Welsh Players Christmas-New Year matches 2010-11 (Championship, Part 4)

Swansea City
Neil Taylor had a mixed Christmas, starting off as a substitute and winning back his place in the starting line-up… only to suffer an ankle injury after two starts.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 20)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (starts, off 28)
Leicester A 2-1 (out, ankle)

Ashley Williams continued to set new records for number of consecutive starts by an outfield player at Swansea City. Luckily the yellow card was his second of the season rather than his fifth.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (Y conc pen 62, played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (played all)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)

Joe Allen remained a very important part of the Swansea City team, starting three matches and making appearances from the bench in the other two.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (played all)
QPR A 4-0 (played all)
Barnsley H 1-0 (bench, on 63)
Reading H 1-0 (played all)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench, on 72)

I’m not sure why David Cotterill needed a rest for the match about Queen’s Park Rangers but I bet manager Brendan Roberts really regrets leaving him out.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 66)
QPR A 4-0 (rested)
Barnsley H 1-0 (Y 92, played all)
Reading H 1-0 (bench)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)
Jermaine Easter slowly worked his way into Swansea’s starting line-up and was rewarded with a first goal – his first league goal of the season.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (bench, on 45)
QPR A 4-0 (bench, on 71)
Barnsley H 1-0 (starts, G1 27, off 63)
Reading H 1-0 (bench, on 71)
Leicester A 2-1 (starts, off 67)

Lee Lucas made his second appearance of the season in a matchday squad.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (bench)

Jazz Richards made his first league appearance of the season in the match against Leicester. He played 90 minutes, something he’d previously only done against Peterborough United in the Carling Cup.
Sheff Utd A 1-0 (unselected)
QPR A 4-0 (unselected)
Barnsley H 1-0 (unselected)
Reading H 1-0 (unselected)
Leicester A 2-1 (played all)

David Cornell, Danny Alfei, Joe Walsh, Kerry Morgan and Casey Thomas did not add to their appearances in Swansea squads.

Watford
Jonathan Bond hasn’t been on Watford’s bench for months.

Wales under-19s qualiify

The Wales under-19s have qualified for the Uefa Under-19 Championships after winning one and drawing two matches in their group. Turkey have also qualified, while Kazakhstan and Iceland are both out.

Wales 3-3 Turkey
Turkey opened the scoring early on and when Wales eventually found an equaliser through Aaron Holloway, Turkey went ahead two minutes later which is not what we like to see. In the 88th minute, Turkey were leading 3-1 but Wales didn’t give up and they were rewarded with two goals in two minutes, from Tom Bradshaw and Adam Matthews.
Wales: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Aaron Holloway (Bristol City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Reece Jones (AFC Wimbledon), Josh Dawkin (Norwich City), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City)
Subs: Daniel Ward (Wrexham), Max Penk (Wrexham), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), Kayelden Brown (West Bromwich Albion), Ibrahim Farah (Cardiff City), Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town)

Wales 2-1 Iceland
Adam Matthews missed an early penalty when Billy Bodin was fouled and Iceland went ahead after winning a penalty of their own. But this only meant that when Wales were awarded a second penalty, Wales knew how it was done and Billy Bodin stepped up himself and stuck it in the net in the 56th minute.
Substitute Elliot Chamberlain scored the winner in the 79th minute after a pass from Kieron Freeman and gave Wales a deserved win.
Wales: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Aaron Holloway (Bristol City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), Kayelden Brown (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town).
Subs: Daniel Ward (Wrexham), Max Penk (Wrexham), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Reece Jones (AFC Wimbledon), Josh Dawkin (Norwich City, Ibrahim Farah (Cardiff City), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City)

Wales 1 - 1 Kazakhstan
Wales drew in their final match but it was enough to send them through. Elliot Chamberlain was promoted to the starting line-up following his supersub performance against Iceland. It paid off when he found the net again to put Wales ahead after 50 minutes, with an assist by Lee Lucas. Unfortunately Kazakhstan found an equaliser shortly after the hour mark but Wales are through – and also unbeaten.
Wales: Daniel Ward (Wrexham), Daniel Alfei (Swansea City, Max Penk (Wrexham, Adam Matthews (Cardiff City), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Reece Jones (AFC Wimbledon), Kayelden Brown (West Bromwich Albion), Tom Bradshaw (Shrewsbury Town), Elliott Chamberlain (Leicester City)
Subs: Jonathan Bond (Watford), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Aaron Holloway (Bristol City), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), Joshua Dawkin (Norwich City), Ibrahim Farah (Cardiff City)

I don’t know much about Aaron Holloway, other than the fact he’s a defender, he plays for Bristol City and it was thought he could be in one of Bristol City’s squads during an injury crisis. But anyone who says ‘I love playing for Wales’ is very much in my good books.

