Welsh Premier Times 2015/16

WELSH PREMIER TIMES
2015
Haf/Summer # 4
23/06/15
Euro draws…. Could be
worse perhaps?
In Monday’s Geneva draw our WPL representatives came
out with an arguably better draw all round than the past few
seasons.
In the Champions League, The New Saints will play B36
Tørshavn of the Faroes with the first leg away on the 30th
June and the second leg at the Venue on the 7th. Of the four
ties announced B36 are the only side currently playing their
normal season.
If successful the Saints will play Hungarian champions
Videoton in the next round
In the Europa League, Bala Town travel to Luxembourg to
meet FC Differdange ’03 on 2nd July, hosting the return on
the 9th at Belle Vue, Rhyl.
FC ’03 were formed in 2003 from a merger of Alliance
Differdange and Red Boys Differdange.
Airbus UK Broughton take on Croatian club NK
Lokomotiva Zagreb at Bangor’s Nantporth Stadium on 2nd
July with the return leg the following week.
Lokomotiva were formerly a lower league feeder club for
their more famous neighbours Dinamo. The Croatian side
entered European football for the first and only time in the
2013/14 season in the Second Qualifying Round of the
UEFA Europa League. NK Lokomotiva drew 4-4 with FC
Dinamo Minsk (BLR) but went out on away goals
Newtown AFC host Valletta FC of Malta in the first leg at
Paveaways Latham Park on the 2nd July, travelling to the
Maltese capital for the return on the 9th.
Valletta are no strangers to European football and have won
their national league twenty one times.
The above dates have yet to be confirmed as television deals
etc may affect the match days.
If our sides are successful, Bala will play Trabzonspor of
Turkey, Airbus will play Greek side PAOK Salonika and
Newtown will visit FC København in the Second Round
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New season
fixtures out….
The 2015-16 season fixtures were
announced today
Reigning champions The New Saints visit
newcomers Haverfordwest County whilst
the
second
promoted
side
host
Aberystwyth Town.
A North Wales derby on the opening day
puts rivals Rhyl against visiting Bangor
City which should provide a bumper
attendance to start a season which may
suffer crowd-wise from the rugby World
Cup during October.
Port Talbot host last season’s runners up
Bala Town whilst third place finishers
Airbus host Carmarthen Town.
Europa League play-off winners Newtown
travel to gap Connah’s Quay to complete
the round.
Sgorio’s first live match will be from
Llandudno’s Maesdu Park with a fine
footballing match in prospect on their 3G
pitch against a fast-flowing Aberystwyth.
The second live match will be on Bankholiday Monday when Bala Town play
host to Airbus UK with a 15:45 kick-off.
Remember that all other live matches listd
on the fixture list on page 2 will be 17:15
starts on the new regular day on Saturday
There will be no live matches in October
after the 2nd due to the rugby World Cup
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FIXTURES 2015-16
S4/C Live matches featured in red. All 17:15 Saturday kick-offs except 31/08/2015
21/08/2015
Rhyl FC
22/08/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Port Talbot Town
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
gap Connah's Quay
28/08/2015
Aberystwyth Town
The New Saints
29/08/2015
Carmarthen Town
Bangor City
Newtown AFC
31/08/2015
Bala Town (15:45)
04/09/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Llandudno FC
Port Talbot Town
05/09/2015
Carmarthen Town
Rhyl FC
gap Connah's Quay
Round 1 / Rownd 1
v Bangor City
07/09/2015
Word Cup Round 1
11/09/2015
Aberystwyth Town
Bala Town
12/09/2015
Bangor City
The New Saints
Newtown AFC
Haverfordwest County
18/09/2015
Bala Town
Carmarthen Town
19/09/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
gap Connah's Quay
Rhyl FC
Round 4/ Rownd 4
v Airbus UK Broughton
v gap Connah's Quay
v Carmarthen Town
v Bala Town
v Aberystwyth Town
v The New Saints
v Newtown AFC
Round 2 / Rownd 2
v Rhyl FC
v Llandudno FC
v
v
v
gap Connah's Quay
Port Talbot Town
Haverfordwest County
v Airbus UK Broughton
Round 3 / Rownd 3
v Bangor City
v Newtown AFC
v Aberystwyth Town
No live match
v Bala Town
v The New Saints
v Haverfordwest County
v Carmarthen Town
v Port Talbot Town
v Rhyl FC
v Llandudno FC.
