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 Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones
  

We need as much feedback as possible on any Young Guns -
 
click here to send us information. For this feature we need your help every week.
 


Young guns news - Friday 25th February 2005.

Lee Jon Beevers (Boston - defender) - Has agreed to move to local rivals Lincoln City after the Boston board agreed to sanction the deal.  The Wales U21 international has agreed terms and will join the Imps for an undisclosed fee.  The deal will go through against the wishes of manager Steve Evans who was left with a choice of either losing Beevers or top scorer Andy Kirk.  
"Lee Beevers is a talented boy and we will miss him. I was left in a no-win situation; it was sell Kirk or Beevers. At least our main goalscorer is not going anywhere at present and that is key to our play-off hopes.  On behalf of everyone at Boston United, we thank Lee and wish him every success for the remainder of his career, in which he has many years ahead of him.” - Steve Evans, Boston manager.

Michael Byrne (Stockport - striker) - Has been released by County after making only one appearance for the club last season when he scored a consolation goal in a 4-1 loss to Notts County.  The former Wales U19 striker is likely to team up with County's former assistant manager Dave Moss at Northwich Victoria.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - midfielder) - Has pushed himself into reserve team contention this season after some impressive performances for the youth team.  The former Wales U16 and U17 international played for the second string this week as they entertained Tranmere, but it didn't quite go as planned as the Midlanders lost 2-0. Although the Wordsley born youngster will be disapointed with the result he will be bouyed with the fact that he is now in and around that squad on a regular basis.

Ramon Calliste (Man Utd - striker) - Scored his sides second goal as the Utd reserve team maintained top spot in the Pontins reserve league this week.  The Cardiff born striker fired a low angled drive into the next after a David Jones assist, as his side ran out 2-1 winners.

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) + Alex Lawless (Fulham - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes as a reserve team containing the fit again Steed Malbranque destroyed Arsenal 5-1 on Wednesday evening.  The former Wales U19 pair have managed to nail down starting berths over the past month or so and are very much a part of the young Fulham reserve team that is doing so well at the moment.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Made his first full start for Bristol City on Saturday against Colchester as his senior career began to gain momentum.  The 17 year old striker got his career off to a good start as well as City ran out 2-1 winners, but he realises that he may have to be a tad sharper in front of goal if he is to keep his place after missing a guilt edge chance during the first half - "That miss will haunt me for quite a few days.  I thought I had scored before the ball had even landed at my feet and that's something I should never do.  I should have scored." David Cotterill. The Cardiff born striker was once again in the starting line up in midweek when he turned in a man of the match performance as City trounced Oldham 5-1.  The Wales U21 standby striker got in on the act with a couple of assists as his side ran riot.

Arron Davies (Yeovil - striker) - Scored after 12 minutes to give his side an early lead against Chester last Saturday.  The former Southampton trainee has been slowly finding his feet at the lower league level and showed what he could do at the weekend as he smashed in a shot from the edge of the box to give his side a 1-0 lead which they wouldn't go on to lose.  The Cardiff striker was on the score sheet once again with a stunning goal to clinch all three points as Yeovil beat Scunthorpe in a titanic battle on Tuesday night.  The Cardiff born hit man unleashed a 35 yard curling shot that thundered into the net to give his side a two goal cushion that they needed at the end of the game.

Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Regained his starting spot for the reserves this week as they drew 0-0 with Blackburn.  The former Wales U19 had been a reserve team regular this season and must now wait to see if manager Blackwell want him to stay on at Elland Road or find another club to ply his trade.

Wayne Hennesey (Wolves - goalkeeper) -  Was in fine form as Wolves youth kept man utd to a 1-1 draw.  Hennessey did, however, prevent the hosts from taking all three points by pulling off two excellent saves in the last ten minutes to keep the scoreline at one-all. "I was delighted with the performance of the team - especially as we fielded so many young lads today," says coach John Perkins. "And credit to Wayne Hennessey who made two excellent saves late on to make sure we came away from the league leaders with a point."

