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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.
JUNE 2008
29th June 2008
Captain Matthew Rees signs for new campaign
Influential defender and team captain Matthew Rees has signed for next season. Rees signed for the club in 2004 after being released by Newport County and has been a vitally important player during the last four seasons. Rees started his career with Millwall where he captained the Lions reserve team and gained Under-21 honours with Wales during his time at The New Den before being released by the manager Dennis Wise. Rees was also called up for the Wales National side under Mark Hughes for a friendly against the USA and was named on the bench for the match. Moves to Aldershot Town, Dagenham & Redbridge, Swansea City, Crawley Town and Newport County all followed after his release from Millwall and it was during his time at Swansea City that he scored the sides first goal under Kenny Jackett when he was on target in a Football League match against Lincoln City. Rees is currently working away and is expected to miss pre-season and possibly the opening games of the new Welsh Premier League campaign although his signing is a timely boost following the recent exit of Carl Evans to Afan Lido.
29th June 2008
Reid speaks out over disappointing exit
Former coach Paul Reid has spoken about his exit from Port Talbot Town Football Club in an exclusive interview with 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy. Reid was replaced at the end of the season by Matthew Bishop but has revealed his disappointment at the way he was replaced. “We had a great season and thought that next season would be very successful with the players that had re-signed for the club,” said Reid. “Myself and Nicky had talked about next season but then he phoned me up and told that he was bringing somebody else in and I thought, oh ok, so everything that you’ve have said about next year wasn’t really true then. He said that when he took over that if Matthew Bishop had been available he would have brought him to the club at that time so in hindsight I’ve been used for six months. Things happen in football and people are getting used all the time. Nicky is a great manager regardless of what’s happened between us and they have an excellent coach now and its all looking good but then again I’m still disappointed by the way its all happened.”
27th June 2008
Evans makes disappointing Lido return
Defender Carl Evans has returned to Afan Lido after just six months at Port Talbot Town Football Club. The highly rated youngster made just seven starts for the club in the Welsh Premier League before the end of the season as he regained his match fitness but has disappointingly decided against testing himself in the top flight for the forthcoming campaign. Manager Nicky Tucker has already strengthened his defensive options over the summer however with the signing of experienced players Darren Davies and Lee Phillips.
27th June 2008
Former Blues duo make English pyramid switch
Two former Port Talbot Town players have been the subject of transfer news this week. Former goalkeeper Simon Rayner left Torquay United to sign for Crawley Town on a free transfer while defender Martyn Giles appeared at Newport County for pre-season training this week. Giles played for Hereford United in 2007 but his opportunities were limited through injury and he was released.
26th June 2008
Old Gold double switched to Friday nights
Following the release of the 2008-2009 Principality Welsh Premier League fixtures, the two games between Port Talbot Town and Carmarthen Town have now been switched to Friday nights. The first match between the sides now takes place at Richmond Park on the 19th of September with the return match at Port Talbot Town taking place on the 6th of February.
26th June 2008
Pre-season training begins ahead of opening friendly
Port Talbot Town resume training on Thursday night ahead of the opening friendly match against Llanrumny United on Saturday, 12th July. One person missing from the opening training session this week however will be manager Nicky Tucker who is currently taking his UEFA A badge coaching licence and is therefore attending a weeks residential course in Aberystwyth.
24th June 2008
Season Tickets on sale at reduced rate and early buy offer
With manager Nicky Tucker further strengthening his side with the signing of Lee Phillips from Llanelli, now is the time to show your support for the new campaign by taking advantage of a special offer on season tickets. The price of the ticket has been reduced to £80 for adults and £50 for concessions with child prices remaining at just £10 which represents fantastic value as the price of admission is set to increase to £5 and £3 per game. Season tickets are also valid for Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup games and due to the group format of the competition they offer superb value for money. As a special offer for those investing early the season ticket will also allow free admission for the high profile friendly against Coca-Cola Championship side Swansea City on Thursday, 17th July. Tickets are available from the club or can be ordered on-line by e-mail.