Round 5 / Rownd 5
v Bangor City
v Aberystwyth Town
07/11/2015
gap Connah's Quay
Haverfordwest County
Port Talbot Town
Llandudno FC
Round 12 / Rownd 12
v The New Saints
v Airbus UK Broughton
No live match
v Carmarthen Town
v Bala Town
v Bangor City
v gap Connah's Quay
Round 13 / Rownd 13
v Llandudno
v Rhyl FC
No live match
v Airbus UK Broughton
v Port Talbot Town
v Haverfordwest County
v gap Connah's Quay
Round 14 / Rownd 14
v Bala Town
v Aberystwyth Town
v
v
v
v
Carmarthen Town
Newtown AFC
Bangor City
The New Saints
13/11/2015
Bangor City
The New Saints
14/11/2015
Aberystwyth Town
Bala Town
Newtown AFC
Haverfordwest County
Round 15 / Rownd 15
v Airbus UK Broughton
v Rhyl FC
17-18/11/2015
Word Cup Semi Finals
Round 16 / Rownd 16
v Aberystwyth Town
v
v
v
The New Saints
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
20/11/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
21/11/2015
Carmarthen Town
gap Connah's Quay
Rhyl FC
Llandudno FC
v
Newtown AFC
22/11/2015
Port Talbot Town
20/09/2015
Port Talbot Town
23/10/2015
Aberystwyth Town
Rhyl FC
24/10/2015
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
Newtown AFC
25/10/2015
Port Talbot Town
30/10/2015
Aberystwyth Town
Bangor City
31/10/2015
Carmarthen Town
Bala Town
The New Saints
Newtown AFC
06/11/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Rhyl FC
v
v
v
v
Port Talbot Town
Carmarthen Town
Llandudno FC
gap Connah's Quay
v
v
v
v
Bangor City
Bala Town
Newtown AFC
Haverfordwest County
v
The New Saints
22-23/09/2015
Newtown AFC
The New Saints
Aberystwyth Town
Bangor City
Haverfordwest County
Llandudno FC
25/09/2015
Bangor City
26/09/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Bala Town
Carmarthen Town
gap Connah's Quay
Port Talbot Town
Round 6 / Rownd 6
v Airbus UK Broughton
v Carmarthen Town
v Bala Town
v gap Connah's Quay
v Port Talbot Town
v Rhyl FC
Round 7 / Rownd 7
v Aberystwyth Town
28/09/2015
Word Cup 2nd Round
02/10/2015
Aberystwyth Town
The New Saints
03/10/2015
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
Newtown AFC
Rhyl FC
06/10/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Carmarthen T
Bala Town
gap Connah's Quay
Rhyl FC
07/10/2015
Port Talbot Town
09/10/2015
The New Saints
10/10/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Rhyl FC
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
Newtown AFC
16/10/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Bala Town
Bangor City
Carmarthen Town
gap Connah's Quay
18/10/2015
Port Talbot Town
Round 8 / Rownd 8
v gap Connah's Quay
v Bangor City
20-21/10/2015
Word Cup Quarter-finals
v
v
v
v
v
Haverfordwest County
The New Saints
Newtown AFC
Rhyl FC
Llandudno FC
v Airbus UK Broughton
v Carmarthen Town
v Bala Town
v Port Talbot Town
Round 9 / Rownd 9
v Newtown AFC
v The New Saints
v Aberystwyth Town
v Bangor City
v Llandudno FC
v Haverfordwest County
Round 10 / Rownd 10
v gap Connah's Quay
No live match
v Port Talbot Town
v Carmarthen Town
v Bala Town
v Bangor City
v Aberystwyth Town
Round 11 / Rownd 11
v Llandudno FC
v Newtown AFC
v The New Saints
v Haverfordwest County
v Aberystwyth Town
No live match
v Rhyl FC
27/11/2015
Aberystwyth Town
Bangor City
28/11/2015
Newtown AFC
Haverfordwest County
Llandudno FC
The New Saints
Round 17 / Round 17
v
Carmarthen Town
v
Bala Town
05/12/2016
Welsh Cup Third Round
11/12/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Bangor City
The New Saints
12/12/2015
Carmarthen Town
Bala Town
gap Connah's Quay
18/12/2015
Rhyl FC
The New Saints
19/12/2015
Haverfordwest County
Newtown AFC
Aberystwyth Town
Llandudno FC
26/12/2015
gap Connah's Quay
Port Talbot Town
Rhyl FC
Llandudno FC
Haverfordwest County
Newtown AFC
01/01/2016
Airbus UK Broughton
Carmarthen Town
Bala Town
Bangor City
Aberystwyth Town
The New Saints
Round 18 / Rownd 18
v
Rhyl FC
v
Newtown AFC
v
Aberystwyth Town
v
v
v
v
Port Talbot Town
Rhyl FC
gap Connah's Quay
Airbus UK Broughton
v
Llandudno FC
v
Haverfordwest County
v
Port Talbot Town
Round 19 / Round 19
v
gap Connah's Quay
v
Bala Town
v
Airbus UK Broughton
v
Carmarthen Town
v
Bangor City
v
Port Talbot Town
Round 20 / Rownd 20
v
Airbus UK Broughton
v
Carmarthen Town
v
Bala Town
v
Bangor City
v
Aberystwyth Town
v
The New Saints
Round 21 / Rownd 21
v
gap Connah's Quay
v
Port Talbot Town
v
Rhyl FC
v
Llandudno FC
v
Haverfordwest County
v
Newtown AFC
10/01/16 - Free date for re-arranged matches
17/01/2015
Airbus UK Broughton
Carmarthen Town
Bala Town
Bangor City
Aberystwyth Town
gap Connah's Quay
Round 22 / Rownd 22
v
Port Talbot Town
v
Rhyl FC
v
Llandudno FC
v
Haverfordwest County
v
Newtown AFC
v
The New Saints
23/01/2016
WORD CUP FINAL
Phase 2
30/01/2016
06/02/2016
13/02/2016
20/02/2016
27/02/2016
05/03/2016
12/03/2015
19/03/2015
Phase 2 - Round 1
Welsh Cup 4th Round
Phase 2 - Round 2
Phase 2 - Round 3
Phase 2 - Round 4
Welsh Cup 5th Round
Phase 2 - Round 5
Phase 2 - Round 6
26/03/2016
02/04/2016
09/04/2016
16/04/2016
23/04/2016
01/05/2016
07/05/2016
14/05/2016
Phase 2 - Round 7
Welsh Cup Semi-final
Phase 2 - Round 8
Phase 2 - Round 9
Phase 2 - Final round 10
Welsh Cup final
Play Off Semi Final
Play Off Final
NEWS
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
Aberystwyth Town FC can reveal that Ian Hughes' latest signing is the legendary North Wales goalscorer
Darren Thomas, also known as
"Darren Bach" who joins from
Caernarfon Town.
Manager Ian Hughes said:
"Darren is a player I've worked
with at Llangefni Town. He has
Welsh
Premier
League
experience, however that was a
while ago.
I am delighted to have signed him
as he will give us options and
flexibility this season. He's been
the best player for the last three
seasons in the Cymru Alliance
and now Darren wants to prove
that he is capable of playing at the
highest level of domestic football
in Wales. He has shown great loyalty to Caernarfon Town as other Welsh Premier League clubs have
shown an interest in the past, so it's great to have him on board."
Darren, 28, is probably best known for his astonishing Welsh Cup goal for Caernarfon Town against The
New Saints last December, which pipped Chris Venables to win Sgorio's Goal of the Month Award. The
goal showcased Thomas's superb ball skills, pace and finishing prowess which Black and Green
Supporters will be looking forward to seeing at Park Avenue next season.
