BARRY TOWN IN THE NEWS
Tuesday 4th October 2004
Barry Town cruise through to Welsh Cup 3rd Round.
BARRY TOWN IN THE NEWS
Tuesday 4th October 2004
Barry Town cruise through to Welsh Cup 3rd Round.
Saturday's Result:
Barry Town 3 Blaenrhondda 0
WELSH CUP SECOND ROUND
Barry were well in control of this Welsh Cup encounter against 3rd Division
Blaenrhondda as early as the 4th minute when a Mark Evans corner found the head of Gavin Beddard to make it
1-0 to The Dragons. Paul Fowler had an excellent effort on goal saved by the Blaenrhondda's 'keeper Neil Thomas, who despite the result, had a very good game.
With a hefty challenge coming in from Simon Heal on the hour mark, Heal was fortunate to stay on the field after only being given a yellow card. This fired up the blue and whites enough for them to enjoy their best period of the match, but they were always punching above their weight, and the only threat appeared to be to Barry Town's current excellent record of five games and five clean sheets, but the result was never in doubt.
Although it remained 1-0 to Barry Town for much of the half, we were never under any pressure and Marty Ellacott barely had a touch of the ball. In the 41st minute Adam Moore, Barry's top scorer at the moment, increased his scoring tally by crashing home the second in the 41st minute.
This you felt, was now game set and match.
The Barry pressure started afresh early on in the second half when Barry were unlucky to hit the post in the 50th minute, but Adam Moore made amends 2 minutes later after capitalising on a Paul Badham error in the Blaenrhondda penalty box and slotted the ball calmly passed Neil Thomas to make it 3-0.
Hughesy was confident enough after this difficult period to give a debut appearance to Josh Dupres
at the back, by replacing Gary Davies.
A 3-0 Welsh Cup win then ensured that Barry Town have now won the last 6 consecutive matches, and have done so be retaining 6 clean sheets. The goal tally since the early season reversals stands at 15 scored and 0 conceded - a tremendous record for any team in any Division. More importantly though, it means that Barry Town are in the hat for the Welsh Cup 3rd Round for the first time since 2002.
Fans have a break from the run of home games next week as England entertain Wales at Old Trafford. It's back to business the following weekend though when Barry Town face Gwent side Caerleon.
Thursday 30th September 2004.
Barry Town, at the moment it seems, simply cannot stop winning. It’s a far cry from last season of course when the only thing Barry Town could do with ease was lose, and lose often. Off the field events ensured that the 2003-04 season was to be a turbulent one, if not a fatal one. It’s a remarkable testament to the club that, although there’s much still to be rectified off the pitch, the turn around in fortunes on the football side at least has been remarkable – and one must not forget this.
The three points earned at Jenner Park recently against Garw were not very pretty, but a deflection from Gavin Beddard into the Garw net ultimately proved to be the decisive moment of a rather dour match. If the players in the famous yellow-blue can still get a win, without playing at a level that fans had become accustomed to over the past few weeks, then that can only be a good thing.
Last Saturday, the regular horde of Barry fans travelled west down the M4 to the village of Goytre, a few miles outside of Port Talbot, to witness Barry Town take on one of the teams vying for top spot this season. Apart from the season opener at Grange Harlequins back in August, Goytre United were going to be the best team The Dragons had taken on thus far.
Goytre, though an unfamiliar name to many perhaps have a strong pedigree, and were it not for Llanelli getting promoted last season as Welsh League Champions at a canter, Goytre were always there to pick up any pieces. As it was, the ‘Goyts’ finished as Runners-up and their best position in their relatively short history. Barry Town were in for a stern test, and so it turned out.
Within a minute of the kick-off on Saturday, a loose ball was lashed goalward by Goytre and the ever reliable Barry ‘keeper, Marty Ellacott, was brought into action rather sooner than perhaps he would have expected and tipped the ball over the ball. It was an enthralling opening half, if not the most exciting we’ve seen so far, but certainly one of the most competitive matches we’d played in a while.
Barry’s best chance of the half came from a long throw in by spritely midfielder Simon Heal. Picking out the tall frame of Neil O’Brien in the Goytre penalty area, the ball was flicked back by O’Brien onto the in-swinging right boot of Gavin Beddard. It appeared to have been 1-0 to Town had it not been for the lightning reactions of Gareth Scantlebury who parried the ball away from the foot of the post for a corner. As it was the half-time whistle blew with the scores at 0-0, but the action was far from over. An altercation soon after the whistle between Barry’s John Wile and Goytre’s Ian Turner saw both get straight red cards.
