August 2009 Archives

LLANELLI have replaced Rhyl as the new favourites to win the 2009/10 Welsh Premier League title.
Andy Legg's South Wales Reds have strengthened considerably in the summer and now head the market, with an uncertain close season for the Lilywhites prompting Corbetts Bookmakers to relegate them to third favourites.
FULL BETTING
5/4 Llanelli
2/1 The New Saints
4/1 Rhyl
7/1 Neath, Port Talbot
12/1 Bangor City
20/1 Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, Haverfordwest
40/1 Airbus UK Broughton
50/1 Connah's Quay, Newtown, Prestatyn Town, Technogroup Welshpool
80/1 Elements Cefn Druids, Bala Town, Porthmadog
100/1 Caersws

THE 2009/10 Welsh Premier League season has all the makings of being one of the most exciting in the competition's 17-year history.
The main reason for this is the fact the whole make-up of the league changes next season with the advent of the "Super 12".
This means the WPL becomes a 12-club league from 2010/11 with six - and possibly eight - of the present members going down at the end of the campaign.
Current clubs have to ensure they not only finish in the top 10 to preserve their status, but also that they attain the Football Association of Wales' Domestic Licence, which signifies on and off-the-field excellence.
Two clubs, one each from the two feeder leagues (Cymru Alliance and Welsh League), will join the elite band of 10 clubs, but they must also meet the stringent licensing criteria.
If they are unable to gain the Licence, then the 11th and possibly 12th highest positioned Licensed clubs will get a reprieve.
Here is a look at the current 18 clubs and how LILYWHITES ONLINE feels they will fare in the new campaign:

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
The return of Luke Sherbon will come as a timely boost to an Aber midfield which has lost key men Chris Venables and Ross Stephens in the close season. The goals of Graham Evans could again prove vital for Town, who always attain a respectable finish.
Last season: 8th. Top 10?: Yes.

AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON
The ambitious Wingmakers have signalled their intentions by bringing in quality front men like the league's all-time record goalscorer Marc Lloyd Williams, Carl Owen and Paul McManus, as well as the defensive class of Rhys Roberts. Watch out for Jack Abraham - he could prove something special.
Last season: 12th. Top 10?: Yes.

BALA TOWN
Colin Caton has brought in a whole host of players in a bid to ensure Bala's first season in the Welsh Prem is not their last. Experienced men like John Toner, Ricky Evans and Mark Powell can make a difference, but will it be enough to make that top 10?
Last season: n/a. Top 10?: No.

BANGOR CITY
Watch out for Bangor this season! Neville Powell has brought in excellent signings in the shape of Mark Smyth, Dave Morley, Ashley Stott and Chris Roberts. The future of Chris Sharp at the club could be an important factor in their progress, as will luck with injuries, but I expect them to achieve their best finish under Powell.
Last season: 6th. Top 10?: Yes.

CAERSWS
The return of Mickey Evans as manager might help their fortunes, but Caersws have been rocking on the ropes like a punch-drunk boxer for some time now and really are fortunate to still be in the league. It is hard to see them survive once more.
Last season: 17th. Top 10?: No.

CARMARTHEN TOWN
Expect Deryn Brace's side to be strong as always with Mark Pritchard and Craig Hanford adding strength to the squad. Threatening the domination of the traditional top three is unlikely, but European qualification looks a decent bet.
Last season: 4th. Top 10?: Yes.

ELEMENTS CEFN DRUIDS
With the likes of Ricky Evans, Kevin Holsgrove and Mark Stewart having moved on, it is hard to see this season being anything other than a struggle for Druids, although no team with Waynne Phillips and Lee Jones in charge will go down without a fight.
Last season: 13th. Top 10?: No.

GAP CONNAH'S QUAY
Like Druids, they have lost so many key players such as Aden Shannon, Liam Loughlin and Phil Clarke that it is hard to see anything other than an uphill task for Nomads to remain in the WPL.
Last season: 9th. Top 10: No.

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY
Derek Brazil has built up an enterprising young side at New Bridge Meadow over the past three years, but it remains to be seen whether they can better last season's seventh position.
Centre half Lee Bevan looks a good signing, but experienced campaigners like Lee Jarman, Neil Thomas and Craig Hanford have all moved on, as well as the exciting Luke Bowen.
Last season: 7th. Top 10?: No (might need to rely on 11th or 12th place being enough)

LLANELLI
Andy Legg has built up the makings of a title-winning squad in the summer with Lee Jarman, Chris Venables and Craig Moses adding real strength to the ranks. Four-times Golden Boot winner Rhys Griffiths will be a danger man as always.
Last season: 2nd. Top 10?: Yes.

