FOOTBALL FC CYMRU Red out Welsh Cup: Blue In: Player of Interview with the Round Supporters and Second Trust Board Round Member

Home , South Wales derby, Wayne Hennessey

FOOTBALL FC CYMRU Red out Welsh Cup: blue in: Player of Interview with the round Supporters and second Trust board round member. fixtures.

Wales Euro qaulifiers: Match reports and Coleman’s reaction.

ISSUE ONE - NOVEMBER 2014 CONTENTS CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Copyright Matthew Wilkinson Page 04: Wales vs Bosnia Page 05: Wales vs Cyprus Page 06: BBC Price of Football Page 08: Premier League to Play Away Page 11: Cardiff supporters committed Page 14: Welsh League

Front page photograph copyright of Matthew Wilkinson Copyright Jon Candy FOOTBALL CYMRU - PAGE FOUR - WALES VS BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA Coleman praises effort Euro 2016 Qualifying fixtures and results

Andorra 09/09/14 1-2 National Wales Stadium By Josh Smith Wales 10/10/14 0-0 Cardiff City ales draw with Bos- It was no secret that many of fans “The last time we played someone Bosnia- Stadium Wnia-Herzegovina to top came just to watch Welsh wonder like Bosnia, was Serbia and we Herzegovina group B, but they had a number kid Gareth Bale play, and they did got bullied twice, and we never of chances in which they could not leave disappointed. A chip got bullied tonight, I’m very Wales 13/10/14 have taken all three points. from Bale to Simon Church in prou d .” 2-1 Cardiff City the opening ten minutes ended Cyprus Stadium The opening minutes were all in a corner, with the £85m star The last twenty minutes saw Wales, it seemed the home side minutes later flicking the ball to both teams leave the pleasantries Belgium 16/11/14 could go on to dominate the release Church. Moments later behind, with Wales showing their vs King Baudouin visitors in front of the 30,741 Jonathan Williams would cross it class as they searched for the Wales Stadium crowd. But by the end of the first into Bale, who volleyed it wide. winner, with Hal Robson-Kanu ten minutes, Bosnia-Herzego- narrowly missing a great chance Israel 28/03/15 vina had come to their own and Although Bale’s performance that could have wrapped up the vs Sammy Ofer set the tone for a back-and-forth drew attention, the whole team game. Gareth Bale was denied Wales Stadium game. put in a good performance. by an excellent save from Asmir 21-year-old Crystal Palace mid- Begovic, while Captain Ashley Wales 12/05/15 Chris Coleman was quick to fielder Jonathan Williams, and Williams also came close. vs Cardiff City praise his team for their fight on Wayne Hennessey, who has yet Belgium Stadium Friday, to feature for Crystal Palace this Goalless games can often be drab season showed their potential. affairs, but this one was full of Cyprus 03/09/15 “We had to ride out luck a little Coleman highlighted Hennessey’s excitement, with the draw being vs Venue TBC bit, because they’re a good team, stand-out performance, a fair result. Coleman praised the Wales we know that. They had to come fans reactions, and beat us. We had to take “There’s nothing like seeing a Wales 06/09/15 control from kick-off.” six foot seven goalkeeper playing “You saw our supporters and the vs Cardiff City like that. He made really good fans reaction, that’s all they want Israel Stadium “They’ve kicked us, we’ve kicked decision, for him to come in and to see, even if we lost tonight I them, it’s a good old-fashioned play like that speaks volumes for think they would have given the Bosnia- 10/10/15 international match” he added. the player.” boys the same standing ovation, Herzegovina Bilino Polje they saw bunch of committed vs Stadium The game saw three players Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Lulic was players who were prepared to do Wales booked on each team, with ten dangerous on the left-hand side; anything to get something out of fouls committed by the home both captain Dzeko and attack- a game of football.” Wales 13/10/15 side, and eleven by the visitors. ing midfielder Pjanic looked vs Cardiff City Tensions peaked in the second threatening. Coleman had a lot of “Three points on Monday night, Andorra Stadium half as both teams were desper- praise for how his side dealt with will make this point look very, ate not to concede. the visiting team, very good.” GROUP B Pos Team Pld Pts 1 Wales 3 7 2 Israel 2 6 FAW accept UEFA fine 3 Belgium 2 4 4 Cyprus 3 3 5 Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 2 The Football Association of UEFA Control, Ethics and Dis- Andorra v Wales. 6 Andorra 3 Wales has been fined €5000 ciplinary Body on 16th October The Football Association of after fans invaded the pitch 2014, the Football Association Wales accepts this decision.” in Wales’ 2-1 win against of Wales can confirm that it Andorra. is subject to a fine of €5000 in Fans invaded the pitch at Estadi relation to the field invasion by Nacional when Gareth Bale net- In a statement the FAW said: supporters at the UEFA Euro- ted his second goal of the game “Following a meeting of the pean Championship Qualifier, to put Wales 2-1 up. WALES VS CYPURS - PAGE FIVE - FOOTBALL CYMRU

