A number of Welsh players (and managers!) were playing musical chairs over the summer. And even when they weren't moving, there were people making up rumours about them moving. Here is a possibility incomplete list of where the Welsh players are now and where they might have been if the papers had all been telling the truth for once.
Arsenal
Sanchez Watt went back to Leeds United on a season-long loan.
Aaron Ramsey signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
Welsh Players: One - Aaron Ramsey plus Sanchez Watt (out on loan/wants to play for England)
Aston Villa
Mark Hughes was linked with the vacant manager job despite having only just joined Fulham. At the moment he’s still at Fulham.
Welsh Players: One and a half - James Collins, Elliot Parish (who wants to play for England)
Birmingham City
Welsh Players: None
Blackburn Rovers
Jason Brown was rumoured to be leaving in search of first-team football. He now seems to be Blackburn’s fourth-choice keeper so he probably wishes he had.
Blackburn were said to be interested in signing David Jones from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Welsh Players: One - Jason Brown
Blackpool
David Vaughan’s contract came to an end with the option to extend it for another year. The option was taken.
Rob Edwards had a similar contract situation. His option was not taken but he was offered a new one-year contract with an extension option.
Daniel Nardiello was released following Blackpool’s promotion to the Premier League. He has now joined Exeter City.
Brett Pitman was given the chance to join the Tangerines but the Bournemouth striker decided to go to Bristol City instead.
Welsh Players: Three - Neal Eardley, Rob Edwards, David Vaughan
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton were linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder David Jones.
Welsh Players: One - Sam Ricketts
Chelsea
Rhys Taylor has joined Crewe Alexandra on loan. The original loan deal ends soon but Rhys and Crewe are hoping to extend it.
Welsh Players: None, plus Rhys Taylor (out on loan)
Friday, 3 September 2010
Montenegro v Wales News 3rd September 2010
Wales squad to face Montenegro
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown, Wayne Hennessey, Boaz Myhill
Defenders: Gareth Bale, James Collins, Neal Eardley, Chris Gunter, Craig Morgan, Sam Ricketts, Ashley Williams
Midfielders: David Cotterill, Andy Dorman, David Edwards, Andy King, Joe Ledley, David Vaughan
Forwards: Craig Bellamy, Simon Church, Robert Earnshaw, Ched Evans, Steve Morison
Wales’ only fitness doubt for the match is Craig Morgan, who has a foot injury. With Danny Gabbidon already out with a calf injury, Wales are a bit short in central defence. If Craig is also unable to play, James Collins and Ashley Williams are the only recognised central defenders although Sam Ricketts played well there for Bolton Wanderers last season and Chris Gunter has also played at centre back in the past.
BBC Sport says Andy King is out with a groin injury but it’s possible they mean Andrew Crofts. He definitely does have a groin injury but he wasn’t mentioned in the BBC Sport report.
Also on the sidelines are Darcy Blake (foot) and Brian Stock (back). Danny, Darcy, Andrew and Brian were named in John Toshack’s original squad. In addition, players including Lewin Nyatanga, Jack Collison, Aaron Ramsey and Sam Vokes were not considered due to injury.
Craig Bellamy is expected to be Wales’ captain so presumably the injury he suffered in Cardiff City’s last game is now gone. I actually haven’t heard anything about it since reading the news that Craig had a ‘heavily bandaged’ knee after the match. Craig believes his recent move to Cardiff City will help his performance for Wales.
There was some concern that in-form inspiration Gareth Bale might drop out after he missed Wales’ last two matches but he’s fine as far as I know. Left back Gareth is expected to play as one of three attackers, the others being Craig B and Steve Morison.
Tosh isn’t surprised Gareth Bale is doing so well at Tottenham Hotspur. He’s been playing for Wales for five years. Tosh also reveals that a ‘big money’ bid was made for Gareth during the transfer window.
Tosh has a word of criticism for Gareth’s club manager Harry Redknapp however – he says Redknapp was wrong to doubt Gareth’s ability and also wrong to claim all the credit for himself. Gareth was a great player long before Redknapp got involved.
And it's not just Gareth's managers and fans who can see his greatness. Montenegro are worried about facing Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy but they know quite a bit about Gareth already – the manager’s son, Niko Kranjcar, plays for Tottenham.
John Toshack’s biggest decision, according to Sky Sports, is whether Boaz Myhill or Wayne Hennessey will start in goal but BBC Sport thnks it’ll be Wayne who’s chosen.
Tosh says Wales have to beat Montenegro tonight but he is concerned Wales' caused won't be helped by the
choice of referee.
Tosh says Wales will not be fighting dirty against Montenegro and he has no idea where those rumours came from.
Tosh even has Robbie Savage’s support.
Interview with Chris Gunter about Montenegro v Wales
Joe Ledley is expecting the match against Montenegro to be a real battle. But Craig Bellamy thinks they can not only beat Montenegro but qualify for Euro 2012.