NEATH
Big spenders who have become full-time during the summer could threaten the traditional top three of recent years Rhyl, TNS and Llanelli this season. New assets like keeper Anthony Williams and ex-Wrexham midfielder Chris Llewelyn could help them become a real force.
Last season: 14th. Top 10?: Yes.

NEWTOWN
The Robins may need to rely on a Domestic Licence to keep them afloat. The capture of Ross Stephens is a boost, but losing players like Craig Moses will weaken them up front.
Last season: 10th. Top 10: No (might need to rely on 11th or 12th place being enough).

PORTHMADOG
Tomi Morgan has rung the changes at Y Traeth in the summer in a bid to avoid a third successive relegation dogfight.
Their strike-force of Paul Roberts, Aden Shannon, John Rowley and exciting newcomer Marc Evans could save them, but they could still be suspect at the back.
Last season: 16th. Top 10?: No.

PORT TALBOT TOWN
Lee Kendall...say no more. The signing of arguably the league's finest keeper will help Port's progress no end this season.
With the potent up front partnership of Martin Rose and Drew Fahiya, plus the added experience of Neil Thomas and Nick Holland, Talbot can really pull up a few trees this term.
Last season: 5th. Top 10?: Yes.

PRESTATYN TOWN
Adding the likes of Andy Moran, Steve Rogers, Paul O'Neill, Gareth Wilson, Matt Towns and Adie Moody in the close season to the squad will go a long way to securing Prestatyn's survival.
On top of the aforementioned newcomers, the likes of Mike Parker, Ian Griffiths and Jack Lewis will come on a bundle for their debut season in the WPL.
Last season: 15th. Top 10?: Yes.

RHYL FC
What can we expect from the champions this time around? Well during the summer 11 members of the title winning squad have left and just four players have been signed. Those that remain are top class, although cover is needed in most positions. Despite the uncertainty at Belle Vue in recent weeks, Rhyl can still be up there with the best challenging for the crown.
Last season: 1st. Top 10?: Yes.

TECHNOGROUP WELSHPOOL
Huw Griffiths won't let this team surrender its WPL status without an almighty battle, but with Steve Rogers and Paul Roberts gone, where are the goals going to come from? Returning striker Calvin Davies perhaps? while Peter Doran and Mark Stewart are good recruits. Maesydre is a million miles away from Super 12 requirements.
Last season: 11th. Top 10?: No.

THE NEW SAINTS
Craig Jones and Christian Seargeant are really good acquisitions by coach Andy Cale. Generally a young side with bags of pace, TNS can be a real force this season and experience is still there with the likes of Steve Evans.
Last season: 3rd. Top 10?: Yes

PREDICTIONS SUMMARY:

Top 10 (no specific order)
Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Bangor City
Carmarthen Town
Llanelli
Neath
Port Talbot Town
Rhyl
The New Saints
Prestatyn Town

11th/12th
Newtown
Haverfordwest County

Bottom Six
Bala Town
Caersws
Elements Cefn Druids
Gap Connah's Quay
Porthmadog
Technogroup Welshpool

A RHYL FC spokesman confirmed earlier today that Luke Sherbon has returned to former club Aberystwyth Town.

PAUL PRITCHARD (GOALKEEPER)
Born: May 26, 1984.
Played for Anglesey clubs Holyhead Hotspur, Glantraeth, Llangefni Town and Llanfairpwll before joining Caernarfon Town in 2004/05.
Became first choice keeper at The Oval prior to switching to Connah's Quay Nomads in 2007/08.
A former Wales Under-18 international, he has represented Anglesey in the World Island Games and earned a call up to the Wales semi-pro squad in 2008.
Pritchard signed for Rhyl as cover for Lee Kendall in August 2008 but had a few first team run-outs last season, mainly in the League Cup, although he did play in WPL victories over Newtown and Neath Athletic.
Came on for the last four minutes of the Champions League second leg tie in Partizan Belgrade in July 2009.
With Kendall's departure in August, it remains to be seen how big a role Pritch will play for the Lilywhites this term.
Total WPL apps: 102. Rhyl WPL apps: 2.

GEORGE HORAN (DEFENDER)
Born: Chester, Feb 18, 1982
Very strong and experienced central defender who was with Connah's Quay Nomads for five seasons before signing for Rhyl at the start of the 2005/06 campaign.
Was a member of Rhyl's Welsh Cup winning team in his first season at Belle Vue and took over as first team captain from the departing Timmy Edwards the following term.
Equally adept in the air and on the deck, Horan is the highest appearance maker for the Lilies in Europe (13 matches) and is regularly named in annual Welsh Premier dream teams.
Total WPL apps: 273 (1) Goals: 32; Rhyl WPL apps: 124 (1) Goals: 12.

