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Welcome to On-line Welsh Football. / Croeso i Pel-droed Cymru Ar-lein.

 Welsh Football Young Guns update news - by Owain Jones
Young guns news - Sunday 30 Aug 09

Nicky Adans (Leicester - midfielder) Is playing his way back into Nigel Pearson's plans after a period on loan at Rochdale last season.  Adams scored his sides only goal in a 2-1 defeat against Preston in midweek and was impressive against Sheffield Utd last weekend in the 1-1 draw in his first start of the season. "Last year was a bit disappointing but I have learned a lot since then and I believe I am a better player for the experience." Nicky Adams

Grant Basey (Charlton - defender/midfielder) Scored his sides sixth goal as the reserves beat Palace 6-2 on Monday evening.  Basey who is once again on the fringes of the first team under Phil Parkinson, will have to impress in the second string it seems if he has any chance of breaking back into the managers plans.

Darcy Blake : photo linked from mirror.co.ukDarcy Blake (left) (Cardiff City/Plymouth - defender/midfielder) Has gone on loan to Plymouth until January.  The Wales U21 international who is desperate for senior game time has been bugging manager Dave Jones to go on loan, and finally the call came.  Blake has been over looked even in Carling Cup games will now go straight into the squad for the game against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.


Chad Bond (Swansea - striker) Was the latest youngster to be given his chance as he started in the 1-0 win against Coventry last weekend.

Josh Dawkin (Norwich - midfielder) + David Stephens (Norwich - defender) And team mates had an eventful 90 minutes as the U18's fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against Leeds last Saturday morning.

Sean Geddes (Walsall - midfielder) Picked up an assist as the Saddlers beat Shrewsbury in a youth team fixture at the weekend.  Geddes' fine cross was converted by a team mate as his side won 3-2.

Andy King (Leicester - midfielder) Is ready to be patient after finding himself out of the starting XI this season.  The Wales international made a first start in the Carling Cup game in midweek as the Foxes lost 2-1 to Preston, and realises that it's a long old season. "I was pleased to get a run out.  Everyone wants to play as much as they can and I am no different but I am still a young boy and I understand I have got some very experiences players in my position and training with them every day and watching them is only going to help me for my future." Andy King.

Reece Jones (Fulham - midfielder) Captained the U18's last weekend. The Wales U17 international was a constant driving force in midfield as team mate Richard Peniket (Fulham - striker) struggled up front against a strong Liverpool rearguard. The game finished 3-1 to the Reds.

Lee Lucas (Swansea - midfielder) Pulled one back as the young Swans crashed 2-1 to Exeter last Saturday. 

Jack Mackreth (Tranmere - midfielder) + Connor Roberts (Tranmere - defender) Both started for the reserves as they took on Morecambe.  Both played 90 minutes as the game finished 3-0 to Rovers with Mackreth picking up an assist for his sides third.   

Ashley McDonald (Rushden and Diamonds - defender) Has been sent out on loan to Wingate & Finchley as the club looks to give it's youngsters some senior game time.

Joe Partington (Bournemouth - midfielder) Found himself in the unfamiliar position of centre half on Tuesday as the reserves beat Salisbury 7-0.  The Wales U21 international who is desperate to break back into the starting XI for his club will have done his chances no harm in front of watching management with two assists. 

Gary Preen (Southampton - midfielder) Won his side a penalty as the Saints U18 team beat Man Utd 3-1 last weekend. Preen played 90 minutes in an impressive opening win.

Christian Ribeiro: photo linked from givemefootball.comChristian Ribeiro (right) (Bristol City - defender) Made a first team start this week in the Carling Cup game against Carlisle. The Wales U21 international saw his season wrecked by an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Cup game v Leicester and will no doubt feel mightily proud to have come back so strong.  Unfortunately the game wasn't the happiest for the side with City losing 2-0. 

Alex Titchiner (Crewe - striker) Stepped off the bench to strike as the Railwaymen beat Chester in a behind closed doors reserve game this week.  Titchiner scored the winner as Crewe won 3-2.

