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| Welsh Football Young news - by Owain Jones |
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need as much feedback as possible on any Young Guns - |
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Young guns news -
Sunday 31st October 2004. Here are some bits of news that may be of interest while Neil has been on his holidays!! Byron Anthony (defender) + Nicky Fish (midfielder) + Cameron Jermone (striker) + Joe Ledley (midfielder) + Danny Parslow (defender) All Cardiff City - Have put pen to paper at Ninian Park after Sam Hammam moved quickly to tie the Bluebird Babes to longer contracts. All have been involved this season as Lennie Lawrence battled an injury crisis and also a big dip in form. It may also signal the fact that the Bluebirds may now look to youth rather than spending millions on new players. Ledley has been involved from the start of late, and after his goal in midweek, it seems that Cameron Jerome will most certainly be involved at some stage. Adam Birchall (Arsenal - striker) - Scored against Mansfield in midweek as he earned Wycombe a point against Mansfield. The Wales U21 striker will now also stay at the Causeway stadium for a further month after extending his loan into a third month. Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Ousted rival Steve Banks for the goalkeepers jersey on Saturday as he finally got the chance to show manager Andy Hessenthaler why he should fill that position every week. It wasn't to be a dream come back for the ex Wales U21 stopper as his side were beaten 3-1 by West Ham. He will now hope he has done enough to warrant an extended run in the team as his strive to break away from the relegation trap door. He was joined in the starting XI by Andrew Crofts (striker) was was also recalled to the team. David Cotterill (Bristol City - striker) - Returned from international duty to score for City's U18's as they won an exciting encounter with Birmingham City. The Cardiff born striker scored his sides winning goal as they ran out 3-2 winners against the Blues. He was also on duty for the reserves this week, but his goal wasn't enough to save his side from a 2-1 defeat to Cheltenham. The Bristol bench contained Griff Jones (defender) and the Cheltenham dugout had Robert Williams (defender) who were both unused. Although it seems his goal for the Wales U19 side a month ago has done him the power of good. Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) - Fired in his sides second goal as they drew 2-2 with Cambridge in the youth cup last week. The U19 international who must have been disappointed after Wales' shock 3-1 loss against the Faroe Islands during the Euro qualifiers will hope that this was the tonic to cheer him up and kick start his season again. He was another member of the Wales U19 side to get a reserve team squad place this week as he sat on the bench during his sides 0-0 draw with Birmingham. If he had taken a casting glance over to the oppositions bench he would have seen Wales U17 midfielder Jamie Price who was also an unused sub for the Blues. Richard Duffy (Portsmouth - defender) - Will spend another month at Turf Moor after impressing manager Steve Cotterill. He will now hope to nail a place in Burnley's starting XI so he can maximise his footballing experience whilst out on loan. The Wales U21 defender started on Wednesday night as his side created the biggest upset of the Carling cup so far, thrashing Aston Villa 3-1. Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) - Lost out in the battle against Welsh qualified defender Gavin Hurren (Nottingham Forest - defender) as two young reserves battled the weather and each other on Thursday night. It was former Wales U17 international Hurren who assisted his side in keeping a clean sheet as Forest ran out 1-0 winners. Peter Ferris (Carlisle - striker) - Bagged a brace as Carlisle's Youth team put four past Northwich Victoria and marched on into the next round of the Youth Cup this week. The Wales U19 cap scored in the first and second half and will now entertain Hull City in the next round. Liam Norval (Leicester - defender) - Played the full 90 minutes as Leicester's reserve team drew 1-1 against an inexperienced Chelsea XI on Tuesday. The former Wales U16 central defender has been in good form for the youth team of late and is now now reaping the rewards as he steps out for valuable senior team football playing time. Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - I would like to point
out was born in Neath and therefore is Welsh born and not just Welsh qualified.