GREG STRONG (DEFENDER)
Born: Bolton, September 5, 1975
Appointed Lilywhites player manager on July 30, 2009.
Rhyl is the 17th club this much-travelled defender has played for in a distinguished career.
He started out at Wigan Athletic (1992-95) before moving to Bolton Wanderers (1995-2000) where he made his Premiership debut.
After loan moves to Blackpool and Stoke City, Strong signed for Scottish League club Motherwell for £150,000 in July 2000.
He returned to England in 2002 to join Hull City and subsequently went out on loan to Cheltenham Town, Scunthorpe United, Bury, Boston United and Macclesfield Town before moving north of the border again to sign for Livingston in 2005.
He moved on to Dundee but was released in late 2006 and dropped into non-league with Halifax, Northwich and Droylsden before committing himself to Rhyl in July 2008.
His first season at Belle Vue was a tremendous success as he formed part of a fearsome centre-back partnership with George Horan in a Lilywhites team which won the Welsh Premier League title.
Football League appearances: 89 (11) Goals: 6; Scottish League appearances: 121 (8) Goals: 5.
Total WPL apps: 32; Goals: 5. Total Rhyl apps: 32; Goals: 5.

MARK CONNOLLY (DEFENCE/MIDFIELD)
Born: Birkenhead, July 2, 1984
Conno has been an outstanding success for Rhyl since signing in 2005 from Bangor City.
His tremendous engine, superb crossing ability and lethalness from dead-ball situations make him the Lilies' very own answer to Steven Gerrard.
Has now made 100 Welsh Premier starts for Rhyl and was a key member of last season's title-winning squad, although his goals tally was down on previous campaigns.
Equally adaptable in defence or attack down the right and can operate centrally.
Total WPL apps: 126 (28) Goals: 20. Rhyl WPL apps: 100 (16) Goals: 16.

GREG STONES (DEFENCE/MIDFIELD)
Born: Birkenhead, May 4, 1982
Stones is in his second spell at Belle Vue, having been initially brought into the Welsh Premier in 2004/05 when he signed from West Cheshire League side Poulton Vics.
After two seasons under John Hulse, Greg went full-time with TNS in July 2006. He left the Saints at the end of 2006/07 for a trial with Crewe Alexandra, then played for Stafford Rangers and Cammell Laird before making a surprise return to Rhyl in January 2008.
Stones was outstanding in the attacking left-back/midfield position last season, scoring several vital goals as the Lilywhites were crowned champions.
Total WPL apps: 114 (16) Goals 15. Rhyl WPL apps: 92 (11) Goals: 11.

GARETH OWEN (MIDFIELD)
Born: Connah's Quay, October 21, 1971
Joined Rhyl in June 2008 at the age of 36 and went on to have a career-revitalising season in a championship winning side where he was so often the star. Was voted Welsh Premier Player of the Season and won the coveted Phil Stanley Daily Post Award.
Owen signed professional forms for Wrexham in 1990 and went on to make 350 appearances for the Robins, netting 36 goals. He left the Racecourse in 2001 to join Doncaster Rovers.
Won eight Under-21 and one B cap for Wales and returned to his home town club Connah's Quay Nomads in the summer of 2003 after helping Rovers back into the Football League. Appointed player/manager of Airbus UK in the 2005 close season, but made a surprise move to Rhyl as a player last term.
Total WPL apps: 182 (4) Goals 31. Rhyl WPL apps: 31 (2) Goals: 8.

NEIL ROBERTS (STRIKER)
Born: Wrexham, April 7, 1978
After just one season at Belle Vue, Neil is already established as one of the finest players ever to wear a Rhyl shirt - certainly in the Welsh Premier.
He netted 20 league goals for the Lilywhites - 23 in total - and brought a style of play up front a class above anything seen before at this level.
Full Wales international Roberts signed for Wrexham in 1994 and made 75 appearances, scoring 17 goals before a big money move to Wigan Athletic in 2000. He played in 125 matches for the Latics, netting 19 times, then followed loan stints at Hull City and Bradford City before he joined Doncaster Rovers in 2004. Roberts returned to Wrexham in 2006 and spent two years at the Racecourse before being released in summer 2008. In 227 full Football League appearances he scored 56 goals. He won the last of his four Wales caps against Norway in 2004.
Total WPL apps: 31 (0); Goals 20. Rhyl WPL apps: 31 (0) Goals: 20.