James Wilson (Bristol City/Brentford - defender) Stepped straight into the first team as the Bees drew 1-1 with Southampton at the weekend.  Wilson who was starting his month loan period at Griffin Park may end up staying longer, with manager Andy Scott stating that he would like the Wales U21 international to stay.
Young guns news - Sunday 23 Aug 09

Billy Bodin : photo linked from swindontownfc.co.ukBilly Bodin (left) (Swindon - striker) Scored with a 25 yard curling left footer last Saturday morning as Swindon Youth took on Bristol Rovers.  Unfortunately for the U17 international it was not quite enough as they lost 2-1, although Bodin was dangerous throughout under the watchful eye of Dad/youth team coach, Paul.  He also started for the reserves this week as they beat Cheltenham 2-0, a game which saw him produce another bright performance.

Wayne Farmer (Shrewsbury - defender) + Gareth Partridge (Shrewsbury - striker) Got the season under way with a victory against Wrexham last weekend.  The young Shrews ran out 1-0 winners and ensured a good start to the Alliance Youth League. 

Josh Knight (WBA - midfielder) Was on the bench as the Baggies beat Bury 2-0 in the Carling Cup last week.  The third year scholar was an unused sub as his side cruised into the next round. 

Adam Matthews: photo linked from faw.org.ukAdam Matthews (right) (Cardiff - defender) Played 15 minutes last Saturday as the Bluebirds let a 1-0 lead slip at Bloomfield Road against Blackpool.  The Wales international who stepped off the bench last Saturday then enjoyed a start in midweek as he started in the 3-0 defeat of Plymouth.

Kerry Morgan (Swansea - striker) Started in midweek as manager Paulo Sousa strives for goals against Reading in midweek.Morgan who has had loan spells in Sweden, Spain and with Neath in the Welsh Premiership played 90 minutes as the Swans picked up a point.  The Royals once again had Simon Church (Reading - striker) in the starting XI.

Elliott Parish (Aston Villa - goalkeeper) Has not been chosen in any Wales U21 squads as he has chosen to represent the Three Lions.  Parish who was picked in a Wales U16 training camp many moons ago, will now hope to gain a call up with England.

Craig Roberts (Stockport - midfielder) Has been named on the bench for every County game so far this season without actually getting on.  The Wales U15 and U17 international midfielder will hope to be involved at some stage with the club in such a perilous financial state.

Rhys Taylor (Chelsea - goalkeeper) Made a return from injury for the reserves against Uzbekistan at the end of last week.  The Wales U21 international was between the sticks as the Blues were edged out.

James Wilson (Bristol City/Brentford - defender) Will start a loan spell with Brentford this weekend.  The 20 year old who spent a successful three month period with the Bees last season will join on a one month period.
Young guns news - Sunday 16 Aug 09

James Bloom (Falkirk - defender) Who was released by Cardiff at the end of the season has joined Falkirk on a 2 year contract.  The son of South Wales Echo reporter Mark, was rated by Brian Flynn who called him into the U21 squad, but obviously not by Dave Jones who told him he had no future at the club.
Jonathan Bond (Watford - goalkeeper) Has joined 11 others in signing a two year scholarship programme at Vicarage Road.  The Wales U16 international will be joined at the club by Jonathan North (Watford - goalkeeper) who was released by ex manager Brendon Rogers but re signed by new manager Malky Mckay.  North was thought to be too small to make it by the former manager, but praised for his work ethic and dedication by the new boss.

Jon Brown (Cardiff - striker) Has been told that he will be released by City and will now look to get another club before the start of next season.  He has been linked to Charlton and may now take a step down to League One. 

Troy Brown (Ipswich - defender) Was on the bench on Tuesday night as the former Wales U19 international starts competitive football life at Portman Road under Roy Keane.  He failed to make an appearance as the Tractor boys sneaked through on penalties against Shrewsbury.   
Matthew De Cae - Ended up playing for Bridgend Town at the end of last season after studying at the University of Glamorgan.  The former Wales U19 international midfielder who hails from Belgium.  It is not known where he will be playing this season. 

Stephen Davey (Neath - midfielder) Has ended up at Neath after being released by Shrewsbury at the end of last season.  Ambitious Principality Welsh Premier outfit Neath have already attracted former league seasoned pros Chris Llewellyn and keeper Anthony Williams.