With both teams down to ten men for the second half, it was Barry who took the fight for the three points to Goytre right after the second half whistle. Barry were moving the ball around sweeter with ten men than they did with the full eleven, and were causing Goytre some serious worries around their area but the Goyts defence and goalkeeper especially were putting up a sterling effort. With Paul Fowler or Gavin Beddard simply not being able to find the target, it was left to Adam Moore to shoot home a loose ball in the 67th minute to send Barry into a well deserved 1-0 lead.
As the minutes were ticking down, Luke Sherbon picked up his second yellow card of the match and so Barry were down to only nine men and holding on to an extremely fragile lead. An Andy Hamnett attempt in the 88th minute brought sighs and groans from the travelling support as the ball was apparently lofted way over the bar. Fooling everybody, including the Goytre ‘keeper who was merely content to watch the ball sail over the bar, the ball dropped down and clattered back into play off the upright. Despite there being a full five minutes of extra time, Barry held on to what was a well deserved and highly creditable win with only nine men on the pitch. This was Barry’s fifth straight victory, as well as our fifth straight clean sheet, and more importantly Barry move up to sixth place in the League, now only six points behind League leaders Ton Pentre.
It’s back to Welsh Cup action this Saturday as Barry take on Blaenrhondda in the Second Round at Jenner Park. Although Blaenrhondda have met many times previously over the years, it must surely be odds on for a Barry win as Blaernrhondda are currently midway down Division Three.
9 man Barry take all 3 points
Luke Sherbon goes close as Barry Town chase that all important second goal
Barry Town have been handed home advantage in the 2nd Round of the Shamrock
Travel League Cup. Rather frustratingly perhaps, it's against Grange Harlequins who are one of the
best teams in the League. Indeed, Quins are currently the Table toppers in Division 1 on 13 points from 5 games. However, if we're to lift the Cup then it's the likes of Quins we'll have to
beat along the way. May as well be in the 2nd Round as any other round really...
With Barry's creditable
0-0 with Quins on the season's opener some weeks back still being the only points Quins have dropped,
Barry Town will not fear Quins - but there will be plenty of respect from both sides. The other major
tie of the Round sees Goytre Utd pitched against Ton Pentre - both strong Division 1 sides. Another all Division 1 clash
is Gwynfi v Dinas Powys (both recently beaten by Barry at Jenner Park in the League). Ties will be played
on Saturday 13th November 2004.
FULL LEAGUE CUP 2ND ROUND DRAW:
Ammanford v Seven Sisters
Barry Town v Grange Quins
Bettws v Croesyceiliog
Bridgend v Bryntirion
Caerleon v AFC Porth
Caldicot v Briton Ferry
Cardiff Corries v Ystradgynlais
Porthcawl v Garden Village
Goytre (Gwent) v Cwmamman
Goytre Utd v Ton Pentre
Gwynfi v Dinas Powys
Newport YMCA v ENTO Aberaman
Penrhiwfer v Chepstow
Pontardawe v Risca & Gelli
Pontypridd v Tredegar
UWIC Inter Cardiff v Fields Park
Well, it took a while to come alive but when it did Gwynfi Utd will thank their
lucky stars that the final whistle stopped proceedings at 3-0. After the resounding success of their
5-0 League Cup thrashing of Maesteg Park the previous Saturday, Barry went into the far more important
Welsh Cup 1st Round tie looking to begin their European odyssey here at Jenner Park.
Okay, so dreams of Europe may be just that - dreams – but every team must have an ultimate goal, and for
Barry Town that means European qualification.
Feet firmly back on floor time; Gwynfi were a difficult side to score against. The breaking down of
the defence appeared to be fairly easy, as it was done so often, but the actual scoring is what kept the
half-time scoreline at 0-0. Barry went close as early as the 5th minute when a Lee Matthews cross
found Simon Heal in acres of space on Gwynfi’s far post, but unfortunately Heal’s diminutive frame
would not stretch as far as making a good connection and the chance went begging.
There then followed a frequent run of chances from Barry Town who were by then camped in and around
the Gwynfi box. In the 10th minute Captain Adam Moore flashed one over the bar, and in the 20th
minute John Wile headed over the bar. The best chance of the half fell to John Wile on the half
hour when a cross-shot by Luke Sherbon sped across the six yard box towards the outstretched foot
of Wile – but who somehow managed to miss an open goal, much to his embarrassment. Ridiculously perhaps,
Gwynfi almost went in to the changing rooms at half time with a 1-0 lead as a loose ball outside the
Barry box was clattered just wide of Marty Ellacott’s outstretched arms, but
fortunately for Barry it also went passed the post.
The second half began in much the same vein with Barry making all the play and with Gwynfi attempting to
catch us on the breakaway. Gavin Beddard came on for John Wile at half-time, but his luck appeared
to be as bad as Wile’s, as Beddard had a string of chances with his head that all managed to go over
or passed the goals. After three near misses with headers, Beddard suddenly found himself in the
twelve yard box with a shooting chance. It was the correct decision to make as Barry Town went
1-0 up after an hour played, and totally dominated the game from then on in.
