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

18th December 2007
Sleeping with the Enemy
Forgive me father, for I have sinned. For the rest of the season, I'm an Afan Lido fan.

Don't email your vitriol just yet though. I'll explain why you, you and especially you should be supporting the Seasiders for the rest of the term. The applications for promotion from the South consist of... Cwmbran (boring), ENTO Aberaman (where?), Powys (too far) and your happy rivals in red.

This gives you guys a couple of rivalry games a season, with the extra money that brings and bragging rights, as well as reducing the travel that Port Talbot face each year. I said about the merger earlier this year and on reflection, it's about as good an idea as sending confidential data in the post... this way, both teams in the town can compete with each other, which can only help the profile of Port Talbot in total - perhaps there could be some sort of trophy between the two sides, based on the results against each other, why not the Brian Carpenter Memorial Trophy?

On a slightly different tangent, I find it difficult to believe that clubs in the Welsh League don't apply to join the Welsh Premier. Is there really such a big desire to be a big fish in a small pond? It shows a distinct lack of ambition and drive in general - why do clubs even bother to play 34 games when there's no payoff other than the trinket trophy you get for winning the league, and besides, if you're a fan of local football, they seem to play their games on weird days, and the quality of play is none too bad. Also, eight teams have applied to go up from the Northern feeder - are sides like Llandyrnog United more progressive than sides in the South?

I salute Craig Duggan's side for showing the ambition to go up. With four games in hand over everyone else that matters, they could well get promotion with an impressive squad - Corey Thomas, Luke Harrington and Steve Davis (not that one) are well worth watching. The forward direction, as well as the benefits it has for Port Talbot are the reasons why I'm following Afan Lido for the rest of the year - and why you should too.

Afan Fm is available on 107.9FM in the Neath Port Talbot area, or the computer you're reading this on, by clicking

here.

Are you going to pitch up to Marston's Stadium any time soon? Why do clubs win the league but never bother to get promoted? Or...would you rather see a merger (only kidding). Sound off like you've got a pair at

sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM