Welsh football players. - Young guns

Welsh Football Young Guns update news - by Owain Jones.

Young guns news - Sunday 29-Apr-07

Byron Anthony (Bristol Rovers - defender) Has signed a two year contract at the Memorial Stadium to give him the boost as he works his way back to full fitness after an injury lay off. The former Cardiff and Wales U21 international defender was out of contract in the summer, but has now firmed up his future with the Pirates.

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Will be offered a professional contract shortly after doing enough in his second year as a scholar to stay on at the club. He was also a starter for the reserves this week as they lost 2-0 to Wolves, he was replaced in the second half by Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender). "Congratulations to Grant and Aswad, both of whom have made outstanding progress in the second year of their scholarships especially. A year ago people thought they were two players that perhaps wouldn't make the required progress, but what they have achieved is testament to their attitude and application. Both players have taken on board everything that has been said to them, learnt from things and consequently improved as players." - Steve Gritt, Academy manager

Jon Brown (Cardiff - midfielder) Hardly put a foot wrong last Saturday as the Bluebirds U18 team drew 1-1 with Charlton. The Wales U17 international scored with a deflected header to give his side a share of the spoils.

Adam Davies (Cambridge - defender) Is doing well in his recovery from his anterior cruciate ligament injury. It seems he's at the right stage and will be eased back into pre-season training if he continues to progress. He will obviously be hoping that his team can stay in the Conference without him, as Cambridge are hanging above the relegation zone with a couple of games to go.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Scored for the reserves this week as he starts to wind down his career at the Hawthorns. It seems that manager Tony Mowbray does not think the former Wrexham youth team midfielder is ready for first team action, and that the Wales U21 international will be playing away from the club next season.

Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City - forward) Bagged another goal as the Pirates surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose to Swindon on Monday. The Wales U19 international took a couple of nice touches before smashing in a well taken goal. It will be wait and see time now to find out if he has done enough to stay on at the Memorial Stadium.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves - goalkeeper) Has been encouraged to make the number two spot his own next season after the club allowed Jan Budtz to return to Doncaster Rovers. The Wales U21 number one played for the reserves this week and was in outstanding form, making several key saves to keep a clean sheet and to deny Charlton Athletic in a 2-0 win.

Lloyd James (Southampton - defender/midfielder) Rounded off the second string season with a win as the Saints beat Aldershot 1-0. The Wales U21 international played the full 90 minutes and will now look to push on over the summer after impressing whilst on reserve team duty.

Matthew Kendrick (Cambridge - defender) Has been given the dreaded news that he is to be released at the end of the season. He will now spend the summer searching for a new club.

Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley - striker) Claimed another brace as Barnsley look like they are going avoid relegation this season. The Wales qualified striker who took his tally to six goals in four games on Saturday has seen fortunes change very quickly, with the former Man Utd squad member now being eyed by Man City and Portsmouth if all reports are to be believed. He may miss out at the weekend though, after suffering a calf strain.

Max Noble (Fulham - forward) Made a late appearance as a substitute for the reserves in midweek as the Cottagers beat Spurs 1-0. The Wales U17 international only got a couple of minutes at the end of the game, but he will now hopefully be ready for more next season.

Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) Got the good news from boss John Sheridan that he would be retained by the club. Versatile Pearson has been offered a one year contract and is one of two first year professionals retained by the club.

Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper) Was once again on the subs bench for the Railwayman against Oldham last Saturday. Manager Dario Gradi has hinted that he may well give the Bangor born youngster his chance between the sticks before the seasons out.

Rhys Williams (Middlesborough - defender) Has been handed a two year contract by the club after impressing for the reserves and youth team. It has been an inactive couple of weeks of late for the Wales U21 cap, with the club doctor telling him to have a full rest to cure a groin problem.

