Porthmadog F.C.
| File:PorthmadogFC badge.jpg | |||
| Full name | Clwb Pêl Droed Porthmadog Porthmadog Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Port | ||
| Founded | 1884 | ||
| Ground | Y Traeth , Porthmadog | ||
| Capacity | 2,000 (500 seated) | ||
| Chairman | Phil Jones | ||
| Manager |  Osian Roberts / Viv Williams | ||
| League | League of Wales | ||
| 2006-07 | League of Wales, 11th | ||
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Porthmadog Football Club (Welsh: Clwb Pêl Droed Porthmadog) is a football team, playing in the League of Wales.
The club was founded in 1884 and plays at Y Traeth, Porthmadog, which accommodates 2,000 spectators (500 seated).
History
Porthmadog Football Club was founded in 1884, which makes them one of Wales' oldest clubs. In 1900, the club joined the North Wales League and the team won this league in 1902/03.
The '50s, '60s and '70s were successful decades for Port. The Welsh Amateur Cup was won in 1955/56 and 1956/57. After losing their amateur status, and signing Mel Charles, more success came to the Traeth. In 1966, they played against Swansea City in the Welsh Cup and, in the replay at the Vetch, Swansea's largest crowd of the season was attracted - 10,941. They then won the Welsh League (North) on 5 occasions in 9 years.
They had to wait until 1989/90 for Port's next championship win, when they won the Daily Post Welsh Alliance. This was enough to ensure Port's place as inaugural members of the Cymru Alliance League in 1990 and, in 1992, Port became inaugural members of the League of Wales (Konica League at the time).
While good work had been completed, to secure that the stadium reached the league's criteria, the team struggled to make an impact on the pitch. But, a late surge in the final months of the season, thanks mainly to the signing of striker Dave Taylor who netted freely, Manager, Meilyr Owen, picked up a manager of the month award, and the team finished in a respectable ninth place. Dave went on, in his second season, to become the league's top scorer as well as Europe - earning the European Golden Boot. During his spell at the club, he scored 62 goals in 66 games.
Despite the 70 goals netted by Dave Taylor and Marc Lloyd-Williams, in the 1993-4 season, the results were very inconsistent as they finished in 11th spot. Port did, however, break another record - the biggest attendance in the League of Wales. A crowd of 2,500 came to see Bangor City push for the league title. On the night, Bangor won by 2-0 and, therefore, won the league, and the right to play in Europe.
The third season started with a new manager, following the surprising decision to sack Meilyr Owen as club manager. Ex Wales International, Ian Edwards became manager but, after a good start, the team dropped from fourth position and he was sent packing. Things went from bad to worse after Mickey Thomas, ex Man. U., Wrexham and Wales player took over. His costly team were nearly relegated. Only, with the help of assistant Colin Hawkins, did the team manage to escape the drop.
The fourth season started with another change of manager. Colin Hawkins was promoted to the manager's job. On the field, this proved to be a very quiet season. Events off the field were anything but quiet. The club nearly folded because of the serious financial trouble but, thanks to the hard work of the directors, the club was re-launched as a limited company. £10,000 was raised through the sale of shares and extra money was raised through friendly matches, such as against Blackburn Rovers and a team of stars from S4C.
In 1996/97, with the financial situation much better, the team had a brilliant start to the season. No home game was lost until the New Year and, when Barry came to Y Traeth, it was second against fourth, with only goal difference separating both clubs. One of Port's most influential players, during the good start, was Paul Roberts. Before leaving the club to join Wrexham for £10,000, he had played for Wales Under-21 and was the league's top scorer. His chance to play for the Welsh youngsters came after he had scored for Port to beat them in a friendly match [Port 1:0 Wales U21].
After Paul's departure, Port's season changed completely, as they finished in tenth place. The season did, however, end on a high note, with a win against Caernarfon in the North Wales Coast Challenge Cup Final, following victories over Bangor and Colwyn Bay in earlier rounds.