Championship Results 2nd October 2010 Part 3

Sheffield United 0-1 Watford
Watford continue their great start to the season with an away victory over Sheffield United.
Sheffield United left Ched Evans on the bench again and guess what happened. They did okay with the creating chances part but there wasn’t really anyone to score from them – although they did bring Ched on later on to give him his 100th career appearance.

Swansea City 0-0 Derby County
Derby brought Swansea’s 100% home record to an end with a goalless draw
Ashley Williams had to work hard in defence for Swansea. He and Joe Allen both played the full match and both came close to scoring but Neil Taylor was dropped to the bench. Lee Lucas made his first appearance of the season on the bench – which is probably pretty excting when you’re Lee’s age.
Robbie Savage was the star for Derby as they continually thwarted Swansea before starting up an attack of their own. This was Robbie’s 100th start for Derby.

Welsh Summer Transfers 2010 (Championship, P-W)

Portsmouth
Portsmouth were also interested in Andy Dorman.
Welsh Players: None

Preston North End
Preston manager Darren Ferguson was interested in signing Craig Morgan from his former club Peterborough United. Craig wanted to go too but it looked like Preston’s financial situation would get in the way. But they must have found a way around it as Craig has signed for Preston on a four-year deal for £400,000.
Welsh Players: Two - Craig Morgan, Paul Parry

Queen's Park Rangers
Welsh Players: None

Reading
Reading were bracing themselves for bids for Simon Church but if they did get any, they kept it quiet.
Welsh Players: Three - Simon Church, Hal Robson-Kanu, Jake Taylor

Scunthorpe United
Welsh Players: None

Sheffield United
Gary Speed is now manager of Sheffield United. He started off as a player with Sheffield United and was a coach until accepting the job as manager.
Sam Wedgbury was released by Sheffield United. He has now joined Macclesfield Town.
Welsh Players: One - Ched Evans

Swansea City
Neil Taylor made his Wales debut when at Wrexham. It was a bit embarrassing having a non-league player playing for Wales but Neil was obviously too good for non-league as he signed for Swansea on a free transfer (although Swansea do have to pay compensation as he’s under 24) on a three-year contract.
Stoke City, Leicester City and Celtic were interested in signing Ashley Williams. He did say he wanted Premier League football but it looks like he’s going to have another go at getting promoted with Swansea.
Shaun MacDonald was offered the chance to join former loan side Yeovil Town permanently but he said he’d rather sign a new contract with Swansea and fight to be in the first team. But I don’t think he has signed a new contract and he’s now back at Yeovil Town on loan until January.
Kerry Morgan helped Newport County to get promoted to the Blue Square Premier last season. A number of league clubs were interested on taking him on loan this season but there was only one place he wanted to go – Newport. He will be there for the next five months.
Swansea’s academy scholar Lee Lucas signed a three-year contract, his first professional deal.
Daniel Alfei signed a one-year professional contract after graduating from Swansea’s Centre of Excellence.
Chad Bond left Swansea City for Neath Athletic following a successful trial.
John Hartson expressed an interest in managing Swansea but they didn’t take him up on the offer when Paolo Sousa left for Leicester. Gary Speed was also a contender for the job.
Matty Collins had an unsuccessful trial at Wycombe Wanderers before being released by Swansea. Matty then joined Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest County.
Swansea were interested in signing Brian Stock but Doncaster Rovers didn’t want to let him go.
Welsh Players: Six - David Cornell, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams, Joe Allen, David Cotterill, Jazz Richards, plus young players including Daniel Alfei, Joe Walsh, Lee Lucas and Casey Thomas (who are unlikely to have much involvement in the first team), plus Kerry Morgan (out on loan and young).

Watford
Watford released third-choice goalkeeper Jonathan North but offered fourth-choice goalkeeper Jonathan Bond a professional contract.
Welsh Players: One - Jonathan Bond

Welsh Player News (and rumours) 29th June ( Championship Part 2)

Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are fighting it out to sign Andy Dorman, who chose to leave Celtic after his contract came to an end. Portsmouth have also shown an interest.

Stoke City and Celtic are both hoping to sign Swansea City defender Ashley Williams.

Wexham’s Neil Taylor is very close to signing for Swansea City.

Shaun MacDonald was offered the chance to move to Yeovil Town full time following two very successful loan spells there last season. He names fellow Welshman Nathan Jones as just one of the people there who really helped him. However his loyalty lies with parent club Swansea City and he’s signed a new contract there. Well Shaun if it all goes tits up (not that I think it will) there’s still Somerset. Yeovil Town coach Darren Way thinks Shaun should do well this season.

