Once
again a new season is upon us and Welsh fans will certainly
hope for the continuation of good fortunes for the
international teams. It will, without doubt, be a very
important few months for the senior side as they attempt to
consolidate their strong position toward the European
championship finals. The U-21 side will also want to continue
enjoying some positive results from their matches, giving some
valuable experience to players we hope will progress to the
senior side in the years ahead. The list below is considered a
prelude to the excellent Young
Guns Update that Owain will again be providing in a weekly
column on the DragonSoccer
web site during the season. For anyone unfarmiliar with it, it
is a not to be missed read, particularly if you have strong
interest in Welsh football.
1)
Robert
Earnshaw
Club
– Cardiff City
DOB
– 06/04/81
Position
– Striker
Although
Robert is now considered a regular member of the senior squad,
he is still eligible to play at U-21 level, thereby our reason
for including him in this list. Without doubt he further
enhanced his reputation during a very successful 2002/3
season. Breaking Cardiff’s single season goal scoring
record, culminating with the reward of promotion, made him a
very valuable member of the team. The new challenge will be to
produce a good scoring record at Division 1 level. There has
been nothing to indicate that this will not be beyond his
capabilities, having already opened his account at full
international level.
2)
David
Vaughan
Club
– Crewe Alexandra
DOB
– 18/02/83
Position
– Midfield
Injury
caused David to lose a large part of the first half of the
season, but this only turned out to be a very temporary
setback in his progress. Once fit, he was back as a regular
member of the Crewe side making an immediate return to
Division 1 next season. For many a player, being involved in
team gaining promotion, is regarded a highlight moment.
However, three weeks after the season’s end, David played
the full ninety minutes when gaining his first senior cap in
the match versus USA. Although the injury-depleted side was
beaten in a somewhat disappointing display, David was
certainly one of the bright spots, playing wing-back rather
than his regular midfield position, but still providing a
steady and assured display.
3)
Robert
Edwards
Club
– Aston Villa
DOB
– 25/12/82
Position
– Central Defender
The
arrival of Robert on the Welsh international scene was a
mixture of bad news, good news for Welsh fans. Injury to Mark
Delaney gave him the opportunity in the Aston Villa first
team, his impressive displays giving rise to much accolade and
attention. The discovery of his Welsh parentage led to the
overtures of officials requesting a decision to opt for a
Wales international future. Soon after giving a positive
response, he was in the U-20 side that drew with Korea, was
selected for the U-21’s shortly later, but actually made his
senior debut instead, when coming on as sub. versus
Azerbaijan. Quite a whirlwind season for a player even unknown
to most Villa fans before December 2002, and in fact started
the season fearing for his future at Villa Park. A late season
injury prevented him from having the opportunity to win a
second cap in America.
4)
David
Pipe
Club
– Coventry City
DOB
– 05/11/83
Position
– Midfield
After
making steady progress through both the Coventry and Welsh
youth teams, the 2002/3 season was one where David made a
giant step forward. Having caught the eye of Gary MacAllister
in pre-season, he found himself in the Coventry first team for
the start of the season. Although he found himself squeezed
out at times, as MacAllister made a number of loan signings
whilst trying to kick-start the Coventry season, he did make a
significant number of appearances. He was also an important
contributor to the U-21 side, going on to win his first senior
cap as a substitute in San Jose. David will certainly be
looking forward to the coming season, determined to improve
his overall game, probably with an added emphasis on
increasing his goal scoring contribution.
5)
Jason
Brown
Club
– Gillingham
DOB
– 18/05/82
Position
– Goalkeeper
The
2002/3 season was certainly a happy one for Jason, as he
continued to build toward what may be a very successful
career. He consolidated his position as the number one keeper,
for both Gillingham and the Wales U-21 side. In what was
largely, a successful season for Gillingham, with good results
in both league and cup matches, the accolade of player of the
season was bestowed on Jason. Maintaining such progress will
see him challenging for the senior goalkeeper’s jersey in
the years ahead. Although Wales is adequately served for
goalkeeping talent at senior level at the moment, they are
some of the elder statesmen of the team, so it is comforting
to find a young, potential replacement waiting in the wings.