The best move of the match came ten minutes later when a poor cross by Gwynfi was picked up by
Lee Matthews. Linking up beautifully with Simon Heal and Adam Moore, the clever interplay saw
Moore thread the ball through to Paul Fowler on the left hand side and who immediately flicked
the ball with the outside of his left foot over the ‘keeper to make it 2-0 and game over.
Fowler made way for Andy Hamnett who made sure of the win with a headed goal from a cross by
Sherbon that confirmed Barry Town in the 2nd Round draw of the Welsh Cup – in with the big boys
once again. The draw will take place this Saturday.
It’s back to League action on Saturday when Barry take on apparently hapless Garw.
Garw lost their League Cup match 9-1 recently after the bulk of the team allegedly preferred to go to
Blackpool on a stag night. It hardly improved much last weekend when they were knocked out of the
Welsh Cup 6-0. Barry will be looking for three crucial points then, and must take no prisoners.
Inaugural 'Dragon' Newsletter arrives!
The first Barry Town 'Dragon' Newsletter dropped onto people's
doormats this morning (along with the ultra glossy fold-out Dragons promo pamphlet), with local businesses around Barry and the Vale also targeted. The initial run promotes Saturday's game
against Gwynfi, in the first Welsh Cup match of the new era, as well as the new Academy set-up and Gold Card plan.
Basing the piece around the need
for European football to come back to Jenner Park at the earliest opportunity (next summer obviously),
the upbeat stance aims at wiping the smug expressions off the faces of those detractors of Barry Town
who so delighted in our very public downfall this time last year. Although realistically this may seem
far fetched, it's important for the club, the players and the fans to have some kind of goal to achieve -
otherwise, what's the point?! In days gone by, we were under pressure each and every season to win the
coveted trophy (no more so than from us, the fans). Things are different nowadays, and though Barry may
be out sooner than we expect, it's important to realize that from having it all to having nothing at all,
we remarkably already have a team to be proud of - a team that may itself cause an upset to the new
Welsh Cup wannabes in the Welsh Premier League. Indeed, Barry won so much in such a short space of
time, it'll take YEARS for those teams to catch us up. Until then, in my eyes at least, they're still wannabes.
Also in the newsletter is a short piece on players (Richard Johnson's slowly on the mend, Gavin Beddard as we all know came on as a second half sub in his first appearance of the new season - and marked it with possibly a Goal of the Season contender within minutes), as well as a section on how to sponsor the players - complete with a form to send off. Of special interest perhaps is the news that the Academy is now up and running with the Academy Director being the well-respected ex-Linnets defender, Mike Coslett. Mike is also in charge of the U-16s, while Adie Harding runs the U-17s, with Jeff Shaw the U-15s and Hayden Stait the U-13s.
The previously mentioned Gold Card scheme involves individuals paying £10 per month in order to help the Club financially, with benefits including 10% off merchandise for example. The target for this venture is a very reasonable 100 by years end. It would be fantastic if this was met fully, but as with everything Barry Town it has be advertised correctly and constantly. I'll be doing my best on here to promote the scheme, I know that much.
Thursday 9th September 2004.
BARRY PROVE THEIR WORTH WITH DOMINANT WIN.
Barry & District News (UNCUT!)
With the row over pricing at the club still rumbling on, it’s nice to know that the players at least are now proving they are worth what the fans are being asked to pay to see them. An emphatic 5-0 thumping of Maesteg Town in the First Round of the Shamrock Travel League Cup did much to put the smile back on the faces of the Barry faithful, who though fewer in numbers than in recent times, still support the team with a passion that would be the envy of far bigger clubs with far more fans and far more resources to hand.
Also, with recent murmurings over a possible boycott of home games being vehemently dissuaded by Barry Town Supporters’ Club Chairman Tim Johnson recently, who has gone on record saying “We encourage every Barry Town fan to attend home games, for the sake of the club”, it should come as no surprise that the much-maligned BTSC is as delighted as anybody with the collective performance of the team on Saturday which won the first Cup match of any description by a Barry Town team since the professional team won the Welsh Cup itself, back in the Spring of 2003.
That day saw Barry Town fans turn up at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, in their hundreds to see the Dragons’ lift the Welsh Cup for the 3rd consecutive year and for the 6th time in their history. Far less were at Jenner Park on Saturday to witness a game that had equally as much incident – and equally as much commitment and skill.
