Club News Archive July 2009 - Port Talbot Town Football Club

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Port Talbot Town Football Club - Principality Welsh Premier League - The GenQuip Stadium, Victoria Road, Port Talbot. SA12 6AD. Website best viewed 1024x768.

JULY 2009

29th July 2009
Third straight win sets up big weekend double
Mark Jones side head into a weekend friendly double in superb form with three consecutive wins. On Saturday Port Talbot Town are in action at Blue Square South side Weston-Super-Mare before playing their first home game at The GenQuip Stadium this season on Sunday when Paulo Sousa (above) brings his Swansea City side to Port Talbot. Goals from Lee Surman, Daniel Thomas, Sam Baker and Neil Thomas comfortably defeated Goytre United on Tuesday night to as Port Talbot Town cruised past the Welsh League favourites 4-1. A fortnight before Port Talbot defeated big-spending Bridgend Town 1-0 and last week eased past recently promoted West End 2-1 both away from home. With Jones’s six new signings comfortably settling into the side there is now huge competition for places in the team but the double weekend test will certainly find any weaknesses that have yet to become apparent during an impressive pre-season. Kick off at Weston-Super-Mare is at 3.00pm while kick off against Swansea City at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday is at 5.30pm. Admission for the Swansea City friendly will be the same as for a Principality Welsh Premier League match at just £6 for adults and only £4 for concessions.

28th July 2009
Goal trail at Goytre as Town hit scoring form
Port Talbot Town claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over Welsh League Goytre United on Tuesday. Defender Lee Surman opened the scoring with a header from a Lee John free-kick on 37 minutes before second half goals from Daniel Thomas, Sam Baker and Neil Thomas completed the victory and another solid performance from Mark Jones side. Goytre grabbed a consolation goal as former Port Talbot Town midfielder Geza Hajgato stepped to score a penalty in injury time, it was the sides second penalty of the match after another former Port Talbot Town player Richard Ryan had his first half spot-kick saved by Kristian Rogers. Port Talbot were without regulars Liam McCreesh, Nicky Holland, Martin Rose, Matthew Thompson and Gareth Phillips to further emphasise the strength in depth that the squad now has following the arrival of six new signings during pre-season.
Click here for Goytre United match report and photo’s

28th July 2009
Carmarthen confirm Richmond Park Saturday switch
The league match between Carmarthen Town and Port Talbot Town has been moved to a Saturday. As with most local games the fixture was originally scheduled to take place on Friday, 6th October 2009 but has now been put back to Saturday, 7th October. Former Port Talbot Town defender Craig Hanford has recently joined Carmarthen to link up with a number of former Port Talbot Town players at the club while manager Mark Jones enjoyed three successful years at Richmond Park to add an extra edge to this highly-entertaining fixture.

27th July 2009
Blues up against former strike duo on Tuesday night
Mark Jones side will be up against two former strikers at Goytre United on Tuesday. Richard French and Richard Ryan have both signed for Goytre United during the summer from Neath and Aberaman Athletic respectively and will provide strong opponents in Tuesday’s match that takes place at Glenhafod Park. Goytre warmed up for the match on Saturday with a 4-0 win over Ammanford Town and will be one of the favourites for the Welsh League title this season despite having lost two forwards during pre-season in Danny Thomas to Port Talbot Town and Robbie Walters to Haverfordwest County. Kick off at Goytre United on Tuesday is at 7.00pm.

26th July 2009
Club issues new admission policy
Port Talbot Town have issued a new admission policy ahead of the start of the season. From this season the club will operate a strict admission policy for all home games without exception. Entry to the ground for those entitled to free admission will ONLY be granted when a matchday pass is shown at the turnstile by the pass holder. All senior and junior players within the club are entitled to a matchday pass and should approach their respective team manager or a committee member for more information. It is important that those entitled to a pass obtain one as soon as possible as this policy will be strictly adhered to. Please note that this new admission policy is not intended to offend or alienate any individual but to help compete against the rising costs of sustaining our place in the Welsh Premier League during the current economic downturn. While passes will be granted to all registered senior and junior players, the club remains grateful to those who offer their time to help on a matchday and welcome volunteers to assist with stewarding etc at all games held at the ground. All matchday volunteers will also be entitled to free admission and anyone interested should speak to any member of the committee for further information. Thank you for your co-operation.

