THE Welsh League hopes to have new sponsorship deal in place early next month after Macron ended their two-year backing at the halfway stage, writes Ray Parker..

Ken Tucker, league secretary, told the annual meeting at Maesteg Park's Tudor Park clubhouse on Saturday afternoon: "We have been in negotiations with several companies and a deal could be in place by the first week of next month. We have been working hard and will try to get it as soon as possible.

"But we will have sponsorship for next season, come what may."

Macron ended their relationship with the league on a sour note, claiming that some clubs were not using their match balls as agreed.

The league's bad boys continue to swell the league's coffers, money raised from fines rising from £3,470 to £5,304 up by 52 per cent.

Kieran O'Connor, treasurer and assistant secretary, said in his annual report: "Fines within the league continue to grow at an alarming rate.

"The league would obviously like to have no fines imposed on any club and seek an improvement by all clubs to reduce this volume of disciplinary problems."

The league showed a profit of of £8,346, a reduction of £837 from the previous year, Mr O'Connor added in his report. He was missing his first annual meeting in 20 years.

Gwent clubs did not have the best of luck in the first-round draw of the Shamrock Travel League Cup (to be played on September 9). Caerleon had the best of the deal, receiving a bye!

Only two Gwent teams were drawn at home with Croesyceiliog paired with Pontypridd, the top two teams in the Second Division last season.

Third Division Risca have home advantage against ENTO Aberaman who found a place in the First Division at the expense of Garw who lost 33 points for fielding an ineligible player.

League newcomers Aberbargoed Buds, elevated from the Welsh Autoparts Gwent County League and formally accepted at the annual meeting, journey to Llantwit Fardre. Tredegar Town travel to Bryntirion and Chepstow make the trek west to Ammanford.

Abertillery are away to Gwynfi, Newport YMCA go to Afan Lido and Caldicot visit Cardiff side Ely Rangers.

Goytre could get a bye because opponents Neath, who finished second in Division One, have appealed to the Football Association of Wales having been turned down for a place in the Welsh Premier League.

The Third Division championship is still unresolved with top team West End appealing against the deduction of three points for fielding an ineligible player. If they lose then Cambrian and Clydach take the title.

Mr Tucker added: "We have never found ourselves in this position before at an annual meeting.

"This year has been particularly difficult. We are now in an age of litigation and appeals abound everywhere. It is never easy and not very pleasant because some clubs are going to be disappointed."

Cwmbran Celtic, reverting to their previous ground on the outer field at Cwmbran Stadium, have had a side accepted into the Reserve Division (East).

The season will start on August 12 and finished on May 12.

The date for clubs to announce their resignation from the league has been changed from December 31 to March 31.

Croesyceiliog trio return to Cwmbran Town

24 June 2006

Cwmbran Town, who retained their place in the Welsh Premier League by the skin of their teeth, has signed three of their former players, writes Ray Parker.

All return from Croesyceiliog, who gained promotion to the top flight of the Welsh League, finishing as runners-up to Pontypridd.

The trio making their way back to Cwmbran Stadium are strikers Chris Watkins and Jody Jenkins along with defender Michael Pattimore.

Jenkins scored 39 goals last season and was Croesyceiliog’s player of the season.

Martyn Jones, Croesyceiliog secretary, said: “It is disappointing to lose them, especially Jody.”

Changes at Caerleon

23 June 2006

David Griffiths, last season manager of Welsh League, Division One side Caerleon, is now chairman of the Cold Bath Road club, writes Ray Parker.

He announced his decision to step down as manager a few weeks ago and will be succeeded by his assistant Brendan Dowd while reserve team manager Nicky Davies steps up to the assistant role.

The club is now seeking a second team manager.

Caerleon, who diced with relegation for much of the season, have taken a major step forward off the field by restoring a football committee, and Griffiths is delighted with the progress which has already been made.

He said: “It is three seasons since we had a football committee and our first meeting went very well and there were a great deal of positive vibes. We have a mixture of men and women on the committee which is 13-strong and it is a matter of getting the small but important things in place.

“We are really trying to get where we were a few years ago, although it is very much in the early stages. The main thing is to raise the club’s profile. We have kicked off on a positive note.

Caerleon, who have a home friendly with Newport County on July 28, start training on July 3 (6.00pm) and they will run every Monday and Thursday.

Anyone interested in taking over the role of reserve team manager should contact Mr Griffiths on 07778-204020.

Player awards: First team players’ player of the season, Troy Quarterly; manager’s player of the season, Fitzroy Hutchinson; top scorer, Chris Pearce (16 league and cup); second team manager’s player of season, Alex Smith; players’ player of season, Richard Snook; top scorer, Dave Howden.

Llanwern’s pre-season build-up includes three away games with Forest of Dean clubs – Ellwood (July 15), Lydney (July 22) and Broadwell (July 29)