LIDO HIT BY DOUBLE DEPARTURE BEFORE SEASON STARTS

14 July 2007

Welsh Cup runners-up Afan Lido have been dealt a further blow in their bid to earn Welsh Premier League status as two key players have left the Marston Stadium for pastures new. Top scorer Ian Jones - who notched 42 goals for Lido last season - has not unexpectedly attracted interest from the top flight and signed for Derek Brazil's Haverfordwest County.

The 27-year-old former Pontardawe, Uwic and Goytre United striker spent two successful seasons with Lido but will now try his luck in the Welsh Premier.

County boss Brazil was also interested in two other Lido players.

He failed in his bid to sign versatile Craig Jones - who has joined Llanelli - and he also had a thumbs down for midfielder Liam McCreesh.

The 21-year-old former Boys Clubs of Wales Under-18 skipper has made the short switch to Port Talbot, who have Tony Pennock in charge for the new season.

McCreesh was part of County's squad last season but has now joined the club where his late father Gerald was vice-chairman.

McCreesh's debut at the Remax Stadium will be delayed, however, as he recovers from a knee operation and will not be fit in time for the clash with Swansea City on July 25.

Steelmen chairman chief Andrew Edwards welcomed his arrival, especially as he has 70 games' experience in the top flight previously with Lido.

''We are delighted to have signed Liam,'' he said.

''He already has a great deal of experience in the Welsh Premier League as well as being a local lad whose family have greatly contributed to what we have achieved here.''

CHRIS BARNEY

 

MAESTEG'S FUTURE IN BALANCE

09 July 2007

Maesteg Park face an unsure future it emerged soon after the Welsh Football League annual general meeting broke up. The first division club, who hosted the meeting, dropped the bombshell in the wake of secretary Ken Tucker informing the meeting that the league would next winter revert back to 54 clubs.

But the Old Parish side now find themselves in deep trouble, having lost their chairman and backer Phil Davies to Port Talbot Town. while Andrew Rickard stood down as manager at the end of last season.

That has left David Griffiths, who has served as club secretary since 1965, backed by wife and treasurer Dawn and a five-strong committee including his son Neil.

Fixture lists were handed out at the meeting, leaving Maesteg with a month to find a solution ahead of their opening game at newly promoted Caldicot on August 11.

Since being relegated from the old League of Wales back in 1995, Maesteg have subsequently always managed top-10 finishes in the first division.

The club is also debt free, making the slide towards closure even more surprising.

''It is now down to the players and business community, and whether people really want Welsh League division one football in the valley,'' said club committeeman Neil Griffiths.

''We have made strenuous efforts to appoint both a manager and backer without success.

''It has left us in a desperate situation, and we now have around a month to a find a solution to a problem that is providing me with plenty of sleepless nights.'''

If Maesteg, founded in 1945, should fold that would form the end of the line for football at Tudor Park, as there is no intention to drop down to the feeder leagues.

It would form another huge blow for football in the area, following the relegation of Caerau in 2003, and the withdrawal of Gwynfi United from the league last Christmas.

''The Llynfi Valley possesses plenty of parks grade teams, but it is ironic that the team at the top of the pyramid is struggling,'' continued Griffiths.

''Hopefully, someone will come in and save the club at the 11th hour, but at the moment things aren't looking good.

''But we will keep on trying, as it is not our intention to allow 62 years of football history to end without a fight.''

Last season the first division was built around 19 clubs because of the late relegation from the Welsh Premiership of Grange Quins.

That led to the top flight carrying an extra team, but the 55-club problem was ironically solved back in December when Gwynfi United withdrew from the league.

The promotion of champions Neath Athletic to the Welsh Premiership, with Cwmbran Town taking an opposite course then maintained the status quo.

However, second-division Grange Quins have been the subject of speculation regarding their future, but the league has decided to show leniency.

The Cardiff side are being allowed to play their five opening matches at the Leckwith Stadium, and then on a ground-share basis with second division colleagues Caerau Ely.

It is anticipated that the new athletics stadium at Leckwith will be up and running by Christmas - and that will signal a return home for Grange.

In other business at the meeting, treasurer Kieran O'Connor reported an operating profit of £6,622 for the league - down £1,724 on the previous year - and confirmed a renewal of the sponsorship deal with MacWhirter.

The season will open on August 11 and finish on May 10, while Aberdare-based Cwmamman Institute and Monmouth Town were welcomed on board from the feeder leagues, with Chepstow Town and AFC Porth both relegated.

There was, however, a surprise during the management committee vote to elect eight members, with long-serving Alan Watkins losing out.

But John Thomas (Ammanford) was voted back onto committee along with newcomer Michael Lambert (Garw).

The voting went: 43 John Thomas and Mike Windsor, 42 Alf Germain, 41 Eric Thomas, 40 Steve Rumble, 34 David Cole, 32 Bob Fry, 28 Michael Lambert, 24 Alan Watkins, 22 David Owens.

A league merit award went to Neil Workman, of Pontyclun, while all divisional winners were presented with pennants.

TONY POOLE