Putting aside the recent irritating reversals in the Welsh League, Barry Town put on a solid performance that romped to a 5-0 victory over fellow Welsh Leaguers Maesteg Park in a win that was as good as any in recent memory. Manager Dave Hughes, who was concerned last year that he would be labelled ‘the worst manager ever’ prior to Colin Addison taking over, has now won three times in five games – a far cry from a handful of draws over a period of months last term.
Dave Hughes has constructed a strong team around him, and the Barry fans are being treated to the types of performances from defender Neil O’Brien, midfielder Gary Davies, and striker Paul Fowler, that no doubt gave their old team, Llanelli, their glorious Championship winning run-in of last year. With any luck, the Llanelli ex-pats and the other genuine talent on display such as teenager Luke Sherbon, or new captain Adam Moore, will propel Barry to the title this season. But let’s not get too excited, or raise expectations to highly!
Last Saturday’s match was ‘only’ a League Cup match against a team that had so far not registered a goal in the league, let alone a win. However, psychologically it was a crucial win, and one that sets the boys up for the big Welsh Cup clash this Saturday at Jenner Park. It was Maesteg who actually had the first attempt on goal, from a free-kick, but this was excellently parried by Marty Ellacott. Within too long, it was an ex-Llanelli axis of talent that set up the opening goal for Barry. A deft chip into the box by Gary Davies fell to the head of a stooping Paul Fowler, the ball bounced passed the Maesteg keeper and it was 1-0 to the Dragons. A guilt-edged chance went begging for Maesteg soon after, and the half ended 1-0 to a confident Barry.
Within minutes of the re-start, the ever-industrious Sherbon momentarily found himself with a slim chance of a shot, and with the help of a post Barry were now 2-0 up and apparently already through to the next round. Paul Fowler got his second and Barry’s third soon after, and it was all over for Maesteg. A second yellow for Michael Waters meant Maesteg were down to 10 men in the later stages. Barry’s fourth goal came from the foot of the returning talent of Gavin Beddard only seconds after coming on as a sub. Barry wrapped up proceedings with a 5th – featuring a ludicrous mis-hap by a Maesteg defender – from Dragons skipper Adam Moore.
This Saturday, it’s Welsh Cup time, and with Barry hoping to put last year’s horror show against Risca & Gelli Utd firmly behind them, it’s vital that the passionate Barry fan mentioned earlier turns up and sees a little piece of history made (hopefully!) – a first win in the Welsh Cup of the new era. Photos and further comment from these games can be found on www.forzabarry.co.uk while the official website undergoes a radical overhaul.
Monday 30th August 2004.
Wily Wile sees Dragons home
South Wales Echo
JOHN Wile, Barry Town's assistant manager, steered the Dragons to Motaquote Insurance Welsh League victory against near-neighbours Ely Rangers.
The experienced former Cwmbran Town player, who is assisting Barry manager David Hughes, scored both goals in a 2-0 away win.
Barry included former Llanelli striker Paul Fowler for his debut, while teenage midfielder Luke Sherbon made his first appearance of the season.
Sherbon had a trial at Cardiff City and might well have been offered a longer spell with the Bluebirds, but at 18 he would have to have been given a senior professional contract.
Cardiff will continue to monitor Sherbon's progress and he returned to the Barry team having completed a suspension.
Grange Quins are top of Division One after coming from behind to win 3-2 at Briton Ferry courtesy of goals from Leon Jeanne (penalty), Adam Lewis and Danny Street.
Bridgend Town have won their last three matches, beating Garw Athletic 2-0 with Ben Bannon and Steve Hughes the marksmen.
Steven Pockett scored for unbeaten Skewen in their 1-0 win at Goytre, while Dinas Powys beat Bettws 1-0 thanks to a Gareth Hemmens goal just before half-time.
Paul Price struck with a 35-yard shot in their 2-0 win against Uwic.
Cardiff Corries earned their first win of the season in Division Two, coming from behind against Aberaman to snatch it 2-1 with goals from Chris Gordon and Martin Morgan.
NOTE: 2nd Dragons goal actually scored by Adam Moore
Monday 16th August 2004.
Dinas given a boost for derby
Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo
DINAS Powys head for a local derby with Barry Town tomorrow full of confidence after an opening win in Division One.
But Barry supporters are threatening to boycott the match at Jenner Park because of the £7 entry fee - up £2 from last season despite relegation from the Welsh Premier - and the club's treatment of former manager Colin Addison.
Dinas recorded a 2-0 win against Bridgend, with goals from Spencer Lamb and Lee Pitrowski securing the three points.
Ely Rangers defeated Maesteg Park for the first time, goals from Chris George, Paul Dawes and Graham Cumming securing a 3-0 victory.
Chris Pearce netted a hat-trick for Caerleon in their 4-1 win at AFC Llwydcoed, Gareth Sadler firing their fourth goal, while Ton Pentre beat newly-promoted Taffs Wells 2-1.
