Every relationship has a start, apparently, so...here's ours: Hi. We're Afan FM, Neath Port Talbot's New Generation Music Station. We take sport very seriously. So seriously in fact, we're going to give it it's own email address. But more on that later.

We've asked to be part of Port Talbot Town's season this year and we're going to go with you every step of the way. In relationship terms, we're the crazy but attractive younger sibling of your current significant other and however much you try, you just can't avoid us. Those that have tuned in already know this for a fact. We are going to be the first and final word on the Steelmen and the other teams in the area.

If you can't get to the away games (for 10 points: just where is Llangefni?) We're the first port of call, keeping you informed, updated and occasionally entertained. Midweek game? We've got you covered, with the best music sound tracking every goal, highlight and interview. During the week, you'll see us around town armed with a microphone asking you what you think about things going on at your club. As for Saturday home games...well, we know where you'll be.

What else have we got? We've got news of every other team in the area. You name them, we've got them. We've got the quickest, most concise round up of American sport, roundups and updates of every major British league, plus informed debate about the Welsh Premier and the world and as if that lot wasn't enough, we give you a soapbox – if it bothers you and it's sporting, we want to know.

So where are we? 107.9FM on a Saturday, 2-6, and we don't want you to be cool about it – getting our number and waiting three days to get in contact – That is no longer cool. Apparently. Diving straight in and retuning every radio you have is the new black. In fact, try it now. Tune in for 5 minutes, and you'll more than likely hear the best music in the South Wales area (i.e. No Abba).

You could also be reading this on www.porttalbottown.co.uk or the match programme. We'll be giving a media view on things at ReMax and the wider football world, which, going back to that relationship thing, is like us flirting at you BUT we want you to talk back. This time round, we want your views on the season ahead. Is the squad deep enough? Which midfielder will be the main attacking threat? Should Pennock grow a beard? Deep issues like that. We'll publish the best and worst in the next column. Write us at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Until Next Time

Hash
Red Card - Saturday 3-6
107.9 AfanFM

16th August 2007
Who’s Refereeing the Referee’s
I've never been so gutted to miss a game. I was in the studio Saturday, meaning James was in attendance for the victory against Neath. I think the first thing he said when he got back to the studio was that the ref was awful, which shouldn't be the case in a 3-0 victory! It got me thinking; referees don't really have any accountability – and it should change. Now. The better referees are the ones you don't notice. Yet, I think the BEST referees are the ones that would give an interview 20 minutes after the game to back up their decisions – other than the stonewall you get now.

I'm not suggesting that referees should have to face trial by media for every decision – but I think the media can be an important positive tool in keeping them in check, whilst giving them a direct chance at defending themselves – maybe if they were more...human, and not the overweight, robotic Steve Bennett wannabes that many of them seem to be, fans would understand them more and abuse them...less. Not every decision will be right, but there doesn't seem to be any accountability right now, and that frustrates fans. Having said all the above, how difficult can it be to get a refereeing badge? I can't think of anyone that's failed the assessment before – maybe I've struck upon an on-air feature!

For those not going to Caernarfon, tune it to 107.9 Afan FM and we'll keep you as updated as possible on Saturday. Should referees be more open? Can we think of a more original chant than “Who's the W***** in the black?” Do they wear black because it makes them look slimmer? Let us know your thoughts: Sport@Afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

8th August 2007
When you wish upon an (all) star
My name's Hash and I'm a huge fan of American sport. Sorry, “spawts”. There, I said it. I also said last time that I have an idea for the WPL and here it is.

I propose that the league holds an annual North versus South all-star game.

Not the most popular idea – even in America. The joke goes that if you bet on an All-Star game, you have a gambling problem but before you click the email button, here's my reasoning. The league doesn't really have a curtain raiser – a game to really make you WANT the season to start, a tease if you will; to get casual fans to stick around. The all-star game is the solution.

All year, fans can vote on 14 players through the internet and a sponsor's outlet, with the other 2 players picked by fan-voted managers. The venue rotates each year, from Rhyl to Port Talbot to Bangor. The best that the WPL has to offer, on one pitch. No pressure, allowing a bit of showboating – casual fans love tricks and it would keep them interested. North vs South Wales is always an excellent debate and this would settle it... for a year. Sponsors would jump on the one-off bandwagon and league would be seen as an innovator, - I can't honestly see a downside to the idea. Maybe there are organisational costs but I think the impact would be far more positive overall, financially and as a spectacle.

Who would you pick for a North vs South game? Who would make the South side from Port Talbot? Is the suggestion of an All-Star game a load of Yank? Let us know, get onto studio@afanfm.co.uk or the excellent forums.

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

2nd August 2007
Summer School
And so the debate rolls on – should the WPL go the way of the Eircom League and play summer football? I'd be inclined to disagree from this end, and not least as I want to take my holidays in June! Comparing the Irish league to Wales is apples and oranges and here's why.

In Ireland, most (all?) teams are fully professional – not the case here and as a result, some players may be inclined to work (builders etc.) - not the best advert for the league! Second, there are an army of volunteers who work off the pitch to ensure the product on the field goes out. These unsung, unpaid heroes may not be so willing if they have to give their summers up.

Would attendances grow if the games were in better weather? I'm not sure. To me, there's always been something addictive about sitting in freezing winters – football is (supposedly) gladitorial and rainy cold November Tuesday nights at Welshpool has to be what it's all about, surely? – people will argue the casual fan will turn up, but if you're a casual fan on a sunny Saturday in July, the beach (and a radio!) would surely be a more attractive option? As regards Europe, there IS a benefit but people in favour of the summer move want to run before they walk. In my view the WPL is a live TV deal away from the next step - some competitive finance.

It has always seemed odd that losing managers in Europe say summer football is necessary and the winners say to keep it how it is. Odd that. Having said all that, I've got an ambitious idea that is different to most major leagues around the world. Some people won't like it...it's a pre-season thing, but I've said too much - I'll save it for next time.

What do you think? Would summer football appeal to you? Could the WPL lose players to sunburn? Does the thought of Lee Surman drenched in factor 75 in mid-June sway you? Email us at studio@afanfm.co.uk or discuss this on the excellent forum.

Hash
Red Card (We changed the name) Saturday 3-6
107.9 AfanFM