By Josh Smith WALES TRIUMPH OVER CYPRUS TO GO TOP t was a game Wales should Cyprus were back in the game. sends one of ours off, surely he Ihave comfortably won, but the And if that wasn’t enough of an can send one or two of theirs off.” don’t think I need to answer Welsh faithful were treated to a invitation to make a go of it, the than anymore. As a nation you nervy second half after conced- visitors were given another boost “Bale knows before he walks on can’t expect anymore from the ing a goal and going down to when Andy King was sent off for the pitch, he’s going to get kicked, players.” ten men. his challenge on Cyprus captain I know that, I’m not complaining Constantinos Makridis. about that. The referees there to Wales will now look forward to Simon Church’s early injury make a decision, I’ve got know their upcoming fixture against appeared a major blow to Wales, The visitors almost grabbed a complaints with Cyprus, they’ve Belgium in November. but it was a blessing in disguise point near the end, but luck was got to do what they feels right as the striker’s replacement, Da- on Wales’ side as George Effren to win the game, that’s football. “If we go to Belgium thinking it’s vid Cotterill, netted the opening wasted Cyprus’ best chance to We’ve got to stand up to that.” he ok just for us to do well. If we’re goal. equalise as he headed over from added going to do well in this cam- close range. paign we’ve got to go to Belgium The second goal came with a Despite unfortunate refereeing and get a result. bit of Bale magic, a lovely flick Wales manager Chris Coleman decisions, the Welsh boss was to Hal Robson-Kanu, who re- shared the feeling of nervousness impressed with his team’s perfor- “We said after four or five games mained composed as he slotted with the fans, mance and the players commit- we want to be up there in the the ball between the legs of ment, top three. We’ve got a chance of Cyprus goalkeeper Tasos Kissas. “I can safely say now, looking doing that now.” Wales then went on to dominate back I loved it. When I saw that “Credit to the lads, we probably the Cyprus defence, with George red card come out my heart sank, don’t win that the last campaign; Belgium are the standout, Bos- Williams, a replacement for his there’s no criticism of the lads. we don’t have the same together- nia have had a bad start, they’re injured namesake Jonathan, We should have gone three or ness in the last campaign than we expected to be us and probably looking excellent alongside Bale four up.” do in this on credit to the players, expected to beat us. All we can and Robson-Kanu. Wales looked absolutely magnificent. That’s do is take care of our own busi- comfortable and with it more The game was a tense affair, with one defeat in eight, not lost here ness, which is what we’re doing.” goals seemed imminent. Wales committing eight fouls for a year. We’ve got to keep that and Cyprus almost doubling that going.” Wales finish the second round The Dragons found themselves with 16. Coleman commented on of fixtures top of the group with undone by a Vincent Laban free- King’s red, “People have questioned their seven points, a point above kick evading Wayne Hennessey team spirit and do they want second place Israel. and Welsh squad in the box. “It was a heavy challenge, if he to come and play for Wales. I FOOTBALL CYMRU - PAGE SIX - BBC PRICE OF FOOTBALL BBC Price of Football revealed Find out the the cheapest club to support in South Wales is and how they fair against the rest of the teams in their leagues.

