:  26-12-1979)
Luke Cummings
  
    
A right footed defender Luke is a product of the Cardiff City youth system who signed for Neath during the summer of 2010.
(Dob:  25-10-1991)
Matthew Rees
One time Swansea City defender who has represented Wales Under 21s, Matthew has also played for Millwall - where he was captain of the reserve side - and Dagenham & Redbridge.  A tall old fashioned centre half, Matthew has also played for Crawley and Newport County. After some two hundred starts for Port Talbot he joined Neath in January 2011.
(Dob:  02-09-1982)
Sam Gwynne
A product of the Hereford United academy with Pershore College, Sam made seventy Football League appearances for his home town club during a seven year stay at Edgar Street. He made sixteen loan appearances for Telford United in 2011. Upon his release later that season he joined Westfields, a local junior side, but was soon snapped up by Neath in August 2011.
(Dob:  17-12-1987)
Kristian O'Leary
A Neath born midfielder who signed for his home town club in July 2010 after his release from Swansea City via a short spell with Conference side Wrexham. Kristian made the bulk of his 300 League appearances for The Swans, has also enjoyed loan spells with Cheltenham Town and Orient.
(Dob:  30-08-1977)
Adie Harris
  
  
  
  
A Welsh Semi Pro midfielder, Adie has considerable experience on both sides of the border. He began his career as a Cardiff City apprentice and went on to play for Bath City, Hornchurch, Merthyr Tydfil and Weston Supermare. In Welsh Premier circles he has totalled more than eighty starts for Llanelli, Haverfordwest and now Neath.
(Dob:  21-02-1981)
Craig Hughes
A much travelled striker Craig has previously played for Barry Town, Inter Cardiff, Rhayader, Cwmbran, Port Talbot and Carmarthen. In that time he has netted 65 goals from some 120 WP starts (September 2011). Has also played for Newport County.
(Dob:  18-12-1978)
Luke Bowen
A Neath born forward, Luke joined Port Talbot during the summer of 2010 after a successful goal scoring season with Aberystwyth. A nephew of former Wales defender Mark Bowen, Luke has previously played for Goytre United and Haverfordwest County. Signed for his home town team during the summer of 2011.
(Dob:  07-03-1988)
Kerry Morgan
A striker who came through the Swansea City youth set up Kerry has scored roughly a goal every other game in thirty matches (as September 2011) with Port Talbot and Neath.  He has also played abroad twice whilst with The Swans, enjoying loan spells in Sweden with Ostersunds FC and Spain with CF Balaguer.  Kerry has also played in the Southern League with Clevedon and in the Conference South with Newport County, also on loan.
(Dob:  31-10-1988)
Toby Jones
A promising young striker who caught they eye with Conwy United, Toby was recruited by Neath during the summer of 2011. Previous clubs include Llandudno.
(Dob:  25-08-1992)
Lee Trundle
A Liverpool born striker Lee first caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits in the WP with Rhyl.  He joined Wrexham and scored 30 goals from fewer than eighty starts before moving to Swansea City before attracting a £1m move to Bristol City in 2007. Joined Neath from Swansea in July 2010.
(Dob:  10-10-1976)
Chris Jones
A former Swansea City and Grimsby Town professional Chris joined Neath from The Mariners in January 2010. He also spent a loan period in the Conference with Cambridge United.
(Dob:  12-09-1989)
 Neath Athletic
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2011-12



 Neath FC Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2010-11
Craig Morris
Carmarthen born goalkeeper whose previous clubs include Troyste FC and Aberystwyth Town, although he did not make a first team appearance for the Park Avenue side.  Joined Llanelli from Neath Athletic during the summer of 2008 and returned to The Gnoll in May 2010.
(Dob:  27-07-1981)
Lee Idzi
Confident young goalkeeper who came through the youth system at Merthyr Tydfil.  Lee has also played for Hereford United, Briton Ferry, Bridgend Town and Haverfordwest County before joining Neath in January 2011.
(Dob:  08-02-1988)
Wyn Walters
   
   
A Swansea born goalkeeper Wyn joined Neath in August 2008 and has since made some fifty first team appearances for the club.  His previous clubs include Carmarthen Town, Afan Lido and AFC Hendy.
(Dob:  28-02-1984)
Ian Hillier
A Neath born defender Ian returned to his home town club in April 2009. He began his career as an apprentice with Totthenham and went on to make sixty odd Football League appearances with Luton and Chester before returning to Wales and notching up over a hundred starts for Newport County.
(Dob:  26-12-1979)
Andrew Fairbairn
   