MATTHEW WILLIAMS (STRIKER)
Born: St Asaph, November 5, 1982
After missing the first few weeks of last season through injury, Williams soon established himself as a fans favourite at Belle Vue through his wholehearted performances up front.
He notched 14 goals in total during the campaign and was the only Rhyl player to register a hat-trick (in a 7-1 win over Technogroup Welshpool).
Wales Under-21 international Williams began his football career as a schoolboy at Manchester United where he was a regular in the reserves and also played in the youth team alongside the likes of Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson.
After spending six years at Old Trafford, Denbigh-based Matthew joined Notts County in 2004 where he made 26 appearances, but did not have the best of luck with injuries.
Spells at Tamworth and Burton Albion followed, going close to helping Nigel Clough's side reach the Football League, before he joined Rhyl last summer.
Total WPL apps: 18 (6); Goals: 9. Rhyl WPL apps: 18 (6); Goals: 9.

JOHN LEAH (MIDFIELD)
Born: August 3, 1978
Surprisingly released by The New Saints in April 2009 and was snapped up by Rhyl two months later.
A product of the Llansantffraid youth set-up who made his first-team debut in August 1996, but moved on to Darlington, for whom he made seven Football League appearances, and Newtown, rejoining the Saints in November 2001 where he was club captain in the 2004/5 double winning season.
Named in the Welsh Premier dream team for 2007/8 and 2008/9. Quality midfielder whose passing ability will suit Rhyl's style of play.
Total WPL apps: 237 (35); Goals: 33. Rhyl WPL apps: 0.

MARTYN NAYLOR (DEFENDER)
Born: August 2, 1977
Made two Football League appearances for Shrewsbury Town in 1997/98 and he also played for Greenock Morton, Bilston, Telford and Hereford before joining TNS in 2002/03 where he spent six successful years. Naylor then had a season at AFC Telford prior to switching to Rhyl in June 2009.
Has been impressive in pre-season friendlies and also performed well in the Champions League ties against Partizan Belgrade.
Total WPL apps: 101 (17); Goals: 13. Rhyl WPL apps: 0

LUKE HOLDEN (WINGER/FORWARD)
Born: November 24, 1987
From the moment he arrived at Rhyl in January 2009 Holden has been on-fire, producing a series of man of the match performances which suggest he can be one of the Welsh Premier's most influential players this term.
A left-sided forward who was a Liverpool youth and Tranmere Rovers trainee, he signed for TNS in August 2007.
Was released in April 2008 after making 22 first team starts, followed manager Ken McKenna to Cammell Laird and also played at Bradford Park Avenue before returning to the Welsh Premier with Rhyl.
Total WPL apps: 31 (5); Goals: 4. Rhyl WPL apps: 9; Goals: 4.

LEE HUNT (STRIKER)
Born: June 5, 1981
Made a surprise return to Belle Vue in the summer after a move to Blue Square Premier League club Barrow failed to work out.
Hunt was previously at Rhyl between December 2003 and May 2008 and in between won a host of trophies under the John Hulse regime.
A big hit with the fans, Hunt netted plenty of goals for the Lilies but side-by-side ran disciplinary problems which led to the player quitting Welsh football last year, claiming he was being targeted unfairly by WPL referees.
Nonetheless, the Liverpudlian front man is now back and keen to add to the 73 Welsh Premier goals he has netted for Rhyl which puts him second in the club's all-time list behind Andy Moran (99). Hunt has in total bagged a highly impressive 116 goals in 165 matches for the Lilywhites.
Total WPL apps: 153 (12); Goals: 92. Rhyl WPL apps: 115 (5); Goals: 73.

SHAUN DOWLING (DEFENDER)
Born: Whiston, Merseyside, Sept 9, 1990
After a two-year stint as a YTS trainee at Chester City ended this summer Shaun was snapped up by Rhyl FC.
This 18-year-old defender can play anywhere across the back, also left or right midfield.
He was previously a trainee at Liverpool for two years and also represented Knowsley Schoolboys, Merseyside Schoolboys and the Liverpool County FA.
Shaun is a natural right footer but has a very good left and also boasts a secret weapon in his long throw-in.