he price of support- ticket is only £70 more expensive of tea, you’ll have to pay £5.50, A season ticket at Cardiff would ing Swansea, Cardiff, at £499, a lot cheaper than Man. with a pie priced at £3.50 and tea set you back at least £329, which Newport and Wrexham City at £860. So while it could priced at £2. is 4% less than the Champion- Thas been revealed after the BBC be cheaper to watch Man. City, ship average. But £179 more published their annual Price of seats at the Liberty are priced Cardiff’s cheapest day out is expensive than the cheapest Football survey. more similar. However, Swansea £26.20, which is the 9th best in Championship season ticket at are miles cheaper than the most the Championship beaten by Bir- Charlton Athletic. Swansea City’s cheapest day out expensive Premier League season mingham City, Blackburn Rovers, would cost a supporter £43.50, ticket, which is at the Emirates, Charlton Athletic, Derby County, Cardiff’s most expensive season in comparison to their Premier if you were to get your hands on Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, ticket is over double the price of League peers only Chelsea, a coveted Arsenal season ticket, Watford and Wigan Athletic. Car- their cheapest, with supporters Manchester City, Manchester you’d be looking at double the diff is also more expensive than shelling out £689 for the most United and Liverpool ‘cheapest price of Swansea’s most expensive Newcastle United and Hull City. expensive season ticket at Car- day out’ was more expensive. season ticket for the cheapest at diff City Stadium, which is the A day at the football includes Arsenal. The most you would spend at second most expensive season buying programmes, a cup of Cardiff City Stadium, if you ticket in the Championship, tea and a pie alongside the price The small price range of Swansea bought a pie, tea and programme beaten by Birmingham City by of a match-day ticket. Which season tickets are reflected by with your match-day ticket is a pound. To put that into per- means the most you’d spend at a the match-day prices, with the £48.20. spective that’s £190 more than Swansea game, would be £53.50. cheapest match-day ticket priced Premier League Swansea’s most Which is only £3.50 more than at £35, and then most expensive If you were to just buy a ticket, expensive season ticket. Chelsea’s cheapest ticket. only a tenner more at £45. you might only have to spend £18. But Sheffield Wednesday Cardiff top the table for cheapest A season ticket at the Liberty If you were to visit the club shop will let you in for £8 less. The replica shirt, priced at £38, Stadium would set you back at and pick up a replica shirt, you’d most you’d have to spend to get almost a fiver cheaper than the least £429, which is 16% under be paying £2.40 less than the Pre- a seat on a match-day would be Championship average, which the league average. But it’s a mier League average, coughing £40, which is a fiver cheaper than is £42.79. The most expensive far cry from Man. City’s £299. up £45 for a Swansea shirt. If you Swansea. would be a Blackburn Rovers Swansea’s most expensive season fancied a bite to eat and a cup shirt priced at £49.99.