Peter Cheeseman had put Taffs Well ahead, but Kristian Hughes and Andrew Hughes scored two goals in two minutes to earn Ton the points.
Skewen, promoted from Division Two along with Taffs Well and Llwydcoed, opened with a win when they defeated Bettws 2-0 thanks to goals from Andy Hill and Ashley Richards.
Thursday 12th August 2004.
BARRY TOWN SACK MANAGER ADDISON
Jason Pawlin, Barry & District News
Barry Town have sacked manager Colin Addison after only 6 months in charge at Jenner Park, and only a fortnight before a crucial League campaign. Citing being unable to "accede to Mr. Addison's demands for a long term contract", the popular and greatly experienced manager was told in a telephone call from the Barry Chairman, Stuart Lovering, on Saturday July 31st that his month by month rolling contract had come to an end.
This has greatly angered Addison, who was adamant in a hastily arranged meeting with loyal fans last Thursday, that although unhappy with the situation of being employed by Barry Town month by month, he was prepared to stay at Jenner Park. He also confirmed he was not intending to go elsewhere - despite offers from other clubs. However, it is the club's opinion that Colin Addison only ever agreed to continue his monthly contract after he had been sacked. A further meeting between Lovering and Addison took place on the following Monday, but this ended somewhat acrimoniously and Addison's tenure as Dragons' boss was confirmed as having come to an end.
This will no doubt disappoint fans of Barry Town who had been impressed with the strides the team had taken in restoring some pride in the famous yellow and blue shirts towards the end of last season. Nevertheless, back in charge once again is Dave Hughes, who had been working as Colin Addison's assistant, but was the man who had initially taken over the mantle of Barry Town boss following the club's mighty fall from grace late last Summer.
Those Barry fans fortunate to have witnessed Barry both at home and away during the pre-season friendlies recently will know that the club has the makings of a decent side. Goalkeeper Marty Ellacott is confident between the posts, while goals have been going in from Gareth Picknall, Nana Baah, and Morgan Harris over the past few weeks. However, talk is cheap, and it will be the opening match of a brand new season in which Barry will lock horns with Grange Quins at Leckwith Stadium that will show if any real improvement has been made since last season. The Quins finished an excellent 3rd last season and will be looking to do even better this year.
This is an extremely tough league we're in, and every team (as ever) will be out to beat Barry Town. Last season, the top 3 teams only lost 3 or 4 games all season and that's a huge task for Hughes and the players as they try to acclimatize after the loss of Colin Addison. Hughes has already had two games in charge; a 7-2 mauling of Treforest and a highly creditable 1-1 draw last Saturday against Welsh Premier League side, Afan Lido.
Barry's first home match will be on the following Tuesday evening (17th) when in a highly anticipated clash, the Dragons take on near rivals Dinas Powys. Ensure you keep up to date with all the very latest happenings at Barry Town AFC by logging on to www.forzabarry.co.uk
Saturday 7th August 2004.
Addo hits back at alleged Barry slur
Mark Bloom, South Wales Echo
FORMER Barry Town boss Colin Addison said the manner
of his departure from the Jenner Park club was 'scandalous, disrespectful, undignified and
complete rubbish'.
Addison comments where fuelled after reading the club's press statement yesterday, and while
Addison was prepared to let the matter run its course, he was not going to let the slur of the
press release hang over his name.
The statement read that he 'left' the club, and that he demanded a long-term contract, and
that the club were surprised and disappointed that he should have raised the issue so near to
the start of the season.
It also read that 'other concerns' lead the board to decide that it was in the best interest of
the club to discontinue his employment. "I've never read so much rubbish in my life,' stormed
Addison, "I was contacted last Saturday at about 4pm and Mr Lovering told me that HE was
parting company with me.
"A few weeks earlier, we discussed my contract and I was hoping for a contract until May 1, 2005,
the end of the season, but he came back to me and said that HE decided that a month to month was
better - he never consulted with the board.
"I made it quite clear that a man in my position and experience has never worked on a month to
month contract and that I thought it was disrespectful and insulting to even suggest that I
would.
"A contract had been agreed by Mr Lovering, the only thing was the length of the contract.
"I have never made any demands on the club and would have worked on a month to month basis
and as far as the timing of the subject Mr Lovering had not consulted his board about the
subject because Liz Davies had not been told until recently.
"I've been in this position before, and always conducted myself with the highest respect and dignity, but when I read what Mr Lovering had said - I was in disbelief and had to set the record straight.
"There was no way on this earth that Mr Lovering was going to get away with utter rubbish. I was prepared to just leave things be."
The departure could have further problems with the supporters set to boycott the home games because of Addison's departure and the admission price hike from £5 to £7 having been relegated from the national league last term.
Friday 6th August 2004.
