Aberystwyth Town Football Club are delighted to announce the additions of Gavin Jones and Louis Bradford ahead of our JD Cymru Premier opener vs Cardiff Met on Saturday the 12th.
Carmarthen-born Gavin joins the Seasiders from Cymru South outfit Ammanford AFC having impressed in the 2nd division last season. A pacey and tenacious midfielder, the 21-year-old is a strong addition to Gavin Allen’s options in the middle of the park. Jones is probably most well-known for his stellar JD Welsh Cup performance versus then-Cymru Premier side Carmarthen Town, as the Black & White Army cruised to a 4-0 victory against The Old Gold with 2 goals apiece from Gavin and legendary teammate Lee Trundle. Highlights of that impressive showing can be found HERE and HERE. Also joining the squad is 18-year-old defender Louis Bradford, who joins the Seasiders on loan through Phase 1 from The New Saints. Wolverhampton-born Louis has impressed in TNS’ Academy sides, enough so to secure himself a loan move in the JD Cymru Premier. A tall and agile defender, Louis is proficient through the middle or as a right-back and will bolster Gavin Allen’s options at the back. First Team Coach Bari Morgan said: "Gavin's talents were obvious last year with Ammanford and he's impressed us during his trial. He offers us another option in midfield to compliment the lads we've already brought to the club. As for Louis, his performances in training and during friendlies have been impressive, and his versatility is key to our defensive options. We're delighted to be bring both lads to Park Avenue" Welcome both to Park Avenue - we look forward to a successful season together! ABERYSTWYTH TOWN vs CARDIFF MET: MATCH PREVIEW
Aberystwyth Town vs Cardiff Metropolitan University JD Cymru Premier Saturday 12th September (KO 14.30) MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Competitive football finally returns to Park Avenue on Saturday afternoon with the visit of Cardiff Metropolitan University for the first JD Cymru Premier match of the 2020/21 season. It has been a long six months since the Black & Greens’ last league match, a 2-2 draw at Cefn Druids, and the intervening period has seen a number of changes at the club. Most notably, Gavin Allen has moved up from Assistant Manager to become Manager, with Matthew Bishop becoming Football Consultant. Gavin explained in his first interview as Aberystwyth Town manager that he was looking to change the culture of the club: “I’m looking at the youth, I’m looking at the kids that we’ve got coming through. It’s a project at the club at this moment in time – for the next few years. We’re also looking for players that been in the pro game and have the desire to get back into the pro game. It will be a young squad this year, but it will be a fit squad”. The Black & Greens recruitment drive for 2020/21 has therefore seen the addition of defenders Sam Barnes & Rhys Davies; midfielders Jamie Veale, Gwion Owen & Steven Hewitt and forwards Owain Jones and George Harry. In addition to the new recruits, local boys Jack Rimmer, Jonathan Evans & Harri Rowe all return to the club having impressed in the Cymru North & South Leagues last season, alongside first-time Seasider Steff Davies. A limited pre-season has seen Aber play a number of games behind closed doors - home matches against Haverfordwest County & Market Drayton Town. After a 2-1 defeat to Haverfordwest, the Market Drayton match saw an impressive display, with a Steff Davies brace securing a 2-0 victory against opponents from the English non-league system. Manager Gavin Allen explained after that match that the team would step up preparations for their return to action this week with a couple of training sessions followed by the squad taking advantage of a method of communication that has become popular during the Covid-19 situation, and conducting a Zoom call to discuss specifics ahead of Saturday’s match. Looking ahead to the start of the season, Allen commented “It is vital that you get off to a good start. We’ve got a young squad, its all about confidence and if you can build on the confidence, hopefully we can progress”. Cardiff Met have also warmed up for their return to action with a win and a draw. Their most recent friendly saw them defeat Cardiff City’s Under 23 side 1-0, after a 2-1 defeat at Newtown on August 29th. They are, of course, managed by well-respected former Aberystwyth Town defender Dr. Christian Edwards, who has overseen a remarkable rise during his time at the club, culminating in last year’s playoff final win against Bala Town and an appearance in the Europa League. Cardiff Met always provide a stern test for any team in the Cymru Premier and Saturday’s game is guaranteed to be competitive, exciting and unpredictable as top-level Welsh football returns after its 6-month absence. Unfortunately, supporters cannot be admitted into Park Avenue to watch the game due to Covid-19 regulations. However, you can follow all the action via the regular updates on our Twitter page @AberystwythTown. All at Aberystwyth Town Football Club thank the Green Army for you continued support throughout this unprecedented period. We look forward immensely to welcoming you all back once it is safe to do so. Football is back! Read the official matchday programme “The Seasider” HERE Aberystwyth Town Football Club are proud to announce legendary Black & Green manager Meirion Appleton as Club President. A stalwart of Welsh football since the 1970s, the Bont native has devoted his life to the development of football in Wales.