In the 1997/98 season, Port's time in the League of Wales came to an end. Despite looking safe at the end of April, a string of difficult games in May, proved too much for Port. On the second of May at Fara Road, Bangor, Port's destiny would be decided. With Port's fixtures completed, they had to hope that Bangor, would be able to beat Haverfordwest. The game finished, Bangor 1, Haverfordwest 2 - Port finished fourth from bottom.
But, there was still a ray of hope that the decision to relegate Port to the Cymru Alliance could be overturned, with legal action against the League being considered. It was alleged that the decision to relegate four clubs, was taken during the season and that this was therefore, illegal. When Ebbw Vale were banned from the league, Port felt that the battle had been won. But Port were made to join the Cymru Alliance, when the club from Gwent decided to appeal against this decision at the very last minute.
After occupying the second spot for most of the 1998/99 season, things started to go down hill, in the New Year, with the news that Port would not be promoted due to a lack of facilities. This was a big blow that pushed Port into a mid-table finish. Some pride was restored as they won the League Cup, after beating Rhydymwyn in the final. There was also disappointment in the 1999-2000 season with the club only finishing in 5th place, despite a run of victories after Viv Williams took charge following the departure of Colin Hawkins. After another disappointing season in 2000-1, the club then took some positive steps forward in 2001-2, with Williams rebuilding the squad, raising the hopes of the fans that the good days were on their way back to Y Traeth.
The good days weren’t that far away, as Port went on to have one of the most successful seasons in their history in 2002-03. Every home game was won throughout the season, with the only two defeats coming after they had secured promotion with a 3-2 victory away at Buckley. Port were promoted to the Welsh Premier with an advantage of 19 points at the top of the Cymru Alliance. But things weren’t as straightforward as it seems with Port being accused of playing Richard Harvey without international clearance after signing him from Cemaes Bay. In the end the decision was made that Port were only technically guilty as he had played in Wales for a whole year before they had signed him. The relief after the decision gave Port a boost as they went on to add two cups (North Wales Coast Challenge Cup and League Cups) to their haul.
The 16th January 2007 will go down as a dark day in the history of Port as it was the day that the club were deducted 3 Welsh Premier League Points and fined £13,500 (£1,000 payable upfront with the remaining £12,500 suspended until 1st January 2008) after the Football Association of Wales charged the club with failing to control their supporters after assistant referee Gary Ismial was racially abused by an individual during their Welsh Premier League match against Cwmbran Town on 9 December 2006. The seemingly harsh punishment led to outcry by followers of Welsh football - an on-line petition protesting against the punishment was signed by over 750 people from across Wales and worldwide. Porthmadog maintain that they acted decisively and have banned the individual from all matches at Y Traeth. It remains to be seen whether the Football Association of Wales will make any change to the punishment in the upcoming appeal hearing.
On 7th May 2007, Porthmadog announced that their management team - Osian Roberts and Viv Williams - would be leaving the club. Osian Roberts had just been appointed the Football Association of Wales’s Technical Director of Football and could therefore not devote enough time to the job, while Viv Williams cited personal reasons. Former Wales and Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore, who signed for the club as a player earlier in the season, will take over as manager.
Biggest victories and losses
- Biggest League of Wales win: 9-0 v Abergavenny Thursdays in 1993 and v Haverfordwest County in 1994.
- Biggest League of Wales defeat: 0-7 by TNS in 2006.
Management Team
MANAGER
VIV WILLIAMS
DOB: 15/1/64 He started his career as a manager when he took over as temporary manager at Port following the departure of Colin Hawkins during the 1999/2000 season. After an unbeaten run at the end of that season, he accepted the job on a permanent basis, and appointed Osian Roberts as his assistant. During his career as a player, he had success as a striker with Bangor, performing well in Europe in games against Atletico Madrid. There was talk at the time that he would join the club from the Spanish capital. Since his appointment as manager, he has brought a professional attitude to the club signing a number of promising youngsters who have developed and improved the squad greatly. During the three seasons back in the WPL he has guided Port to mid table security which is no mean achievement for a small club with limited resources.