Dragons hit by Addo departure
Mark Bloom, South Wales Echo
BARRY Town boss Colin Addison has left the Jenner Park club. Former Cardiff City defender
David Hughes will return to his post as manager for the forthcoming season in Welsh League
Division One, having been Addison's number two last term.
The Echo understands that the relationship between Addison and the club's owner Stuart Lovering
has been very strained over the last few weeks. Barry did well to attract the former
Swansea City boss to Jenner Park but, with few games remaining, could not prevent the
Dragons dropping out of the Welsh Premier League last season.
But reports from inside the camp suggested that Lovering and Addison were not seeing eye to eye
and today's announcement comes as no surprise to people on the football circuit.
Addison said: "I wish the club and supporters the very best, I have no club in line to go to.
"I've been a professional manager for a long time now and I'm not happy with certain things and its best left there."
Lovering, who said that Addison was the man to lead the club back to its former glory days, was staying tight-lipped this morning.
"We parted company at the end of July," he said.
"I'm not prepared to say anything else."
Thursday 5th August 2004.
BARRY TOWN PRESS RELEASE viz Colin Addison SACKED
"Barry Town FC announce that Colin Addison left as Barry's Manager on 31st July.
Barry Town were unable to accede to Mr Addison's demands for a long term contract, requested by him in July. This had been explained to
Mr Addison in May when he agreed to continue as the Club's Manager. Having paid Mr Addison a retainer through the Summer the Club was surprised and disappointed that Mr Addison should have raised the issue again so near to the start of the new season.
The Club also had a number of other concerns which cumulatively led to the Board to decide that it was in the best interest of Barry Town to discontinue Mr Addison's employment beyond July 31st.
As from immediate effect, Dave Hughes has been appointed Manager of Barry Town."
Thursday 5th August 2004.
With less than 2 weeks to go to the big kick-off, this is Barry Town so far;
Marty Ellacott
Richard Johnson
Lee Matthews
Gavin Beddard
Dean Philpott
Craig Evans
Marc Otten
Gary Davies
Leigh Pratt
Morgan Harris
Nana Baah
Sunday 1st August 2004 Ex-Dragons Player-Manager to trial for Spanish club FC Torrevieja
Taken from www.torryarmy.com
Torry win Euro Victory
For some fourteen months FC Torrevieja and the Torry Army have been in discussions with the Valencian FA, regarding, the issue of foreign players, not being allowed to play in the Preferente divisions, unless they were between the ages of 21 and 23, which in effect means a complete ban, and was therefore, considered, an infringement on civil liberties and, contrary to the European directive, with regards to free movement, of individuals, throughout the 15 member states, and as a consequence was seen as discrimination, against these individuals.
Finally, this week, the Valencian FA, relented, and not only lifted this ban on Euro players, but also on all foreign nationals, irrespective, of whether, they come from within the European community, or outside, in other words anywhere in the world.
This long hard fought victory, by the club and the Peña Torry Army, now allows them to bring in players from the UK, the Torry Army on behalf of FC Torrevieja, have been in consultation, with a number of professional players back home, some of which, are now reaching the end of their professional careers in the premiership, and others, who are on the books of professional clubs, since they where teenagers, and are finding it difficult to break into the first team, due to high competition.
This new directive now allows, FC Torrevieja, to invite two UK players back for training on the 26th July, One such player is Kenny Brown, 36, who started his professional career, with Norwich, in the mid 1980’s, and then moved on to West Ham United in 1991, he will be well know to the Hammers supporters, as will also his father Ken Brown, who was also a professional footballer, and had a very distinguished career.
After a 6 year spell with West Ham, Kenny Moved on to Birmingham City for a year, under the manager ship of Trevor Francis, then on to Millwall, where he stayed for two years, before moving onto Barry Town, and played regularly in European cup competitions. Where he was player coach, the manager, winning several league and cup trophy’s.
He has a Euro one coaching certificate, which means he can manage any club in the UK including the premiership.
Kenny is due to arrive, this week, with a view of signing for FC Torrevieja, after initial trials with the club.
The approach to Kenny was made when it was discovered, that he and his young family were moving out to the Costa Blanca area, on a permanent basis, and contact was made through the Torry Army, for him to be introduced to the Torry chairman, Tuto, as recently as three weeks ago.
The second player to be invited back, is Graham Gore, a 21 year old defender, who has been on the books by both Liverpool and Blackburn, Graham has already spent a weeks training sessions, with the Torry players, who took to him well, and was invited back by the, then Manager, Macan, who forwarded his name to Riquelme, as a very useful player, and one that should be considered, for the new season.
The discussions with the Valencian FA, could not be disclosed, previously, as this could have prejudiced the outcome of the result.