After a playing career with his home village of Bont and Aberystwyth Town, Meirion turned to coaching and management. “Appy” spent many years coaching in the Aberystwyth Junior League before first taking charge of Aber in 1982, enjoying two separate spells in charge over the subsequent 17 years. He presided over the most successful period in the club’s history in the mid-1980s, picking up two Welsh Intermediate Cups, two Central Wales League Championships, not to mention Central Wales Cups, League Cups and Summer Cups. There were also two unforgettable Welsh Cup Quarter Finals against Newport County in 1986 - the initial 3-3 draw at Park Avenue attracting an incredible crowd of 2,717. He later had a spell managing the club in the Welsh Premier League and went on to win the Welsh Cup with Bangor City in 2000. In 2019, Meirion was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to football by the Football Association of Wales Trust. He was given a standing ovation at the presentation, which was made by the Trust’s Chief Executive Neil Ward at the Celtic Manor Resort during a FAW National Coaches Conference. The Trust has been instrumental in identifying, developing, and preparing talented young players to support the future success of the Welsh national teams at all levels, and Meirion continues to play a key role whenever called upon. Club Chairman Donald Kane said: “Meirion’s record with Aberystwyth speaks for itself - a record of trophy wins and achievements that will never be replicated. With a great eye for player talent, his attacking teams were a joy to watch as he won several league titles and cups at Park Avenue, not forgetting his Welsh Cup victory with Bangor City. In fact, I think he only ever lost one cup final as Aberystwyth Town manager – a truly incredible feat. These achievements, along with his association with the FAW, mean we are blessed to have a man with such knowledge and enthusiasm for the game at the club. We are delighted that he accepted our approach to take on this distinguished role.” Upon taking his role, Meirion said: I am delighted to serve Aberystwyth Town as Club President - it is certainly an honour that I will cherish. Diolch i bawb am yr anrhydedd. Croeso adref, Appy! Saturday 5th September
Pre Season Friendly Aberystwyth Town 2 Market Drayton Town 0 Aberystwyth Town welcomed Market Drayton Town to Ceredigion this afternoon for the final friendly ahead of next week’s Cymru Premier opener against Cardiff Metropolitan University. The visitors, in their red & white checked shirts, travelled from their Shropshire base ahead of an FA Cup Qualifying tie next week, before they start their Northern Premier League South East campaign. Aber started the game in a dominant fashion, and had a couple of good chances to take the lead within the first 10 minutes. Jonathan Evans hit the bar on 6 minutes – connecting with an excellent cross from the left by Harri Rowe and then four minutes later, Jamie Veale intercepted well in the midfield and his chipped cross was headed towards goal by Marc Williams, which led to a good save by the Market Drayton keeper. Aber continued to control the first half with Marc Williams, Jamie Veale and new signing Gwion Owen orchestrating things in central midfield. On 17 minutes, a defence splitting pass from Veale after good work from Owain Jones on the left, set up Jonathan Evans who fired just wide. Evans had another chance a couple of minutes later after a low cross from Harri Rowe before Market Drayton had their first real opportunity when a ball from deep was headed wide – with their forward eventually being ruled offside. After half an hour, Aber’s dominance finally paid off. A Harri Rowe corner was punched clear by goalkeeper Agius, however Jamie Veale flicked the ball back from the edge of the box and Steff Davies put Aber 1-0 up with a header from 6 yards. Market Drayton could have been back on level terms immediately, as a mistake in Aber’s midfield gave Drayton’s No. 8 a chance from the edge of the box – but he fired wide. Drayton had another opportunity a couple of minutes later, with the lively No. 8 bursting down Aber’s right side but Lee Jenkins did well to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick. On 40 minutes it was 2-0 to the home