6)
Arron
Davies
Club
– Southampton
DOB
– 22/06/84
Position
– Midfield
Last
season saw Arron become a regular and important member of the
Southampton reserve side. During his time with the club he has
demonstrated his tremendous ability and versatility,
performing ably in defence, midfield and attack. Primarily
regarded as an attacking midfielder, his ability to adapt will
not be lost by the manager. Gordon Strachan, in fact, rewarded
his progress with involvement in the first team squad toward
the end of the season. Despite being named as substitute a few
times, he was not lucky enough to be called upon for a taste
of Premier play. Nevertheless, the regard is obviously
favourable, as he made the FA Cup final squad. Although he did
not make the final sixteen, it had to be a big thrill to be
that involved for such a marquee event in his home town of
Cardiff. We look for more good news about Arron in future.
7)
Jamie
Tolley
Club
– Shrewsbury Town
DOB
– 12/05/83
Position
– Midfield
In
what can only be described as a roller-coaster season for
Jamie and his Shrewsbury colleagues, relegation to the
conference could not have been envisioned after the defeat of
Everton, or even the loss to Chelsea, in their thrilling FA
Cup run. Such is the depth of the Football League,
consequently giving rise to the thrills of the FA Cup, that
one hopes that clubs can survive the tumultuous times of
present. Whether Jamie will stay with Shrewsbury as they try
to regain league status, or move on, is somewhat in the
balance. He will be anxious to move his career forward in
whatever way is most appropriate. Already a fixture in the
U-21 side, he was named on the standby list for the US trip,
showing the regard for his talent by the Welsh management
team. An interesting season seems to lie ahead.
8)
Michael
Brough
Club
– Notts County
DOB
– 01/08/81
Position
– Midfield
The
Notts County midfielder found his way into the Welsh U-21 team
via the parentage rule. He proved to be a very welcomed
addition to the side, along with consolidating his hold on one
of the midfield positions at his club. Another who will be
striving to further enhance his career at both club and
country level, building on to what was a very satisfactory
past season. A hard working player who will no doubt be doing
his utmost to keep Notts County up at the successful end of
the Division 2 table, rather than repeat their occasional
struggles of 2002/3.
9)
Adam
Birchall
Club
– Arsenal
DOB
– 02/12/84
Position
– Striker
Having
developed through the England schoolboy and youth system, Adam
was finally persuaded to throw his international future lot
with Wales. Upon doing so, he was immediately thrust into the
U-21 team, even though still eligible for the youth team. He
continued his well chronicled scoring exploits at that level,
helping instill confidence into an improving side. A foot
injury ended his season at the half-way point, as surgery was
deemed necessary. One certainly hopes that he can make a full
recovery and soon be back on the goalscoring trail.
10)
Craig
Morgan
Club
– Wrexham
DOB
– 18/05/85
Position
– Central Defender
Although
Craig did not make quite as many appearances in the Wrexham
first team as may have been anticipated, he is still
considered as one of the bright spots of the Wales
international future. He seemed to lose his way a little in
the early season, but with the astute guidance of manager
Dennis Smith, he recovered to eventually play a small part in
the promotion success. Although still young, the coming season
will be important for him to develop into regular first team
material, if he is to go on to the heights of a top class
career. There is little doubt that Smith can give him an
insight into what it takes to get to, and stay at, the top
level of league competition, so giving him a perfect mentor if
he has the determination to succeed.
The following players are added without being placed in
a specific chronological order. Many of them will consider the
2002/3 season as somewhat of a disappointment as they failed
to maintain the progress they likely expected. They all
deserve a mention, with the hope they will exhibit the resolve
necessary to overcome adversities, which are not uncommon in
many a player’s career.
Rhys Day – Having become the defensive stalwart for the U-21 side,
Rhys was rewarded with the recognition of being drafted as a
standby player, and eventually called up, for the recent
senior squad. Although a regular member of the Manchester City
reserve team over the past couple of seasons, he was allowed
to leave and join Mansfield Town. One hopes that regular first
team football will enhance his experience, leading to a return
to higher division appearances in future.
Steven Rowland – Injuries robbed Steven of an opportunity to gain
U-21 honours both times he was selected for the squad. Having
seemingly established himself as a regular member of the Port
Vale team, the injuries possibly took their toll, as in the
latter part of the season, he appeared more times as
substitute, rather than the starting eleven.
Darren Moss – In what was obviously an amazing season for
Shrewsbury, Darren was a regular member of the side, along
with being in the U-21 side. Having come to prominence as a
teenager with Chester City, gaining the interest of some
Premier clubs, Darren lost his way slightly, and it was good
to see him performing well for Shrewsbury. Once again he finds
himself in a situation where he has to rebound.