SAM HEENAN (MIDFIELD)
Born: Port Moresby, April 21, 1991
Former Shrewsbury Town youth midfielder who joined Rhyl in September 2008. Born in Papua New Guinea, but is a New Zealand national.
Began his career with Central United in New Zealand, but flew over here last year to initially join Shrewsbury, then was snapped up by the Lilywhites.
Heenan made his first team debut in the Loosemores Cup win over Airbus UK Broughton on September 23, 2008, as a late substitute, but spent the majority of his first season at Belle Vue with the reserves.
Total WPL apps: 0 (1); Goals: 0. Rhyl WPL apps: 0 (1); Goals 0.

DAVE CAMERON (STRIKER)
Born: Bangor, August 24, 1975
Began career in Scotland with East Stirling and St Mirren, where he made 11 first team appearances, before signing for Brighton in July 1999 and making 17 starts. Later joined Worthing, then Lincoln City, where he played from 2000-02 and featured in 60 games, and Chester City before switching to Droylsden.
Arrived at Rhyl in the summer of 2006 and went on to make 26 Welsh Premier appearances for the club (plus 12 as sub) notching 12 goals. Took over as manager of Bradford Park Avenue in March 2007, but returned to Belle Vue last season as a member of the management team.
Total WPL apps: 26 (12); Goals: 12. Rhyl WPL apps: 26 (12); Goals: 12.

RHYL midfielder Luke Sherbon is set to quit the club before the weekend's opening fixture against Carmarthen Town.
Sherbon, who arrived at Belle Vue in January, was regarded as one of the Lilywhites' finest prospects, but player manager Greg Strong said it was in the player's best interests to move on.
"Like Lee Kendall, the travelling (in Sherbon's case to and from Aberystwyth) was getting too much for him, so with that and a few personal issues, it's been decided it's for the best for him to move back nearer home," added Strong.
The Rhyl player boss had two quality signings lined up for today, but sadly they fell through.
"One player was actually on his way to sign for us on loan, but a League Two club stepped in at the last moment. I'm gutted but you can't blame the lad for taking the opportunity.
"I'm still doing everything I can to bring in new faces."
Rhyl have, however, signed young defender Shaun Dowling, a player released by Chester City who was linked with the Lilywhites earlier in the season.

SQUAD FOR MATCH v CARMARTHEN TOWN ON SATURDAY
Paul Pritchard
Martyn Naylor
George Horan (c)
Greg Strong
Greg Stones
Mark Connolly
John Leah
Gareth Owen
Luke Holden
Neil Roberts
Matthew Williams
Lee Hunt
Shaun Dowling
Dave Cameron
Sam Heenan

June 27 - Motherwell (a) 3-1 (Matty Williams, Lee Hunt 2)
July 4 - Denbigh Town (h) 4-1 (Neil Roberts 2, Luke Holden, M Williams)
July 10 - Colwyn Bay (a) 3-1 (George Horan, Holden, Williams)
July 14 - Partizan Belgrade (h-CL 2nd QR 1st leg) 0-4
July 21 - Partizan Belgrade (a-CL 2nd QR 2nd leg) 0-8
July 28 - Prestatyn Town (h) 0-0
Aug 1 - Witton Albion (h) 3-2 (Hunt 2, N Roberts)

ON April 25, 2009, Rhyl were crowned Welsh Premier League champions.
In the 109 days since then so much has happened at Belle Vue it has been hard to keep up.
Here is a summary of events (some actual dates may not be 100% exact)....