Goalkeepers: Jason Brown, Wayne Hennessey, Boaz Myhill
Defenders: Gareth Bale, James Collins, Neal Eardley, Chris Gunter, Craig Morgan, Sam Ricketts, Ashley Williams
Midfielders: David Cotterill, Andy Dorman, David Edwards, Andy King, Joe Ledley, David Vaughan
Forwards: Craig Bellamy, Simon Church, Robert Earnshaw, Ched Evans, Steve Morison
Wales’ only fitness doubt for the match is Craig Morgan, who has a foot injury. With Danny Gabbidon already out with a calf injury, Wales are a bit short in central defence. If Craig is also unable to play, James Collins and Ashley Williams are the only recognised central defenders although Sam Ricketts played well there for Bolton Wanderers last season and Chris Gunter has also played at centre back in the past.
BBC Sport says Andy King is out with a groin injury but it’s possible they mean Andrew Crofts. He definitely does have a groin injury but he wasn’t mentioned in the BBC Sport report.
Also on the sidelines are Darcy Blake (foot) and Brian Stock (back). Danny, Darcy, Andrew and Brian were named in John Toshack’s original squad. In addition, players including Lewin Nyatanga, Jack Collison, Aaron Ramsey and Sam Vokes were not considered due to injury.
Craig Bellamy is expected to be Wales’ captain so presumably the injury he suffered in Cardiff City’s last game is now gone. I actually haven’t heard anything about it since reading the news that Craig had a ‘heavily bandaged’ knee after the match. Craig believes his recent move to Cardiff City will help his performance for Wales.
There was some concern that in-form inspiration Gareth Bale might drop out after he missed Wales’ last two matches but he’s fine as far as I know. Left back Gareth is expected to play as one of three attackers, the others being Craig B and Steve Morison.
Tosh isn’t surprised Gareth Bale is doing so well at Tottenham Hotspur. He’s been playing for Wales for five years. Tosh also reveals that a ‘big money’ bid was made for Gareth during the transfer window.
Tosh has a word of criticism for Gareth’s club manager Harry Redknapp however – he says Redknapp was wrong to doubt Gareth’s ability and also wrong to claim all the credit for himself. Gareth was a great player long before Redknapp got involved.
And it's not just Gareth's managers and fans who can see his greatness. Montenegro are worried about facing Gareth Bale and Craig Bellamy but they know quite a bit about Gareth already – the manager’s son, Niko Kranjcar, plays for Tottenham.
John Toshack’s biggest decision, according to Sky Sports, is whether Boaz Myhill or Wayne Hennessey will start in goal but BBC Sport thnks it’ll be Wayne who’s chosen.
Tosh says Wales have to beat Montenegro tonight but he is concerned Wales' caused won't be helped by the
choice of referee.
Tosh says Wales will not be fighting dirty against Montenegro and he has no idea where those rumours came from.
Tosh even has Robbie Savage’s support.
Interview with Chris Gunter about Montenegro v Wales
Joe Ledley is expecting the match against Montenegro to be a real battle. But Craig Bellamy thinks they can not only beat Montenegro but qualify for Euro 2012.
Thursday, 2 September 2010
Montenegro v Wales News 2nd September 2010
Chris Gunter believes that Craig Bellamy and Gareth Bale will help Wales into Euro 2012. I think the Wales right back will be a big help too…
David Vaughan would love to see Wales in Euro 2012 and is just one of the players who feels they owe John Toshack a successful tournament. David is enjoying life in the Premier League and hopes it will be more than just one season.
Dave Edwards says Wales can qualify but it won’t be easy.
Chris Gunter, James Collins, David Cotterill and Craig Bellamy think Gareth Bale will be a key player for Wales.
John Toshack want Wales’ home match against England to be played at the Cardiff City stadium. But the Welsh FA are thought to want it played in the Millennium Stadium. I’m on Tosh’s side.
Former Wales and Norwich City star Iwan Roberts thinks Andrew Crofts will be missed when Wales take on Montenegro.
Steve Morison’s job used to be shredding confidential papers. Even Millwall is a bit of a step up. Representing Wales in a competitive game will show how far he’s come since then. But he wouldn’t have got this far without Millwall manager – and former Welsh international - Kenny Jackett. Kenny thinks Steve will do very well for Wales.
David Vaughan would love to see Wales in Euro 2012 and is just one of the players who feels they owe John Toshack a successful tournament. David is enjoying life in the Premier League and hopes it will be more than just one season.
Dave Edwards says Wales can qualify but it won’t be easy.
Chris Gunter, James Collins, David Cotterill and Craig Bellamy think Gareth Bale will be a key player for Wales.
John Toshack want Wales’ home match against England to be played at the Cardiff City stadium. But the Welsh FA are thought to want it played in the Millennium Stadium. I’m on Tosh’s side.