David Jones (Man Utd - midfielder) - Highlighted why he is being watched so closely by Brian Flynn and John Toshack as he single handedly marshaled his troops in a 2-1 reserve team win against Burnley this week.  The Welsh qualified schemer created one and scored the other as he drove his team on to three points as the maintained the top spot in the Pontins reserve league.  Jones who qualifies through two Welsh parents came close with an earlier effort but eventually scored with a chip over the advancing goalkeeper.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) - Scored again in midweek as Wrexham drew 2-2 with Colchester and remained firmly rooted in the relegation zone.  The Dragons starting XI were deemed to be awful by manager Denis Smith, but Jones was absolved of any blame after an impressive performance in midfield. "We were awful. Besides Mark Jones, who I thought was outstanding and worth the admission fee, the rest of them were a shambles."  Denis Smith

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Came off the subs bench with just over 15 minutes to go as Stoke beat Millwall 1-0 last weekend.  The Shrosphire born defender has seen his fledgling career destroyed by injury over the past few seasons and realises that this is crunch time with his contract up at the end of the season.

Rhys Powell (Bolton - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes for the reserves on Monday night as they squared off against a young Forest second string.  The Cardiff born full back has been in and around the reserves for the past two seasons and will realise that he will have to nail down a starting spot to make sure he makes the grade at the Reebok Stadium.  The defender did his chances no harm though as the defence held firm in a 0-0 draw.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) - Was on the bench for the reserves against Wolves on Wednesday night.  The Wales U17 midfielder who must feel like the only Savage in the village now that Robbie has left for Ewood Park got on for the last 10 minutes as the game finished in a pulsating 3-3 draw. The Wolves bench contained Wales U19 international Wayne Hennesey who has been in outstanding form for the youth team this season.

Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Has joined Nationwide Conference side Redditch on a months loan.  His chances have been limited due to injury this season and will look to gain some match experience to boost his opportunities of a recall. "He's not getting many chances here in the first team at present so a move out on loan will do him good.  Ross has great qualities so they are getting a player who could perform well for them.  You never know how good someone will be until they are in the first team, and while we are battling relegation the chances for Ross will be limited."  - Gary Peters, Shrewsbury manager

Young guns news - Friday 18th February 2005.

Chad Bond (Swansea - striker) - Scored for Newport against Margate on Saturday as he continued his red hot form from the reserve side into league action.  The Wales U19 striker his highly rated by staff at The Vetch, who saw him score twice against Yeovil reserves last week.  He will now hope to gain valuable match experience over at Spytty Park, like Antonio Corbiserio did earlier this season with County.

Mitchell Booth (Derby - midfielder) + Daniel Martin (Derby - defender) + Lewin Ngyatanga (Derby - defender) - Are through to quarter finals of the FA Youth Cup after a 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.  The Welsh contingent at Pride Park has been in fine form this season, with the captain Martin, in particular standing out with some outstanding performances.

David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Scored after a neat run and finish as the City U18's beat Villa 2-1 last Saturday.  The Cardiff born striker was joined in the starting XI by Griff Jones (defender) and Sam Pearce (goalkeeper) as they combined to give City their second league win of the season.

Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) + Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Are another Welsh pair who march into the FA Youth quarter finals after a 1-0 win against a star studded Arsenal youth team.  Critchell in particular was outstanding, making vital blocks to frustrate the Gunners attack.

Craig Davies (Oxford - striker) - Has caught the attention of Southampton manager Harry Redknapp according to a report in one of the Red Top papers last Sunday.  The former Wales U19 international and U21 squad member has scored five goals during his first team spell this season, and news has obviously travelled down the coast.  The striker also got an assist to his name on Saturday as Oxford crashed 2-1 to Northampton.  After the reports on in the papers on Sunday, the club has moved quickly to ward away the vultures by signing Davies to a new contract that will keep him at the Kazam until the end of next season.  U's boss Ramon Diaz has persuaded the teenager to commit his future to the League Two club, despite interest from Championship promotion contenders Sunderland. "Craig has done very well for us and we are delighted that he has pledged his future to the club.  We have made Craig an attractive offer and he has chosen Oxford United, although there were other clubs interested.  Hopefully, he will have a great career ahead with us." - Said Kassam on the official Oxford website

Jamal Easter (Cardiff - striker) - Pounced after 24 minutes to score the only goal of the game as Cardiff City reserves beat Bristol Rovers 1-0 on Wednesday afternoon.  The Wales U17 international showed good strength and skill to turn his marker before hitting a right foot shot which beat the goalkeeper via a deflection.  The Rovers starting XI contained Welsh qualified striker Lewis Haldane.