Reporter
Andrew Hermida
Saturday 31st July 2004 The new Barry Town matchday magazine 'Flame' launched.
The Barry Town friendly last night against Cardiff City's youth side also saw the arrival of the much heralded new-look programme.
After the disappointment and annoyance of the no-show at the Swansea City game, it was great to finally get your hands on the beast! I'm actually very impressed. Credit where credit is due, this looks very smart.
Remember, it's the first issue of a whole new era and it can only go from strength to strength. Once the season is up and running the amount of information included in the magazine is sure to increase (poor Ashley!),
but we've got something here to be proud of (carrying on the great tradition of MLYD blood, sweat and tears). A great job done to all those involved - and ONLY £1.50!
Another exciting development is the appearance of a list of available merchandise - at long last!! I don't care to remember how many times some of us have bleeted on and on about this to
previous owners only to get knocked back as being too much hassle or unworkable or simply unwanted. Stuart has sorted it in months. This club MUST make money from other ventures and avenues, and whether or not
the money comes flying in for Barry Town merchandise, the simple fact is it's there in your face if you want it. You can actually see the list for yourself for once - not simply hearing about a scarf by word of mouth.
To this end, I've decided to place the list in its own link elsewhere on the contents page, so please search for it. While the official site continues to be offline I'll endeavour to make the info available to anybody who's interested enough to come on here. It's great to see that
the club is now able to accept credit cards (!), and so orders can be made from outside Barry, Wales, or even the UK. We have entered the 21st Century, people.
Wednesday 21st July 2004
Some unusual posters appeared in the clubhouse last night...
...resulting in many of our older generation of fans feeling a tad hot under the collar.
So, everybody then. Sexist? Undoubtedely! Tidy darts!
Tuesday 20th July 2004
BARRY UNVEIL NEW LOOK FOR 'NEW ERA'
www.welsh-premier.com
BARRY Town will unveil a fresh new look when they kick-off their pre-season campaign.
Chairman Stuart Lovering has teamed up with a local marketing company to re-launch the club as it looks to reclaim its place amongst the Welsh footballing elite after a traumatic 12 months on and off the field.
At the launch of a new playing strip and club logo, Lovering said: "We have a very big job on our hands, as we have had to start from scratch really. "Despite the success in previous seasons, the club had never been run along proper business lines, inevitably leading to the problems last season which almost saw the club cease to exist, which would have been a real disaster for the town.
"We have been able to steady the ship and are optimistic for the future with a great manager at the helm in Colin Addison, who is assembling a squad that we believe is capable of taking us back into the Premiership which is our first aim."
Lovering sees the start of the new season as a 'new era' and says: "I wanted to show this through a brand new badge and club identity, that didn‘t ignore Barry‘s proud history.
"Merlin have achieved this, utilising the Dragon which has been a club symbol and nickname for a number of years, and updating it with an Arthurian theme to create a strong and optimistic identity for the club."
Barry will unveil their new look, including a complete new strip supplied by Swansea based manufacturers Bergoni, in their pre-season fixtures.
Tuesday 20th July 2004
Addison relishing challenge with Barry
Ian Hunt, The Western Mail
COLIN ADDISON has revealed how he turned down the
chance to work for a Premier League club - to take on teams like Taffs Well and Britton Ferry
instead.
As well as being offered a scouting job with a couple of Premiership clubs, Addison also had
options to work as a No 2 in the Football League or coach abroad. But the former Swansea City
manager chose instead to stay and mastermind Barry Town's attempt to return to the Welsh Premier
following their relegation last season.That means the man whose colourful career has included
managerial spells at such top clubs as Athletico Madrid, West Brom and Derby County will be
pitting his wits against the likes of Ely Rangers and Skewen in Welsh League Division One next
term.
Preparations start tonight when Addison's current team clash with his old club Swansea in a
friendly at Jenner Park. "I had to think long and hard about whether to carry on at Barry after
the relegation of last season," he admitted. "I've had a number of offers over the summer to
scout for Premier League clubs, take up a No 2 post or go and coach abroad. "I could've sat in a director's box somewhere eating salmon and watercress sandwiches and drinking coffee!
"But I thought, 'No, let's get the tracksuit on and get out there at grassroots level.'
"I want to help get Barry straight back into the Welsh Premier. I wouldn't be doing it if I
wasn't enthusiastic about it."
Just under three years ago, of course, Addison was plotting the fortunes of the Swans before
being controversially dismissed as Vetch Field boss just six months into the job. Only one player
- Kris O'Leary - remains from Addison's time at Swansea, but the former Hereford manager is
relishing the reunion.
"It's always special to play one of your old clubs and it's good to have a team like Swansea
in our first pre-season match," he said. "Only time will tell how Swansea do next season but
Kenny (Jackett, Swans boss) has got to be given time. It's a question of being patient."