Former Wales and Norwich City star Iwan Roberts thinks Andrew Crofts will be missed when Wales take on Montenegro.
Steve Morison’s job used to be shredding confidential papers. Even Millwall is a bit of a step up. Representing Wales in a competitive game will show how far he’s come since then. But he wouldn’t have got this far without Millwall manager – and former Welsh international - Kenny Jackett. Kenny thinks Steve will do very well for Wales.
Montenegro v Wales News 1st September 2010
James Collins tells Wales to go on the attack against Montenegro – it’s time to qualify for something. And with Gareth Bale and a very happy Craig Bellamy in the team, qualification is a very real posdsibility. England – watch out!
Dave Edwards agrees with James.
Steve Morison also has a big part to play for Wales
Wayne Hennessey says he’ll be 100% behind Boaz Myhill if he’s chosen to play in goal ahead of Wales. It’s just a shame he won’t literally be behind him. Just imagine, Wayne coming out to deal with crosses while Bo stays behind him on the line. They’d make a great team.
Craig Morgan is a doubt for Wales as he’s picked up a foot injury.
But namesake Craig Bellamy is so happy, his team-mates almost don’t recognise him. Craig’s injury increases James Collins’ chance of starting in central defence.
Ellis Bellamy, son of Craig, scored a hat-trick on his Wales debut for the under-14s. His opponents were the under-16 girls.
Dave Edwards agrees with James.
Steve Morison also has a big part to play for Wales
Wayne Hennessey says he’ll be 100% behind Boaz Myhill if he’s chosen to play in goal ahead of Wales. It’s just a shame he won’t literally be behind him. Just imagine, Wayne coming out to deal with crosses while Bo stays behind him on the line. They’d make a great team.
Craig Morgan is a doubt for Wales as he’s picked up a foot injury.
But namesake Craig Bellamy is so happy, his team-mates almost don’t recognise him. Craig’s injury increases James Collins’ chance of starting in central defence.
Ellis Bellamy, son of Craig, scored a hat-trick on his Wales debut for the under-14s. His opponents were the under-16 girls.
Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Welsh Player News 31st August (League Two)
Crewe Alexandra would like Rhys Taylor to extend his loan from Chelsea. His current loan expires on September 8th.
As soon as I heard Shrewsbury Town striker Tom Bradshaw had been to school in Wales, I knew what Wales had to do. Luckily they’ve done it – they’ve named Tom in the under-19 squad to face Liechtenstein away in a friendly. Let’s hope he loves playing for Wales. He’s a seriously promising player.
As soon as I heard Shrewsbury Town striker Tom Bradshaw had been to school in Wales, I knew what Wales had to do. Luckily they’ve done it – they’ve named Tom in the under-19 squad to face Liechtenstein away in a friendly. Let’s hope he loves playing for Wales. He’s a seriously promising player.
League Two Results 28th August 2010 Part 2
Macclesfield Town 1-1 Chesterfield
Macclesfield were predicted to struggle while Chesterfield, it was thought, had a good chance of promotion. So far both teams are behaving as expected, with Chesterfield in the play-off places and Macclesfield needing this point in order to be out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Sam Wedgbury was back on the bench for Macclesfield after starting the last match.
Craig Davies didn’t make the Chesterfield debut he was hoping for – his afternoon was ended early with a red card. His second game went so much better. He scored his first goal for the club and as it was an equaliser, it was a very important goal too.
Morecambe 1-1 Gillingham
Both teams got their second point of the season in this match. It keeps them both out of the bottom two but it isn’t quite so helpful where promotion challenges are concerned. Although to be fair maybe a challenge is exactly what they do have
Darren Moss started the match for Morecambe but was replaced at half-time.
Northampton Town 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers
A sixth 1-1 draw for League Two (Barnet and Bury also drew 1-1 but they have no Welsh players) was played out between Northampton and Wycombe. A win for Wycombe would have put them in the play-off places but then Northampton scored a late penalty to draw their third consecutive game – and win their third point.
Paul Walker wasn’t on the bench for Northampton.
Port Vale 1-2 Torquay United
Port Vale have had a good start to the season but they must have got a bit worried when they realised Torquay would be visiting Vale Park. Torquay have won all of their league matches so far this season (their only defeat was to Championship side Reading – and even that only happened in extra time) and they haven’t lost in the league for five months.
Port Vale played well and did everything they could and fought hard but Torquay have a reverse Gareth Bale curse and they won’t be stopped as easily as that.
Port Vale’s Gareth Owen departed the field after 28 minutes after suffering an eye injury.
Stockport County 0-4 Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury continue their promotion push and Stockport were pushed aside quite emphatically. Stockport’s last win in the league was at least two months before Torquay United’s last defeat.