Newport County’s cheapest with the cheapest 4% under the in League Two. With Eastleigh back £2.60, together at £3.40 it’s day out comes to £24. Only League Two average. However it’s charging only £12 for their cheap- cheaper than Newport by 10p. beaten by Bury, Burton Albion, still £70 more than Hartlepool est ticket and £15 for their most Cambridge United, Morecambe, United fans would have to pay. expensive. The most expensive Wrexham have the second most Tranmere Rovers and Stevenage. match-day ticket is £19. Which is expensive replica shirts of the But it’s only cheaper than Cardiff Newport County have the most £7 cheaper than Bristol Rovers, Welsh teams in the top five by £2.60. The most expensive expensive programme between who are the most expensive. divisions of English football, match-day at Newport comes in themselves, Swansea, Cardiff and County’s most expensive is a quid charging £39.99, which is £1.13 at £29. Wrexham. Charging 50p more. cheaper than Rovers’ cheapest. more than the league average. But County fans have the joint The cheapest match-day ticket cheapest pie and cups of tea in The cheapest season ticket at the Unsurprisingly Swansea City is at Newport is £17, which is the league. Charging £2.50 for Racecourse Ground is £229, only the most expensive Welsh team only a pound cheaper than a pie and only a quid for a cup £60 less than Premier League to support in the English league Championship Cardiff. It’s also of tea. Totalling £3.50, which is champions Man. City, but it’s still system, and it’s probably safe to £2 more expensive than League what Swansea charge for a pie. 7% cheaper than the Conference assume the most expensive in Two’s lowest which is £15, that average. The most expensive Wales too. would get you in at Bury, Burton If you were to get a replica shirt season ticket is only £30 more and Tranmere. But you’d only from the club shop you’d be asked than the cheapest at £259 and But there aren’t huge differences have to shell out five pounds to hand over £34.95, which is only £9 more than Newport between Cardiff, Newport and more at Newport for their most £5.67 less than the league average. County’s cheapest. Eastleigh have Wrexham when it comes to the expensive seat. It’s not the most the cheapest season ticket in the cheapest day out and cheapest expensive in League Two, but it’s Wrexham fans will only have Conference at £105, even their match-day tickets. not the cheapest, with Bury’s ad- to spend £22.40 for a day out at most expensive season ticket at mission price set at £15. It’s still the football. But it’s only £1.60 £171 is cheaper than Wrexham’s cheaper than Premier League cheaper than League Two New- cheapest. Swansea by £13. port County. The cheapest ticket at Wrexham is £15, £3 more A programme is £3 the same as A season ticket at Rodney Pa- than the lowest in the league Cardiff and Swansea. A cup of rade ranges from £250 to £380, and the same price as the lowest tea is £1.80 and pie would set you

Copyright David McLeish Copyright Jack Tanner FOOTBALL CYMRU - PAGE EIGHT - SWANSEA CITY & CARDIFF CITY NEWS Swans might have to fly to play Prem games

f there’s one thing that infu- and children who can actually but first we have to decide what cess and I’m sure they’ll be a de- Iriates me about the English afford to go to the games, will constitutes an unimportant game. mand for more exciting matches game, it’s the Premier League’s soon be told they can’t because It certainly isn’t going to be a after a few years, so Arsenal vs seeming lack of care for the today’s match will be played in boring game. Perhaps Swansea Chelsea will be exported, so English fans. It feels like to Las Vegas, Hanoi or Pyongyang. at home to Sunderland would will Liverpool vs Man United. them, we are only bodies to fill be exported to Beijing for the And perhaps if Cardiff are in the the stadiums, so they look nice The people for it will cry ‘think international fans. Premier League the South Wales to the sponsors and interna- about all the money it will bring’. Derby. tional fans watching in their Well, because of FFP the smaller But that’s how it will start; the airmchairs. clubs can’t really do too much games we don’t get too excited for If this would be such an unpopu- with that money except invest it over here will be exported. The lar move by the Premier League, I say this because the game everywhere but on the pitch. stadiums wherever the games are why would they do it? Money, abroad rumour has reared its played will be sold out, because money, money, they’ve bled the ugly head again and it feels like The same people will also be those fans will actually get to see home fans dry and now it’s time it’s inevitable. I cannot see any quick to point out that only un- live competitive Premier League to see how much they can make benefits it would bring to the important games will be played football. The scheme will of abroad. Oh well, see you in New English fans. The men, women abroad. That’s all well and good, course be deemed a financial suc- York I guess.

Image via cardiffcityfc.co.uk Cardiff appoint new boss

ardiff City have appointed tract after Ole Gunnar Solskjær CRussell Slade as their new was sacked earlier this season. manager. The Norwegian had a woeful 30% win rate. Slade has managed for almost That’s what I want us to take attractive style of football. 20 years managing Yeovil Russell Slade said, “I’m grateful onto the pitch every week.” Town, Grimsby Town and to Vincent for giving me this “I want to give this honest, more recently Leyton Orient opportunity as Cardiff City is Cardiff’s owner Vincent Tan committed and hardworking amongst others. a fantastic Football Club. We commented on the appointed, man the opportunity to manage have a large squad and it’s more “The stability, integrity and our talented players and I am The 54-year-old from Wok- than putting out the best eleven experience that he brings is convinced, with God’s blessing, ingham won the League One players on paper. something I feel is essential for Russell can succeed now that he Manager of the Year Award for Cardiff City. has been given his first opportu- the second time last season, “We need the best group of nity to manage at a higher level.” whilst at Leyton Orient. He was players out there with the right “He is capable of turning a previously given the award for balance and chemistry. It’s now group of players into an organ- Slade’s first match in charge will his work at Yeovil Town in the about building a relationship ised, tight-knit team, with great see him take on Nottingham 2005-06 season. with the players and installing team spirit, who will work hard Forest at Cardiff City Stadium. He’s been given a two-year con- a strong ethos and work ethic. for each other while playing an Handmade jewellery