OSIAN ROBERTS
Very experienced and highly regarded coach who has been Football Development Officer for Anglesey for a number of years. Had playing experience with Bangor City. Places great emphasis on player fitness. Last season he became joint-manager with Viv Williams. He has now gained his UEFA Pro-License –Europe’s highest coaching qualification- in addition to the UEFA ‘A’ coaching license which he held previously. Osian is the first WPL coach to gain a pro-licence. He has coached Wales at under-17 and under-19 level and is the current director of the club’s successful Academy.
Goalkeeper
RICHARD HARVEY DOB: 20/6/1978
Richard enjoyed a very successful season taking over from Ged McGuigan. Consistency is a significant feature of his game. He was an ever present last season -a sure sign of his fitness and persistence. Joined from from Cymru Alliance club, Llangefni. He was previously with Port as a young player and also appeared briefly for them in the Cymru Alliance in 2002-03.
Defenders
JOHN G. JONES. DOB: 17/11/1975
Missed much of last season due to work commitments but is expected to feature regularly this time. Signed from Nefyn towards the tail end of the 2001/2 season. Very strong defender, who can also play in midfield. He established himself in the first team during the 2002/3 season and adapted outstandingly well to life in the Welsh Premier. A pacy reliable defender, two footed and also good in the air.
LEE WEBBER DOB: 23/2/1979
Central defender and club captain who has proved himself a natural leader. Players’ Player of the Year for 2005-06. Originally signed for the club shortly before the end of the 1998-99 season, re-joining in 2000/1 following a season with St. Helens Town. He enjoys a very successful partnership at the back with Ryan Davies and Rhys Roberts. He is also very dangerous with his head, scoring regularly from Mike Foster set pieces.
MIKE FOSTER DOB: 24/9/1973
Left back/Central defender. During the 2005-06 season he joined the select band of players who have made over 300 WPL appearances. He has been awarded a testimonial in recognition of his loyalty with Tranmere Rovers, the club where he played as a trainee, providing the opposition. A local boy who has come through the youth ranks also appearing for Aberystwyth Town and Bangor City. Rejoined Porthmadog from Bangor City midway through the 2001/2 season. He has an excellent left foot and is a marvellous crosser of the ball. Many goals come as a result of these crosses and also his deadly dead ball kicks. Gained a Welsh under-21 cap whilst with Tranmere.
RYAN DAVIES DOB: 31/12/1978
A tall and solid central defender who joined Port for the second time during the 2003/04 season from Anglesey side Glantraeth. Port’s defence was greatly strengthened by his presence. He had an excellent season in 2004-05 and was voted player of the season but missed most of last season because of injury making only 10 starts. He was with Port for an earlier spell during the 2000/01 season. He is brother to Les Davies.
JON PERIS JONES DOB: 4/11/1986 .
A very promising young defender from the Caernarfon area who was promoted to the senior squad during the summer of 2004. Has performed well when called up for first team duty but his appearances last season were restricted by college studies. Played for Wales at under-18 level.
RHYS ROBERTS DOB: 17/7/85
A young central defender who had an outstanding debut season in the WPL earning a reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in the league. Joined Porthmadog from Cymru Alliance club Llangefni for season 2005-06. This twenty year old has made quite an impression with his aerial ability and excellent distribution.
GERAINT MITCHEL DOB: 14/10/85
Created an excellent impression last season having earned his promotion from the reserves. Can play at full-back or central defence. He made 14 league starts last season proving himself a strong, pacy defender.