Sean Evans (Man Utd - midfielder) - Bagged himself a brace as the Utd U18 team beat Blackburn as the Red Devils moved to the top of the league.  The speedy left winger scored twice during the second half as his team now sit proudly on top of the league.  The winger who qualifies for Wales through a Welsh grandparent is someone that youth supremo Brian Flynn has been keeping an eye on, and with performances like this we can see why.  The Blackburn XI contained Welsh qualified midfielder Rostyn Griffiths.

Luke Graham (Northampton - defender) - Made the bench for Northampton last weekend as they beat Oxford by 2-1.  The Wales U19 international has been on the fringes of the first team squad this season and will see this as reward for his efforts for the reserves and also whilst out on loan earlier in the season.

Gavin Hurren (Nottingham Forest - defender) - Played in a trial match for Port Vale against Mansfield this week as he looks for a career away from the Forest Ground.  It is thought that Vale manager Martin Foyle will take a second look at the Welsh qualified defender before he makes a final decision.

Endaf Jones (Shrewsbury - striker) - Hit his sides first goal as they beat Wrexham 3-0 on Saturday.  Although Jones scored, the sides outstanding performer was Dan Tolley (midfielder) who go an assist to his name and did a fine marking job on Wrexhams Matty Done (Wrexham - midfielder) who has been in and around the Dragons first team of late.

Mark Jones (Wrexham - midfielder) - Continues to shine in the Dragons midfield as manager Denis Smith gives the Wales U21 schemer more and more opportunities in the starting XI.  The youngster, who trained with the Welsh first team during Mark Hughes' last game in charge, scored one of his sides goals as they slugged it out against Oldham in the semi final of the LDV Vans Trophy.  Jones beat two defenders and struck a low shot past the goalkeeper to put his side 2-0 up in a game that was to finish 5-3, and puts the Dragons in the box seat for a trip to the Millennium Stadium.

Daniel Murphy (QPR - defender) - Has been told that he is free to leave Loftus Road at the end of the season.  The former Wales U16 squad member will leave the club along with eight other second year scholars.  It is a tough period of the season for many youngsters at academies around Britain at the moment, as clubs make decisions on whether to keep players for a third year or to release them early.

Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Got back to doing what he does best with a goal for the Yeovil reserve side against Weymouth this week.  After a sending off during the FA Youth Cup game against Everton last month, Williams was back into his stride and hit his sides equalising goal as they came from behind to draw at the Wessex Stadium. "He played very well and is now looking to be called up and  getting involved with Wales u19's  for their freindlies in July."

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) - Is one of seven players to sign a YT contract with the Bristol City Academy he currently attends Chepstow Comprehensive and has been playing for the BCFC academy since the Age of nine. This week played at centre back for the under 16s v Aston Villa in a 1-1 draw. Next year James will move over to Bristol full time where he will do his schooling and train at the new City of Bristol Academy


Young guns news - Friday 11th February 2005.

Byron Anthony (Cardiff - defender) + Danny Parslow (Cardiff - defender) - Both scored as a City reserve side beat Bristol City 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon.  Both will be keen to go out all guns blazing towards the end of the season having upset manager Lennie Lawrence along with a lot of the other youth players at Ninian Park with a tepid performance and loss to Bangor City in the FAW Premier Cup.  The Bristol City team contained Wales U21 standby striker David Cotterill and Newport born Griff Jones (defender)

Garath Bale (Southampton - defender) -
The former Whitchurch High School pupil  will be joining Premiership Southampton as a scholar when he leaves school next July.  Garath joined Saints as a nine-year-old after being spotted playing for his junior club, Cardiff Civil Service. He attends Saints Bath satellite Academy on a Wednesday and a Saturday for coaching and this season has been, with the co-operation of his school, been training with the clubs youth players at Southampton on a Monday and a Tuesday.  This season he has played for Saints under-16s and under 18s and has impressed youth coach Frenchman Georges Prost with his overall ability and commitment. Rod Ruddick Saints Bath Satellite Academy manager commented:

''Garath has shown excellent commitment since the age of nine and has overcome injuries and problems with growth spurts during the last 18 months. He has good pace and finds time on the ball in his role as left-back and centre-back.''