Young guns news - Sunday 22-Apr-07

Ramon Calliste (Scunthorpe - striker) Has not fully recovered from the injury that ruined the start to his Scunthorpe career. After making a reserve team appearance it seems that all was not 100% and is only now going through some linear jogging drills, but it is not known whether his symptoms have been fully resolved and will be monitored by the club physio.

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - midfielder) Struck his eighth of the season as the Gills beat Chesterfield 1-0. The Wales international headed in the only goal of the game to claim the three points.

Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City - forward) Scored for neighbours Bristol Rovers this week as he looks to further his career away from Ashton Gate. The Wales U19 international made no mistake as he struck from 12 yards as the Pirates reserves lost 2-1 to Cheltenham Town. It was his second appearance for Rovers reserves after he made his debut against Weymouth last week.

Dean Grubb (Bristol City - midfielder) + Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City - defender) + James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) Were the Welsh youngsters on view as the City reserves took on Plymouth at Ashton Gate in midweek. All three started as they drew 1-1 with Plymouth. With Bristol City looking for automatic promotion, it's unlikely that manager Gary Johnson will choose to blood his youngsters with so much at stake, but with a strong pre-season we could well see these three in match day squads.

Chris Jones (Swansea - striker) Hit the net for the youth team last weekend as the Signets sunk Bristol Rovers 2-1. The highly rated youngster has been around the first team for regular periods this season and will look to impress new manager Roberto Martinez during the summer.

Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley - striker) Did his chances of earning a new contract the power of good with a brace as Barnsley look to avoid relegation. The former Man Utd striker struck a superb shot from 16 yards to score his first, before stealing a yard to score with a header to bag his second a secure the three points for his side in a tricky encounter against Southend at Roots Hall.

Michael Nardiello (WBA - striker) Went one better than his older brother, with a hat trick for the youth team against Barnsley last Saturday. Former Liverpool and Man Utd academy striker Nardiello notched his treble as the Baggies beat the Tykes 4-2 to win bragging rights in the families next Sunday lunch.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) Started his third game in a row for the reserves as they beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough. The former Wales U21 international was playing right back and earned praise from second string coach Keith Bertschin for his performance. His side now have two games left to clinch the league.

Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) Made an appearance as a sub for the Addicks reserves as they trashed Pompey 6-0 on Tuesday night. The former Wales U17 international has had a nightmare run with injuries and illness over the past few years and will be glad to put this season to bed with a consistent run of games for the youth and for the second string.

Young guns news - Friday 13-Apr-07

Lee Jon Beevers (Lincoln - defender) Scored his sixth goal of the season to earn the Red Imps a draw against Darlington on Easter Monday. His side were trailing into the second half before the Wales U21 international powered in a corner to gain a point for his side.

Simon Church (Reading - forward) Was once again in the thick of the action as the Royals reserves kicked the habit and beat an Addicks reserves 2-0. With the Charlton squad without the injured Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) and Chris Saunders (Charlton - defender) still struggling to over come an injury/illness ruined past 18 months, the Royals cantered to victory.

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - midfielder) Scored his second goal in as many games last Saturday, but his towering header was not enough to secure any points for his side against Rotherham, with the Gills going down 3-2 after taking a first half lead.

Wayne Hennessey (Wolves - goalkeeper) Has been recalled from his loan spell from Stockport after first choice keeper Matt Murray was injured last week. The clean sheet king made the bench for Wolves on Monday as the bounced back from a spanking against Southampton with a win against Hull City.

Lloyd James (Southampton - defender/midfielder) Got a mixed bag as the Saints U18 team beat Real Madrid 2-1 and finished third in the Dallas Cup last week. The Wales U21 international scored both his sides goals but was sent off as the Saints beat the mighty Madrid. James was harshly sent off according to coach George Prost, but was very pleased with his young charges.

Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley - striker) Bagged a goal to celebrate his Dad Donato's 50th birthday on Monday afternoon. It was his second goal in two games, and his goal on Easter Monday was the difference between Barnsley and Birmingham. The former Man Utd squad member found a moment of brilliance to break the dead lock as he bent the ball past the Blues keeper to claim all three points.