24th July 2009
Jones uses his sixth signing sense for competition
Manager Mark Jones has brought substantial competition to his squad with six new signings. Scottish defender Andy Boslem became the clubs sixth summer signing on Thursday night as the squad start a busy period of friendly fixtures with four games in eight days as Jones continues to plan his strongest starting line-up for the opening match of the Principality Welsh Premier League season. On Tuesday Port Talbot are in action at Goytre United (7.00pm) before a weekend double header away to Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday, 1st August (3.00pm) and a home friendly against Paulo Sousa’s Swansea City on Sunday, 2nd August (5.30pm). The following Tuesday the side are away to newly promoted Welsh League side Corus on 4th August (6.30pm) to complete the four match schedule. A victory over West End earlier this week followed on from a win over Bridgend Town the week before and Jones has been delighted with how his new signings have settled into the side and have already offered strong competition to the existing squad in a number of positions. In addition to Boslem, who signed for the club from Scottish side Queen’s Park, Jones has added Nicky Holland and Mark Jones from Llanelli, Daniel Thomas from Goytre United, Neil Thomas from Haverfordwest County and Lloyd Grist, who returns to the Welsh Premier League after a spell in Canada with Toronto Lynx, to the squad. The week before the start of the season Port Talbot Town return to The GenQuip Stadium to take on Oxford City on Saturday, 8th August (2.30pm).

23rd July 2009
Young Scot Boslem signs from Queens Park
Port Talbot Town are delighted to confirm the signing of Scottish defender Andy Boslem from Queens Park. The talented youngster was named in the Queens Park squad for 28 games last season after coming through the youth ranks at the Scottish Football League club and more than impressed at Port Talbot Town during his pre-season trial. Signing for Port Talbot Town just two days short of his 20th Birthday, Andy recently relocated to South Wales with his family to play for Port Talbot Town and has the potential to make a big impact on the Principality Welsh Premier League. Queens Park are one of Scotland’s most famous clubs having been formed in 1867 and remaining loyal to their original amateur status. The club also play their home games at Hampden Park, the national stadium of Scotland. Boslem becomes manager Mark Jones sixth signing of the summer and is expected to play his first match as a Port Talbot Town player on Tuesday, 28th July, when the side are away to Goytre United in a pre-season friendly. Kick off is at 7.00pm.
Click here for more information on Andy Boslem

23rd July 2009
Swans make Reserve Team switch to Gnoll
Swansea City have decided to take their Reserve Team games from Port Talbot Town to Neath. Colin Pascoe’s side have played from The GenQuip Stadium for the last two seasons but will now play their games at The Gnoll instead. The move has brought mainly negative comments from Swans fans across various internet message boards due to the lack of parking available, the quality of the playing surface and the decision for all midweek games to kick off at 2.00pm. Neath currently play their Principality Welsh Premier League games and Welsh League Reserve Team games at the ground in addition to rugby being played at the ground by Neath RFC.

22nd July 2009
Jones praises quality of squad ahead of Swans friendly
Manager Mark Jones is expecting his players to prove themselves against Swansea City next month. Port Talbot Town host Paulo Sousa’s side at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday, 2nd August and Jones is looking forward to the occasion. “I think it is a great match for us,” said Jones in the Port Talbot Guardian. “There are a lot of Swans fans in Port Talbot and some of our players are fans of Paul Sousa’s side. One or two of my players should be playing at the Swans level and it will be a chance for them to prove themselves in front of a big crowd as I anticipate around 3,000 supporters will come and watch the game.” The match will kick off at 5.30pm and will offer Swans fans the chance to offer their best wishes to Sousa and his squad before their Coca-Cola Championship season starts at Leicester City the following Saturday. Admission for the match will be same as for a Principality Welsh Premier League match, £6 for adults and £4 for concessions.

22nd July 2009
Holland grabs winner now has to work for his place
New signing Nicky Holland offered Mark Jones plenty to think about with the winning goal on Tuesday. The pre-season friendly against Welsh League opponents West End allowed manager Mark Jones to assess a number of his new signings and he was quick to praise the former Swansea City and Llanelli youngster. “Nicky is a smashing lad and he now needs to get his head down and get a regular place in the Port Talbot side,” said Jones. “I signed him because he was keen to play for us and because he is a talented lad who can offer a lot to us”. Holland scored the winning goal in the 2-1 victory after 80 minutes, West End had taken an opening half lead but Drew Fahiya equalised early in the second half.
Click here for West End match report and photo’s