24th June 2008
New format for Youth League confirmed at AGM
The MacWhirter Welsh Football League has confirmed a radical change to the current format of their respective Under-19 divisions from next season. A new Central division has been added to the current West and East leagues with Port Talbot Town remaining in the West division. The change has resulted in a reduction of league fixtures and for that reason the Youth League Cup will now comprise of four groups for the opening round. Port Talbot have been drawn in Group D with seven other teams and will play each side once in September and October with the top two sides from each group reaching the next round. The controversy however centres around the decision that these seven games will take place before the league season starts. Port Talbot Town have also been readmitted to the Welsh League Reserve Division West after a years absence.
22nd June 2008
Phillips swaps Reds for Blues after title winning season
Port Talbot Town Football Club have pulled off one of the major transfer signings of the season by completing the signing of Lee Phillips from champions Llanelli. Phillips, 29, captained Llanelli to their first ever Welsh Premier League title last season but after being offered a reduced contract by the Reds manager Nicky Tucker moved swiftly to bring Phillips to Port Talbot Town. “We have been negotiating with Lee since he rejected Llanelli’s offer and I am delighted to confirm that he has agreed to join Port Talbot Town Football Club”, said Tucker. “Lee has a wealth of experience and is a massive signing for us. We have been building and improving our squad throughout the summer but once Lee became available we were determined to sign him and I am immensely pleased to have brought him to the club”. Phillips spent five years at Cardiff City before moving onto play for Forest Green Rovers, Barry Town, Newport County and most recently Llanelli where he captained the side to the Welsh Premier League title. With experience in the Football League and in Europe, Phillips is a major signing ahead of the new season.
22nd June 2008
Tucker confident of big new signing over the weekend
Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker has revealed that he is confident of confirming a further new and important signing over the weekend. In an interview with 107.9 Afan FM Sports editor Hash Piperdy, Tucker was keen not to offer any clues but stated that the player would be making a decision over the weekend after positive negotiations over the last few weeks. Tucker has already signed four players over the summer with Darren Davies, Jason Welsh, Drew Fahiya and Shelton Payne all joining the club as Tucker looks to build on last seasons fourth place finish. Dylan Blain and Craig Hanford have moved in the other direction however by both signing for Haverfordwest County. In other transfer news Wales semi-pro striker Graham Evans has agreed a move from Caersws to Aberystwyth Town while Connah’s Quay Nomads will now be known as GAP Connah’s Quay following their takeover by recruitment firm GAP. Former Caernarfon Town manager Steve O’Shaughnessey has been named as the new manager of the club following the takeover.
19th June 2008
Sporting duo headline Sponsors Evening
Port Talbot Town Football Club have pulled off a double coup with the confirmation that former Wales and Celtic striker John Harton and former Ospreys Head Coach Lyn Jones will be the main speakers at the club’s Sponsors Evening on Friday, 4th July. Both stars will be answering your questions on a range of topics form their relevant fields as well as offering a unique insight into their careers. The annual dinner also features a draw to decide which company will become the shirt sponsor of Port Talbot Town Football Club for the 2008-2009 season and has become a popular event on the club calendar over the last few years. Companies wishing to enter the draw can purchase a ticket in the draw for £250 which entitles them to places for the Evening together with the chance of becoming the clubs main shirt sponsor. Companies buying two tickets will have the bonus of having two additional tickets for the draw, quadrupling their chance of success. Individuals are also welcome to attend the mixed evening at a cost of £20 per person or a special reduced rate of £30 per couple.
18th June 2008
New season starts at The New Saints artificial surface
Port Talbot Town will play their first Principality Welsh Premier League match of the new season on an artificial surface after the opening round of fixtures paired Nicky Tucker’s side against last season’s runners-up The New Saints. The match takes place at Park Hall on Saturday, 16th August with a trip to Aberystwyth Town a week later. The side start their home fixtures on Saturday, 30th August against NEWI Cefn Druids before taking on Llanelli and Neath in the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup in midweek fixtures throughout September and October. Other notable fixtures include a home match against newly promoted Prestatyn Town on Saturday, 13th September and the visit of Champions Llanelli on Friday, 7th November. The traditional double against local rivals Neath Athletic will again take place on Boxing Day and New Years Day with this seasons fixtures the reverse of last year as Port Talbot play their first match at The Gnoll on Boxing Day.