   
A well travelled left footed defender, Andrew joined Neath in August 2010. His previous clubs include not  only local sides Ponardawe Town and Skewen, but also Scottish side Ormiston FC.
(Dob:  20-09-1983)
Matthew Rees
One time Swansea City defender who has represented Wales Under 21s, Matthew has also played for Millwall - where he was captain of the reserve side - and Dagenham & Redbridge.  A tall old fashioned centre half, Matthew has also played for Crawley and Newport County. After some two hundred starts for Port Talbot he joined Neath in January 2011.
(Dob:  02-09-1982)
Paul Cochlin
A defender who joined Neath from Newport County in August 2010, Paul is a well travelled former British Universities player whose previous clubs include Team Bath and Bath City, Carmarthen Town, UWIC, Almondsbury and Cwmbran Town.
(Dob:  23-08-1983)
Kristian O'Leary
A Neath born midfielder who signed for his home town club in July 2010 after his release from Swansea City via a short spell with Conference side Wrexham. Kristian made the bulk of his 300 League appearances for The Swans, has also enjoyed loan spells with Cheltenham Town and Orient.
(Dob:  30-08-1977)
Paul Fowler
Cardiff born striker or attacking midfielder, Paul joined Carmarthen from Cardiff based Bridgend Street in the Autumn of 2006.  After more than three season and one hundred Welsh Premier appearances for The Old Gold, Paul moved to Neath during the summer of 2010.
(Dob:  02-08-1985)
Stephen Davey
  
  
 A midfielder who caught the eye of the Welsh selectors whilst with Shrewsbury Town, Steve was capped at Under 17, Under 18 and Under 19 levels.  Signed for Neath during the summer of 2009.
(Dob:  26-01-1991)
Andy Hill
A Neath born striker whose previous clubs include Llanelli - where he made 90 WP appearances - and Skewen Athletic, he scored his home town sides' first ever Welsh Premier goals in an opening day defeat of Porthmadog.  Andy was capped by Wales at Under 18 level and is a former Welsh Youth cup winner.
(Dob:  18-10-1978)
Lee Trundle
A Liverpool born striker Lee first caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits in the WP with Rhyl.  He joined Wrexham and scored 30 goals from fewer than eighty starts before moving to Swansea City before attracting a £1m move to Bristol City in 2007. Joined Neath from Swansea in July 2010.
(Dob:  10-10-1976)
Chris Jones
A former Swansea City and Grimsby Town professional Chris joined Neath from The Mariners in January 2010. He also spent a loan period in the Conference with Cambridge United.
(Dob:  12-09-1989)
 Neath Athletic
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2010-11



 Neath FC Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2009-10
Anthony Williams
An experienced goalkeeper with more than 250 Football League appearances to his name, Anthony has previously played for Carlisle, Hartlepool, Bristol Rovers, Grimsby, Huddersfield, Bury, Swansea, Stockport County, Gillingham, Macclesfield and Wrexham. He has represented Wales at Under 21 level and joined Neath during the summer of 2009.
(Dob:  20-09-1977)
Wyn Walters
   
   
A Swansea born goalkeeper Wyn joined Neath in August 2008 and has since made some fifty first team appearances for the club.  His previous clubs include Carmarthen Town, Afan Lido and AFC Hendy.
(Dob:  28-02-1984)
Dale Evans
Defender or midfielder who began his football career with Bristol Rovers, Dale has also played for Newport County and Cwmbran Town.
(Dob:  26-03-1987)
Nicky Jones
   
   
   
Now in his second spell at the club originally played for  Neath AFC in the Welsh League. Nicky has Welsh Premier experience for Afan Lido, Port Talbot and Newtown and within the English system with Torquay.
(Dob:  24-01-1982)
Carlos Castan
Spanish defender who began his career with Real Zaragoza before moving to Huesca, Jacetano and Andorra.  Signed for Neath during the summer of 2009.
(Dob:  25-02-1985)
Liam Hancock
Joined Llanelli during the summer of 2009 from Carmarthen.  Previous clubs include Neath, Port Talbot Town. As a youngster Liam had trials with Nottingham Forest and West Bromwich Albion.
(Dob:  29-07-1982)
Rob Folland
A defender who began his career with Oxford United, Rob made his first team debut against Ipswich Town in 1997.  Has since played for Port Talbot, Aberystwyth Town and Pontardawe.
(Dob:  16-09-1979)
Sean Cronin
Defender signed from Bryntiion Athletic during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  17-01-1986)
Matthew Harris
A Welsh schoolboy International who joined Llanelli from Merthyr Tydfil during the summer of 2009.
(Dob:  24-09-1988)
Stephen Pocket
   
