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Archived News 1998-1999Last updated 03/12/99Match ReportsNeath 20 Edinburgh Reivers 31Northampton 21 Neath 12For Team sheet, see Link on "Fixtures" page.
We apologise with regard to the recent lack of
match reports. Alan Williams is just about recovering from the bout of "Scarlet
Fever" sustained on 30th October. I can appreciate how frustrating it can be
for NRFC Supporters who were unable to get to the matches eagerly awaiting the
match reports, however, those that were able to attend would rather forget that
particular day (including some of the players). We hope to update the match
reports over the next few days. Shark Returns to the GnollFormer Neath RFC (and recently Natal Sharks)
No.8, Glasgow 32 Neath 18Trebanos 5 Neath 101Outside-Half Luke Richards scored 34 points in the match arranged to celebrate the New Floodlighting at Trebanos. Trebanos score came from a try by Chris Thumbwood. Link AddedNewZealandRugbyWorld.com Magazine link added - see "links" page. Correction :)Second row forward Adam Jackson was recently reported as being the father of a bouncing Baby boy, named Henry. This should have referred to a Bassett Hound named Henry! Website HitsNeath RFC Website continues in popularity and
normally has over 500 visitors per week. However, the last two weeks has seen a
marked increase in the number of "hits." Last week, we had a total of 1293
visitors. Teamsheet AnnouncedGlasgow V Neath (Friday 12th) - Team Sheet Published - see link on "Fixtures" page. Next Matches:Trebanos V Neath (Friendly) 6.30pm Monday 8th November. This game celebrates the switching on of the new floodlights at Trebanos. Caerphilly 17 Neath 36 (Friday, 5/11/99)Match report to follow..... Neath 16 Llanelli 24DepartureFitness coach Dean Parsons has resigned his post at the club. dean was Fitness Coach at the Gnoll for four years and was the Club's last link with the Darryl Jones era. Injury NewsCentre James "The Flying Crowbar" Storey has suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone after being punched during last Sunday's win over Bridgend and will be sidelined for over six weeks. This Week's Mascot This
week's Mascot Rosie Goodison Rosie is eight years old, lives in the Melyn and
attends Melyn Junior School. Rosie likes listening to music, and her favourite
group is S Club 7. Rosie who loves animals has a pet dog that answers to the
name of Muffin, and a Cat called Tabbetha. Rosie and her mum watch all Neath's
home games when they have their Girls afternoon out. Her favourite Neath player
is Shane Williams.
Bridgend 14 Neath 22Match report to follow in due course.... Team sheet published - see link on "Fixtures" page. Congratulations
Young Singer makes Internet Debut The
Welsh All Blacks Grapevine is very pleased to publish the first photograph of
Eve Allison Singer, daughter of proud Mum and Dad, Allison and Matthew Singer.
Click here to see a larger photograph. DepartureSouth African trialist Morne Snyman has returned to South Africa after a short spell with the Club. Lottery NewsAfter the success of the extra Prize of tickets for the Wales v Argentina in last month's lottery draw, the Club has decided to continue with this practice for the forseeable future with each future draw having tickets for the six Nations Internationals as prizes. Neath 32 Swansea 23See link on "Fixtures" page, for match report. Lottery NewsAfter the success of the extra Prize of tickets for the Wales v Argentina in last month's lottery draw, the Club has decided to continue with this practice for the forseeable future with each future draw having tickets for the six Nations Internationals as prizes. This Week's Mascot
DepartureFormer Skipper Geraint Evans has left the Club and signed for Brynamman where he as been on dual registration. Geraint played 95 times for Neath and was Club Captain in the traumatic 1997/98 season. New SigningSouth African backrow forward Morne Snyman has recently been recruited to the squad. Ebbw Vale 37 Neath 30Team sheet published - see link on "Fixtures" page, match report to follow in due course.... Talented Prop Signs......
This Week's MascotRhys Lloyd Williams is seven years of age and attends Pontrhydyfen Primary School. He watched his first Neath game at the tender age of two and has been a Neath supporter ever since.