17th June 2008
New Board of Directors formed to take club forward
Port Talbot Town Football Club are delighted to announce the formation of a new Board of Directors to take the club to the next level in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Five successful local businessmen join Chairman Andrew Edwards as Port Talbot Town strive for success on and off the field. Andrew is joined on the board by Alun Evans of Crown Security Group, Phil Davies of Moderncare, Martin Rock of Rock Financial Consultants, John Brennan of Contract Services and Paul James of Paul James Builders. “I am delighted to have so much business expertise and experience working towards the betterment of this football club”, said Edwards. “As well as offering financial security, the formation of this board will allow the club to realise it’s potential in the Welsh Premier League, allowing us to move forward and build on our recent success. It is important that the club has a strong foundation to work from and with the business acumen contained within the board we are now in a position to start a new chapter in the future of Port Talbot Town Football Club”. The new board has already held a number of constructive meetings with a number of new initiatives expected to be announced shortly.
16th June 2008
Lido legend Evans returns to former club
Paul Evans has left Port Talbot Town after just six months at the club to rejoin Welsh League side Afan Lido. Evans signed for Port Talbot in January as cover for captain Matthew Rees and impressed enough to become a regular in the squad for the remainder of the season. With competition for places increasing at the club however Evans has decided to return to Afan Lido to further his playing career. “I am disappointed that Paul has decided to leave but I fully respect his decision”, said manager Nicky Tucker. “His attitude has been first class since he arrived at the club and he played an important role for us. Afan Lido can offer him regular football which at the moment we are unable to. While I am sad to see him leave he will always be welcome back at the club and I wish him all the best for the future”. Evans, 34, returns to the club where he has played his entire football career until his switch to Port Talbot Town in January. As well as playing for Afan Lido in the UEFA Cup, he also enjoyed a successful time as the joint manager of the side that reached the Welsh Cup Final in 2007.
15th June 2008
New look Blues prepare for pre-season
With a number of new arrivals coupled with a double exit, Port Talbot Town will have a new look when the programme of pre-season friendlies start at Llanrumny United on the 12th of July. New signings Darren Davies, Jason Welsh, Drew Fahiya and Shelton Payne will make their debuts for the club together with new coach Matthew Bishop as manager Nicky Tucker looks to build on last seasons fourth place finish. Following the opening match at Llanrumny the side then take on Swansea City at home on the 17th July before travelling across the bridge to play Clevedon Town on the 26th July and Mangotsfield United on the 2nd August. The side will take on Welsh League Ely Rangers between the two on the 29th July before making the short journey to Welsh League Champions Goytre United on the 5th August. A week before the season starts Port Talbot Town will take on Merthyr Tydfil at Penydarren Park on the 9th August. The side will start pre-season training in the next fortnight.
11th June 2008
Rogers commits for new season
Goalkeeper Kristian Rogers has agreed terms with Port Talbot Town Football Club ahead of the new season. Rogers has made over 60 Welsh Premier League starts for the club since signing in 2006 and has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the league since his arrival. In fact Bangor City manager Neville Powell named Rogers as the best keeper in the Welsh Premier League in his 2007-2008 team of the season. Rogers decision to stay at the club is a timely boost for manager Nicky Tucker following the double exit of Craig Hanford and Dylan Blain to Haverfordwest County.
11th June 2008
Hash looks over the new look forward line
With four strikers already in place for the new season, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy looks at the attacking options available to Nicky Tucker ahead of the new season and explains why all four are completely unique in what they can offer in his latest exclusive feature for the official website.
11th June 2008
Tucker makes second signing from Dinas Powys
Nicky Tucker has completed a double signing from his former club with the arrival of young midfield Shelton Payne from Dinas Powys. The former Cardiff City and Crystal Palace trialist is equally at home upfront and is another player who can offer competition in a range of positions. Highly rated during his time in the Welsh League for his quick pace and skill on the ball, Payne is second player to sign for the club from Dinas Powys following the signing of Drew Fahiya over the weekend.
11th June 2008
Simon Rayner Buckled by Torquay transfer listing
Former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Simon Rayner has been transfer listed by Torquay United manager Paul Buckle despite the Canadian having a year left on his two year contract with the Blue Square Premier Club. Torquay have said they are willing to let Rayner leave without a transfer fee as they search for a more experienced goalkeeper having narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season.