Jackett will take a sprinkling of youth team players to Jenner Park as well as most of his
first-team squad. Defender Kevin Austin joins Lee Trundle, Izzy Iriekpen and Leon Hylton on
the list of absentees after picking up an ankle injury against Worcester at the weekend. Trundle, nursing damaged knee ligaments, is unlikely to make his first pre-season appearance until the Swans embark on their four-match tour of Holland next week.
Barry will tonight unveil a new strip and a brand new logo to mark the start of a new era for the former Welsh champions.
Friday 16th July 2004 SHERBON'S CHANCE TO SHINE
source: The South Wales Echo
= 
?
Luke Sherbon, Barry Town's promising central midfield player, is joining Cardiff City, writes Terry Phillips.
Teenager Sherbon will spend a week on trial with the Bluebirds and could feature against Chippenham on Sunday.
"He's a talented lad and Cardiff City have asked if he can spend a week with them," said Barry Town Manager Colin Addison.
Birmingham born Sherbon, who is under contract to Motaquote Welsh League Barry, was with Manchester United for two years as a schoolboy before joining Leeds United.
Upheaval in the youth structure at Elland Road led to a number of players leaving, Sherbon among them.
He spent a week's trial at Aston Villa last season.
Sherbon, who lives in Aberystwyth, turned down an offer from his home-town Welsh Premiership club to stick to Barry Town.
It was Sherbon who earned Barry's first Premiership win last season, netting from a penalty eight minutes into injury time in the 5-4 win against Welshpool.
FORZA COMMENT:
Totally gutted for us, I would've loved to have seen Luke in a full season with Addo. Career wise, he has got to go for it. Luke showed us tremendous loyalty
in opting to stay with us after we were relegated. It's only correct that Addo lets him explore other perhaps more rewarding avenues. Best wishes to Luke, I hope it works out for him. Perhaps now the small run of 'FORZA BARRY! SHERBON 98' t-shirts might be worth something!!
Thursday 15th July 2004 BARRY TOWN PREPARE FOR 2004-05.
Featured below is the full version of today's Barry & District article (please note, the phrase "a continent of fans" was the paper's words, not mine! A nice phrase, but anybody know what it means though?).
Hands up, who enjoyed last season? Okay, apart from everybody else in the Welsh Premier League, I think we pretty much thought it was a miserable season to say the least. Not since the early 1970s had Barry Town collected so few points, but then, the 2003-04 Barry Town had mitigating circumstances. There's no need to dwell on those here, you all know the story I'm sure. It's important to remember though, that after all the turmoil - we're still here.
To that end, the club has organised some cracking friendlies over the coming weeks. Regretfully, this week should have seen the visit of a Bristol City side to Jenner Park for the first time since the 1930s. However, with the recent sacking of Bristol City manager, Danny Wilson, the arranged friendly was scrapped.
Next week though (Tuesday 20th July, k.o. 7.30pm) sees the return of Swansea City to Jenner Park. The two clubs have a long history and lots of connections. Most readers will remember the amazing Welsh Cup clashes between the two clubs in the 1980s, and more recently in the BBC sponsored FAW Premier Cup where Barry Town were often more than a match for the Swans, but it will be interesting to see how the current crop of Barry players fair against their illustrious English League counterparts.
Following the Swans, it's the turn of Cardiff City to come to Jenner Park (Friday 30th July k.o. 7.30pm). The most recent competitive match the two sides have played was back in the 1999-2000 season, once again in the FAW Premier Cup. That night Barry Town ran out 2-1 winners over the Bluebirds with goals from Lawrence Davies and Jodie Jenkins. The visit of a Cardiff City side will surely be of interest to the Barry public who appear to support the rival club in great numbers! Many stars of the future will be on show I'm sure.
As well these glamour ties, Barry Town will be playing away to Aberystwyth (Saturday 24th July), Treforest (Saturday 31st July), and Afan Lido (Saturday 7th August). Perhaps it's these matches that will be more informative over where Barry Town stand as it launches itself into another season, a season with some unknowns (AFC Llwydcoed), some ancient rivalries (Ton Pentre and Bridgend), and a clutch of mouth-watering local derbies (Ely Rangers, Dinas Powys and Grange Quins).
This could be a pivotal year for the club, and frankly, if the small steps to success we made towards the end of last season are to continue, it's vital that fans really get involved in the club by coming to the games on match-days and supporting the club in any way they can. Perhaps some people had missed the boat over the past decade, and felt almost alienated by Barry's overnight runaway success. Well, we're back to square one. Now it's time to testify. For further updates please refer to the club's official website www.barrytownfc.co.uk or www.forzabarry.co.uk . See you Tuesday, Barrians!