BARRY JONES
Young defender signed from Cymru Alliance club Bodedern during the summer
Midfield
DANNY HUGHES DOB: 13/2/1980
Joined the club at the start of 2000/1. He was a trainee with Wolves before joining Hartlepools where he made eight first team appearances before he was struck down by injury which forced him to give up his career as a full-time professional. Signed second club forms for Glantraeth during 2004-05 but last season made 28 league starts for Porthmadog proving himself a key player in midfield.
GARETH CAUGHTER DOB: 14/7/1980
An attacking midfield player who can also play on the wings and is dangerous in front of goal. An energetic player who always gives a hundred per cent. In season 2002/3, he scored 14 goals. He has been a regular member of the squad during the two seasons back in the Welsh Premier.
GARETH PARRY DG / DOB: 4/2/1981
Signed during the 2002 close season from Llanfairpwll, after making an impression against Port. His performances have been of a high standard, and his skills in midfield have been influential. His name has also consistently appeared on the score sheet since joining the club, netting 13 times during the 2002/3 season. He was plagued by injury during 2005-06 and though he made 21 league starts at no time was he fully fit.
LES DAVIES DOB: 29/10/1984
Signed for season 2005-06 from Bangor City. He is strong and fast and still only 21 years old. Appeared in 32 league games last season and created a great impression with his strong runs and 12 goals. A firm favourite with his ‘Les is a Legend’ fan club and website and was also supporter’s player of the season for 2005-06. He was selected for the Wales under-21’s during 2004-05 and was a key member of the winning Wales Semi-Professional squad in May 2006. He can play on the left side of midfield or at the front. He is a brother of Ryan Davies.
YWAIN GWYNEDD DOB: 11/11/1983
A promising young player who joined Porthmadog from Gwynedd League club Blaenau Ffestiniog. He played a key part in the reserves’ successful season in 2004-05. He was promoted to the senior squad for 2005-06 making 10 league starts. Ywain is the lead singer of the popular band ‘Frizbee’.
PAUL FRIEL DOB: 06/09/1984
Joined Porthmadog on January 19th 2006 from local rivals Bangor City. The twenty-two year old has completed his masters’ course at University College, Bangor. Made a favourable impression at Porthmadog with his high work rate and distribution. Paul's Irish clubs include Donegal area side Fanad United and League of Ireland club Finn Harps.
IWAN THOMAS DOB: 05/03/87
A young player who made his WPL debut as a substitute in the game against Rhyl at the Belle Vue. He went on to make seven starts in the WPL by the end of the season. He earned his promotion after impressive performances for the reserves and Under 21’s. In 2004-05 he played for Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Gwynedd League.
CHRIS EVANS
Signed from Wrexham where he spent three years as a trainee. A very promising young player who is quick with a good left foot. He has created an excellent impression during pre-season.
RICHARD HUGHES DOB: 30/09/75
A great bonus for Porthmadog that a player who has served them so well in the past is no longer restricted by work commitments and will be available this season. He reminded supporters of his talent with match winning performances against Bangor City and Airbus at the end of last season. A true utility player who can play anywhere.
KEVIN ROBERTS DOB: 29/12/82
Signed for Porthmadog in the summer of 2006 having previously played for Bethesda Athletic in the Welsh Alliance. He made an impressive first start for Port in the League Cup game against Caernarfon.
Strikers
CARL OWEN DOB: 9/4/1980
A very talented striker who joined the club from Bangor City in November 2000. Quick and sharp in the box, but also works hard to hold the ball up and set up others. Has been the club's top scorer in each of his 5 seasons with the club netting17goals in 2005-06 despite missing the latter part of the season through injury. Represented the Welsh semi-professional team in the summer of 2004.
JASON SADLER DOB: 24/4/1980
A striker who, in addition to having a proven record as a goal scorer, is also a skilful ball player. He transferred from Caernarfon to Porthmadog in February 2006 making an instant impression scoring 9 times in only 13 starts. He joined the Canaries in the summer of 2005 from Llangefni Town where he was the leading scorer with 32 goals. He briefly appeared for Port previously in their Cymru Alliance days
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