10th June 2008
Hanford follows Blain in Haverfordwest move
Defender Craig Hanford has become the second player to leave Port Talbot Town and sign for Haverfordwest County in as many days. Midfielder Dylan Blain made the West Wales switch over the weekend and has now been joined at the New Bridge Meadow by Hanford. “Unfortunately we were unable to agree terms with Craig and he has accepted a better offer from Haverfordwest,” said manager Nicky Tucker. “Craig has been an excellent servant to the club over the years and it is disappointing he has decided to leave as we look to build on our recent success in which he has played an important part in us achieving”. Hanford came through the youth system at Port Talbot Town and played for the club over six seasons with only brief spells in the Welsh League with Skewen and Neath Athletic preventing him adding to his 90 Welsh Premier League starts for the club. Player of the Year in 2006, Craig will be famously remembered for his pass against Swansea City in 2007 that opened the way for Andrew Mumford to score the winning goal in the FAW Premier Cup Quarter Final tie.
9th June 2008
Blain makes West Wales switch
Midfielder Dylan Blain has left Port Talbot Town Football Club to sign for Haverfordwest County for the second time. Blain joined Port Talbot Town from Haverfordwest in 2006 after making over 100 appearances for his hometown club and became a popular and versatile player during his two seasons with Port Talbot. “Dylan has recently moved back to the Whitland area and has decided to return to Haverfordwest”, said manager Nicky Tucker. “Dylan is a strong and experienced player and I am sorry to lose him from the squad but fully understand his reasons and wish him well for the future”. Blain found himself out of favour at the club during Tony Pennock’s short reign as manager but played an important part in our fourth place finish following the arrival of Nicky Tucker. Also joining up with Blain at Haverfordwest is former Port Talbot Town defender Dyfan Pierce who left Port Talbot to join Dinas Powys in 2007 while another former player, striker Craig Hughes, has signed a new contract at Newport County following the arrival of Dean Holdsworth as manager of the Blue Square South club. Moving out of Newport County and back to Carmarthen Town however is another former Port Talbot Town favourite, Mark Dodds.
8th June 2008
Tucker boosts attacking options as Fahiya signs
Manager Nicky Tucker has returned to his former club Dinas Powys to improve his attacking options with the signing of young striker Drew Fahiya. Highly rated after his performances in the Welsh League, Fahiya can also play in midfield and will offer the side a number of options. “I know Drew well from my time at Dinas and I am confident he can bring a lot to our side”, said Tucker. “It is important to have competition for places in the side and Drew offers us a number of options both in midfield and upfront”.
8th June 2008
Familiar draw in Loosemores Challenge Cup
The draw for the group stage of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup was made at the Principality Welsh Premier League AGM on Saturday. Port Talbot Town have been drawn in Group 2 together with Neath Athletic and cup holders Llanelli. The games will take place on a home and away basis with dates yet to be confirmed.
6th June 2008
Bond makes Swansea City return
Chad Bond has been offered a one year contract at Championship Swansea City, two years after the club released him. Bond signed for Port Talbot Town in 2006 following his release from the Swans by former manager Kenny Jackett. The arrival of Roberto Martinez at Swansea allowed Chad to return to the club on trial and he spent the last five months of the season on-loan to Spanish club CF Balaguer. “Chad has changed a lot as a player in the last six months”, said Martinez. “We're looking forward to seeing him in pre-season”. Bond scored 12 goals for Port Talbot Town in the Welsh Premier League from 40 appearances.
6th June 2008
Tucker confident of boosting squad over weekend
Manager Nicky Tucker is expected to further strengthen his side over the weekend. “I am confident we will have another important signing in the next few days”, said Tucker. “I am very pleased with how the squad is developing and this latest addition will further improve competition for places in the side”.
5th June 2008
Rangers complete pre-season preparations
Port Talbot Town can confirm a seventh friendly ahead of manager Nicky Tucker’s pre-season campaign as he takes his side to Welsh League Ely Rangers on Tuesday, 29th July. Extensive work on the playing surface at the RE/MAX Stadium means that there will be only one home friendly during the pre-season programme when Championship Swansea City are the visitors on Thursday, 17th July. The side will commence pre-season training in the next fortnight before starting the friendly programme at Llanrumny United on Saturday, 12th July.