21st July 2009
Fahiya and Holland earn second pre-season win
Port Talbot Town claimed their second win from their pre-season campaign on Tuesday night. Mark Jones side were in action at newly-promoted Welsh League Division One side West End and despite conceding an opening half goal, came back to win the match 2-1 in the second half thanks to goals from Drew Fahiya and new signing Nicky Holland. It was Fahiya’s first pre-season match and he made an immediate impression while the unavailability of Martin Rose, Mark Jones, Liam McCreesh, Karl Lewis and Gareth Phillips allowed Jones to take a look at the rest of his squad as Gary Bansor returned to the side and young striker Sam Baker made a welcome 1st Team return. The side are now in action next Tuesday at Goytre United. Kick off is at 7.00pm.
Click here for West End match report and photo’s

19th July 2009
Blues back in friendly action on Tuesday night
On Tuesday Mark Jones takes his side to Pryderi Park to take on Welsh League side West End. The Swansea-based club are the current Welsh League Division Two champions and the friendly will assist them in their preparations for their return to Division One. Port Talbot defeated Bridgend Town 1-0 thanks to a goal from Martin Rose last week and will look to build on what was an impressive performance on Tuesday in what will be a difficult test. Nicky Holland completed his move to Port Talbot Town from Llanelli on Friday and will play his first match as a Port Talbot Town player in the friendly after impressing during pre-season. Kick off at Pryderi Park is at 6.30pm.

19th July 2009
Bond and Evans feature in Sousa’s debut win
Former Port Talbot Town duo Chad Bond and Scott Evans both played for Swansea City at the weekend. Both players came off the bench in the second half as new manager Paulo Sousa started his Swansea City reign with a win over Steve McLaren’s FC Twente at The Liberty Stadium. The headlines belonged to former Afan Lido player Casey Thomas however as the 18-year old scored and won an injury time penalty for the side on his Swansea City debut. A number of new signings are expected at the club before the start of the season although Sousa appears keen to offer everyone in the squad the chance to impress.

17th July 2009
Sousa confirms GenQuip date for Championship build-up
New Swansea City manager Paulo Sousa will bring his squad to Port Talbot Town for an August friendly. The match will take place on Sunday, 2nd August with kick off at 5.30pm. Swansea City start their Coca-Cola Championship season away to Leicester City the following Saturday and the match will offer Swans fans the chance to wish the team and Paulo Sousa all the best for the forthcoming campaign as they close their pre-season programme. The annual friendly between the two clubs did not take place last season due to extensive work on the playing surface at The GenQuip Stadium and will this year be the first game to be played at the ground following further work on the now much improved surface. Admission for the match will remain at the standard price for a Principality Welsh Premier League game at only £6 for adults and just £4 for concessions.

17th July 2009
Holland signs to become fifth summer recruit
Highly-rated youngster Nicky Holland has completed his move to Port Talbot Town from Llanelli. The former Swansea City and Wales Under-17 International today agreed terms with the club to become manager Mark Jones latest summer signing. Holland came through the youth ranks at the Liberty Stadium where he gained International honours before signing for Llanelli on his release in 2007. The versatile midfielder impressed as a second half substitute against Bridgend Town earlier in the week and will offer Jones a number of different options. Holland becomes Mark Jones fifth summer signing having already brought strikers Daniel Thomas and Mark Jones and midfielders Neil Thomas and Lloyd Grist to the club.
Click here for more information on Nicky Holland

17th July 2009
West End friendly added to pre-season programme
Port Talbot Town will take on Welsh League side West End in a friendly on Tuesday. The match will take place at the Welsh League side Pryderi Park ground on Tuesday, 21st July with kick off at 6.30pm. The last time the two sides met was in 2007 when Port Talbot Town defeated West End in the Welsh Cup and having won Division Two of the Welsh League last season they will provide decent opposition to Mark Jones side. Here are the directions to the ground - Leave the M4 at junction 42 which leads onto A483 (Fabian way). continue on this road until you see Cape Horner pub on right hand side. Upon reaching the traffic lights you need the lane to turn right onto the Tawe bridge and heading for right hand lane, turning right onto New Cut Road. Continue forward until reaching the traffic lights on top of the hill turning left onto Neath Road then take a right turning onto Carmarthen road A483. Continue forward until reaching the traffic lights and just before lights turn left onto Gors Avenue then take the first left heading for Townhill Road. Carry on forward-taking the sixth turning left onto Eigen crescent then take first right onto Pry Deri Footpath, the ground is straight ahead.