Owain fon Williams would probably rather I didn’t mention him as he was the poor man who was in goal for Stockport. It wasn’t his fault though as far as I can see.
Tom Bradshaw was on the bench for Shrewsbury
Macclesfield were predicted to struggle while Chesterfield, it was thought, had a good chance of promotion. So far both teams are behaving as expected, with Chesterfield in the play-off places and Macclesfield needing this point in order to be out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Sam Wedgbury was back on the bench for Macclesfield after starting the last match.
Craig Davies didn’t make the Chesterfield debut he was hoping for – his afternoon was ended early with a red card. His second game went so much better. He scored his first goal for the club and as it was an equaliser, it was a very important goal too.
Morecambe 1-1 Gillingham
Both teams got their second point of the season in this match. It keeps them both out of the bottom two but it isn’t quite so helpful where promotion challenges are concerned. Although to be fair maybe a challenge is exactly what they do have
Darren Moss started the match for Morecambe but was replaced at half-time.
Northampton Town 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers
A sixth 1-1 draw for League Two (Barnet and Bury also drew 1-1 but they have no Welsh players) was played out between Northampton and Wycombe. A win for Wycombe would have put them in the play-off places but then Northampton scored a late penalty to draw their third consecutive game – and win their third point.
Paul Walker wasn’t on the bench for Northampton.
Port Vale 1-2 Torquay United
Port Vale have had a good start to the season but they must have got a bit worried when they realised Torquay would be visiting Vale Park. Torquay have won all of their league matches so far this season (their only defeat was to Championship side Reading – and even that only happened in extra time) and they haven’t lost in the league for five months.
Port Vale played well and did everything they could and fought hard but Torquay have a reverse Gareth Bale curse and they won’t be stopped as easily as that.
Port Vale’s Gareth Owen departed the field after 28 minutes after suffering an eye injury.
Stockport County 0-4 Shrewsbury Town
Shrewsbury continue their promotion push and Stockport were pushed aside quite emphatically. Stockport’s last win in the league was at least two months before Torquay United’s last defeat.
Owain fon Williams would probably rather I didn’t mention him as he was the poor man who was in goal for Stockport. It wasn’t his fault though as far as I can see.
Tom Bradshaw was on the bench for Shrewsbury
League Two Results 28th August 2010 Part 1
Aldershot Town 1-1 Stevenage
Aldershot probably thought they’d won it when they were avoided a late penalty but the Stevenage keeper had other ideas. The rebound went into the net but it was disallowed for an infringement.
Darren Jones played in defence for Aldershot. Aaron Morris wasn’t in the squad.
Cheltenham Town 2-1 Burton Albion
Cheltenham had a difficult time last season but they’re at the right end of League Two for now – they’re up in the play-offs after beating the previously unbeaten Burton.
Josh Low said this week that it was time the Cheltenham midfielders starting scoring and he clearly listened to himself. Josh got Cheltenham’s winner in the 82nd minute – just two minutes after their equaliser. Josh is scarily clever by the way. Burton don’t know how they lost but Josh probably does.
Tony James and Garyn Preen were on the bench for Burton.
Hereford United 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham are in joint second place after beating Hereford away. Hereford looked strong in the early part of the game but a goal from Rotherham was enough to take all three points.
Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine played in defence for Hereford while Stuart Fleetwood came close to a goal for the home side.
Lincoln City 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
Crewe won 7-0 last week but although they stretched their unbeaten run to three matches, a draw was the best they could do. Lincoln are technically on relegation form but so are half the teams in League Two.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
Aldershot probably thought they’d won it when they were avoided a late penalty but the Stevenage keeper had other ideas. The rebound went into the net but it was disallowed for an infringement.
Darren Jones played in defence for Aldershot. Aaron Morris wasn’t in the squad.
Cheltenham Town 2-1 Burton Albion
Cheltenham had a difficult time last season but they’re at the right end of League Two for now – they’re up in the play-offs after beating the previously unbeaten Burton.
Josh Low said this week that it was time the Cheltenham midfielders starting scoring and he clearly listened to himself. Josh got Cheltenham’s winner in the 82nd minute – just two minutes after their equaliser. Josh is scarily clever by the way. Burton don’t know how they lost but Josh probably does.
Tony James and Garyn Preen were on the bench for Burton.
Hereford United 0-1 Rotherham United
Rotherham are in joint second place after beating Hereford away. Hereford looked strong in the early part of the game but a goal from Rotherham was enough to take all three points.
Ryan Green and Ryan Valentine played in defence for Hereford while Stuart Fleetwood came close to a goal for the home side.
Lincoln City 1-1 Crewe Alexandra
Crewe won 7-0 last week but although they stretched their unbeaten run to three matches, a draw was the best they could do. Lincoln are technically on relegation form but so are half the teams in League Two.
Rhys Taylor was in goal for Crewe.
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