5th June 2008
Hash explains why third place is possible
In his latest exclusive feature for the official website, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy talks about Paul Reid, Sam Baker, managers who look like dogs, the problems at Rhyl, Welsh Premier headline writers and why Port Talbot Town have such a great chance of clinching third place next season.
2nd June 2008
Bishop plans forward moves for Blues
New Port Talbot Town coach Matthew Bishop has spoken to the official website ahead of the new season following his appointment. “This is a club with a lot of potential and I am excited to be involved,” said Bishop. “Nicky Tucker and myself have very similar beliefs on how the game should be played and with the squad we have at the club there is no reason why we cannot achieve success. I am ambitious in what I want to achieve at Port Talbot Town, European football is our aim and would be a fantastic achievement for this football club. The club is progressing well on and off the field with major ground improvements over the last few years and I am delighted to be involved with such a progressive club in the Welsh Premier League”. Bishop will now meet up with the squad in the next few weeks at pre-season training.
2nd June 2008
Baker and De-Vulgt sign for new season
Young striker Sam Baker and experienced defender Leigh De-Vulgt have both re-signed for Port Talbot Town Football Club. The duo agreed new terms on Monday evening.
1st June 2008
Striker Jason Welsh signs for Port Talbot Town
Former Cwmbran Town and Merthyr Tydfil striker Jason Welsh has returned to the Welsh Premier League by signing for Port Talbot Town Football Club. Welsh played five seasons in the league with Cwmbran before moving to Merthyr Tydfil in 2005. Since then the powerful forward has played for both Gloucester City and Swindon Supermarine in the English pyramid. “I am delighted to confirm that Jason Welsh has signed for Port Talbot Town Football Club,” said manager Nicky Tucker. “I am sure that he will compliment Martin Rose and improve our attacking options no end. Jason brings a wealth of experience to our side and I am sure he will be an influential player for us.” Welsh is the second signing made by the club since the end of the season following the arrival of defender Darren Davies from Merthyr Tydfil while off the field Matthew Bishop has been brought in as coach in place of Paul Reid. Pre-season training will start ahead of Tucker’s first full season in charge in the next couple of weeks ahead of the six friendlies already confirmed.
1st June 2008
Martinez confirms Port Talbot Town friendly for Swans
Newly promoted Swansea City will prepare for their first season in the Coca Cola Championship with a friendly against Port Talbot Town at the RE/MAX Stadium on Thursday, 17th July 2008. Manager Roberto Martinez will bring a full strength side to Port Talbot for the match which has become an annual event in the club’s pre-season programme. Port Talbot Town have also confirmed an opening friendly against Llanrumney United on Saturday 12th July in addition to the four other games already arranged. The Swansea City friendly is expected to be the only home friendly this season due to the continuing work on the playing surface at the ground.
1st June 2008
Academy side review of the season
Under-14 Academy coach Mark Pike takes a look back over the sides inaugural season playing Academy football in an exclusive feature for the official website.
29th June 2008
Captain Matthew Rees signs for new campaign
Influential defender and team captain Matthew Rees has signed for next season. Rees signed for the club in 2004 after being released by Newport County and has been a vitally important player during the last four seasons. Rees started his career with Millwall where he captained the Lions reserve team and gained Under-
29th June 2008
Reid speaks out over disappointing exit
Former coach Paul Reid has spoken about his exit from Port Talbot Town Football Club in an exclusive interview with 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy. Reid was replaced at the end of the season by Matthew Bishop but has revealed his disappointment at the way he was replaced. “We had a great season and thought that next season would be very successful with the players that had re-
27th June 2008
Evans makes disappointing Lido return
Defender Carl Evans has returned to Afan Lido after just six months at Port Talbot Town Football Club. The highly rated youngster made just seven starts for the club in the Welsh Premier League before the end of the season as he regained his match fitness but has disappointingly decided against testing himself in the top flight for the forthcoming campaign. Manager Nicky Tucker has already strengthened his defensive options over the summer however with the signing of experienced players Darren Davies and Lee Phillips.