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Young guns news -
Saturday 16th October 2004. Richard Duffy (Portsmouth - defender) - Has gone out on loan to Burnley to gain some league experience, after manager Harry Redknapp told him that it would do him some good. The Wales U21 defender who was pressed into the centre of defence for the game against England last Friday, will now look to break into the first team and get some playing time at Championship level. Lloyd James (Southampton - midfielder) - Started as a last minute replacement for Dexter Blackstock for the reserves on Tuesday night. The first year graduate played for 77 minutes during a week in which he was called into the Wales U17 squad. David Jones (Man Utd - midfielder) - Proved once again that he should be playing international youth football with another fine performance and a goal for the reserves against Man City. The dual eligible midfielder rifled in a left footed strike into the top of the net as his side took the lead in the first ten minutes. It was not to be a lead they held onto, as the Blue side of Manchester ran out 2-1 winners. Alex Lawless (Fulham - midfielder) - Came on as a substitute as Fulham took on Arsenal in a reserve team derby on Tuesday night. The former Wales U19 has been involved a few times with the reserves this season and will hope that he can get more match experience for the second string during the next few months. Lewin Nyatanga (Derby - defender) - Played for the reserves on Wednesday night in a pulsating 3-3 draw against Leicester City. The Wales U17 full back has been a regular fixture in the reserves along with Dan Martin (defender) who didn't figure this time round as he was away with the Wales U19's. Nyatanga was joined in the squad by fellow Wales U17 squad member Stephen Cann (goalkeeper) who was on the bench. The Leicester starting XI contained Liam Norval (defender) the ex Wales U16's captain. Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) - Played at left back for the U18's on Saturday as he returned to the field after injury. The Savage clone, who was very prominent during the international double header against the Ukraine will now hope to boost his fitness in readiness for the trip away to the Netherlands with Ian Rush's U17's. Dale Williams (Yeovil - striker) - Was man of the match last week as Yeovil's reserves beat Keynsham Town 4-2 in the Somerset Premier Cup. The Welsh qualified striker scored a memorable third goal as he turned inside two defenders and beat another before coolly placing the ball in the corner of the net. The young striker put in a great all performance and finished it off with a cracking goal, which he hopes will once again tip the scales in his direction with regards to gaining a Welsh youth cap. Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - defender) - Is already looking to the future after breaking his leg in a youth game last week. The former Wales U17 international had been in superb form since returning from another injury sustained during the Northern Ireland Milk Cup and will be in plaster for the next three months. Academy manager Steve Holland waxed lyrical about the Welshman's performances and form before his new set back "the best from any youth goalkeeper during my eleven years at the club." |
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Young guns news -
Sunday 10th October 2004. Kyle Critchell (Southampton - defender) - Played for the reserves on Wednesday night against West Ham as the Saints plumped for a mix of youth and experience. It was to be a busy night for the Wales U17 defender as his side fought out a 3-2 win to steal the points. Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - striker) - Started his second game in under a week as Andy Hessenthaller tried to stop the flow of defeats by getting a result against Plymouth at the weekend. Unfortunately it didn't go the way the Welsh striker or his manager would have hoped as the Pillgrims ran out 2-1 winners. Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) - Was on the bench on Saturday for the seniors as they took on Kidderminster. The Wales U19 international came off the bench for his debut last week, and will again hope to keep his spot and push for a regular squad place. Lewis Haldane (Bristol Rovers - striker) - Might be sent out on loan to a fellow Division Two or Conference club as they strive to give him vital match experience. The Welsh qualified striker is rated very highly by his manager Ian Atkins who see's him playing a part during a long hard season. "In a month's time though, we may see if we can get Lewis some experience at Conference level, or in this division with a club not challenging with us. If that becomes a possibility, then we'll try and do it." - Ian Atkins, Bristol Rovers manager Ollie Holmes (Cambridge - midfielder) - Was a constant menace as Cambridge's Youth team ran out 9-8 winners on penalties in the Second Round of the Youth Alliance Cup on Tuesday night. The dangerous midfielder created havoc down the right hand side with his quick feet. Liam Maloney (Preston - midfielder) - Slotted home to take his U18 side in to extra time in their second round youth alliance tie with Carlisle. He also had an assist and a penalty to his name as the Preston youngster went through on penalties after extra time finished in a stale mate. The Wales U17 midfielder will now look ahead with confidence to the European U17 trip with Wales to the Netherlands. Liam Norval (Leicester - defender) - Scored with a header to make it 2-0 to the Leicester U18 side against Bristol City on Saturday morning. The former Wales U16's defender was a rock as his side cruised to a 3-0 win against a City side that contained Wales U19 striker David Cotterill and Welsh qualified youngster Griff Jones who played in Bristol's reserve side last week. Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Saved a penalty after starting another game for the Tractor boys after first choice keeper Kelvin Davis failed to recover from injury for the game against Coventry on Saturday. The Wales U21 keeper was starting only his second league appearance and will now travel to the Wales camp in confident mood. Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Kept up pressure on a first team squad place with a goal for the reserves on Thursday night. The former Wales U19 squad member scored one of his sides goals as they beat Blackpool 2-1. Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper) - Is recuperating after having surgery to repair a broken fibula and tibula that he suffered while playing for the Crewe Youth team against Man City on Saturday. All at Young Guns send their regards and wish him a speedy recovery as he starts a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Robert Williams (Unattached - defender) - Played for his
home town reserve side this week as he strives to gain a contract after being
released by Leicester. The former Wales U19 defender has been training with
Cheltenham and got 45 minutes under his belt against Crewe on Thursday night as
he battled back from a knee injury which has sidelined him over the past few
weeks.