Less well known is that Thomas, a Welsh speaker from Caernarfon, has twice played against Aber, with
devastating results. In March 2008 he created the opener, then scored two more in Llangefni's 3-0 win at
Cae Bob Parry. Last summer he notched two more for Caernarfon in a Pre Season Friendly at the Oval,
giving him a total of four goals in two games against the Black and Greens.
Operating as an attacking midfielder or striker, Darren joined Caernarfon from Porthmadog in January
2013 and became a Cult Hero at the Oval scoring 31 Huw Gray Alliance goals from 52 appearances. He
also scored two WPL hat tricks in a total of 13 goals in 30 games for Llangefni in 2007/8, to add to one
solitary sub appearance for the Cofis on 2005/6.
Rhys Griffiths and Lee Surman Sign for Aber
Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the double signing of Rhys Griffiths and Lee Surman, who
both join from Port Talbot Town.
Rhys and Lee both signed contracts with Club Chairman Tony Bates and Assistant Manager Wyn Thomas
in Swansea this evening.
Manager Ian Hughes said: "I am delighted to bring Rhys to the club, his record speaks for itself and I am
looking forward to working with him. His infectious winning attitude will be priceless in the dressing
room as we push to sustain and improve on what has been a good two seasons. He offers a goal threat and
will fit in well to the system we play."
"The defence has been somewhere I have needed to address, we conceded too many goals last season.
However in Lee I believe we've got one of the best centre halves in the League, which will mean we will
be in a better position to defend our box next season. He is a left
footed Centre Half who will give us balance. Lee along with Rhys will
give us a more physically capable team, which is another area I've
wanted to address.
We look forward to welcoming them both for Pre Season training
which starts in a couple of weeks."
Rhys is probably the best known Welsh Premier League Player, due to
his astonishing strike rate. He is second in the all-time list of WPL
scorers, having netted 262 goals from 368 appearances. He finished as
top scorer in seven consecutive seasons and was included in the Welsh
Premier League's team of the season six times. A three-time winner of
the league's Player of the Year award, Griffiths was capped six times
by Wales at semi-professional level.
Griffiths combines his role as a part-time footballer with being a
firefighter in the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. A Welsh
speaker from North Cardiff, Rhys played for Cwmbrân Town,
Haverfordwest County, Carmarthen Town, Port Talbot Town and
Llanelli before joining Football League club Plymouth Argyle in 2012 on a one-year contract to become a
professional footballer for the first time at the age of 32. Griffiths made 17 appearances in league and cup
competitions for Argyle scoring 3 goals, then moved to Newport County in February 2013, where he made
a further ten appearances before leaving the Exiles to return to Port Talbot Town.
Lee Surman is another key signing for the Black and
Greens. An influential and inspirational Central Defender,
he is sure to strengthen Town's defensive unit next
season. A major figure at the Genquip, Lee re-joined Port
Talbot Town in January 2013 after 18-months away from
the club with Llanelli. He had joined Llanelli from Port
Talbot Town in June 2011 after seven seasons at the
GenQuip Stadium, and in his previous spell at Town,
Surman became a leading figure in helping the club
achieve European qualification and finish runner-up in
the Welsh Cup.
He is widely regarded as one of the league's finest
defenders and brings with him a wealth of experience and
leadership skills. A former Swansea City apprentice , he
is a Wales Under-23 and full semi-professional
international, who skippered the Welsh team on several
occasions. Aged 29, Lee has already made 304 WPL
Appearances, scoring 9 times.
Mikey Lew Signs Anew
Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce they have agreed terms with popular Goalkeeper Mike
Lewis to remain at Park Avenue for 2015/6.
Mike has matured into one of the most highly respected goalkeepers in the Welsh Premier League, and has
the knack of pulling off astonishing saves at key times. His stops have on a number of occasions kept Aber
in crucial games they have subsequently gone on to win, and as such he is a highly prized member of the
Squad.
He was brought to Park Avenue by then Manager Tomi Morgan in
June 2012, and in his first season conceded only 29 goals in 22
games, making a huge contribution to keeping Aber in the Welsh
Premier League. The following season he helped Aber to a Welsh
Cup Final, and last term he represented the Black and Greens in
the UEFA Europa League, and was an almost ever present in the
side which finished Fourth and reached the UEFA Europa League
Play Off Final. He also won the Welsh Cup Player of the Round
after saving three penalties in Aber's Fourth Round victory in
Holywell in February.
Cardiff-based Mike, who holds a Masters Degree in Sports Management from the University of South
Wales, had previously spent two seasons at Carmarthen Town, where he won Supporters Player of the
Year, Afan Lido and Newport County, and was at Swansea City as a Youngster. He is also a Goalkeeping
Coach who until recently worked at Cardiff City's Academy. Mike has made 141 WPL Appearances in
five seasons, 81 of them for the Black and Greens.
No Doubting Thomas' Commitment to the Black and
Greens
Aberystwyth Town FC are delighted to announce that
Assistant Manager and Central Defensive Legend Wyn
Thomas has signed Player Registration forms, to provide
defensive cover for next season.
Wyn, who broke the WPL appearance record last season
and was inducted into the WPL Hall of Fame at the
Annual Dinner two weeks ago, was one of six players to
agree terms at last Saturday's Club Dinner, with more
signings to be announced before the weekend.
Since making his debut under Meirion Appleton in 1996,
Wyn Thomas has made 480 first team starts in the Welsh
Premier League, and 53 substitute appearances, giving him the most appearances of any player in WPL
history. He has also scored 60 WPL goals.
He has represented Aberystwyth Town, Carmarthen Town, Haverfordwest County, Llanelli and
Aberystwyth again with distinction, amassing 3 Semi Pro Caps. He won all 3 domestic competitions with
Llanelli, scoring the goal which won the League for the Reds in 2006, and also appeared in their Welsh
Cup Final win at Parc y Scarlets in 2011.