   
Midfielder Stephen has experience with local sides Swansea City and Port Talbot before joining Neath from Skewen Athletic.
(Dob:  11-02-1984)
Richard Ingram
A Merthyr born midfielder Richard joined Neath from his home town side in August 2008.  His football career began with Cardiff City where he made half a dozen first team appearances before moving on to Cwmbran Town and then The Martyrs.
(Dob:  15-02-1985)
Ashley Evans
Promising young midfielder signed from Merthyr Tydfil during the summer of 2009.  Ashley was previously with both Newport County and Swansea City as a youth, other clubs include Ton Pentre.
(Dob:  18-07-1989)
Stephen Davey
  
  
 A midfielder who caught the eye of the Welsh selectors whilst with Shrewsbury Town, Steve was capped at Under 17, Under 18 and Under 19 levels.  Signed for Neath during the summer of 2009.
(Dob:  26-01-1991)
Andy Hill
A Neath born striker whose previous clubs include Llanelli - where he made 90 WP appearances - and Skewen Athletic, he scored his home town sides' first ever Welsh Premier goals in an opening day defeat of Porthmadog.  Andy was capped by Wales at Under 18 level and is a former Welsh Youth cup winner.
(Dob:  18-10-1978)
Chris Llewellyn



Experienced striker who career began at Norwich City and took in spells at Bristol Rovers and Wrexham. Chris joined Neath from Grimsby during the summer of 2009.  Capped at full International level for Wales.
(Dob:  28-08-1979)
Craig Steins
Craig began his career at Leeds United before moving to Merthyr via Swansea City in 2004.  He signed for Neath during the summer of2009.
(Dob:  31-07-1984)
 Neath Athletic
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2009-10


 Neath Athletic Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2008-09
Dave Jones
   
   
Goalkeeper signed from Welsh League side Taffs Well having also been on the books of Mid Wales rivals Caersws.
(Dob:  29-04-1984)
Dale Evans
Defender or midfielder who began his football career with Bristol Rovers, Dale has also played for Newport County and Cwmbran Town.
(Dob:  26-03-1987)
Jack Jenkins
Locally based defender in his second season with the club, Jack previously played for Briton Ferry, Garden Village and Morriston.
(Dob:  28-08-1986)
Nicky Jones
   
   
   
Now in his second spell at the club originally played for  Neath AFC in the Welsh League. Nicky has Welsh Premier experience for Afan Lido, Port Talbot and Newtown and within the English system with Torquay.
(Dob:  24-01-1982)
David Burrows
Well respected former Aberystwyth Town manager, a composed defender who joined Neath from Port Talbot during January 2008. Previous clubs include Haverfordwest County, Briton Ferry and Cwmbran. David was manager at Park Avenue following the departure of Gary Finlay and stayed on after the arrival of Brian Coyne in November 2005.
(Dob:  23-03-1972)
Rob Folland
A defender who began his career with Oxford United, Rob made his first team debut against Ipswich Town in 1997.  Has since played for Port Talbot, Aberystwyth Town and Pontardawe.
(Dob:  16-09-1979)
Lee Bevan
Defender who has progressed from the club's reserves and featured in the Championship and promotion winning season of 2006-07.
(Dob:  10-07-1987)
Sean Cronin
Defender signed from Bryntiion Athletic during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  17-01-1986)
Dave D'Auria
   
   
   
Veteran midfielder who has Football League experience with Swansea, Scarborough, Scunthorpe, Hull and Chesterfield for whom he amassed around 250 League appearances. Dave has Welsh Premier experience with Barry  Town and Llanelli.
(Dob:  26-03-1970)
Stephen Pocket
   
   
Midfielder Stephen has experience with local sides Swansea City and Port Talbot before joining Neath from Skewen Athletic.
(Dob:  11-02-1984)
Chris Pridham
Robust and fiercely competitive midfielder previously with Barry Town and Haverfordwest.  A former Manchester City youth Chris has also played for local rivals Afan Lido and Port Talbot.
(Dob:  11-08-1978)
Geraint Passmore
Cardiff born midfielder who joined Neath during the summer of 2008.  Gareth previously played for Cardiff Corries and Penrhyncoch as well as Aberystwyth University.    Unfortunatley missed much of the 2006-07 season with a broken leg.
(Dob:  18-02-1986)
Richard French
     