Lee Lucas who is an Academy scholar at Swansea has signed a three-year contract.

Daniel Alfei has signed a one-year professional contract with Swansea City.

Swansea City win FAW Youth Cup

Swansea City have just won the FAW Youth Cup.

The team included goalkeeper Rhys Wilson, defenders Daniel Alfei, Matthew Whatley and Joe Walsh, midfielders Jordan Smith, Kurtis March and Lee Lucas, and unused substitutes Ashley Elsey and Sam Rose-Miles. I would assume striker Gwion Evans is Welsh too.
Runners-up Wrexham also had some Welshmen in their ranks. In fact, I’ve probably missed out one or two. Daniel Ward, Leon Clowes, Jordan Kane and Max Penk are certainly Welsh or at least eligible to play for Wales.

Wales v Northern Ireland (under-19 friendly)

I meant to post the squad ages ago but I'm useless so I didn't. The match was played on Wednesday but the result isn't on the FA Wales site yet. So I don't know what the result was but I'm sure Wales won ;)

WALES v NORTHERN IRELAND
The revised squad for the unofficial Under 19 friendly against Northern Ireland at Lileshall on Wednesday has been named.
Revised Wales squad:
Connor Roberts (Everton), Joseph Perry (Cheltenham Town), Daniel Alfei (Swansea City), Alex Evans (Cardiff City), Joe Walsh (Swansea City), Tom Bender (Colchester United), Jake Maceneaney (Burnley), Aynsley Mcdonald (Rushden & Diamonds), Jonathan Evans (Accrington Stanley), Lee Lucas (Swansea City), Jon Meades (Cardiff City), Jay Gibbs (Tranmere Rovers), Billy Bodin (Swindon Town), Kieron Freeman (Nottingham Forest), Josh Dawkin (Norwich City), Jonathan Williams (Crystal Palace), Kayelden Brown (West Bromwich Albion), Shane Williams (Unattached).
Stand by players:
Jonathan Bond (Watford), Daniel Ward (Wrexham), Max Penk (Wrexham), Emyr Huws (Manchester City), Thomas Lopes Da Silva (Swansea City). James Loveridge (Swansea City), Richard Peniket (Fulham).

Championship Fixtures 27th March Part 3

Swansea City v Ipswich Town
Swansea aim to bounce back from being thrashed by Blackpool. Defender Ashley Williams says this will inspire Swansea to victory over Ipswich.
David Cotterill was substituted at half-time against Blackpool so he might not play for Swansea. Joe Allen (knee) and Jazz Richards probably won’t be back from injury. Lee Lucas is an option for defensive cover.

Watford v Middlesbrough
Watford have games in hand but they need to win them. Middlesbrough have been doing a lot better lately and could be difficult to beat.
Rhys Williams, who is hoping to play for Australia in the World Cup, is likely to start again for Middlesbrough but Danny Coyne has been dropped to the bench and is likely to stay there.

Welsh Non-Keague/Reserves news

Aaron Morris, on loan from Cardiff City, was in Newport County’s team as they drew 0-0 with Blue Square Premier side York City in the FA Trophy. Kevin Gall and Danny Parslow were in York’s team. The replay is on Tuesday.

Troy Brown played for Ipswich Town’s reserve side as they drew 1-1 with Southend United reserves.
Ben Thatcher played 45 minutes for Ipswich and Roy Keane says he is progressing well as he recovers from a knee ligament injury.

Swansea City’s reserves lost 2-1 to Llanelli. Their side included David Cornell (goalkeeper), Daniel Alfei, Kristian O’Leary, Daniel Sheehan, Matty Collins (captain), Scott Evans and Chad Bond. Rhys Wilson (goalkeeper), Casey Thomas, Lee Lucas and Joe Walsh were among those on the substitutes’ bench.

Wales News

Southampton Reserves 3-0 Swansea City
Kayne McLaggon got an assist as Southampton thrashed Swansea. Ryan Doble replaced Kayne after 70 minutes with Garyn Preen coming off the bench fifteen minutes later.
However Swansea’s Welsh players had a lot less to be happy about. David Cornell played in goal Ashley Richards, Daniel Sheehan, Matty Collins, Scott Evans (replaced by Casey Thomas after 73 minutes) and Chad Bond also played with Daniel Alfei coming on after 73 minutes. Lee Lucas stayed on the bench. (At least, I think all these players played. I only saw their surnames so some of them could be other people.)