Wyn is a Welsh Schoolboys International and Welsh College Representative, and has represented Welsh
clubs in European competitions 16 times, scoring once.
Currently studying for his A Licence, Wyn was a key member of the Black and Greens squad which
appeared in the Europa League and Welsh Cup Finals last year, and which finished fourth this season.
Ross Remains a Friend to Aberystwyth Town
Also staying is left footed midfielder Ross Stephens
Ross re-joined Aber in January 2015 from Prestatyn Town, and made an instant impact scoring a Goal of
the Month Contender against Newtown with a stunning left footed volley in his first game back at the club.
He made 7 WPL Appearances for Town last season scoring twice, set up two goals in the UEFA Europa
League Play Off Semi Finals win over Gap Connah's Quay, and also played in the Final against Newtown.
Ross received national publicity that week as the Final took place the day after his wedding to Chealsey, at
which his Best Man was Town Midfielder Chris Venables.
30 year old Ross had joined Prestatyn from Newtown in June 2010, making the Seasiders his sixth Welsh
Premier League club at the age of 25, and he enjoyed a succesful time at Bastion Gardens including a
Welsh Cup Final victory in 2013 and a four game UEFA Europa League run a few months later. He had
joined Newtown in the summer of 2009 after leaving Aber, having made 13 (+3) appearances for the
Seasiders. Stephens scored a creditable five goals in his first spell in Black and Green, but was cup-tied for
Aber's Welsh Cup run, which affected his chances at Park Avenue.
Stephens had joined Aber in January 2009 after a successful spell at Welshpool, having joined In 2007
after playing 14 matches and scoring 1 goal for Rhyl. He became John Hulse's first signing of 2007 when
he joined the Lilywhites from Caersws in January after a number of excellent performances for the
Bluebirds. Ross, signed permanently for Micky Evans' Caersws in June 2005, after a loan spell at the
Recreation Ground in 2003. The Llanidloes-born player was released by Shrewsbury at the end of the
2004/05 season after a loan period at Redditch United.
He is a talented player with excellent passing and dribbling ability and also has a strong eye for goal.
Ross has carved out an excellent reputation in the WPL, having scored 78 goals in 309 appearances, and
everyone at Park Avenue is delighted that he is staying at Park Avenue. Good luck Ross from us all.
Sion James Next to Join the Green Gang
Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce that Sion James will also remain at Park Avenue for the
forthcoming season.
Hugely popular with the Green Army fan base after eleven years' loyal service to the Club, Sion was
almost an ever present last season, making 28 appearances and scoring once, a vital headed winner against
Newtown in Aber's first ever Top Six game January.
Penrhyncoch born and bred, Sion is the longest serving player at
the club, and has been an integral part of the First Team Squad
over a decade. He began his career at Aberystwyth, but finding his
first team chances limited, spent time at Carmarthen Town, Barry
Town and Penrhyncoch before returning to Park Avenue in 2004 to
cement his place in the first team. Happy to play where needed,
Sion plays in a variety of positions across the back and midfield,
but has made most of his starts as a centre back.
Sion won supporters and players player of the year in season
2009/10, and is now up to 328 WPL Appearances (all but 4 for the
Black and Greens), and 3 goals.
We're sure that Town Supporters will join us in welcoming Sion back for another season in Black and
Green!
The Club can also confirm that Ryan Batley has been released, and that Mark Jones will also be released
when his contract with the Club expires on June 30th. We thank them for their service and wish them all
the best in the future.
Now Corbs signs up for next season
Atfc.org.uk is delighted to reveal that player coach and midfield
marauder Antonio Corbisiero is the latest player to sign up for Aber
Town's 2015/6 adventure, having signed registration forms prior to
the club dinner last Saturday evening.
Antonio joined Aberystwyth Town in January 2013, having won the
Welsh Premier League, the Welsh Cup and the League Cup during
his seven years with Llanelli. He also played in the Champions
League, UEFA Cup and the Europa League with the club he
skippered and in total, scored 15 goals from 206 (+10) Welsh
Premier appearances. Antonio moved to the area before signing, and
his calmness and quality on the ball helped Aber to safety in his first
season. In the Summer of 2013 Corbs was made first team Coach,
alongside running the U16 Academy squad, and in two and a half
seasons in Black and Green has gone on to play in the Welsh Cup
Final in May 2014, and the UEFA Europa League in 2014/5.
Corbs has made 64 WPL appearances for the Black and Greens,
scoring once, and 280 WPL appearances in all (including 16 goals)
since joining Llanelli in 2005. He has also played for Newport
County. Primarily a midfielder who can also play at right back or on the wing, Antonio's work rate on the
pitch is second to none and he is an excellent example to the Young Players he coaches at the Academy.
More excellent news for Black and Greens fans: flying winger Craig Williams joined Stuart Jones in
committing himself to Aberystwyth Town for 2015/6.
Williams' purposeful running, pinpoint crossing and goal-scoring prowess ensured he was a virtual ever
present for Ian Hughes's side last season, garnering 6 goals from 31 appearances. His exploits did not go
unnoticed as he was nominated for the Welsh Premier League Team of the Season, selected by opposing
Managers.
Craig arrived at Aberystwyth Town from Llanelli over the summer
in 2013. He had returned to Llanelli on loan from TNS in January
2011, making the move permanent for the 2011/12 campaign. The
winger made the shock switch from then-Champions Llanelli to
The New Saints for an undisclosed fee in September 2008. After
arriving at Stebonheath in November 2004 from Taffs Well, Craig
became one of the longest-serving players at the club, playing for
the Reds in the Intertoto Cup, the UEFA Cup and the Champions
League and won the Welsh Premier League and Loosemores
League Cup. At Aberystwyth Town he played in the Welsh Cup
Final in May 2014, and the UEFA Europa League and Europa
League Play Off Final the following season. He was also at Southampton as a youngster.
About to enter his fifteenth WPL season, Craig has previously represented Carmarthen, Llanelli and TNS,
making a total of 281 appearances, scoring 67 goals.