Sam Tucknott (Wycombe - midfielder) Has been sent out on loan to gain some senior match practice with Welling Utd. The former Wales U17 international has been introduced as a second half sub in recent games with Salisbury City, Yeading and Farnborough.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Kept up his rehabilitation from injury with a goal for the reserves against Wycombe in midweek. The Wales U21 international grabbed his second goal in consecutive games for the second string, although his contribution wasn't enough as they lost 4-3.

Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper) Looks like he will make his senior debut before the end of the season as Dario Gradi looks to test some of his younger charges. With the club's reserve team keeper Stuart Tomlinson injured, Gradi is now looking to give Williams his chance to see if he has what it takes. "I probably wouldn't want to play Owain for a succession of games because he needs more experience but he is very competent goalkeeper, who has excelled in training." Dario Gradi, Crewe manager

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) Put his side ahead in the reserve team game against Yeovil on Tuesday. The Wales U19 centre half volleyed in on 25 minutes as the Robins drew 3-3 with Yeovil. He was joined in the starting XI by Dean Grubb (Bristol City - midfielder) and Christian Ribeiro (Bristol City - defender).

Young guns news - Sunday 8-Apr-07

Kyle Bassett (Cardiff - striker) + James Simpson (Cardiff - defender) Are two of eight that have been released by Cardiff City as Dave Jones begins his clear out. Both players have represented Wales at U19 level and have been snapped very quickly by neighbours Newport County on a free.

Andrew Crofts (Gillingham - midfielder) Struck the target for the Gills as he made up for a very inactive seven days with Wales last Saturday. Crofts struck with a header to claim his sides first goal as the Gills claimed 3pts and maintained a healthy gap from the relegation trap door in Coca-Cola League One.

Michael Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Grabbed his usual column inches this week with another goal as the reserves beat Liverpool 3-1. The St Asaph born striker was introduced at the start of the second half and got his sides goal as he rose unchallenged to nod in a cross from the left. Unfortunately for Evans he was subbed himself in in the 90th minute as an injury forced him off.

Josh Klein-Davis (Bristol City - striker) Has been given the dreaded news that he won't be retained by the club next season. The Wales U19 international will now use the rest of the season to trial with other clubs and get himself sorted for the next campaign.

Lloyd James (Southampton - defender/midfielder) Scored twice as the Saints beat host club Solar Soccer Club 4-0. The Wales U21 international got two including one from the spot as they started well in the Dallas Cup.

David Jones (Derby - midfielder) Scored as the Rams moved six games away from a leap back into the Premiership. Jones bagged his sides first goal as he followed in a shot to score from a rebound as his side beat Barnsley 2-1.

Michael Nardiello (WBA - striker) Put his side 2-1 in a game they were struggling to keep a lead in. His strike was soon cancelled out as the Baggies U18 team lost their fifth game in a row.

Jonathon North (Watford - goalkeeper) Was on the bench for the reserves on Monday night as the Hornets got stung by the Hammers in the London derby. The keeper who has been very impressive for the Wales U16 and U17 team over the past year will now hope to break into the second string on a regular basis from now until the end of the season.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - defender/midfielder) Was once again in the back four as Birmingham reserves beat Forest 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Wales U19 international played the full 90 minutes as he looks to secure a future at St Andrews.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth - striker) Scored for the reserves as they thumped Aldershot 5-0 in midweek. The Wales U21 international capped off a fine performance with a deflected goal from outside the area. He will now hope to be invlved with the seniors over the Easter holidays.

Karl Yelland (QPR - defender) Is back running after breaking a bone in his foot in December, he is now looking to get match fit as he looks for a move away from Rangers. after a bright start to the season which saw the 18 year old get 3 caps at U19 level this season and travel with the first team squad under previous manager Gary Waddock, he has never figured in the new managers plans.