Matthew Somner – His Welsh qualification through the patronage
rule has yet to be recognized with selection for the U-21
squad. He has however made a significant number of appearances
in the Brentford side over the past couple of seasons and will
surely be looking to further elevate his game in the coming
season.
Shaun Pejic – To some degree Shaun found himself squeezed out by
the numbers at times last season, as Dennis Smith tried
various combinations to improve an inconsistent Wrexham
defence. As the team finally gelled toward a successful
promotion push, he often found himself out of the starting
eleven. No doubt he will be anxious to regain a starting
position in the side as they take on Division 2 opposition.
Matthew Rees – Without doubt the highlight of Matthew’s season
was the late call up to the senior squad for the USA match.
Some strong performances in the Millwall reserve side led to
being named in the first team squad for some late season
games. He will almost surely be looking forward to the season
ahead, determined to build on this success with an eye on
becoming a regular first team member at The New Den.
James Collins – Another who found himself in somewhat of a numbers
situation, this by being involved in a large and strong
Cardiff squad. Added to this, the fact of his versatility in
being equally adept as both a central defender and attacker
making him a selection for both positions rather than
concentrating on one. Although this will be a boost for both
club and country if he fully develops his potential, he will
need to improve substantially on a disappointing 2002/3 season
to do so. Expected to make a contribution to the Cardiff cause
last season, he very much found himself on the outside looking
in on the promotion success, his season coming to a premature
end with a broken arm. The coming season could well be
extremely important in deciding his future football fate.
Lee Fowler – Injuries certainly greatly disrupted what was
anticipated to be a breakthrough season for Lee. After a
frustrating few months, his undoubted ability shone brightly
in Coventry’s FA Cup-tie against Cardiff. This was
unfortunately his only first team appearance, as he appeared
to lose his way, eventually being loaned to Cardiff. Injuries
again kept his chance to impress very limited. Assuming he can
overcome the injuries, regaining full fitness, the future will
be as much a test of mental character as well as football
ability. Lee will need to have a focused determination if
Wales are to benefit by having him improve his game to
international standard.
Richard Evans – Richard sprung on the scene with his selection as
an injury replacement for the U-21 squad last season. No doubt
his name was put forward by Mark Bowen, whom he must have
impressed in reserve team appearances for Birmingham. After a
loan spell at Moor Green, where he again impressed, he was
allowed to leave to join Sheffield Wednesday. It was there he
made the biggest impression, keeping his place in the first
team as they improved their form in what eventually was an
unsuccessful battle against relegation.
Most
of these players will be involved in the U-21 squads for the
coming season. It is hoped that many of them will develop
sufficiently to make the step up to the senior squad
eventually. It is undoubtedly a big step, needing a good deal
of dedication and hard work to reach such a level. It does
seem encouraging to those of us that enjoy prognosticating
about Welsh football, that the wealth of talent seems to be
continually improving of late. A congratulatory note to all
concerned with the development of young Welsh players is well
deserved. The schoolboy international team has enjoyed some
good results over the past couple or more seasons, which has
in turn led to better fortunes for the U-17 team. As many of
you already know, there are a good number of hurdles to
overcome for a young player to eventually develop and attain a
successful professional career. Without doubt, it is a
testament of strength of character for each one that does
achieve such a level. With that little bit of luck that it
takes for any person to get to the pinnacle of their
profession, we certainly wish all of them the very best for
the future. As already mentioned Owain will be providing the
weekly news in the Young Guns, giving an idea of how well
their fortunes are developing. Some of the names to look out
for will be Gareth Williams and Richard Jones at Southampton,
Craig Garside at Everton, Ramon Caliste at Man. United and
Liam Powell at Leicester, who will all be hoping for regular
reserve team football to continue their development. Younger
players to keep an eye on are Adam Gross and David Evans at
Charlton, Chris Jones at Leeds, Craig Davies at Man. City and
David Edwards at Shrewsbury along with first year trainees
Rhys Powell at Bolton, Scott Thyer at Spurs and Chad Bond at
Swansea.
Hopefully
this is again an informative and enjoyable dissertation; let
us hope the coming season will be one full of enjoyment for
all Welsh officials, players and fans. My view may be somewhat
optimistic, but I believe indications are such, that the
revival of late can be maintained, or possibly even surpassed,
in future, as the young talent comes to the fore. Good luck to
Mark Hughes, his staff and players. |