Bale who has played for Wales under-15s is one of five of Southampton's under 16s to be offered scholarships and all of them, like him, has played international football as a schoolboy. Next July Bale, his uncle is ex-Cardiff star Chris Pike, will move to Southampton full-time and live in the Academy Lodge and apart from training and playing he will continue his education by attending college for a day and a half a week.

Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Is out until around the end of March with a patella tendon injury which will only get better with rest.  The Arsenal striker was forced to miss this weeks U21 international and will hope to be back swiftly to try and impress new manager John Toshack.

Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Reclaimed his first team spot after another injury had threatened to cast shadow over his comeback season.  The former Wales U21 stopper had won the race for the Number 1 jersey after losing it last season to Steve Banks.  Although his side lost the game 2-0 to Watford, he will now hope to remain fit until the end of the season.  He was joined in the starting XI by Andrew Crofts (midfielder)

Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) + Alex Lawless (Fulham - defender) -
Got another 90 minutes under the belt as they once again started for the reserves against Norwich on Wednesday night.  It was to be a successful night for the pair as the Cottagers defence kept a clean sheet and they ran out 1-0 winners.  They will now hope to keep impressing reserve team boss Pat Nevin as the season draws to a close.

Adam Gross (Charlton - defender) - Might learn this week if he has a future at The Valley as the Addicks decide whether to keep their third and fourth year scholars or not.  The Wales U19 international played for the reserves this week as they beat London Rivals West Ham 1-0.

Rostyn Griffiths (Blackburn - midfielder) - Forced home an equaliser as Blackburn's U18 team came from behind to beat Everton and to keep top spot in the league.  The Welsh qualified youngster has been watched by Brian Flynn, and will be keen to do well this season as he strives for an international call up.

Adam Jones (Burnley - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes for Burnley reserves as they drew 0-0 with Macclesfield at Moss Rose.  The former Wales schoolboy international has got an injury free run under his belt after suffering knee ligament damage over a season ago. 

Daniel Murphy (QPR - defender) - Was another Welsh qualified youngster to get a run out for the reserves this week as QPR took on Gillingham.  The Hendon born defender didn't last the full 90 minutes and his side fell by 3-2, but he will be buoyed by the fact that he is getting some second string action under his belt.

Liam Norvall (Leicester - defender) - Got on as a second half substitute as the Foxes reserves lost 2-1 to Spurs on Monday night.  The former Wales U16 centre half has been a permanent fixture for the reserves this season, and will now hope that some impressive performances might catch the attention of youth supremo Brian Flynn.

Gareth Owen (Stoke - defender) - Understands that with his contract up at the end of the season, he may need to get out on loan to build up match fitness as he contemplates life away from the Britannia Stadium. "There's been some reported interest in me from some clubs with a view to a loan deal.  With my contract up in the summer I've got to look after myself and see what happens." - Gareth Owen

Michael Perkins (Cardiff - midfielder) - Will be allowed to leave Ninian Park during the summer as manager Lennie Lawrence looks to clear the decks in readiness for next season.  The talented midfielder is being tracked by Chester and Swansea and should not be short of offers. 

Young guns news - Saturday 5th February 2005.

Ryan Crockford (Reading - midfielder) - Was described as having the same passing skills as Glenn Hoddle by Academy manager Eammon Dolan. 
"He's an outstanding passer of the ball in the Glenn Hoddle mould.  He needs to be quicker around the pitch, we can work on that and that can be the catalyst for his outstanding technical ability." - Eammon Dolan, Academy Manager www.readingfc.co.uk

Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) - Headed one of his sides goals the U's U18 team lost a titanic ding dong against Northampton in a  4-5 thriller. The Wales U19 defender has been in and around the first team squad on a number of occasions this season, and will be keen to taste some more action as the campaign draws to a close.