Rhys would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. R. D. Griffiths of Idwal Street who won the Mascot prize in last months Lottery Draw and nominated him as today's Mascot. Click Here for Season Ticket Prices (1999/2000 Season).Neath 38 Edinburgh Reivers 27Team sheet can be viewed via Edinburgh link on "Fixtures" page. Match report to follow in due course... WEB SITE NEWSFollowing the popularity of our Web Site last
season, Neath RFC are pleased to announce that as from the 26th May 1999,we now
have our own web domain: Pontypridd 20 Neath 20
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Charlene
Stokes is today's mascot. Charlene is eleven years old, lives in Glyncorrwg and
attends Cymmer Afan comprehensive school. Charlene is a keen Liverpool
supporter, and also likes listening to music. She is a keen swimmer who has
recently achieved her rookie lifeguard award. Her favourite Neath players are
Brett Sinkinson and Duncan Jones who is also from Glyncorrwg. 
Rhys
plays rugby for Pontrhydyfen Under 8's and also enjoys playing football,
cricket and snooker. He loves watching WWF Wrestling and his favourite wrestler
is The Rock. Rhys is a Manchester United supporter who recently spent an
enjoyable day out at Old Trafford. His favourite Neath players are Shane
Williams and Delme Williams.
NEATH 20 CARDIFF 21
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November 20th |
Northampton |
Away |
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November27th |
Edinburgh Reivers |
Home |
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December 11th |
Grenoble |
Home |
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December 18th |
Grenoble |
Away |
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January 8th |
Edinburgh Reivers |
Away |
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January 15th |
Northampton |
Home |
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April 15th |
Quarter-Final |
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May 26th |
semi-final |
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May 27th |
Final |
The Club is hopeful of providing official Transport for all three away trips
Telephone Number Change
The telephone number for the Club Hotline will change at the end of July The new number will be 09068 884584
PLAYER PROFILE - JAMES STOREY
1998-99 CLUB AWARDS - PHOTOGRAPHS
SEASON TICKETS
The Club is confident that this year's season
ticket will cover at least 20 home matches and will include the following
fixtures:
· 11 Home Welsh League Matches
· 3 Home
European Cup Group Matches
· Any Home W.R.U. Challenge Trophy /
League Cup Matches
· Any Home Friendly Matches
The Season
Ticket will not include the following fixtures
· Any
Home W.R.U. Cup Matches
· Any Home European Knock-out Stage
Matches
WELSH LEAGUE
The Club is still waiting for the W.R.U. to finalise next season's fixture list. There has been confirmation that League fixtures will commence on Saturday 4th of September 1999. Also the Scottish District sides of Edinburgh & Glasgow will definitely be playing in the Welsh League next term. This will bring the Premier Division back to its original 12 Clubs.
European News
There has been a postponement in the draw for the European Cup which should have taken place this week, the reasons for this are:
- The English Clubs requested the delay in order for London Irish to sort out Richmond / London Scottish take over.
- The draw for both European Cup and European Shield could take place on the same day.
European Clubs
The following are the Clubs who will be involved in the European Cup draw
France |
England |
Wales |
Ireland |
Scotland |
Italy |
| Toulouse | Leicester | Llanelli | Ulster | Edinburgh | Treviso |
| Stade Francais | Northampton | Pontypridd | Leinster | Glasgow | Padova |
| Columiers | Harlequins | Swansea | Munster | ||
| Bourgoin | London Irish | Neath | |||
| Montferrand | Saracens | Cardiff | |||
| Grenoble | Bath |
The Clubs will be drawn into six groups of four.
The six group winners will qualify by right and will be joined in the Quarterfinals by the two second placed teams with the best records.
SQUAD NEWS
Pages added on Squad, Players and Departures - see the links on the left.
Website Updates - close season.
During the close season, if you wish to be informed when the website is updated, please e-mail us. If you have any ideas or comments regarding the content of the website, please let us know.
Feel free to use our "Guestbook" to air your views and keep in touch with fellow supporters.
The "Squad" pages are being re-vamped, at long last and extra player-profiles have been added.