27th June 2008
Former Blues duo make English pyramid switch
Two former Port Talbot Town players have been the subject of transfer news this week. Former goalkeeper Simon Rayner left Torquay United to sign for Crawley Town on a free transfer while defender Martyn Giles appeared at Newport County for pre-
26th June 2008
Old Gold double switched to Friday nights
Following the release of the 2008-
26th June 2008
Pre-
24th June 2008
Season Tickets on sale at reduced rate and early buy offer
With manager Nicky Tucker further strengthening his side with the signing of Lee Phillips from Llanelli, now is the time to show your support for the new campaign by taking advantage of a special offer on season tickets. The price of the ticket has been reduced to £80 for adults and £50 for concessions with child prices remaining at just £10 which represents fantastic value as the price of admission is set to increase to £5 and £3 per game. Season tickets are also valid for Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup games and due to the group format of the competition they offer superb value for money. As a special offer for those investing early the season ticket will also allow free admission for the high profile friendly against Coca-
24th June 2008
New format for Youth League confirmed at AGM
The MacWhirter Welsh Football League has confirmed a radical change to the current format of their respective Under-
22nd June 2008
Phillips swaps Reds for Blues after title winning season
Port Talbot Town Football Club have pulled off one of the major transfer signings of the season by completing the signing of Lee Phillips from champions Llanelli. Phillips, 29, captained Llanelli to their first ever Welsh Premier League title last season but after being offered a reduced contract by the Reds manager Nicky Tucker moved swiftly to bring Phillips to Port Talbot Town. “We have been negotiating with Lee since he rejected Llanelli’s offer and I am delighted to confirm that he has agreed to join Port Talbot Town Football Club”, said Tucker. “Lee has a wealth of experience and is a massive signing for us. We have been building and improving our squad throughout the summer but once Lee became available we were determined to sign him and I am immensely pleased to have brought him to the club”. Phillips spent five years at Cardiff City before moving onto play for Forest Green Rovers, Barry Town, Newport County and most recently Llanelli where he captained the side to the Welsh Premier League title. With experience in the Football League and in Europe, Phillips is a major signing ahead of the new season.
22nd June 2008
Tucker confident of big new signing over the weekend
Port Talbot Town manager Nicky Tucker has revealed that he is confident of confirming a further new and important signing over the weekend. In an interview with 107.9 Afan FM Sports editor Hash Piperdy, Tucker was keen not to offer any clues but stated that the player would be making a decision over the weekend after positive negotiations over the last few weeks. Tucker has already signed four players over the summer with Darren Davies, Jason Welsh, Drew Fahiya and Shelton Payne all joining the club as Tucker looks to build on last seasons fourth place finish. Dylan Blain and Craig Hanford have moved in the other direction however by both signing for Haverfordwest County. In other transfer news Wales semi-
19th June 2008
Sporting duo headline Sponsors Evening
Port Talbot Town Football Club have pulled off a double coup with the confirmation that former Wales and Celtic striker John Harton and former Ospreys Head Coach Lyn Jones will be the main speakers at the club’s Sponsors Evening on Friday, 4th July. Both stars will be answering your questions on a range of topics form their relevant fields as well as offering a unique insight into their careers. The annual dinner also features a draw to decide which company will become the shirt sponsor of Port Talbot Town Football Club for the 2008-
18th June 2008
New season starts at The New Saints artificial surface
Port Talbot Town will play their first Principality Welsh Premier League match of the new season on an artificial surface after the opening round of fixtures paired Nicky Tucker’s side against last season’s runners-
17th June 2008
New Board of Directors formed to take club forward
Port Talbot Town Football Club are delighted to announce the formation of a new Board of Directors to take the club to the next level in the Principality Welsh Premier League. Five successful local businessmen join Chairman Andrew Edwards as Port Talbot Town strive for success on and off the field. Andrew is joined on the board by Alun Evans of Crown Security Group, Phil Davies of Moderncare, Martin Rock of Rock Financial Consultants, John Brennan of Contract Services and Paul James of Paul James Builders. “I am delighted to have so much business expertise and experience working towards the betterment of this football club”, said Edwards. “As well as offering financial security, the formation of this board will allow the club to realise it’s potential in the Welsh Premier League, allowing us to move forward and build on our recent success. It is important that the club has a strong foundation to work from and with the business acumen contained within the board we are now in a position to start a new chapter in the future of Port Talbot Town Football Club”. The new board has already held a number of constructive meetings with a number of new initiatives expected to be announced shortly.