Arron Davies (Yeovil - striker) - Scored his sides second goal as Yeovil tried to create the shock of the round against Charlton on Saturday.  The former Southampton academy member came on as a second half substitute as his side chased a 3-1 deficit.  The Wales U21 member struck a superb goal to take the score to 3-2, and then had half a chance at the end to clinch a replay which he narrowly failed to convert.

Craig Davies (Oxford - striker) - Celebrated his call up to the U21 squad with another fine goal which shows his growing confidence.  The former Wales U17 striker scored his sides third goal as they beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 last Saturday.  He will now await the Germany U21 game with relish.

Rob Edwards (Wolves - defender) - Built up his fitness with a 90 minute run out for the reserves in a Midlands derby against WBA this week.  With the Welsh get together on the horizon, he will look to travel to Cardiff now with his injury worries behind him.  The game finished in a 2-2 with Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) the former Wales U17 captain getting an assist with a cross for his sides equaliser.  The Wolves bench contained Wayne Hennessey (goalkeeper) who was an unused substitute.

Carl Harris (Shrewsbury - defender) - Has joined League of Wales outfit Newtown after being told by Shrewsbury that he would not get a pro contract at the end of the season.  The youngster will be buoyed by the success of former Gay Meadow trainee Chris Venables at Caersws.

Michael Johnston (Tranmere - defender) - Started for the reserve team this week as they took on Wigan.  The former Wales U17 and U19 international played the full 90 minutes in a strong Rovers line up, the game finished all square at 2-2.

Alex Lawless (Fulham - defender) + Matthew Collins (Fulham - midfielder) - Played the full 90 minutes as the reserves thumped Brentford 4-0 this week.  Collins played the full 90 minutes and partnered Danish international Claus Jensen who he can certainly gain valuable experience from.

Joe Ledley (Cardiff - midfielder) - Has signed an extension to his contract at Ninian Park as Sam Hammam tries to tie his young guns down to long contracts to ward off the vultures.  The youngster follows James Collins (defender) in signing his long term future to the Bluebirds.  He will surely be involved next week as well when the Wales U21 team take on the Germans at the Racecourse.  Tickets £3.....go along.

Dan Martin (Derby - defender) + Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) - Again tasted success with the reserve team this week, as a youthful Rams second string beat Norwich 3-0.  The pair were joined in the squad by Mitchell Booth (midfielder) who was an unused sub.  It was written in the Wales on Sunday that England are taking an interest in Martin, and there may be a tug of war for the youngsters services.

Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) - Spoke of his pride at being called up to the Wales U21 having already represented his country at U16 and U17 level.  It seems that youth supremo Brian Flynn has targeted Lewin as a part of John Toshacks fast track scheme. It's a great honour for me, especially after representing my country at youth international level.  It's a big step up and although I don't yet know whether I will play or not it will be great just being involved at that level particularly against a side like Germany." - Lewin Nyatanga, Derby www.dcfc.co.uk Report found on Derby official web site.

Rhys Powell (Bolton - defender) - Stepped off the bench to get 30 minutes under his belt for the Bolton reserves against Leeds on Wednesday night.  The former Wales U19 international was up against Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) who played the whole 90 minutes.  It was to be Powell's night as he came on to replace Vincent Candela and the Wanderers ran out 2-1 winners.

Anthony Taylor (Cardiff ) + Danny Thomas (Cardiff - striker) - Put a Yeovil second string to the sword with a goal apiece as a young Bluebirds second string won 3-0 on Thursday afternoon.  The youngsters were criticised severely by manager Lennie Lawrence after the FAW Premier Cup loss to Bangor, and were out to prove a point as they battle for their futures at Ninian Park.

Marc Williams (Wrexham - striker) - Struck to put a young Wrexham reserve side into an early lead against Oldham on Wednesday, but it was to be a false dawn as the Dragons lost 3-1 to the Latics.  The striker capitalised on an error in the defence to fire under the goalkeeper from 15 yards.  The Oldham back four contained former Wales U17 international Sean Eardley (defender). 

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