Midfielder previously with Barry Town and Port Talbot who joined the club during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  04-03-1984)
Matthew Rees
Swansea born midfielder who has graduated from the club's youths and reserve sides.
(Dob:  02-04-1987)
Carl Jenkins
Midfielder who has brief Welsh Premier experience with Grange Quins, Carl has also played for Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend.
(Dob:  02-05-1982)
Andy Hill
A Neath born striker whose previous clubs include Llanelli - where he made 90 WP appearances - and Skewen Athletic, he scored his home town sides' first ever Welsh Premier goals in an opening day defeat of Porthmadog.  Andy was capped by Wales at Under 18 level and is a former Welsh Youth cup winner.
(Dob:  18-10-1978)
Jarrod Price
    
   
Jarrod's previous clubs include AFC Llwydcoed.  He played an important part in Neath's promotion from the Welsh League in 2007.
(Dob:  09-08-1983)
Billy Timothy
Billy has previous experience at Haverfordwest County and Port Talbot Town before joining Neath Athletic during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  30-01-1978)
 Neath Athletic
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2008-09


 Neath Athletic Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2007-08
Dave Jones
   
   
Goalkeeper signed from Welsh League side Taffs Well having also been on the books of Mid Wales rivals Caersws.
(Dob:  29-04-1984)
Craig Morris
     
   
Carmarthen born goalkeeper whose previous clubs include Troyste FC and Aberystwyth Town, although he did not make a first team appearance for the Park Avenue side.
(Dob:  27-07-1981)
Dale Evans
Defender or midfielder who began his football career with Bristol Rovers, Dale has also played for Newport County and Cwmbran Town.
(Dob:  26-03-1987)
Jack Jenkins
Locally based defender in his second season with the club, Jack previously played for Briton Ferry, Garden Village and Morriston.
(Dob:  28-08-1986)
Nicky Jones
   
   
   
Now in his second spell at the club originally played for  Neath AFC in the Welsh League. Nicky has Welsh Premier experience for Afan Lido, Port Talbot and Newtown and within the English system with Torquay.
(Dob:  24-01-1982)
David Burrows
Well respected former Aberystwyth Town manager, a composed defender who joined Neath from Port Talbot during January 2008. Previous clubs include Haverfordwest County, Briton Ferry and Cwmbran. David was manager at Park Avenue following the departure of Gary Finlay and stayed on after the arrival of Brian Coyne in November 2005.
(Dob:  23-03-1972)
Rob Folland
A defender who began his career with Oxford United, Rob made his first team debut against Ipswich Town in 1997.  Has since played for Port Talbot, Aberystwyth Town and Pontardawe.
(Dob:  16-09-1979)
Lee Bevan
Defender who has progressed from the club's reserves and featured in the Championship and promotion winning season of 2006-07.
(Dob:  10-07-1987)
Sean Cronin
Defender signed from Bryntiion Athletic during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  17-01-1986)
Dave D'Auria
   
   
   
Veteran midfielder who has Football League experience with Swansea, Scarborough, Scunthorpe, Hull and Chesterfield for whom he amassed around 250 League appearances. Dave has Welsh Premier experience with Barry  Town and Llanelli.
(Dob:  26-03-1970)
Stephen Pocket
   
   
Midfielder Stephen has experience with local sides Swansea City and Port Talbot before joining Neath from Skewen Athletic.
(Dob:  11-02-1984)
Chris Pridham
Robust and fiercely competitive midfielder previously with Barry Town and Haverfordwest.  A former Manchester City youth Chris has also played for local rivals Afan Lido and Port Talbot.
(Dob:  11-08-1978)
Richard French
     
Midfielder previously with Barry Town and Port Talbot who joined the club during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  04-03-1984)
Matthew Rees
Swansea born midfielder who has graduated from the club's youths and reserve sides.
(Dob:  02-04-1987)
Carl Jenkins
Midfielder who has brief Welsh Premier experience with Grange Quins, Carl has also played for Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend.
(Dob:  02-05-1982)
Andy Hill
A Neath born striker whose previous clubs include Llanelli - where he made 90 WP appearances - and Skewen Athletic, he scored his home town sides' first ever Welsh Premier goals in an opening day defeat of Porthmadog.  Andy was capped by Wales at Under 18 level and is a former Welsh Youth cup winner.
(Dob:  18-10-1978)
Jarrod Price
    
   
Jarrod's previous clubs include AFC Llwydcoed.  He played an important part in Neath's promotion from the Welsh League in 2007.
(Dob:  09-08-1983)
Billy Timothy
Billy has previous experience at Haverfordwest County and Port Talbot Town before joining Neath Athletic during the summer of 2007.
(Dob:  30-01-1978)
 Neath Athletic
Pen Pictures Pen Pictures Pen Pictures 2007-08