Craig Williams is certain to be a key element of Aber's attacking force next season, and everyone at the
Aberystwyth Town FC is delighted to announce that Club Captain
Stuart Jones has signed a new contract to remain with the Club for
2015/6.
Stuart was a rock in the Centre of Defence last season as the Black
and Greens managed an excellent fourth placed finish. Coveted by
many, Stuart received six nominations from rival Managers for
last year's WPL Team of the Season, and his retention is a major
boost to Manager Ian Hughes as he plans for the 2015/6 season.
Based in Borth, Stuart Jones signed for his local Welsh Premier
League club in May 2012, and took on the role of Club
Development Officer alongside his playing duties. Stuart began his career at Swansea City, and although
he made over 30 appearances for the Swans between 2003 and 2005, moved on at the end of the 2004/05
season. Llanelli made no hesitation in making Stuart their first full time signing for over 50 years, and over
the next 7 years made almost 200 appearances for the side and in that time at the club won the League,
League Cup and Welsh Cup and qualified for Europe on several occasions. Stuart has also earned caps for
both the Wales U21’s and the Welsh Semi Pro squads, and has been named in the Welsh Premier Team of
the Year on no less than 4 occasions.
Since joining Aber three seasons ago Stuart has made 90 appearances in Black and Green, scoring six
times including a vital header at TNS towards the end of the season. Overall he has made 288 WPL
appearances, scoring 20 goals. It is telling, and quite remarkable that none of these appearances have been
as a substitute.
AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON
MATTY McGinn is the Airbus supporters' player of the season. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined
the club last summer from AFC Telford United, received the award at Friday night's annual presentation
dinner held at the St David's Village Hotel in Ewloe. McGinn also picked-up the goal of the season trophy
for his strike against Gap Connah's Quay on New Year's Day.
Director of football Andy Preece selected Michael Pearson as his player of the year for his consistency
throughout an ever-present season, while the players voted for leading scorer Tom Field. Jordan Barrow
was voted young player of the season.
Josh Maldon and Charlie Short were presented with player or the year trophies for the Under-18s and
Under-19s respectively, while Eddie Speed and Keighan Jones were presented with their Wales
Academies caps.
Thanks go to commercial manager Chris Doran for hosting a superb evening.
This article is courtesy of www.airbusfc.com the Airbus UK Broughton FC website.
BALA TOWN
Uniform Construction sponsor Bala Town’s 2nd Europa Campaign.
We are delighted to announce that Uniform Construction are to sponsor Bala Town’s second Europa Cup
campaign, taking the association into its third season.
Uniform Construction is based in Flintshire and operates in North Wales, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.
They specialise in conservation work, renovations and attic
conversions, covering all aspects of building, maintenance,
repairs and refurbishments.
Uniform Construction provide a complete and professional
building service and have developed an excellent local reputation.
Their aims are to make you, the client, completely at ease
throughout your building project and are in a position to offer a
quality product to suit all budgets.
Darren Lamble, Uniform Constructions MD, answered Bala’s call
for European sponsorship, stating that he and his family holiday in the Bala & Penllyn area and that he is a
regular sponsor and match goer at Maes Tegid. Darren stated that he is very pleased to be able to continue
Uniform Constructions association with Bala Town FC.
The Uniform Construction logo will appear on the front of our Europa Cup home and away shirts which are
now available to purchase. For more information about Uniform Construction please visit their website
http://www.uniformconstruction.co.uk
Lakesiders bring in Stephens
Stephens confirmed as third summer signing.
Bala Town have made their third summer signing after
completing a deal for ex Wrexham defender Anthony
Stephens. Joining the Lakesiders after his release from
Wrexham in May, Town have moved quickly to secure the
highly rated leftback.
Anthony signed for Wrexham when he was 12 years old
and came through the ranks up to the First Team. After
spells at Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay on loan, he made 5 (+2)
appearances for the Dragons.
The 21 year old made 27 appearances in the Welsh Premier,
scoring two goals and won Young Player of the Year at
Prestatyn. Anthony will wear the number 3 shirt.
Bala Town are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve
O’Shaughnessy as head coach of the Club.
Pro Licence holder, Steve will be teaming up with Colin Caton and Stephen
Fisher for the 2015/16 season.
The 47 year old, Wrexham born is a well-known name in Welsh football
with spells as a player at Holywell, Rhyl, Bangor, Cefn Druids and TNS to
name a few and has also managed Oswestry Town, Cefn Druids, Caernarfon
Town and Connah’s Quay.
Starting off at Leeds United as an apprentice, his time as a player saw him
appear for Rochdale, Darlington, Exeter and Bradford in a career that
spanned 10 years in the English Football League.
Bala Town are pleased to announce that defender Will Bell has made a
permanent move to Maes Tegid.
After spending last season on a season long loan from Morecambe, Bell was released from his parent club in
May and has now been snapped up by the Lakesiders on a permanent contract.
Will was a solid presence in the heart of the Bala defence alongside Dave Artell making 34 appearances and
scoring once. Whilst at Morecambe, the 20 year old was captain of the Reserves squad and also spent a spell on
loan at Kendall Town. Colin Caton commented saying:
"It´s good to get Will on our books, having seen him with us for a season on loan. He is young and still has lots
to learn but he is willing to listen and work hard". Bell will wear the 15 shirt. Welcome back Will!
In addition to this, David Artell and Kenny Lunt have also signed new deals this week.
Hannah Gwenllian
BANGOR CITY
No news this week.
CARMARTHEN TOWN
Carmarthen Town's Pre-Season Friendly matches so far are as follows, but are subject to change at short notice
Saturday 4 July
Briton Ferry @ Llandarcy 14:00
Tuesday
7 July
away at Chepstow Town
Saturday 11 July
away at STM Sports (Llanrumney)
Saturday 18 July
home to Cardiff City
14:30
Saturday 25 July
away at Merthyr Town
Tuesday
4 August away at Goytre (Gwent)
Saturday 8 August away at Cardiff Metropolitan
Saturday 15 August home to Port Talbot Town (subject to release of WPL fixtures).”
gap CONNAH’S QUAY
The Nomads last night announced the signing of 22 year old midfielder Callum Morris.