side, as Steff Davies was set up by Jonathan Evans, whose shot was too powerful for the Drayton keeper to hold. Drayton had another chance to get one back before half time, but Marc Williams did well to intercept on the edge of the box, and the half time score was 2-0 to Aber. There was one change at the break with Matty Jones replacing Owain Jones. Aber had a couple of chances early on in the second half. A free kick from Harri Rowe saw Steff Davies challenge the Market Drayton keeper, who held well, before a Gwion Owen cross was headed just wide by Matty Jones. A variety of changes were made by both sides early in the second half – with Alex Pennock, Ilan Hughes, Richie Ricketts and a number of trialists introduced for the home side. Following the changes, both teams had chances with Marc Williams just failing to connect with a Matty Jones cross that flashed across the box and Drayton’s No.4 firing over from 20 yards. Aber had the ball in the net on 65 minutes through Matty Jones, following a through ball from Richie Ricketts, although Jones was ruled to be offside. The game then entered a quieter period for around 15 minutes, before a few chances for both sides in the final ten. On 80 minutes, the lively Ricketts fired just wide from twenty yards, before both no. 8 and no. 4 for Drayton saw shots saved by Pennock. At the other end, Drayton’s keeper pulled off a good double save from both an Aber trialist and Marc Williams, before good work again from Richie Ricketts saw a header from a different trialist cleared off the goal line. There was just time for Ilan Hughes and Drayton’s No. 4 to register shots before the full-time whistle sounded, with the score line 2-0 to the hosts. Another game in the bank for Gavin Allen’s men as we ramp up preparations ahead of the JD Cymru Premier opener vs Cardiff Met next Saturday. Thank you to all the Market Drayton staff and players for making the trip to the Ceredigion coast – best of luck to you this season! Aberystwyth Town Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Gwion Owen from Ruthin Town following a successful trial period. The 25-year-old energetic midfielder reunites with former teammate Ilan Hughes as he joins Gavin Allen’s squad for our final week of preparation ahead of next week’s season opener!
Welsh-speaking Gwion hails from Llannefydd, near Denbigh, and has impressed in the JD Cymru North with many standout performances since joining Ruthin in 2017. He picked up the club’s Player’s Player of the Season award in 2017/18 and in 2019/20 – captained by Hughes until his departure for Park Avenue in January 2020. Owen was credited with many strong showings throughout, a highlight being his 85th minute equaliser vs Bangor City in October (pictured). Gwion shone as a half-time sub trialist during Town’s 1-2 pre-season loss to Haverfordwest County last week, immediately demonstrating his pace and power as Aber pulled a goal back early. This, alongside consistency in training, has secured Gwion the move to the JD Cymru Premier. Upon joining, Gwion said: I can't wait to start playing in the Cymru Premier and for Aber. It's a step up for me but I’m ready for the challenge to push myself and play at the highest level possible. I had a good chat with Gav about the way he wants to play, and I thought it suited my style of play. He said that the club is on the up and told me about his plans to change the club going forward. I also spoke to Ilan (Hughes) and he only had great things to say about the club. I hope to bring energy to the team and use my versatility by playing in different positions if needed. As for my ambitions: everyone wants to finish in the top 6 but hopefully we can aim to finish higher!” First team manager Gavin Allen said: I’m very pleased to secure Gwion’s signature for this season. He’s a versatile and very energetic player who I have watched for many seasons as a prospect I’d love to bring to the Cymru Prem. He has had a promising pre-season with us and I’m sure he will relish the competitiveness of playing at this higher level.” Croeso enfawr i Gwion oddi wrthym ni gyd yng Nghoedlan y Parc! |
Gem Nesaf
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Ebost / Email: AberTownFC@live.co.uk
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