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Young guns news -
Monday 4th October 2004. Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) + Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) - Were rested after being away with the Wales U17's this week, but both made appearances from the bench as the Charlton U16's steam rolled Coventry 3-1 on Saturday morning. The London based duo who were impressive at the heart of the Dragons defence last week, were used as rolling subs at the weekend as they got over playing two games in the space of 48 hours. Lee Beevers (Boston - defender) - Is being courted by everyone apart from the Welsh youth set up it seems. The former Wales U19 defender has been the scouted by a lot of league clubs including QPR, and manager Steve Evans is all aware of the quality he has on his hands. "Interest in Lee has started to grow and I took a call yesterday praising him for his performance at (Leyton) Orient", Evans told the Lincolnshire Echo. "This manager had read his scout's report and it showed Lee was dominant against the front two of Gary Alexander and Lee Steele. If a bid does materialise, I will do what is best for Boston and for Lee. But it would have to be a sensible offer from any interested club because he is a quality player." The former Ipswich academy full back will now hope that this might make Glyn Hodges and his fellow U21 coaching team take notice. Jason Brown (Gillingham - goalkeeper) - Has seen his transfer request turned down by Gillingham, who want him to stay and fight for his place. The former Wales U21 goalkeeper has become frustrated by his lack of opportunities after returning from a lengthy injury lay off which has seen his number one jersey go to former Wimbledon stopper Steve Banks. As a manager we have to make tough decisions, Steve Banks has done fantastic since coming back to the football club. Unfortunately for Jason, he had a long injury last season. He was our number one keeper but Steve came in, took the shirt, and has kept it because of his performances. All Jason has got to do is keep working hard, take his chance when it comes and then it will be Steve's turn to fight for the number one shirt - that's what competition for places is all about." - Andy Hessenthaler, Gillingham manager Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - striker) - Got his first start of the season as Gillingham took on Leicester on Tuesday night. The former Wales U19 striker played the full 90 minutes but it wasn't to be a dream start for him as the Gills lost 2-0. Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) - Came off the bench during the LDV Vans Trophy fixture against Boston in midweek. The former Wales U19 international slotted in at right back in a defensive re-shuffle and impressed greatly in his assured performance during the last 15 minutes in a strong U's rearguard. He will now hope to push on and gain more first team experience as Cambridge try to squeeze out of the bottom two. Arron Davies (Southampton - striker) - Lost the coastal battle as his reserve team were beaten by a Pompey team that included Anthony Pulis (defender) in it's back four. The son of Stoke manager Tony Pulis, was included on the bench for the seniors last year and must be slightly mystified by his lack of call up to the Welsh youth squads. Stuart Edwards (Leeds - defender) + Chris Jones (Leeds - midfielder) - Both got game time on Wednesday as the Leeds reserves played Wolves' second string. It was Edwards who was once again prominent as Leeds tried to weather the Golden storm. The former Wales U19 international made several promising on the flank but it wasn't to be as his side crashed 3-1 to the Yorkshire outfit. Dylan Hughes (Kaiserslautern - striker) - Scored twice to prove that he is in fine form as the big clash with England U21 team edges even closer. The Canadian born youngster scored twice in the second half as the youth team ran out victors against Ingelheim over the weekend. With Stuart Fleetwood fighting back after his injury, there may be chance for him to get a starting spot against the old enemy should the Cardiff striker not recover sufficiently. Update - Dylan has withdrawn from the U-21 squad due to injury. Gavin Hurren (Nottingham Forest - defender) - Replaced Michael Dawson after half an hour on Monday as Forest reserves easily dispatched Newcastle by two goals to nil. The Welsh qualified defender has been involved quite a bit with the reserves over the past season and a half and would be a valuable addition to the Welsh youth set up should he have changed his mind about not being tied down to a country. Liam Norval (Leicester - defender) - Started in a young Foxes back line on Monday night, as the Leicester reserves took on Spurs at Kettering's, Rockingham Road Ground. The ex Wales U16 captain started alongside Matt Elliott at the heart of the defence as they tried to weather an onslaught from the Londoners. It didn't quite finish as he would have wanted with Spurs running out 4-1 winners with a flattering scoreline. Rhys Powell (Bolton - defender) - Was a confident force in the Bolton back four this week, as his young reserve side an equally youthful Birmingham XI. The Cardiff born full back who is on standby for Wales U19's trip to the Faroes next month nearly won the game for his side as he fired wide after galloping past the static Blues defence. Lewis Price (Ipswich - goalkeeper) - Came on half time to replace Kelvin Davis in the 1-1 draw with Reading in midweek. The Wales U21 kept a clean sheet in the second half as his side held on for a point. He will now have to wait and see if Davis recovers in time for Saturday's league game against Coventry. Owen Price (Spurs - striker) - Is still limited by his injury and is not able to do any running but the club are hoping that will begin in the next week or so. When back to full fitness, Price, who qualifies through a Welsh grandmother is someone that the Wales U21 staff could really do with keeping an eye on. Ross Stephens (Shrewsbury - midfielder) - Started on the left of midfield in the LDV Vans Trophy on Tuesday night, as the boys from Gay Meadow came up against an in form Bournemouth. The former Wales U19 squad member has added an extra dimension to Shrewsbury's attack down the left and will now hopefully get the nod for the game against Wycombe on Saturday. The midweek game also saw the battle of former Wales U21 colleagues Brian Stock (Bournemouth) and Jamie Tolley (Shrewsbury) with honours going even as Tolley won the man of the match and Stock scored with a scorching free kick. Rhys Wiggins (Crystal Palace - midfielder) - Was called
into the Palace reserve team squad this week as they took on a youthful Chelsea
second string. The former Wales U17 squad member was an unused substitute but
will have gained valuable experience from his first taste of senior football. |
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