Morris, 22, is a right-sided midfielder who came up through the ranks at Wigan Athletic, where he spent
four years as a professional without managing to break into The Latics' first-team.
After a spell at Tranmere Rovers, Callum spent the 2014-15 season at Bangor City where he won the
Supporter's Player of the Season award at The Citizens' recent end of season awards, and he has now
signed a new one year contract with The Nomads.
Morris is the fifth new arrival at Deeside Stadium
this summer along with Nick Rushton, John Danby,
Ashley Ruane and Paul Linwood.
When asked about his latest signing, Manager Allan
Bickerstaff said "Callum was my number one target
from the end of last season and having spoken to him
recently, he showed all the qualities required to be a
Nomads player, and he will add even more talent to
our squad."
Bickerstaff continued "He is a midfield goal scorer
that will blend into the team with ease - he has an
excellent grounding and will be a great addition to our Club. I welcome him to the Club and look forward
The Nomads are pleased to announce our new home and away kit for the 2015-16 Dafabet Welsh Premier
League season, and that we are currently seeking a new first team sponsor.
The new home kit sees a red shirt featuring white trim under both arms and on the rear of the collar, while
the new away shirt sees a return of white to
The Nomads. White was the colour of choice
for our home kit for a number of years until
our recent re-branding in 2013, and for the
2015-16 season makes a welcome return as
our away kit. The kit is a crisp, clean white
design with minimal dark blue trim. In
addition, a bright orange home and purple
away goalkeeper kit will ensure our new
goalkeeper John Danby stands out from the
crowd! All of our kits are manufactured and
produced by Macron Store Wrexham who
have been our kit supplier since the start of
the 2013-14 season.
Sponsoring The Nomads is a fantastic way to expose your brand on not only a local platform, but also a
national platform through the regular newspaper and television coverage the Club receives on a weekly
basis during the season.
The Nomads regularly feature on Sky TV through Welsh National television channel, S4C, with our most
recent live televised game being watched by more than 19,000 live viewers, while ‘Clwb’, S4C’s weekly
football roundup show which shows highlights of all Welsh Premier League fixtures achieves viewers of
32,000.
In addition to your logo being on the front of The Nomads’ home and away shirts, your logo will appear
on primary sponsorship hoarding at Deeside Stadium, as well as on our first team website which attracts
more than 75,000 visits annually.
The Nomads’ key ambition for the forthcoming season is to achieve qualification for the UEFA Europa
League, having narrowly missed out in the Welsh Premier League playoffs this past season. Over the
years, Welsh clubs have been drawn at some high profile European sides including Anderlecht, Slovan
Bratislava, Manchester City and Liverpool, so should this be achieved, there is the potential for your brand
to be seen around Europe!
For more information on how you can become affiliated with one of the largest community teams in
Wales, please contact [email protected] to working with him."
NEWTOWN AFC
JACK Hughes has become Newtown's first signing of the summer.
The Caersws left back put pen to paper on a deal following an outing at Airbus last week, and boss Chris
Hughes was delighted to secure his first new face of the summer.
He said: "It is great to get Jack on board, he impressed us at Airbus and it is pleasing to sign him.
"He has been on our radar for a while because he did well against us in the Welsh Cup, and he did well
when I watched him prior to that. "He has former connections with the club, he is a local boy, and it is a
great signing for Newtown Football Club."
Hughes is a former Newtown academy product and featured in the last reserve team to win the Mid Wales
league in 2008. He joins the Robins after a season where he featured in a large amount of Caersws games.
THE OFFER of Welsh Premier League football and possibly European football was an offer to good to
turn down for new Robins signing Jack Hughes.
Hughes put pen to paper on a deal after Thursday's opening pre-season friendly with Airbus UK, and after
impressing in the match, and in training, the former Caersws left back took up Chris Hughes' offer.
The defender said: "The gaffer had watched me a couple of times last season, one being the Welsh cup
game and he asked me to come down to pre-season training and it has gone from there.
"To be given the chance to come back and play in the Welsh Premier again and maybe even the chance of
being involved in Europe was one I couldn't turn down."
Hughes played almost every game last season for the Bluebirds and was part of the side that beat
Guilsfield in the Huws Gray Alliance Cup Final.
Prior to that he came through the Newtown academy system, playing in the reserve team, and being the in
the last side to win the Mid Wales Youth League in 2008.
And despite being excited about his return, Hughes admitted it was difficult to leave Caersws.
He said: "It was a tough decision.
"Caersws are a great club and I really enjoyed by time there. But it feels good to be back, I had some good
years here with the reserve team so to get the opportunity to come back for the first team is great."
The left back adds to the strength in depth in that position, with Max Penk and Stef Edwards taking them
spaces up last season.
However Hughes is under no illusions about how tough it is going to be, but has insisted he will fight for a
starting berth. He said: "The standard of football compared to the Huws Gray Alliance is going to take
some getting used to. But I want to work hard throughout the season to improve my overall game and
cement a place in the first team."
YOUNG STOPPER Jack Perry and midfielder Craig Harris are among the seven Robins to have penned
new deals with the club.
Chris Hughes wasted no time after the play off final re-signed 12 of the squad, before moving the sign
Jack Hughes earlier this week. He has now re-signed seven players, with Perry signing for a second
season, and Harris looking to kick on after an impressive performance against Airbus UK last week.
Jamie Price, who returned to the club last season has also signed a new deal, alongside Gavin Cadwallader,
Max Penk, Sean Evans and Gareth Partridge.
FORMER Robins and Aberystwyth Town midfielder Gareth Watkins is delighted to be back at the club, as
the Head of Youth. Gareth took up the role earlier in the summer, after finishing his playing days, and is
looking forward to the challenge ahead.
He said: "I am extremely proud to be at the club. I was first given a real shot of becoming a footballer at
Newtown and I am delighted that I am back to give the same chance to the next generation.