International Match Dates
The W.R.U. have announced that the Welsh team
will play three build up matches in August as preparation for the World Cup
which starts on October 2nd. All Three matches will be played at the new
National Stadium:
August 21st Wales v Canada
August 28th Wales v
France
August 30th Wales v Romania
NEW SIGNINGS
The club has signed JAMES STOREY of London Welsh. James, son of commentator Stuart Storey plays Centre / Wing.
The club is pleased to announce the signing of back-row forward Rowland Phillips.
Rowland will be Club Captain next season as they have grave concerns regarding the injury to Patrick Horgan.
Rowland has successfully led London Welsh for the past couple of seasons.
New Signing Matthew Singer signed off his
Saracens career in style last weekend by helping his former club reach the
final of London's top Sevens tournament although the Saracens lost in the final
to The Penguins (all of whom were Fijians)Matthew scored two tries in the
final.
Matthew, aged 26, played for Neath in the early 90's after
leaving University.
1998-99 CLUB AWARDS
At the club's Annual
Dinner on Friday 21/05/99,Brett
Sinkinson was named "Player of the Year." Sinkinson forced his way into the
international side on the strength of superb consistency during the
season.
Mefin Davies was named "Clubman of the year." and Shane Williams "Young Player of the Year."
The guest speaker at the Dinner was Peter
Wheeler Esq.
(former Leicester, England and Brish Lions Hooker).
A
good time was had by all :)
WEB SITE NEWS
Following the popularity of our Web Site last
season, Neath RFC are pleased to announce that as from today (26/05/99)we now
have our own web domain:
www.neathrfc.co.uk
Please update your
web-browser's bookmarks / favourites accordingly. The existing website address
will still be accessible for some time.
EUROPE
20/06/99
The Draw for the European Cup Groups will take place on June 9th, when the club will know who will be the visitors to the Courage Gnoll next season.The visiting Clubs could come from any of the following Countries Italy, France, Romania, Scotland, England or Ireland. Although the All Blacks have not won an away match in our two seasons in the European Cup competition, our Home record is much better having defeated both Ulster and Caledonia in our first season in the top echelon of European Club Rugby.
While last season saw the Italians of Padova beaten in a close contest, an exciting draw with Munster but defeat against the eventual Semi-finalists Perpignan of France in a game where almost 90 points were shared among the teams. The first matches in the European Cup will take place on Saturday November 13th
EBBW VALE 38 NEATH 16
Neath go through to Europe next season on Points Factor!
PLAY OFFS:
The WRU have instigated a series of end of season play offs between the top four Clubs to decide which Club will be crowned Champions and the bottom four Clubs to decide which Club is relegated.
- The Club finishing fourth in the normal season can finish no lower than fourth in the play offs.
- The Club finishing fifth in the normal season can finish no higher than fifth in the play offs.
- Each Club shall play six matches in a period of eighteen days.
- Each Club shall play each other Club in their half of the table home and away.
- The total number of points acquired in the play offs shall be added to the points gained in the regular season.
- The League Champions shall be the team which accumulates most points after the play offs have been completed.
- The Club placed bottom of the lower half of the table play offs shall be relegated to Division One.
- Three points for a win.
- One point for a draw.
Neath RFC Website
It appears that several unofficial websites have
popped up in the last couple of weeks. May I ask our readers to ensure they
visit the official Club website at
http://www.neathrfc.co.uk
May I also take this
opportunity to ask anyone who is considering setting up an unofficial site
please do not plagiarise any of the contents of the official site.
Website Feedback
*From:* JOHN WILLIAM HAYWARD (jwh7@aber.ac.uk) *To:* colin@k-c.co.uk At 06:55 PM 12/5/98 +0000, you wrote: >Caerphilly 33 Neath 22 :( > >Darren Case scored all the points! > >Colin > >not really doing so well, are we? :o( John "That's all Folks......" Cast Bows, Cast Turns, Curtain Closes. Goodbye.
RECENT RESULTS:
PONTYPRIDD 14
NEATH 21
LLANELLI 37 NEATH 11
NEATH 43 EBBW VALE 39
LINK ADDED:
Penallta RFCSIGNINGS
Wing Kevin James has been signed from Swansea. Kevin has been playing for Neath College.