17th July 2009
Blues offer support to Hartson
Everyone at Port Talbot Town Football Club would like to join the thousands of others offering support to John Hartson. The former Wales striker, who is also the brother-in-law of Port Talbot Town defender Leigh De-Vulgt, is currently fighting a well-documented battle against cancer and he and has family have received an incredible amount of support from football fans across Britain and Europe. The Hartson family are regulars at The GenQuip Stadium while John himself has also been to a number of recent games since his retirement and everyone at the club would like to pass on their best wishes to John and his family at this difficult time.

16th July 2009
Davies set to make City Devils switch
Darren Davies is awaiting International clearance to sign for Australian side Redlands City Devils. The Devils play in the Hyundai Queensland State League and are currently fourth in the table after fifteen games. Former Merthyr Tydfil and Tiverton Town midfielder Chris Bale also plays for the club. Davies will remain as the Academy Director of Port Talbot Town Football Club and is due to return to the UK in February having moved to Australia for six months. Meanwhile former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Adrian Tucker has been appointed goalkeeping coach at Swansea City. Tucker, who also manages the Wales Women’s Team, as stepped down from his position with the FAW Trust to take the position. Tucker made just three appearances for Port Talbot Town in 2001.

16th July 2009
Junior section plan for girls football expansion
Port Talbot Town are looking expand girls football at the club through the junior section. The club are currently looking for girls to join at Under-10, Under-12 and at Under-14 age groups ahead of the new season. The junior section has continued to grow since its inception in 2000 and the expansion of girls football is another boost for the club. Last season the club fielded an Under-12 side in the South Wales Girls League with great success. Those interested in joining at any of the above age groups should contact Junior Secretary Gary Dawkins on 07791 877314 or by email at juniors@porttalbottown.co.uk

14th July 2009
Rose back in business in Bridgend win
Striker Martin Rose continued where he left off last season by scoring the only goal in Tuesdays friendly win. Mark Jones named a strong side for the match against Bridgend Town at Treforest and it was last seasons top scorer who grabbed the only goal of the game early in the second half as the side claimed a 1-0 win. New signing Neil Thomas made his debut for the club following his transfer from Haverfordwest County and impressed in the middle of midfield in what was a solid and encouraging performance from the side against an experienced Bridgend Town squad that included a number of former Welsh Premier League players.
Click here for Bridgend Town match report and photo’s

14th July 2009
Jeanne set for Jonah reunion at Weston
Former Port Talbot Town player Leon Jeanne is on trial at friendly opponents Weston-Super-Mare. Manager Mark Jones signed the former QPR and Cardiff City player during his first spell in charge at Port Talbot Town in 2002 and although he made just six appearances for the club he scored twice as Jones briefly took the club to the top of the Welsh Premier League. Jeanne left Port Talbot Town for a second spell at Barry Town but his lack of fitness resulted in him moving to a number of non-league clubs before slipping down to the Welsh League where he played most recently for Maesteg Park. Jeanne is currently on trial at Weston-Super-Mare however and played for the club in last Saturdays friendly at home to Cheltenham Town with the visitors winning through a last minute goal from former Swansea City striker Julian Allsop who was also an unexpected trialist in the game.

13th July 2009
Season tickets available at Bridgend friendly
Port Talbot Town season tickets will be available to supporters at Tuesdays friendly against Bridgend Town at Treforest. Despite a rise on admission for next season to £6 for adults and £4 for concessions, season tickets will remain at last seasons prices to offer fantastic value for money and are now on sale. The ticket entitles the holder admission to every Principality Welsh Premier League match at The GenQuip Stadium as well as every Loosemores Solicitors League Cup match. Tuesdays match has been moved from its original venue of the Brewery Field in Bridgend to the University of Glamorgan playing fields. Kick off is at 7.00pm and here are directions for those making the journey -
Leave the M4 at junction 32, then at roundabout take the 1st exit, then merge onto the A470.
Where signposted Merthyr Tydfil A468, branch left, then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A468.
Where signposted Treforest Industrial Estate A4054 take 2nd exit at roundabout onto the A4054.
Where signposted Treforest Industrial Estate. Turn right onto Main Avenue.
Turn right onto the A4054.
Arrive at University of Glamorgan playing fields.

