Brief History Llansawel Football Club was formed in August 1985 by a group of fathers who's children were playing junior football for Giant's Grave Boys Club. The aim was to provide senior league football for youngsters in Briton Ferry who had left the junior system and wished to continue playing football in their local community. It has been 20 years since we entered the then old Division Five of the Neath and District Senior League and the club has successfully rose through the ranks culminating in 2005/2006 by becoming the first team in the 75 year history of the Neath League to complete the treble twice. 2005/2006 proved to be a landmark season which saw the club win 6 trophies including the Premier League, Premier Cup, Open Cup, Borough Cup, Rose Bowl and 75th Anniversary Trophy. A great season was capped with Llansawel’s gaining promotion into the Welsh League. The club’s emphasis is now to become an established Welsh League Club. This was evident last season when the club entered a team in the Welsh Reserve League and will continue for the 2008 – 2009 season with the club’s inaugural season in the MacWhirter Welsh Youth League. Colours: Black/Yellow Shirts, Black Shorts, Yellow Socks Joint Managers – Paul Vowles & Barrie Colwill Physio – Alun Selby. Player Profiles 2008 - 2009 Craig Richards – Defender Signed from Neath Athletic. Craig is very versatile and can play anywhere at the back or central midfield. He brings bags of welsh league experience to the squad. Steven Jones(Defender) Steve started his playing days at Lonlas u7. He played at youth level for Skewen Athletic and made a few appearances in the Welsh League team. He then moved to Park Rangers where he captained the club before moving to Llansawel. Daniel Triggs(Midfield) Daniel was an excellent schoolboy product and was soon picked up by a football league team(Nottingham Forest). Although things did not work out there he moved on to West Ham utd and Exeter City. He then moved back to play for Skewen Athletic in the Welsh League before moving on to the Afan Lido and Briton Ferry before settling at Llansawel. Martin Griffiths(Goalkeeper) Martin has ten years Welsh league experience behind him. He started his playing Career with Pontardawe Town and has had three spells with his home town club. He lists his former clubs as Neath, Skewen Athletic, Caerau, Goytre United and Gwynfi United. Martin is an excellent communicator who reckons he could have made it as a Centre-Half. Keith Phillips – Striker Signed from Briton Ferry. Keith is another big and strong centre forward that doesn’t give the opposition five minutes peace. He is extremely fit with a hammer of a right foot. Mark Thomas – Midfield Signed from Neath Athletic. Tomo is quick and sharp, an accurate passer, whose passion and commitment is second to none. Stephen Pugh(Defender) Steve began his career with the Afan Lido Football Club and remained loyal for eleven years. Steve was capped at boy’s club level at the age of 16. Known as the terrier, steves previous clubs include Afan Lido, Skewen Athletic, Goytre United, Port Talbot Town, and Corus Steel. Michael Walsh (Midfield) Mike is currently the longest serving player at Llansawel with over 19 years at the club. His first appearance was at 15 while still playing for Giants Grave Boys Club. Not yet classed as a veteran but getting there! Sawel is the only senior team he has played for, probably due a testimonial. Gareth Vaughen – Midfield Signed from Neath Athletic. Little Gaz as he is affectionately known is skilful, has excellent delivery. On his day can be a match winner in his own right and will look to add consistency to his exceptional ability during the new season. Gareth Jones – Striker Signed from Neath Athletic. Gareth is a big and strong centre forward who is excellent at leading the line. Good in the air and on the floor, he is sure to give opposition defences a tough day. Mark Hanford – Defender/Midfield Signed from Neath Athletic. Mark is a versatile player who is happy to play at the back or in midfield. Very stylish and an accurate passer. Gareth Evans (Defender) Known as Gruff, he is a local lad with good Welsh league pedigree having also represented Neath Athletic. Excellent in the air and reads the game extremely well. Paul Bailey – Defender Signed from Neath Athletic. Paul adds much experience to the team. His reading of play is second to none. Another with huge welsh league pedigree. Ryland Duffield - Goalkeeper Signed from Neath Athletic Ryland is an exciting prospect. Although young, plays with great maturity for a keeper. Excellent shot stopper and dominates his box. Andrew Shaw-Midfield Signed from Morriston Town. Shawsy will be a fine addition to the squad this year, skilful, strong and direct, with great delivery. Rob James-Defender/Midfield Signed from Morriston Town. Rob is a versatile player who can play both at the back and midfield, good in the air will provide much needed options for our management team. Leighton Connor- Defender Signed from Morriston Town. Leighton will bring an experience required at the heart of the defence, an all action no nonsense defender. Billy Timothy-Anywhere Signed from Neath Athletic. Billy was part of Neath Athletics fine first season in the Welsh Premier. Mr versatile Billy can play in most positions on the park; he has lightning speed and is a fine capture for the management team. (Club Captain)