Image via cardiffcityfc.co.uk www.tearsofjoyjewellery.co.uk CARDIFF FEATURE - PAGE ELEVEN - FOOTBALL CYMRU VINCENT TAN IS A MADMAN SAYS A FAN THAT IS REAL!!!!!!!!!

“RED IS DEAD” says Supporters

Trust member Copyright Jon Candy

By Josh Smith It’s become quite common for top back to blue. There is one option that could n a match-day at flights owners to appear crazy see a Cardiff team in blue again, Cardiff City Stadium, or at least out of touch. Fulham It was a shock to most fans, in- the fans could create their own you wouldn’t know erected a statue of Michael Jack- cluding Philip Nifield, a member Cardiff club, creating their own there was much son outside their home ground of the Supporters Trust board, “It blue Cardiff. But the fans are Oanimosity with the ownership. Craven Cottage. The owner of came completely out of the blue resilient as ever. And the commit- Blue shirts fill the stadium, Newcastle United renamed St. and we felt it was so unnecessary. ted members of the Cardiff City and nothing looks out of the James’ Park after his own business There was the suggestion from Supporters Trust remain loyal to ordinary. Until the home team, SportsDirect.com and perhaps the owner that a change to red the Bluebirds. The likelihood of who traditionally play at home more recently, the refusal to give was necessary for business rea- fans separating and forming a FC in blue, walk out in red. For a their seemingly unwanted man- sons and to market the club in the United of Manchester style club neutral that knows little about ager Alan Pardrew his marching Far East, with the fear that with- looks very slim. Cardiff City, you might get a orders. Aston Villa’s decision out the change the club would be little bit confused. to hire their rival’s manager, in serious financial trouble if he “I don’t think that’s likely, there’s the summer after the season he withdrew his support. Many fans was talk on the message-boards The experience of a Cardiff City relegated their rivals. Or perhaps accepted the change because they about it but it never got to fan over the past few years has Birmingham, who lost 8-0 at feared the club would go under anything serious at all. We want been a turbulent one. It’s in- home, after sacking the manager, and concern about the change our club to return to blue, that’s volved bizarre stories galore, kit whilst the owner is in prison. The was certainly not so prominent our desire to do that and people changes, manager changes and one example most likely to reso- during the promotion season.” support the club as strongly as relegation in their first season. nate with Cardiff’s fans is Hull’s we can but there’s always this It’ just about enough for a group owner’s ambition to change the “It doesn’t look like he’s got very nagging thing of a blue in the of fans to turn their backs and name of the club to Hull Tigers, good PR, or he doesn’t listen to background. There’s a lot of fans start their own club, but Cardiff for branding reasons. anyone that advices him. I think who don’t fell the same passion City Supporters Trust remain he must be the only person who because of this aggro, but still committed to the team they’ve Bizarre decisions made by owners wants to stay red. The people we go down, still get season tickets” supported their whole lives. For is something Cardiff fans know speak to at the club would prefer says Phil. The supporters still see them owners may come and go, well, it’s been just over two to go back to blue. Because they Cardiff as their club. because in a sense it’s the fans years since Cardiff’s red kit was want to see everybody united for who really own the club. announced and the Cardiff City the club, there’s a sort of dishar- The Supporters Trust haven’t Supporters Trust is as ever com- mony without this issue being gone fully against the club mitted to getting the kits changed resolved” and started their own club FOOTBALL CYMRU - PAGE TWELVE - CARDIFF FEATURE like FCUM, but they brought ground wearing them. No one we see a return to blue. I don’t major in terms of a march, that out their own shirt, further wants to wear the red. The club think he wants to admit he got it I’m aware of but it’s a possibility protesting against the clubs has an alternative blue, but they wrong, to be honest” in the future.” Phil explains. change from red to blue. The didn’t get that out until a couple trust released a 1970s inspired of weeks ago. That was pretty There have been some reports in Cardiff fans were treated to some shirt, and collaborated with local slow, which was good for us.” the press recently that Tan wants new controversy in the summer, charity Ty Hafan, that looks after to get rid of Cardiff, and I’m not as it was revealed former man- ill children and