"I have joined the club during such exciting times, there are so many things happening on and off the pitch
and recent achievements show the direction the club is heading."
Gareth is the current director of football at NPTC Group Newtown Campus, and will shortly be
undertaking the FAW A Youth Licence.
Now coming into the Newtown set up, and believes the current system is working, but there can be
improvements. He said: "The academy has had a really successful recruitment drive and I feel the best
players from the surrounding areas have been selected. We have excellent coaches who are highly
qualified, have bags of knowledge and most importantly there is room for improvement and growth.
"I am hopeful with the support of fellow coaches, parents and players I can help the club develop its youth
programme. The U19's squad has had a real overhaul and along with Dave Rose we have selected a strong
squad. The trials were well attended, we already have friendlies scheduled and looking to be a real
challenge for the sides from North Wales.
"The squad is the direct link to senior football in the WPL and I am excited to see what the squad brings."
Watkins has been at Welshpool Town in the Spar Mid Wales League in recent seasons, but has had to
make some tough decisions in order to take up his new role.
He said: "I have had three fantastic seasons with Welshpool and the club seems to be going from strength
to strength, but I had to make the decision between coaching and playing.
"With this fantastic opportunity available at Newtown I could not turn down the Head of Youth down.
"It is going to be very difficult to step away from my playing career, but for now, the boots have been
hung up."
Watkins was also delighted with the inclusion of Josh Matthews and Daniel Cox in the side last Thursday
at Airbus, and he was impressed by their run out. He said: "The first team manager took Josh and Daniel
with him on Thursday and the pair of them had a good 20 minutes of senior football.
"Both lads did very well against a good Airbus side and they should be proud of their achievement.
"This is a statement of intent from Chris Hughes and as Head of Youth it is very assuring to see the
manager putting his faith in the youth players.
"It is my aim to ultimately produce players for our first team and this is a big step in right direction."
Chris Hughes was pleased his side got their first pre-season win under their belt with a 4-1 victory over an
Anglesey Games XI.
Luke Boundford gave the Robins a half time lead, before another from the former Newbridge man, was
followed by a Matty Hearsey brace. The Island side did pull one back late on, but the Robins were
comfortable, and head into Saturday's friendly against Flint Town United with a win under their belts.
Following the game, boss Hughes said: "It was a good workout and they held us in the first half.
"We had more of the ball than against Airbus, and the lads did really well."
GARETH Partridge knows how hard it is going to be to nail down a starting place at Latham Park, but is
willing to take his chance when it comes along.
Last week, the striker turned right back signed for a further season, after returning for a second spell at the
club in January. Now the former Shrewsbury Town man wants to take his chance when it comes along.
He said: "I am pleased to re-sign and get going next season. I knew when I signed in January I was going
to have to work hard to get in the team. Obviously I want to play more but that is up to be to take my
chance when it comes. I feel I can get in that starting line-up and hopefully I can stay free of injuries, train
and play well and give the manager something to think about.
"We have good competition in the squad, which is what you need to be in the top have. All the lads are
fighting for a starting place which is good to see."
Partridge originally joined the Robins in 2010 and in 41 starts has bagged five goals.He has paid credit to
boss Chris Hughes for signing up every single on of the side that got Newtown into the Europa League.
He said: "I haven't been part of a Europa League squad before so it should be a good experience, and I
think it will be the same for the majority of the lads.
"It would have been a shame to see some of the lads who did so well for us last year leave.
"But we have a good group of players here at the moment so it is good to have everyone signed early so
we can focus on the next few weeks."
Partridge originally came to the Robins as a striker but has taken up a right back position in recent years.
But the utility man is happy to play wherever the manager sees fit. He added: "It is a strange one really.
"I am pleased I can play in a few different positions to help the team out. I feel I need to work on my
defensive side and still feel I can offer something going forward. But I am happy to play wherever the
gaffer wants me to."
Partridge has also praised the club as a whole for the changes that have been made both on and off the
pitch, since he first arrived back in 2010. He said: "There have been a lot of changes, both in terms of
facilities and on the playing side of things.
"The squad is a lot stronger than it was which is clear if you look at how the club has progressed over the
last few years. Consistently having a good facility to train on has helped a lot too."
PORT TALBOT TOWN
Port Talbot Town have completed the signing of midfielder Jonathan Hood.
The move sees the 24-year-old reunited with Andy Dyer with the pair been together previously at Afan Lido.
Hood’s last Dafabet Welsh Premier League club was Carmarthen Town, whom he joined from Lido in 2012
January transfer window.
Andy Dyer told the club’s official website that he was pleased to be working with Hood once again: “He’s
someone I know well and was excellent for me at Afan Lido. He compliments the group of players we already
have here and I’m sure the supporters will like him. He’s an exciting attacking-minded player with an eye for
goal.”
Hood becomes the second new arrival at the GenQuip Stadium this summer following the signing of Joe
Clarke..
RHYL FC
WOLVES COMING TO RHYL 19 Jun, 2015
Wolverhampton Wanderers will be facing Rhyl FC as part of our exciting summer of football when they come
to the Corbett Sports Stadium on Wednesday 4th August.
Kenny Jackett's men will be looking to hit the ground running before the Football League season starts four
days later.
We will also be playing an away fixture at Colwyn Bay on Saturday August 8 th
Rhyl FC are currently inviting applications for the position of Commercial Manager.
The successful applicant will provide new business income for one of the biggest football clubs in North
Wales, as well as achieving continued support for its current excellent sponsors. Remuneration for the position
is on a self-employed commission only basis, with no maximum earning, which will be paid in line with the
rewards achieved for the Football Club.
Duties and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities are attracting investment in the club by way of sponsorship and other general
fundraising activities, including ground advertising, programme advertisements and match sponsorships,
together with increasing membership of the 200 Club. The successful applicant will also boost income with
current advertisers, as well as secure new business.
Skills / Qualifications / Experience Required
Experience of working within the football, sports, or the sales industry would be beneficial.