12th July 2009
Venue switch for Tuesday friendly
Manager Mark Jones pre-season preparations start on Tuesday when his side take on Bridgend Town. The match will now be played at the University playing fields at Treforest however and not at the Brewery Field. Port Talbot started their pre-season earlier than most clubs this summer with an early friendly against Llanelli in June to help Andy Legg’s side in their UEFA Europa League preparations but Jones squad now have a few weeks of training behind them and will be looking forward to returning to match action. New signings Daniel Thomas, Mark Jones and Neil Thomas are all expected to feature in the friendly match while Bridgend currently have a number of ex-Port Talbot Town players in their ranks including Hayden Fleming. Kick off on Tuesday is at 7.00pm.

12th July 2009
Reid on target as Leicester win Central Masters
Port Talbot Town coach Paul Reid scored twice for Leicester City in the Masters tournament on Saturday. The former Leicester midfielder scored in the opening victory over Derby County and added to his goal tally in the third match against Notts County where he came up against Llanelli manager Andy Legg. Leicester went onto win the tournament with a victory over Notts County in the final and will now progress to the grand final where they will take on the other regional tournament winners. The tournament is shown live on Sky Sports.

12th July 2009
Travel arrangements for Weston-Super-Mare
Names for the coach to Weston-Super-Mare are now being taken with limited places available. The friendly match takes place on Saturday, 1st August and the coach will be leaving The GenQuip Stadium at 10.30am. Those who want to travel on the coach must book their place before the day and pay the £10 charge to confirm their place on the coach. Weston play in the Blue Square South and have recently signed former Wales International Adrian Williams. To book your place please email mark@porttalbottown.co.uk.

12th July 2009
Victory Shield date for The GenQuip Stadium
Port Talbot Town will host a Victory Shield match between Wales and Northern Ireland in November. The Under-16 International takes place on Friday, 20th November and will be shown live on Sky Sports. The decision to host the match at the GenQuip Stadium is a huge boost for the club and credit to the number of ground improvements that have taken place over the last few years.

12th July 2009
Darren Davies makes Australia switch
Midfielder and Academy Director Darren Davies has moved to Australia for six months. Davies will return to the UK in February but will continue his role as Academy Director at the club but will be unavailable for Mark Jones side. Davies signed for Port Talbot Town from Merthyr Tydfil one year ago and made 25 Welsh Premier League starts for the club but missed the last month of the season through injury. During his time in Australia Davies will link up with his former Merthyr and Tiverton Town team mate Chris Bale who has recently played for clubs in Australia and New Zealand.

8th July 2009
Youth open with home fixture in League Cup
The Under-19 side have been drawn at home to Bryntirion in the opening group match in the Youth League Cup. Port Talbot Town have been drawn in Group B of the competition and start their campaign under new manager Mark Pike against Bryntirion at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday, 13th September. A week later the side are away to Barry Town before a local derby against Afan Lido on Sunday, 4th October. The group is completed with games against Caerau Ely, Bettws, Ely Rangers and Dinas Powys before the league season starts in mid-November. Meanwhile the draw for the FAW Youth Cup has been made with Port Talbot Town taking on Cambrian & Clydach in the opening round at The GenQuip Stadium on Sunday, 27th September with kick off at 2.00pm.
Click here for the full fixture list on the Under-19 page
Click here for comprehensive coverage of the MacWhirter Youth Division West

7th July 2009
Reid ready for Masters return in Nottingham
Port Talbot Town coach Paul Reid will be in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday night. The former Leicester City midfielder is a regular member of the clubs ‘Masters’ squad and plays for the team in the annual event shown live on Sky. This week the five-a-side action comes live from the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham where Reid joins eight other Leicester City legends to take on representative teams from Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Notts County. Leicester won the tournament in 2007 but will have strong opposition this weekend with Nottingham Forest naming a very strong squad of players including Des Lyttle, Steve Stone, Jason Lee, Steve Chettle, Ian Woan and David Phillips. Muzzy Izzet is one of the better known players in the Leicester City squad while Derby County feature Dean Sturridge and Craig Ramage and Notts County name a familiar face in current Llanelli manager Andy Legg. Reid made 162 appearances for Leicester during a career in which he made a played a total of 543 Football League games and scored 58 goals. The central heat of the tournament is live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday, 11th July at 8.00pm.

6th July 2009
New youth era starts this week for 18’s and 19’s
Both the Under-18 and Under-19 teams start training this week ahead of the new season. On Wednesday the Under-19 Team begin training under new manager Mark Pike at Western Avenue before the Under-18 team resume training ahead of the new season at the same venue on Sunday afternoon. Both sessions are open to trialists to attend with the Under-19 team meeting at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start while on Sunday the Under-18 team will start training at 2.00pm. Players are advised to bring both trainers and football boots to the sessions.