Ryan Doble (Southampton - midfielder) Has been heavily involved with the first team during pre season culminating in a start against Cheltenham and won praise for his efforts from the coaching staff.  The Gwent born youngster could well follow fellow Dragons Lloyd James (Southampton - defender/midfielder) and Kayne McLaggon (Southampton - striker) into the first team squad this season.

Paul Dummett : photo linked from nufc.co.ukPaul Dummett (right) (Newcastle - defender) Won pre season silverware as the U18's won the Bosnia Trophy this week with a 4-1 win against Sofia in the final.  The Wales youth international and his colleagues were up against sides such as Crvena Zvedva (previously Red Star Belgrade) and were unbeaten in the eight team tournament. 




Iain Edmunds (Shrewsbury - midfielder) Will join the long list of Welsh youth player at Shrewsbury after being taken on as a scholar.  The Wales U16 international will now hope to make an impression on Welshman Nigel Vaughan who is the youth team coach. 

Emyr Huws (Swansea - midfielder) Looks to be back at Swansea City after a nightmare spell with Man City came to an end.  Huws moved from the Swans to City but was not allowed to play for them due to the fact that he did not live in the 90 minutes distance rule.  He spent all of last season training, rather than playing for the City youth team allegedly. 

Kyle Letheren (Plymouth - goalkeeper) Has signed a short term contract at Home Park as cover to for injuries to senior squad keepers.  He will now hope to impress the coaching staff and extend his stay at the Championship clubs. 

Levin Mackin (Wrexham - midfielder) Has been released by the Dragons as Dean Saunders continues his planning for next season.  He has joined York City where he spent some time on loan last season. 

Jonathan North (Watford - goalkeeper) Made the bench for the Carling Cup game against Barnet on Tuesday night.  It was a bit of strange appearance as he was forced out of the Wales U21 international with a hand injury by all accounts. 

Aaron Phillips (Coventry - defender) Has been called up to the Wales U17 training camp.  The former Wales U16 international is the son of Dave Phillips who won an amazing 62 caps for Wales.

Conor Roberts (Tranmere - midfielder) Will return from Wales U17 duty and join the new in take of scholars at Prenton Park.  The youngster was one of nine new scholars and will join second year Jack Mackreth (Tranmere - midfielder) at the club.

David Stephens : photo linked from faw.org.ukDavid Stephens (left) (Norwich - defender) Has signed his first professional contract at Carrow Road over the summer.  The Wales U19 international has started several games during pre season and will look to make an impression before the start of the season.








Ben Swallow (Bristol Rovers - forward) Made a home cameo appearances off the bench against Aldershot in the Carling Cup this week.  The former Cardiff City academy member came off the bench after 73 minutes in the 2-1 win. 

Ashton Taylor (Tranmere - defender/midfielder) Admits that he will play anywhere if it means being involved with the first team squad under new manager John Barnes.  Taylor started off as a defender with the youth team before moving into a midfield spot last season.  His pre season performances must have worked as he started in the 2-0 loss to Yeovil.  He also signed a new one year contract this week that will keep him at the club until 2011.

"I'll play wherever I'm told if it means I get a chance to play." - Ashton Taylor.

Alex Titchener (Crewe - striker) Signed his first professional contract over the summer and will now look to push on after some impressive performances for the U18 side last season. "There were times last season when I was down and not knowing what was going to happen, so it was really emotional to be told I'd got a professional contract." - Alex Titchener.

Sam Wedgbury (Sheffield Utd/Ferencvaros - midfielder) Is enjoying life on loan in Hungary as the midfielder starts his second season with Ferencvaros.  With his side now back in the Hungarian top flight, it's been a mixed bag as they beat ZTE 4-1 in the opening fixture and lost the second 3-1, with Wedgbury getting his sides consolation.  The Worcester born midfielder is due to return to Brammell Lane in January to fight for a first team spot.    

James Wood (Man City - goalkeeper) Followed in Dad, George Wood's footsteps by signing a professional contract.  The Scotish U17 international qualifies for Wales after being born in South Wales and raised in Beddau.  Wood played for both Wales and Scotland at U16 level before opting for the Scots during the Victory Shield.
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