May 5: Four Rhyl players named in the Welsh Premier League Dream Team for 2008/09 - George Horan, Gareth Owen, Craig Jones and Neil Roberts. Lee Kendall is among the substitutes.
May 5: Gareth Owen is voted the Principality Welsh Premier League Player of the Season. Neil Roberts comes second and George Horan third.
May 12: Winger Craig Jones leaves Rhyl and joins TNS.
May 15: Striker Jamie Reed quits Belle Vue to make a short-lived trip to the USA to try to break into Major League soccer.
May 15: Joe Furnival resigns as secretary of Rhyl FC.
May 21: Rhyl are fined £250 plus £50 costs for abusive, obscene and provocative behaviour by supporters during the Welsh Premier game at Aberystwyth on 15 February 2009.
May 25: Rhyl withdraw their reserve team from the Welsh Alliance League.
May 27: Rhyl release ex-Wrexham pair Josh Johnson and Michael Jones.
May 27: Luke Holden re-commits himself to the Lilywhites, but midfielder Gareth Wilson is given permission to talk to other clubs.
June 3: Rhyl apply to enter reserve team in new Clwyd Reserves League.
June 6: Rhyl make their first major signing of the summer - ex-TNS defender Martyn Naylor.
June 8: Former TNS midfielder John Leah follows one-time team-mate Naylor to Belle Vue.
June 8: Rhyl announce Kevin Davies is the new club secretary.
June 12: Carl Owen says goodbye to Belle Vue and signs for Airbus.
June 13: Gareth Wilson and Paul O'Neill become the latest members of Rhyl's title-winning squad to leave the club - both join Prestatyn Town.
June 13: Rhyl also release Chris Roberts, who soon joins Bangor City. Roberts becomes the eighth player to depart Belle Vue this summer.
June 15: Striker Lee Hunt rejoins Rhyl after a season away in the English pyramid.
June 22: Rhyl draw Serbian giants Partizan Belgrade in the Uefa Champions League.
June 22: Head coach Allan Bickerstaff announces he is bringing in ex-Wales and Nottingham Forest midfielder Paul Evans on loan, but the arrangement is over almost before it starts.
June 27: Rhyl travel to SPL side Motherwell for a hastily-arranged friendly and win 3-1.
June 29: It is revealed Rhyl will open the 2009/10 Welsh Premier season at home to Carmarthen and the Lilywhites are drawn in the same group as Prestatyn Town and Airbus in the League Cup.
July 4: Rhyl announce Welsh FAW technical director Osian Roberts will lead the side in the two matches against Partizan Belgrade as Allan Bickerstaff will be unavailable due to a family commitment.
July 4: In a second pre-season friendly Rhyl comfortably beat Denbigh Town 4-1.
July 8: Rhyl Reserves are accepted into the Clwyd Reserves League.
July 8: Allan Bickerstaff reveals there are unlikely to be any more signings at Rhyl before Europe.
July 10: Rhyl win 3-1 at Colwyn Bay in a friendly - their last game before facing Partizan.
July 14: Not the greatest of nights for the Lilywhites as they lose the home leg against Partizan 4-0.
July 21: The return match in Belgrade ends 8-0 to Partizan. The 12-0 aggregate thrashing is the heaviest defeat suffered by a Welsh Premier club in Europe.
July 28: Rhyl are held 0-0 by Prestatyn Town in a friendly at Belle Vue.
July 29: Danny Williams, a key midfielder for Rhyl last season, joins Droylsden of the Conference North.
July 30: Allan Bickerstaff is Rhyl's head coach no more. Both Bickerstaff and the club insist the parting is amicable. Greg Strong, a defender in the Lilies' title-winning side, is appointed player manager.
Aug 1: Strong's first game in charge brings an impressive 3-2 win over Witton Albion.
Aug 3: Rhyl FC quash rumours that the club is to go into administration, but admit that budgets will have to be "reformulated" after FAW deny a second advance on their Champions League prize money.
Aug 7: Lee Kendall becomes the 10th member of Rhyl's championship squad to leave the club. The keeper negotiates the settlement of a contract which had three years to run, citing the travelling to and from South Wales as the main reason for him leaving. Kendall joins Port Talbot the next day.

Players who have left Belle Vue this summer: Lee Kendall, Chris Roberts, Paul O'Neill, Gareth Wilson, Carl Owen, Michael Jones, Josh Johnson, Jamie Reed, Danny Williams, Craig Jones.
Players who have come in: Lee Hunt, John Leah, Martyn Naylor.
Today, as things stand, Greg Strong has a 13-man squad minus the youngsters who have featured in pre-season friendlies whose futures at the club are unknown.
Further departures have been rumoured but none confirmed. Strong is working on bringing in new faces and hopes to announce his squad for the 2009/10 season tomorrow.

THE start of the 2009/10 Welsh Premier season is just two days away with Rhyl bursting into action at home to Carmarthen Town on Saturday.
On the eve of the campaign here are the Lilywhites' vital WPL stats
(all statistics correct up to end of 2008/09 season)

RHYL FC - WELSH PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD:
Champions - 2003/04; 2008/09
Runners-up - 2004/05; 2006/07