Prop Leighton Gerrard has signed a new contract has as the player he shares the loosehead duties with Duncan Jones.
Back row forward Gareth Newman has also signed an extension to his contract which will keep him at the club next season.
INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
Congratulations to Richard Johnson, Kevin James and Steve Tandy who are all part of the Wales U19 squad which has reached the semi-finals of the FIRA World Cup. Richard is one of the tournaments top try scorers with four to date.
PRIZE CROSSWORD
The winner of the prize crossword from the Ebbw Vale match is Carolyn Evans of Eastland Road, Neath. Please call to the Club Office after tonight's match to order your trainers from the Reebok Range.
INJURIES
Patrick Horgan has suffered from a reoccurrence of the Neck injury which kept him out for several games earlier this season.
Mike Morgan is recovering from Knee surgery and is hopeful of being available for the play offs.
NEW Website "Guestbook"
The new-look Guestbook has been added
recently.
Why not drop in to view and sign our guestbook? A lot of
interesting dialogue goes on in here. Why not air your views regarding the
"Welsh All Blacks."?
NEATH 32 PONTYPRIDD 21
WEBSITE UPDATED
Premier League Table updated.
Pontypridd(3/4/99) and Llanelli(21/4/99) match reports added, points scorers list updated.
Streaker:
At the recent Wales V England (U 19's)match,David Absolom became the first streaker to grace the hallowed turf of The Gnoll.
FIRA World Cup:
Wales V England (U 19's)
Neath's Richard Johnson and Steve Tandy are likely to be involved in the match on FRIDAY 26th March at THE GNOLL (7.15 pm) The Quarter-Final stage of this competition will be held at The Gnoll on Sunday 4th April @ 11-00 a.m.
Team News:
Back-Row Forward, Scott Eggar has been released by Neath RFC during his first season at the Gnoll. This was due to the fact that he has failed three consecutive monthly fitness tests.
Neath V Ebbw Vale (Tues. 23/02/99)Match
report added - see "Fixtures" page.
Birthday News:
Many thanks to those who contributed to a memorable 40th Birthday for me(13th March). Special thanks go to Wendy, Mike Price, Alan Williams,Gaynor and Clive, Barrie and Myra. In particular, I wish to thank Keith Woodward who prepared the food for the "Surprise Party" in the clubhouse. This cheered me up following the Ebbw Vale game earlier that day :)
Result(13/03/99):
Ebbw Vale 25 Neath 24
Other Results:
They say things come in threes:Dunvant 44 Neath 19
Pontypool 15 Neath 14
Neath 20 Ebbw Vale 22
Congratulations:
FRANCE 33
WALES
34
Best wishes to Brett Sinkinson and the boys on a fine
performance
Team Manager
One of Neath's favourite sons Phil Pugh has returned to the club in the role of Team Manager. Good luck to you in your new role.
Injury News
Tristan Davies pulled a hamstring in wednesday's victory over league leaders Llanelli. Tristan will probably be out of action for one month.
British League
At present there is still no news on whether or
not a British League will take place next season although it appears that hopes
are fading.
There is also the possibility of a Celtic league with two
Scottish Districts and several Irish sides being involved.
Suspension
Geraint Evans is not available for selection for the Ebbw Vale match (next Tuesday), having recieved a one match ban after been given three yellow cards.New Signing
The club has signed flyhalf Matthew Pearce from London Welsh. Matthew has played for Maesteg and Bridgend and was named "Man of the Match" in the victory over Llanelli.
International Honours
Prop forward Duncan Jones was selected for the Wales U21 side which played Ireland U21s at on Friday. He was joined in the squad by Clubmate Flanker Richard Francis who was a replacement.NEATH 63 ABERAVON 24
Link added on our Rugby Links page - Sporting Life (Rugby Section), some match reports here inc. Neath V Llanelli.
Gwl@d site added to our Rugby Links page.
SWALEC CUP 5th ROUND
PENYGRAIG 3 NEATH 47
Match report to follow.................
Congratulations go to Brett Sinkinson, who has been selected for Wales A versus Scotland A on Friday the 5th of February.