supports parent, “95% of the ground is a blue, surprised, it hasn’t exactly been ager and the man that took them and every five pounds of a shirt there are very few red shirts, fun and games on his side. I to the Premier League in 2013, sold goes to the charity. It’s mon- most of them from last season would imagine he’s about as sick Malky Mackay, had allegedly ey Tan’s missing out on, but his when we were in the Premier of the fans, as the fans are of him. sent racist texts and emails. It loss is Ty Hafan’s gain. League. I can understand the But the grass may not be greener, was surely a shock to the fans, kids buying them, they want to or bluer and the trust knows that: a man who to most was a hero Philip said, “One of our mem- wear the shirt the players wear, for the club. He has at the helm bers felt that the importance but apart from that demograph- “Obviously we want stability in when they returned to top flight of showing we are a blue club, ic, red is dead as far as the fans the club, we’d like blue back what- after a 51-year absence. traditionally and that’s out are concerned.” ever, and we can have stable club heritage.” with blue. From his point, to get “We condemn any form or rac- It looks like this could be a reg- his investment back, because he’s ism, homophobic or anti Semitic “We felt we wanted to combine ular thing for the trust, so long invested a hell of a lot of money comments, it’s sad in someways, the supporting blue but also as Tan insists Cardiff wear red at he’s got to get us back to the Pre- he had a fantastic rapport with mier League. Because there’s not fans. He was a hero, he got us a lot of value in Championship up to the Premier League and to club, if he wanted to unite the most fan’s our view of Malky has fans then the easiest way to do soured “I don’t think he this is change us back to blue.” “We made him an honorary life member of the trust last year, wants to admit “I assume he’s going to stick with for his services to the club and it until he can sell the club, he we’re reviewing that now, once obviously wants to get a return of the Football Association makes a he got it wrong” this money. We’re also disap- judgement on the issue.” Copyright Jon Candy pointed because he promised us two years ago that he’d convert Over the past few years we’ve helping a local charity, we’ve home. If red really is just for the the debt into equity and he hasn’t seen Cardiff in the news for done stuff with Ty Hafan before marketable reasons, then it must done that. We’ve got over a 100 countless negative things, but and raised money for them but be confusing for fans of English million pound debt instead of now Russell Slade has taken over we thought this was a good football in the far East to tune 20. It’s always a worry when a the helm, and won his first game opportunity to combine the two. into a Cardiff home game and football club is carrying so much against Nottingham Forest. Does We’ve raised over 12,000 so far seeing the stadium awash with a debt.” Says Phil. this mean promotion perhaps, and it could be even more with a sea of blue, but the actual team back to blue and new owners? bit of luck.” playing in red. They’re still doing their bit every Maybe. game, reminding Tan, the club, The trust has released a range of “Vincent Tan allegedly said he’d the board and anyone who will Although red is dead as far as sizes, catering for all their fans look at it, if we got back to the listen that they want blue back. the fans are concerned, they lie and providing a cheaper alterna- Prem. But we’re not holding our When the clock hits 19 minutes in wait for the day they can see tive to what the club offers. Not breath on that. We may put a and 27 seconds (1927 the year Cardiff run out in blue at Cardiff only that, but it’s a permanent question in our annual survey they won the FA Cup) the fans City Stadium again. A promise protest against red. And if it’s asking if people will be willing will hold blue scarves and chant to return to blue if Cardiff were something the trust are going to to buy another shirt. We’d rather against the change to red. to be promoted may be seen do until Cardiff are back in blue, see the club return to blue next as a long shot to some, but it’s surely the board and Tan will season, and if the owner an- “The scarf protest still happens all they’ve got at the moment. take notice. nounced that then we wouldn’t on 1927 when the fans hold up They’re a loyal bunch and you produce our own. Realistically scarves and chant ‘we’ll always won’t see them giving up any- “It’s been really popular, you it’ll be when there’s a new owner be blue’, it happens every game. time soon. see a lot of people around the of Cardiff City, only then will There’s no plans for anything