Season-by-Season:
1994/95: P 38 W 16 D 5 L 17 GF 74 GA 69 PTS 53 - POSITION 11th
1995/96: P 40 W 11 D 9 L 20 GF 47 GA 83 PTS 42 - POSITION 18th
1996/97: P 40 W 10 D 8 L 22 GF 51 GA 71 PTS 38 - POSITION 19th
1997/98: P 38 W 17 D 10 L 11 GF 61 GA 49 PTS 61 - POSITION 8th
1998/99: P 32 W 7 D 2 L 23 GF 41 GA 81 PTS 23 - POSITION 16th
1999/00: P 34 W 13 D 5 L 16 GF 40 GA 60 PTS 44 - POSITION 11th
2000/01: P 34 W 16 D 6 L 12 GF 74 GA 52 PTS 54 - POSITION 7th
2001/02: P 34 W 17 D 5 L 12 GF 53 GA 45 PTS 56 - POSITION 6th
2002/03: P 34 W 17 D 7 L 10 GF 52 GA 33 PTS 58 - POSITION 6th
2003/04: P 32 W 23 D 8 L 1 GF 76 GA 26 PTS 77 - POSITION 1st
2004/05: P 34 W 23 D 5 L 6 GF 70 GA 31 PTS 74 - POSITION 2nd
2005/06: P 34 W 18 D 10 L 6 GF 65 GA 30 PTS 64 - POSITION 3rd
2006/07: P 32 W 20 D 9 L 3 GF 67 GA 35 PTS 69 - POSITION 2nd
2007/08: P 34 W 21 D 6 L 7 GF 60 GA 24 PTS 69 - POSITION 3rd
2008/09: P 34 W 29 D 2 L 3 GF 95 GA 29 PTS 90 - POSITION 1st
COMPLETE RECORD:
PLAYED 524
WON 258
DRAWN 97
LOST 169
GOALS FOR 926
GOALS AGAINST 718
POINTS 871

Biggest league win
7-0 v Llanelli 20/01/01

Biggest league home win
7-0 v Llanelli 20/01/01

Biggest league away win
7-1 at Cwmbran Town 07/01/06

Biggest league defeat
1-8 at Caernarfon Town 17/02/96
0-7 at Llanelli 18/12/99

Biggest league home defeat
0-6 by Barry Town 14/11/98

Biggest league away defeat
1-8 at Caernarfon Town 17/02/96
0-7 at Llanelli 18/12/99

Most goals in season
27 by Andy Moran in 2003-04

Most goals in match
4 by Tim Steel v Briton Ferry Athletic 26/10/96

Most successive wins in a season - 12 in 2008/09
Best start to a season - 5 wins in 2008/09
Most points in a season - 90 in 2008/09
Most goals in a season - 95 in 2008/09
Most wins in a season - 29 in 2008/09

Rhyl's top 10 WPL appearance makers
1 Timmy Edwards 226 (3)
2 Gareth Wilson 221 (36)
3 James Brewerton 183 (23)
4 Mark Powell 151 (21)
5 Andy Moran 148 (17)
6 Stuart Graves 144 (18)
7 * George Horan 124 (1)
8 * Lee Hunt 115 (5)
9 Paul Smith 110
10 Scott Millington 106 (66)
(11 Gary Curtis 102, 12 * Mark Connolly 100 (16))

Top 10 WPL Goalscorers
1 Andy Moran 99
2 * Lee Hunt 73
3 Danny Barton 41
4 Tim Steel 34
5 Gary Powell 28
6 Tim Edwards 26
7 Chris McGinn 25
8 Gareth Wilson 24
9 * Neil Roberts 20
10 * Mark Connolly/Scott Millington 16