Experience in sales, cold calling would be an advantage
Further details of the position are available on the club website
Rhyl FC are looking for a match day physio.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Rhyl Football Club to gain valuable experience working with our
first football players. The successful candidate will provide first class professional physiotherapy support to the
playing staff of Rhyl FC on match days and if needed, on training evenings.
Key responsibilities of the post include diagnosis and treatment of injuries on the pitch side of games, early
rehabilitation and management programs, injury prevention strategies and first aid management. This is a part
time voluntary post working on match days for both home and away games. .We are looking for a pro-active
who seeks to develop their physiotherapy skills. If you are interested please email your interest to
[email protected].
THE NEW SAINTS
The Soccerfest Charity Cup 2015 took place at
Park Hall Stadium yesterday and after a
fantastic day, Alice in Hangerland were
crowned as the Champions.
Twenty teams took place in what was a very
well organised tournament with teams playing
for the Soccerfest Charity Cup, with the
winners playing six matches on their way to
picking up the trophy.
The tournament was a group and knockout
format where teams progressed into the quarter
finals before going onto play in the final four and eventually the final.
Away from the football, a range of activities also took place including Roger Fallon, a representative for
Prostate Cancer UK, who had an awareness stand before presenting the trophies to the winners.
Bill Morris was also present and he had a stand promoting the Kenya Sports Project which he is heavily
involved in.
There were also football related activity stands which offered children who were at the event an
opportunity to play games and get involved.
All money raised will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
On what was a great day The New Saints would like to thank everybody who attended the event and are
already looking forward to hosting it again next year!
The New Saints will travel to Northern Ireland next week to play two training matches against Northern
Irish Premiership sides ahead of the UEFA Champions League.
The Saints will take on Glenavon FC on Tuesday the 23rd of June, with the match against The Lurgan
Blues kicking off at 19:45pm. The friendly will take place at Glenavon’s Mourneview Park.
The following day, Craig Harrison’s side will then compete against Glentoran, again kicking off at
19:45pm. The friendly will take place at The Oval.
The training camp will be geared to ensuring that The Saints have the best possible chance of progressing
as far as possible in the UEFA Champions League.
In just under two weeks-time, The New Saints will head into the UEFA Champions League first qualifying
round and TNS manager Craig Harrison believes his side are better prepared than ever before to take on
Europe’s elite.
Having pushed Slovakian Champions SK Slovan Bratislava all the way 12 months ago, the former
Middlesbrough player is confident of going further this time around, ‘I am very happy with my team ahead
of the UEFA Champions League and I am thoroughly looking forward to competing in the best club
competition in the world for what will be the fourth year in a row. I think we can go further than ever
before and I am looking forward to the find out we get in the draw.’
The former Premier League defender added, ‘We have been competitive in every European game but now
we must make sure that we also get a result as opposed to just a good performance. The lads have been
working extremely hard and as a team, we are very confident that we can really achieve something special
this time around. I’ve got a fantastic squad of players that I believe and trust in, that have the quality to
hopefully get us to the second round and further. To be playing in the Champions League is very special.’
The recently crowned Welsh Premier League manager of the year explained that playing in the first
qualifying round of the competition may end up being a blessing in disguise, ‘We will be beginning our
journey in the first qualifying round this time but I am looking at it as a positive. Of course we must make
sure we go through and it is absolutely imperative that we do so. We are one of the seeded sides in the first
round and we will make sure we leave no stone unturned in order to progress into the second round.
Playing this early may actually be a blessing in disguise, as we may potentially go into the second round
with a win under our belts and a lot of momentum.’
The Saints were utterly dominant during the 2014/2015 Welsh Premier League. Having won the title in
March, TNS only lost only one league match in what was a memorable season, in which Harrison’s side
dominated from start to finish.
Further success came in theWord Cup which was followed later in the year by the FAW Welsh Cup,
which was successfully retained for the second consecutive season.
TNS will enter the UEFA Champions League in the first round qualifying phase, with the draw taking
place in Nyon on Monday the 22nd of June.
LLANDUDNO FC
Final pre-season list
July 18th H Wrexham select.
21t
H Flint Town United
25th H Caernarfon Town
28th H Colwyn Bay
14:30
19:30
14:30
19:45
Aug 1st
4th
8th
15th
H
A
H
H
Tranmere Rovers
14:30
Denbigh Town
19:30
Rushall Olympic
14:30
Chester league select 12:30
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY
Manager Wayne Jones is pleased to announce that Sean Cresser has agreed to continue as his 1st team
coach for season 2015/16.
Also, Ryan Evans will complete the management team in his role as 1st team physio. We wish them all the
best of luck on the club's return to the DAFABET Welsh Premier League.
Haverfordwest County AFC have agreed a sponsorship deal with WEST WALES PROPERTIES for
another season. As part of the deal, the Welsh Premier League team will, once again, be wearing the West
Wales Properties' logo on the chest of their jerseys.
Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Neil Evans who remains loyal to the club for which we are all very grateful.
Welsh Football issue 182
(June 2015)
has been published
and is available to order
This is our end-of-season review
edition and contents include:




 Complete final tables and honours supplement
section
 Photo gallery of over 30 of the season's winners all regions and levels of Welsh football
 Annual Welsh Football Programme Awards
Spotlight on HOLYWELL TOWN, treble winners
Looking back 10 years - to a memorable European night for Carmarthen Town,
Looking back 25 years to the end of season 1989-90
News, action photos and round ups from all main competitions.
How to order: A one year subscription starting with this issue = £27.00
or get just this issue for £3.60 inc postage.
Payment by cheque to Welsh Football, 57 Thornhill Road, Cardiff CF14 6PE
or email [email protected] to request details of how to pay electronically.
Compiled by Mel Thomas at Soccerfile Wales
[email protected] Tel/Fax: 01766 830805
Distributed by e-mail only from WPL, 11 / 12 Neptune Court, Cardiff CF24 5PJ
Contact: Lucy Kelly via [email protected] or 02920 435 847