Copyright Jon Candy Copyright Jon Candy FOOTBALL CYMRU - PAGE FOURTEEN - WELSH LEAGUE NEWS Harrison Kick-off TNS midfielder is manager delayed clubman of the year of the for Celtic month NS manager Craig Harrison and Thas been awarded Welsh Premier League manager of Ammanford the month for both August and September.

The New Saints have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2014-15 season, remaining unbeaten in their first ten games, including a six nil thrashing of Prestatyn Town, a 6-1 win over Rhyl and three nil wins over both Bala Town and Penybont. Copyright Scott Ruscoe Twitter Copyright Dom Atreides

TNS currently sit top of the wmbran Celtic and Am- he New Saints midfielder by FAW chief executive Jona- Welsh Premier League win 26 Cmanford are still at odds TScott Ruscoe was named than Ford and Cheryl Stibbs, a points, seven more than second with FAW over which Welsh clubman of the year at the FAW representative from the FAW’s place Airbus UK Broughton. League Division they are to awards evening. sponsor Vauxhall. play in this season. Speaking to the tnsfc.com The 36-year-old has been with After having his photo taken Harrison said, “It’s been a great After a special meeting the The New Saints since 2002 and with Welsh superstar Gareth start; we’ve started better than FAW ruled the teams are still has made over 250 appearances Bale he tweeted: “Mixing in the we have done since I’ve been relegated. for the club. He’s also played in right circles, pleasure to meet here. We’d like to won the two more European matches than him.” games we drew, but football The clubs are arguing the FAW any Welsh Premier League doesn’t happen like that. For me breached their own regulations, player. During his time at TNS Ruscoe it’s the most complete squad I’ve as only three teams were to be has won the Welsh Premier had here.” relegated at the end of the 2013- Scott Ruscoe said, ‘I am very League five times, the Welsh 14 season. pleased to have been presented Cup twice and Welsh League The 36-year-old from Gateshead with this prestigious award, Cup three times. has previously managed Airbus, Ammanford finished 15th and particularly as the event was after being appointed assis- in the relegation zone, whereas also attended by the manager of He started his career at Newton tant manager in 2008, he was Cwmbran Celtic finish 13th one the national side and his staff. and won the league in his first promoted to the manager that point above the relegation zone. Having already played nearly season, he went on to make over summer. 400 games in the Welsh Premier 100 appearances for the club After Afan Lido dropped down League, and hoping to take part between 1997 and 2000. He then He was appointed Director of from the Welsh Premier League in many more, I have had a moved to Chester City making Football at TNS in 2011 and tak- and Division One was not fantastic time at The New Saints over 60 appearances for the ing over the managerial reigns extended to accommodate 17 and particularly enjoyed our English side. In 2002 he moved too. During his time at TNS teams, it meant four were to be many European ties.’ to his current club TNS. the Saints have won the league relegated from Division One at three times consecutively and the end of the 2013-14 season, the Welsh Cup in 2012 and again instead of three. The award was presented to him last season.

beat Llandudno Ladies 2-0 to last game and with a good team progress to the second round. performance we can win again. South Wales Derby in Speaking to swanseacity.net Swansea midfielder Sarah “We have a lot of new signings Women’s League Cup Adams said, “We are confident this season which has added after our 2-1 win over them strength and competition with- wansea City Ladies will face League Cup. earlier in the season. in the team.” Srivals Cardiff City Ladies in the second round of the Chloe Lloyd and Emma Beynon “We had a lot of possession and The pair will clash at Leckwitch Welsh Women’s Premier found then net as the Swans created a lot of chances in the on Sunday 7th December. WELSH LEAGUE NEWS - PAGE FIFTEEN - FOOTBALL CYMRU Captain fantastic named Welsh Cup 2nd Round player of the round Fixtures olywell Town skipper Sam HJones was named Welsh Cup Friday 7th November Player of the Round by the FAW. Afan Lido vs Marshfield