The Eve of International Smokers Evening due to be held in the Clubhouse on February the 5th, (Guest Speaker, the infamous Mr. Paul Ringer) has been postponed.
TRANSFER NEWS
Colin Laity departs
from The Gnoll to join Exeter.
The club would like to wish him all the best
for the future.
N.R.F.C. HOTLINE:
The club's hotline service is still going strong and is updated on a weekly basis although all the major news concerning Neath RFC will be recorded immediately.
0891 884584
(Calls cost 36p/min cheap rate, 48p/min at all
other times)
NEATH 59 GEORGIA 14
Match Report to follow.....
Steve Martin
and Mike Turner are both carrying slight injuries so the Club are hoping to
play Daffyd Owen in the Second row.
Darren Case
has been rested after picking up a cut head in Tuesday's defeat by
Natal.
Former
Wales Prop Brian Williams makes a return to the Neath colours after spending
the couple of years playing for Cardigan.
NEATH 18 NATAL 36 (Tues. 12/1/99)
Match report to follow.......
11-01-99 "Statistics" pages updated, Points Scorers and Appearances Lists added.
FIXTURE NEWS
The Llanelli match has been rescheduled for Wed 10th Feb The Ebbw Vale match has been rescheduled for Tues 23rd Feb The Challenge Trophy matches are as follows:- Mon 11th Jan Natal Wildebeests (South Africa) Sun 17th Jan Georgia ( Ukraine) Fri 22nd Jan Edinburgh Reivers (Scotland) Tues 26th Jan Canada
Entertainment - Correction :)
Ticket prices are actually £5-00 for this event, not £35 as previously stated:
The Club has organised an eve of International Smokers Evening in the Clubhouse. The guest speaker is the infamous Mr. Paul Ringer. This will follow the friendly match against Dunvant on February the 5th. Tickets are available from Alan Williams who can be contacted at the Club Office. Tickets are £5.00 per head.
British League
The Voluntary Management Team was asked to prepare a business plan for entry to Super Club status. This was submitted to the WRU on Thursday 10th December. A further presentation was then given by two members of the VMT to six members of the WRU General Committee on Tuesday the 15th December. A copy of the business plan is available to season ticket holders. Please submit a stamped addressed envelope together with voucher 1 from the current season ticket.
Injury News
Richard Jones suffered a dead leg in last weeks cup tie with Wrexham and will be out of action for a couple of weeks.
Congratulations
Congratulations to backrow forward Steven Tandy who made his senior debut for Neath against Wrexham in last Saturday's Swalec cup victory. Steven is the latest in a long line of Talented local young players to come through the Ranks at the Courage Gnoll.
WRU Debentures
Applications for Debenture Tickets for the new Millenium Stadium are invited from Season Ticket Holders. Application forms,details of the finance options available,and all other information regarding debenture tickets are available from Rob Purchase at the club office immediatly or telephone the Club Office on 01639-769660. Completed Application forms, along with completed finance application forms / amount payable must be returned to THE CLUB OFFICE BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS on DECEMBER 31st 1998.
Winner
The winner of the Reebok Prize Crossword for the Padova European Cup match was Mrs Ann Phillips of Goshen Park Skewen. Please call at the club office to order your Reebok Prize.
Neath RFC Newsletter
For those unlucky enough not get a programme for the first home match of the season (Caerphilly), here is a reminder of how the club is presently being run.
On field affairs are largely unchanged from the end of the 1997/98 season. Lyn Jones and Kevin Williams remain as coaches with Mike Cuddy as a Team Secretary and Dean Parsons responsible for fitness. They are backed up by our medical team and by physio's Nichole Pickrell and Jeff Quick. Roy Evans (Stadium Manager). Sue Smith (Administration) and Keith Woodward (Clubhouse Manager) remain in the employment of the club.
Off field WRU financial advisor Martyn Rees is in day to day control. Although recently he has been assisting the likes of Bridgend and Ebbw Vale through their troubles.