16th June 2008
Lido legend Evans returns to former club
Paul Evans has left Port Talbot Town after just six months at the club to rejoin Welsh League side Afan Lido. Evans signed for Port Talbot in January as cover for captain Matthew Rees and impressed enough to become a regular in the squad for the remainder of the season. With competition for places increasing at the club however Evans has decided to return to Afan Lido to further his playing career. “I am disappointed that Paul has decided to leave but I fully respect his decision”, said manager Nicky Tucker. “His attitude has been first class since he arrived at the club and he played an important role for us. Afan Lido can offer him regular football which at the moment we are unable to. While I am sad to see him leave he will always be welcome back at the club and I wish him all the best for the future”. Evans, 34, returns to the club where he has played his entire football career until his switch to Port Talbot Town in January. As well as playing for Afan Lido in the UEFA Cup, he also enjoyed a successful time as the joint manager of the side that reached the Welsh Cup Final in 2007.
15th June 2008
New look Blues prepare for pre-
11th June 2008
Rogers commits for new season
Goalkeeper Kristian Rogers has agreed terms with Port Talbot Town Football Club ahead of the new season. Rogers has made over 60 Welsh Premier League starts for the club since signing in 2006 and has long been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the league since his arrival. In fact Bangor City manager Neville Powell named Rogers as the best keeper in the Welsh Premier League in his 2007-
11th June 2008
Hash looks over the new look forward line
With four strikers already in place for the new season, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy looks at the attacking options available to Nicky Tucker ahead of the new season and explains why all four are completely unique in what they can offer in his latest exclusive feature for the official website.
11th June 2008
Tucker makes second signing from Dinas Powys
Nicky Tucker has completed a double signing from his former club with the arrival of young midfield Shelton Payne from Dinas Powys. The former Cardiff City and Crystal Palace trialist is equally at home upfront and is another player who can offer competition in a range of positions. Highly rated during his time in the Welsh League for his quick pace and skill on the ball, Payne is second player to sign for the club from Dinas Powys following the signing of Drew Fahiya over the weekend.
11th June 2008
Simon Rayner Buckled by Torquay transfer listing
Former Port Talbot Town goalkeeper Simon Rayner has been transfer listed by Torquay United manager Paul Buckle despite the Canadian having a year left on his two year contract with the Blue Square Premier Club. Torquay have said they are willing to let Rayner leave without a transfer fee as they search for a more experienced goalkeeper having narrowly missed out on the play-
10th June 2008
Hanford follows Blain in Haverfordwest move
Defender Craig Hanford has become the second player to leave Port Talbot Town and sign for Haverfordwest County in as many days. Midfielder Dylan Blain made the West Wales switch over the weekend and has now been joined at the New Bridge Meadow by Hanford. “Unfortunately we were unable to agree terms with Craig and he has accepted a better offer from Haverfordwest,” said manager Nicky Tucker. “Craig has been an excellent servant to the club over the years and it is disappointing he has decided to leave as we look to build on our recent success in which he has played an important part in us achieving”. Hanford came through the youth system at Port Talbot Town and played for the club over six seasons with only brief spells in the Welsh League with Skewen and Neath Athletic preventing him adding to his 90 Welsh Premier League starts for the club. Player of the Year in 2006, Craig will be famously remembered for his pass against Swansea City in 2007 that opened the way for Andrew Mumford to score the winning goal in the FAW Premier Cup Quarter Final tie.
9th June 2008
Blain makes West Wales switch
Midfielder Dylan Blain has left Port Talbot Town Football Club to sign for Haverfordwest County for the second time. Blain joined Port Talbot Town from Haverfordwest in 2006 after making over 100 appearances for his hometown club and became a popular and versatile player during his two seasons with Port Talbot. “Dylan has recently moved back to the Whitland area and has decided to return to Haverfordwest”, said manager Nicky Tucker. “Dylan is a strong and experienced player and I am sorry to lose him from the squad but fully understand his reasons and wish him well for the future”. Blain found himself out of favour at the club during Tony Pennock’s short reign as manager but played an important part in our fourth place finish following the arrival of Nicky Tucker. Also joining up with Blain at Haverfordwest is former Port Talbot Town defender Dyfan Pierce who left Port Talbot to join Dinas Powys in 2007 while another former player, striker Craig Hughes, has signed a new contract at Newport County following the arrival of Dean Holdsworth as manager of the Blue Square South club. Moving out of Newport County and back to Carmarthen Town however is another former Port Talbot Town favourite, Mark Dodds.