The 26-year-old netted a hat-trick Saturday 8th November against Hay St Marys in the Brickfield Rangers FC vs Llanrhaeadr Welsh Cup First Round. Jones Ym Mochant wasted no time opening the Buckley Town vs Waterloo Rovers scoring with four minutes played, Caernarfon Town vs Guilsfield Athletic he then netted his second from Conwy Borough FC vs Denbigh Town Image via faw.org.uk FC Nomads of Connah’s Quay vs Llan- the penalty spot on 31 minutes. gollen Town The striker then completed his performance and determina- Gresford Athleticvs Llanfair United Jones went on to score two more hat-trick on 71 minutes putting tion, as well as his three goals, Llanberis vs Caersws undoubtedly won him the Man of hat-tricks in Holywell’s follow- Llanidloes Town vs Penrhyncoch Holywell 3-1 up. Mold Alexandra vs Holywell Town the Match award, with even Hay ing match as they humiliated Llanfairpwll in a 15-1 win for the St Asaph City FC vs Meliden A club spokesman for Holywell St Mary’s complementing him via Albion Rovers FC vs Undy Athletic home side, putting his tally at 21 said, “Sam would have doubled Twitter when he scored his hat Ammanford vsCardiff Metropolitan trick.” goals this season. Briton Ferry Llansawel vs Aberdare Town his tally on Saturday if it wasn’t Cornelly United vs Goytre United Copyright Scott Ruscoe Twitter for some good goalkeeping by Cwmbran Celtic vs Caerau Ely The North Wales side currently Tom Lewis in goal for Hay St The award means Jones will be Dynamo Aber FC vs Tiger Bay included in the FAW Welsh Cup sit top of the Lock Stock Welsh Haverfordwest County vs Rhayader Mary’s. Town team of the season and will be Alliance Football League Division One after winning 27 points in Monmouth Town vs Penybont FC “But Jones led his team well presented with an award on the Risca United vs Garden Village their opening nine games. for the full 90 minutes and his pitch before the final in May.

angor is to set host the Wales vs fantastic occasion for Welsh BEngland Victory Shield fixture Football”. Bangor to host on Halloween. The Sky Sports Victory Shield Bangor City’s Book People Stadium is an under-16s tournament be- will host Wales’ opening fixture of tween Wales, Scotland, England Victory Shield tie the under-16s tournament. and Northern Ireland.

Book People Stadium, which Last year’s winners Scotland, will opened in 2012 and has a capacity open against Northern Ireland of 3000, has previously hosted the before hosting Wales at St John- Wales U21s and the Wales Women’s ston in November. team. The tournament has been domi- Technical Director and U16 Head nated by England and Scotland, Coach Osian Roberts said: “I’m de- with England winning the tour- lighted to take a youth international nament outright 35 times and to North Wales again this year, the Scotland 17. Wales have won the North Wales fans really turned out tournament om;ufour times. in their numbers for our game v Northern Ireland last season, and The Dragons were crowned it’s so important to take as many champions for the first time fixtures as we possibly can around in 1949. They then shared the the country. spoils with England and Scot- land in 1951 and 1991. Wales Facility development has been high most recent win was in 2006 on the FAW agenda for a number of when they were joint champions seasons now with huge strides being with England. made, I feel the Book People Stadi- um at Bangor is a fitting stadium to A host of famous Welsh football- host the England fixture especially ers have played in the competi- with it being the newest stadium tion, which pre-dates the Second in the league with a great playing World War, including Aaron surface, along with the passionate Ramsey, Ian Rush, Mark Hughes home crowd, I know it will be a and Craig Bellamy. Copyright blogdroed The Student Soccer Blog

thestudentsoccerblog.wordpress.com