Young guns news - Tuesday 1-Apr-07

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender) Limped out of the action as the Addicks reserves stunned the gunners 3-0 this week. The Wales U19 international was forced off after 63 minutes after colliding with an Arsenal player.

Mark Bradley (Walsall - defender/midfielder) Scored with a long range effort as the Saddlers destroyed Stoke in a reserve team eoncounter this week. The Wales U21 international scored with a later screamer to top off his sides 4-1 win as the second string extended the unbeaten run to four games.

Craig Davies (Wolves - striker) Scored with a ferocious shot for the reserves on Tuesday night as Wolves beat Midlands rivals Coventry 3-1 at Compton Park. Things have not quite worked out for the former Verona striker at Molineux this season, and he will look for a decent end of season if he is to stay on at the club.

Rob Davies (WBA - midfielder) Will not be offered a permanent contract with Colchester after turning out twice for the reserve side. It seems that the U's are looking for players capable of stepping straight into first team action, and although the U21 international scored, it seems he has not done enough.

Michael Chedwyn Evans (Man City - striker) Seems to be in this column every week, so it's not surprise that when it came to penalties in the Manchester Senior Cup semi final that he was the first to step up. As the keeper went right, his spot kick went left as his side went on to beat Oldham 5-4 in sudden death. Unfortunately it was Michael Pearson (Oldham - defender) who missed the decisive spot kick for the Latics.

Christopher Flynn (Crewe/Cambridge - midfielder) Limped out of the action last Saturday as Cambridge beat Northwich Victoria 4-0. The Wales U21 international was forced off in his second appearance after suffering a groin injury. The Northwich Victoria squad contained former Bolton and Wales U21 international Michael Byrne (Northwich Victoria - striker) who appeared as a second half sub.

Ian Jones (Southampton - defender) Made a rare second string appearance as the Saints slumped 2-1 to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. He was joined in the back four by reserve team regular Lloyd James (Southampton - defender/midfielder).

Darren Moss (Crewe - defender) Scored his third goal of the season and the winner for Crewe to settle a dire clash at Gresty Road last weekend. After being challenged by manager Dario Gradi to raise his performance levels and nail down a first team spot, it seems that the Wales U21 international has obviously taken it on board. The Crewe bench contained Wales U21 keeper Owain Fon Williams (Crewe - goalkeeper).

KC Owen (Oldham - striker) Scored twice as the youth team beat Carlisle 2-0 on Saturday morning. The Angelsey born striker finished his first with aplomb before scoring a fine individual goal to secure all three points. His two goals now leave the Latics in strong position for the league title in North West Conference Group A.

Jamie Price (Birmingham - midfielder) Was once again on reserve team duty this week as the Blues entertained a Barnsley side with Kyle Letheren (Barnsley - goalkeeper) and Daniel Nardiello (Barnsley - striker) in the starting XI. It was Price who would end up on the winning side as the Blues beat the Northerners 2-1.

Dale Williams (Aberystwyth - striker/forward) Has signed for Aberystwyth after being released earlier in the season by Shrewsbury manager Gary Peters. It has been a very unfortunate season for the Neath born youngster after a virus struck down his chances of impressing at Gay Meadow. As Mark Delaney and Steve Evans know, the League of Wales has provided a springboard back into professional football, so the U21 international should not be too downhearted.

James Wilson (Bristol City - defender) Got his side back on the road to recovery with a goal in the pulsating second string tie against Swansea on Tuesday night. With the Swans taking a two goal advantage, the centre half pulled one back with a far post volley, before Wales U19 international Josh Klein-Davies (Bristol City - forward) claimed all three points with a scrambled winner after the Swans had gone further in front. Klein-Davies was a 60th minute sub and also waded in with an assist, the two were joined in the squad by Christian Ribeirio (Bristol City - defender) who started and Dean Grubb (Bristol City - midfielder) who was introduced after an hour.