8th June 2008
Tucker boosts attacking options as Fahiya signs
Manager Nicky Tucker has returned to his former club Dinas Powys to improve his attacking options with the signing of young striker Drew Fahiya. Highly rated after his performances in the Welsh League, Fahiya can also play in midfield and will offer the side a number of options. “I know Drew well from my time at Dinas and I am confident he can bring a lot to our side”, said Tucker. “It is important to have competition for places in the side and Drew offers us a number of options both in midfield and upfront”.
8th June 2008
Familiar draw in Loosemores Challenge Cup
The draw for the group stage of the Loosemores Solicitors Challenge Cup was made at the Principality Welsh Premier League AGM on Saturday. Port Talbot Town have been drawn in Group 2 together with Neath Athletic and cup holders Llanelli. The games will take place on a home and away basis with dates yet to be confirmed.
6th June 2008
Bond makes Swansea City return
Chad Bond has been offered a one year contract at Championship Swansea City, two years after the club released him. Bond signed for Port Talbot Town in 2006 following his release from the Swans by former manager Kenny Jackett. The arrival of Roberto Martinez at Swansea allowed Chad to return to the club on trial and he spent the last five months of the season on-
6th June 2008
Tucker confident of boosting squad over weekend
Manager Nicky Tucker is expected to further strengthen his side over the weekend. “I am confident we will have another important signing in the next few days”, said Tucker. “I am very pleased with how the squad is developing and this latest addition will further improve competition for places in the side”.
5th June 2008
Rangers complete pre-
5th June 2008
Hash explains why third place is possible
In his latest exclusive feature for the official website, 107.9 Afan FM Sports Editor Hash Piperdy talks about Paul Reid, Sam Baker, managers who look like dogs, the problems at Rhyl, Welsh Premier headline writers and why Port Talbot Town have such a great chance of clinching third place next season.
2nd June 2008
Bishop plans forward moves for Blues
New Port Talbot Town coach Matthew Bishop has spoken to the official website ahead of the new season following his appointment. “This is a club with a lot of potential and I am excited to be involved,” said Bishop. “Nicky Tucker and myself have very similar beliefs on how the game should be played and with the squad we have at the club there is no reason why we cannot achieve success. I am ambitious in what I want to achieve at Port Talbot Town, European football is our aim and would be a fantastic achievement for this football club. The club is progressing well on and off the field with major ground improvements over the last few years and I am delighted to be involved with such a progressive club in the Welsh Premier League”. Bishop will now meet up with the squad in the next few weeks at pre-
2nd June 2008
Baker and De-
1st June 2008
Striker Jason Welsh signs for Port Talbot Town
Former Cwmbran Town and Merthyr Tydfil striker Jason Welsh has returned to the Welsh Premier League by signing for Port Talbot Town Football Club. Welsh played five seasons in the league with Cwmbran before moving to Merthyr Tydfil in 2005. Since then the powerful forward has played for both Gloucester City and Swindon Supermarine in the English pyramid. “I am delighted to confirm that Jason Welsh has signed for Port Talbot Town Football Club,” said manager Nicky Tucker. “I am sure that he will compliment Martin Rose and improve our attacking options no end. Jason brings a wealth of experience to our side and I am sure he will be an influential player for us.” Welsh is the second signing made by the club since the end of the season following the arrival of defender Darren Davies from Merthyr Tydfil while off the field Matthew Bishop has been brought in as coach in place of Paul Reid. Pre-
1st June 2008
Martinez confirms Port Talbot Town friendly for Swans
Newly promoted Swansea City will prepare for their first season in the Coca Cola Championship with a friendly against Port Talbot Town at the RE/MAX Stadium on Thursday, 17th July 2008. Manager Roberto Martinez will bring a full strength side to Port Talbot for the match which has become an annual event in the club’s pre-
1st June 2008
Academy side review of the season
Under-