To assist Martyn several volunteers were approached or came forward four months ago and they are listed below together with their basic areas of responsibility which have now evolved a little:-
- Arthur Bowden - Lottery, Advertising
- Ieuan Jones - Fixtures, WRU liaison, international tickets
- Mike Price - Match day Finances, Hotline
- Robert Purchase - Patrons Association
- Richard Tregonning - Supporters Club
- Ron Trimnall - Referees, Public Address System
- Alan Williams - Programme, Press & Publicity,Website
- Lyn Williams - Sponsorship
How long this set up will continue remains to be seen but, should you require information or have ideas as how the Club might function better, please contact any of the above who will be pleased to help you.
Neath Under 11's (date approximately 1970)
If you know anybody in this photograph then please e-mail colin@neathrfc.co.uk. The photograph was taken prior to a Neath v Swansea match at the Gnoll.
Click here to view a larger photograph
Injury News
Club Captain, Patrick Horgan was pronounced fit and made a comeback in the recent win against Newport. Sandy Stephens chipped a bone in his shoulder whilst training but he hopes to be available for the Boxing Day match against Llanelli.
WRU Debentures
Applications for Debenture Tickets for the new Millenium Stadium are invited from Season Ticket Holders. Application forms,details of the finance options available,and all other information regarding debenture tickets are available from Rob Purchase at the club office immediatly after today's match. or telephone the club office on 01639-769660. Completed Application forms, along with completed finance application forms / amount payable must be returned to THE CLUB OFFICE BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS DECEMBER 31st 1998.
Links Page
Pontypool RFC Web Site added.
Congratulations
Congratulations to backrow forward Scott Eggar who made a cameo appearance for Wales A against Argentina A at Pontypridd's Sardis Road recently. This was Scott's First game in the red jersey of Wales. Congratulations also to Prop forward Duncan Jones who in his first full season with the club has played a part in every match so far, and along with back row forward Richard Francis represented Wales at U21 level in this weeks defeat of New Zealand U21's at Pontypridd's Sardis Road.
RUGBY FORUM EVENING
Following the previous successful evening, another Forum Evening was held at the Clubhouse on Thursday 3rd December at 7.30pm. Lyn Jones the Club Coach, was in the chair.
Competition
The winner of the Competition for guessing how many times the word Reebok appeared in the padova programme was N. Jones of 34 Mary Street Neath the correct answer was 32 a pair of Reebok trainers is on the way to you. The winner of the Crossword Competition in the Padova programme is Ann Phillips of 30, Goshen Park Skewen Please call at the club office to order your Reebok prize.
New Signings:
- The club has added two New Zealanders to
it's playing squad.
Fullback Alexander "Sandy" Stephens is 28 years old. Back row forward Dale Jones is 24 years old. Both have signed from Bay of Plenty. Both players made their debuts against Padova. Highly rated 21 year old Hooker Andrew Jones has joined the club from Ystradgynlais.
Fixture News:
Extra fixtures have been arranged as follows:
DUNVANT (H) Fri February 5th 1999
DUNVANT (A) Fri March 5th 1999
WRU Challenge Trophy:
Neath RFC has been grouped with the following teams for this competition:
NATAL, WESTERN SAMOA, EDINBURGH REIVERS, CANADA.
Matches to be played next January, fixture details to be announced later.......
- Congratulations: Our best wishes go
to flanker Brett Sinkinson who has been called up by Graham Henry for the Welsh
Squad.
- Bridgend RFC's "Official" Website added to our Rugby Links page.
- Website Hits: Over 1600 visits have been clocked up on our website since 30/08/98, we continue to receive messages of support from overseas NRFC supporters
- Padova 28 Neath 17 - See "Fixtures" page.
- Pontypridd RFC Web Site added to our "Links" page.
- Injury News(23/09/98)
- Congratulations - New Arrival in the McCarthy Family
- Neath 33 Perpignan 51 (see "Fixtures / Match Reports")
- Neath 38 Bridgend 9 (see "Fixtures / Match Reports")
- Llanelli 30 Neath 20 (see "Fixtures / Match Reports")
- Newport 8 Neath 36 (30/08/98)
- New Signings(26/08/98)
- Departures (Aug-98)
- Europe
- Squad News
Editor
Information
supplied by Alan Williams - Editor of the Club's Match Day Programme, who can
be contacted at the club office on 01639 769660.
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