5th July 2009
July Sportsmans Evening arranged with Mickey Thomas
Former Manchester United, Chelsea, Wrexham and Wales star Mickey Thomas will be the guest speaker at the clubs Sportsmans Evening. The night will take place at Port Talbot Town Football Club on Friday, 31st July with tickets available at just £20 each or £200 for a table of ten. The night will also include a cold carvary together with raffles and an auction for a host of football memorabilia. Thomas made over 230 appearances for Wrexham before a move to Manchester United in 1978, after three years at Old Trafford he moved between a host of clubs including Everton, Chelsea, Derby, Leeds United, West Brom, Brighton and a double spell at Stoke before returning to Wrexham in 1991 and scoring in the clubs famous FA Cup win over Arsenal. Thomas also played for Wales and often hit the headlines off the field as much as he did on it. To book your ticket or tables for the event email mark@porttalbottown.co.uk.

5th July 2009
Under-19’s avoid Reds in League Cup group
The Under-19 side have been drawn in Group B of the Youth League Cup, avoiding cup holders and league champions Llanelli. With Mark Pike confirmed as the new manager of the side, Port Talbot Town will start the first two months of the season by playing the group stage of the League Cup during September and October before the league season starts in November. Port Talbot Town have been drawn in Group B of the competition and will take on the following teams with fixtures to follow shortly - Afan Lido, Barry Town, Bettws, Bryntirion Athletic, Caerau Ely, Dinas Powys and Ely Rangers. In the MacWhirter Youth Division West Port Talbot have been paired with the following teams - Afan Lido, Ammanford, Briton Ferry Llansawel, Bryntirion Athletic, Carmarthen Town, Haverfordwest County, Llanelli, Pontardawe Town and West End.

2nd July 2009
Edwards calls for flying start
Chairman Andrew Edwards is looking for a strong start to the season despite a tough opening. The fixtures for the new Principality Welsh Premier League season have offered Mark Jones side an away match at Elements Cefn Druids to start the season before they take on last seasons top three Llanelli, Rhyl and The New Saints in as many weeks. “We are notorious slow starters and it would be nice to get out of the blocks early this season,” said Edwards in the Port Talbot Guardian. “I hope we can hit the ground running against the Druids, which won’t be easy, and then the following three matches are really tough. But I fancy us at home against any side in the league. We are a good side and it is up to us to prove it.”

2nd July 2009
Reserves will not defend league and cup double
Port Talbot Town Football Club will not enter a team the MacWhirter Welsh League Reserve Division West this season. Despite winning the league and cup double last season on their return to the division, the club has decided to withdraw from the league to concentrate on developing both the Under-18 and Under-19 teams in conjunction with the clubs academy and junior systems. The decision follows Mark Pike’s appointment as Youth Team manager and he will oversee the development of the clubs young players as well as forging links with 1st Team manager Mark Jones to allow the best young talent in the club to progress in a structured programme of development. The club notified the MacWhirter Welsh Football League of the decision earlier today.

1st July 2009
New youth development era begins as Pike takes charge
Mark Pike has been confirmed as the new Under-19 manager of Port Talbot Town Football Club. The experienced and well-respected club figure took his first training session with his new-look squad on Wednesday night and outlined both his short and long term plans for the progression of junior players into the youth setup and eventually into the Welsh Premier League team in his vision for the club. Mark opened the evening with a team discussion at The GenQuip Stadium where he stated his plans for the season and how strong links between the 1st Team and the Under-19’s will be forged before opening with a light training session on the beach front. Mark was a youth team player at Port Talbot himself in the 1980’s before returning as a senior player in the 1990’s. In 1998 he played an important role in the formation of the clubs junior section as well as being a highly-regarded junior coach and went onto to become Academy Director for a short period a few years later. Mark has more recently coached at both junior and Academy level within the club while gaining his UEFA B Licence. Mark also held the position of Reserve Team manager during Mark Jones previous spell in charge of the club and developed a relationship that introduced a number of young players at the time into the Welsh Premier League. With a clear and positive vision for the junior, academy and youth systems within the club and how they can offer a long term benefit to the Welsh Premier League team, the club can look forward to a bright future of emerging local talent under his guidance.