RHYL VERSUS THE REST - WPL results only

Aberystwyth Town
Played 30 Won 15 Lost 5 Drawn 10
Airbus UK Broughton
Played 10 Won 8 Lost 1 Drawn 1
Bangor City
Played 30 Won 13 Lost 17 Drawn 0
Caersws
Played 30 Won 15 Lost 8 Drawn 7
Carmarthen Town
Played 26 Won 15 Lost 6 Drawn 5
Gap Connah's Quay
Played 30 Won 12 Lost 14 Drawn 4
Haverfordwest County
Played 24 Won 13 Lost 5 Drawn 6
Llanelli
Played 22 Won 7 Lost 9 Drawn 6
Neath Athletic
Played 4 Won 2 Lost 0 Drawn 2
NEWI Cefn Druids
Played 20 Won 12 Lost 5 Drawn 3
Newtown
Played 30 Won 15 Lost 8 Drawn 7
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A SUMMER of discontent at Rhyl Football Club was no more typified than by the departure of head coach Allan Bickerstaff just over a week ago.
Just three months after leading the Lilywhites to the Welsh Premier League title the man who took over from John Hulse in the summer of 2008 was in charge no more.
There have been differing accounts bandied around surrounding the reason for his demise; the club has remained tight-lipped on the matter, but most of us have a relatively good idea as to the circumstances of it all.
Regardless, this article is not to speculate or pass judgment on what's gone on but more to pay tribute to a man who will go down in Rhyl folklore as a genuine success story.
Bickerstaff said after the news of his leaving the Welsh Premier champions became public that he was disappointed to be going.
"I didn't want to leave the club," he declared. "I'd like to think I've been very successful. My remit was to win the Welsh Premier title and reach the Champions League and I've achieved that.
"I think the club played its best football ever last season. I am disappointed to be leaving, but I'll move on and start again elsewhere as a coach."
After having such a successful first season in charge of the Lilywhites, Bickerstaff is not likely to be short of offers.
His reign in the hot seat did not start too well with a 9-3 aggregate defeat against Irish club Bohemian in the Inter-Toto Cup, but at that stage Hulse's squad was breaking up and Bickerstaff had not had any time to bring in new players.
Things changed drastically when the former Rhyl midfielder received a generous budget for the 2008/09 season to bring in top quality players.
The likes of Neil Roberts, Greg Strong, Matthew Williams, Jamie Reed and Danny Williams turned the Lilies into a major force and a now legendary 5-1 victory over then champions Llanelli early in the season set the tone.
Rhyl were taking almost everyone apart and playing some of the best football ever seen in the Welsh Premier along the way.
A crucial 1-0 win at Llanelli towards the end of the campaign all but clinched the title and after the Reds failed to win at Aberystwyth on the penultimate weekend of the season the Lilies were home and dry.
Bickerstaff was not only head coach of the new league champions, he was boss of a record-breaking team.
The team achieved the highest number of points ever for the WPL in a 34-game season.
Rhyl also had their best start to a WPL campaign - five straight wins - and enjoyed their lengthiest ever sequence of victories - 12 in a row.
The Lilywhites also scored their highest number of goals in a single WPL season and recorded their most wins - 29. They also did not lose a single game away and were beaten just twice at home.
With those stats behind him it looked like Bickerstaff was immovable off his throne, but behind the scenes things were different and three months after his finest moment in football he was an ex-manager.
Personally, I found Allan a pleasure to work with. I heard of him occasionally being described as distant and aloof, but I found him very approachable and helpful.
He never ducked a question, showed great loyalty and trust towards me and was ultra-professional at all times.
After the team was presented with the league trophy in April, Allan stood back from the celebrations, instead letting the players and backroom team take the limelight.
Whether people considered that a right or wrong act it was his act, what he thought was the right thing to do.
Perhaps my favourite personal Bickerstaff moment came on the Friday night Rhyl won the league.
Even though he was having a pleasant evening with his wife Sandra, Allan found time to talk to me and give me his reaction to the news.
I hope he doesn't mind me saying this (and I hope I'm not wrong) but he'd probably enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine and he spoke for a good half hour about the pride he felt over his team winning the league title.
Not only that, he was very keen to praise the other teams which had been involved in the battle for the championship - he was always very complimentary about the opposition, very rarely bad-mouthed anyone, although he wasn't afraid to speak his mind if an opponent had done or said something he did not agree with.
What Allan Bickerstaff achieved at Rhyl FC in such a short time will never be forgotten - Lilywhites Online wishes him all the very best for the future.

RHYL manager Greg Strong has assured fans he is doing everything he can to bring top quality signings to the club.
There is unease among Lilywhites supporters following the departure of goalkeeper Lee Kendall, as well as the fear other high profile players could be on their way.
But Strong is working around the clock to bring in new faces who will ensure Rhyl are still a force in the 2009/10 campaign.
"I'm red-hot on the phone," said the player boss, who took over at Belle Vue just over a week ago.
"I have a lot of contacts in the game and I'm speaking to old friends, trying to call in a few favours and seeing who's available."
While sorry to see Kendall bid farewell to the Lilies, Strong insists it is time to move on.
"I could have held him to his contract (which had another two years to run), but it's not fair to do that if a player wants to leave," he said.
"He'd already made it clear to Allan (Bickerstaff) that he was leaving because the travelling to and from South Wales was getting too much.
"All due respect to Kends, but a couple of the players I'm talking to would improve us and represent a forward step for the club - not a backward one."
Strong was asked whether Peter Moore, a young full-back who impressed in the recent 3-2 win over Witton Albion, would be joining Rhyl.
"He is one in a long line of possibilities," he said.
Strong had planned a friendly against Fleetwood for Thursday, but the Codmen pulled out.
"Their season starts this Saturday, and it's been difficult to get anyone else as they were all tied up with games.
"I don't want to arrange anything for next week as it's too close to the start of the season. I've got too small a squad and don't want to risk any injuries."
With plenty of activity expected on the player front in the next week or so, Rhyl is certainly the club attracting the most focus in Welsh Premier circles.