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

28th October 2007
Llanelli Lessons

How do you put a positive spin on a 0-8 defeat? You can’t. What you can do though, is look at the seven and the eight goal games and look at what Port Talbot can learn from the side at the top.

Despite being a very progressive set-up, the two games showed that they are still ahead by a significant amount. So, what do they do better, apart from scoring more. Port Talbot did win something 5-2 – yellow cards. Oh, and two reds. Obviously, getting seven cards in two games is unacceptable and shows that Llanelli held themselves much better. Both sides are tough tackling, but there is a difference. Being fair, Gareth Philips’ foul was what anyone would have done, but with a much smaller squad and competing on three fronts, it is not going to help in the long run. For what it’s worth, Llanelli were error-free on Tuesday, picking up no bookings at all. There is a reason why they’re top of the league, and a truckload of money is only part of that reason. Talbot got outplayed, One other big reason was players they’ve bought in from down the road. The Jones’s, Mark and Craig are both ex-Lido. One thing, come January 1st, is there has to be at least a look at the sides around Re/Max, and who is available that can add to the squad. Having said the above, there are positives to take out. Rory Healey made his debut on Tuesday, Dylan Blain played well at right back and Chad Bond scored a couple. I think Port Talbot can bounce back from this. Look at Manchester City, who got blown away by Chelsea the day after. In both situations, it’s 3 points lost, a dented goal difference and here, a chance for Morgan and Rose to establish themselves in Chad’s absence. By the time Llanelli revisit the Re/Max, the scoreline will be a lot closer.

What else can Port Talbot learn from Llanelli? Maybe we can get an annoying shouty band of 14 year olds too? What could they learn from Port Talbot? Email at sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

12th October 2007
Musical Interlude

One thing I've noticed amongst many at the Remax stadium is the lack of decent music before and after the games. It does make it seem... a little dead. And even when there is music? I remember interviewing Rob Martinez before the friendly in July, and had to spend a lot of time taking the "Everybody dance nows" out of the recording! Most (all?) sides run out to something anthemic. I don't know what the Newcastle one is, but I'd know it if I heard it. I've never seen Z-Cars, but I know Everton run out to it. Swansea come out to that God-awful montage of everything they can fit into 30 seconds - I definitely think this is something that Port Talbot should jump all over. I'll go one better, as loyal fans, you guys (and the players) should be picking the anthemic, upbeat song they come out to. I would personally recommend BRMC's Spread Your Love. Always gets me ready for a night out. Something else that should happen is some music before the game.At Llandarcy the other day, they had a bit of Devil Woman playing. This is not pre-game music. Similarly, I've never understood the lyric "she's gonna get you from behind" - what sort of woman is this, Cliff?

Obviously, music is huge to me. And you, I guess. Try to go a whole day without hearing any. I also think it's a great way to build up excitement and to tell a story. Swansea played the Klaxons' It's Not Over Yet when they went to extra time with Reading - a fantastic choice. Hopefully, the music wouldn't be too loud but I think it would lift the already good atmosphere and make the game feel that bit more special. Course, I could be talking through my trumpet. Perhaps no music is fine. I do draw the line though at music when a goal is scored - this isn't rugby league, thank the Lord. But Remax Stadium does need something.

What music would you have played at the stadium for the teams to run out to? Are you going to email in Public Enemy or the Village People to subvert this? Having said that, wouldn't that be the most awesome duet ever? Your thoughts AND your votes please, to sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM