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

29th September 2007
SGT Pennocks Supporters Club Band

The match sponsors for the Friday night victory against Aberystwyth were none other than the supporters’ club. These guys travel home and away to Town’s games and downright intimidate the opposition with a combination of chants, air horns and drums, and now they want you.

If you were to send an email to ptblues@hotmail.co.uk and pay five pounds you can be a fully fledged member. They’re going to have deals on cheap merchandise, travel to selected games and the fantastic sense of community that exists between them.

It’s a bigger step up than you think. I went to the Neath-Llanelli game last week and the away support hounded Craig Morris all night and they WERE a factor in a 1-3 away win. Both the Reds and Port Talbot have very progressive set ups and to see these guys measure up to a professional club is great news in boosting attendances across the league.

They’re also open to your ideas. If you’ve ever wanted to organise an event but were too afraid to ask, these guys can help. In return, they’d like people to be a bit more, in their words, hardcore about the club – we’re not talking about a firm, just about turning Port Talbot into an ‘or’ club as opposed to “I support Port Talbot AND…” other WPL clubs could well learn something from this.

Personally, it’s vital to the development of the league. Creating a need increases value and being more committed (by say…joining the club) creates that need, as well as extra cash for the football team. They’re my thoughts, but you’ll have to excuse me, I’m off to send an email.

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

21st September 2007
Under Pressure?
The boys in the Burns Rd End (the guys with the freeform jazz orchestra behind the nets) have a prediction league on the club website forum. For the Newi Cefn game, one of them had the prediction "3-1 to lift the heat off Penns"... my first reaction was is there heat on Pennock?!
I'm not sure what's expected of him, but let's see... he's given up his part-time coaching job at Swansea, where he also helped establish a link which has brought Kerry Morgan in, he's stayed undefeated so far at the RE/MAX Stadium, brought in some very promising younger players (Matt Thompson, Daniel Lancey and Liam McCreesh) and kept the strength of the team (the defence) together. How can there be pressure on him? It's important to realise that he's building something that may take a few months to bed in - particularly with 5-6 new players. To put pressure on him is wrong, when we're not even 10 games into his managerial tenure with the club. As regards the away form, they’ve played some very strong teams (Haverfordwest, TNS, Llanelli and Caernarfon- all top 7 at time of writing) but I strongly believe Port Talbot will pull it all together and slam some unfortunate side 4-0. It happened at the Newtown game at home, it could very well happen again. The squad and the infrastructure are probably the most progressive in South Wales; it would be a shame to lose a cornerstone of it. home advantage is so important in the WPL, the supporters in the stadium are a huge part of that. Do you think Pennock is doing a good job? How would you remedy the away form? Are you going to join the prediction league on www.porttalbottown.co.uk? Email sport@afanfm.co.uk with your views.
Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM

7th September 2007
Come together
Swansea City All-Stars vs Lido and Port Talbot XI. Excellent day for the family as part of Kris O’Leary’s testimonial year, the chairman going in goals, everyone happy. Liam McCreesh virtually swapping shirts with Tomas Wellington. Perhaps – there’s a motive? What if, Port Talbot and the red shirts over the road DID merge? I’ve always believed that the Bristol sides should merge, because such a big city needs a competitive club. Why can’t the same happen here? If both sides merged, maybe it would allow this new side to compete in Europe through gaining all the other guy’s sponsorship, players etc.. Of course, you’d lose the derby game, but last one of those, there were 97 people in the crowd (I know this because I counted it) and one side would lose their identity, but it’s got to be about the greater good, surely? Or am I underestimating local rivalry? I grew up in a place where the nearest derby was 70 miles away! Yet, it was still a derby – so to me, these rivalry games have become devalued. As for team identity, well, there isn’t a better identity than winning and having a monopoly on the town’s fan base (in the WPL), bringing in extra money and sponsors. The more I think of it, the more a merger seems to make sense. Don’t underestimate the Lido either, there are a couple of good players there – Is there really too much history behind both clubs that a merge would be too painful? Having said all that look at other mergers –Rushden and Diamonds anyone? Acceptable in the 90’s perhaps, but maybe not now. The derby game allows you to have bragging rights at work – you might not want to lose that. Or maybe the Lido would just be hanging off the coattails – free promotion, no contribution. Maybe that’s your view. Should the two sides merge? Would anyone from Lido get into the Port Talbot team? Should this column have been named “2 Become 1?” Are you now singing Spice Girls? Let us know your thoughts – sport@afanfm.co.uk

Hash
Red Card – Saturday 2-6PM
107.9 AfanFM