News

What Next for Pembrokeshire-born Joe Allen?

Published

2 weeks ago

April 24, 2024

Joe Allen is one of Pembrokeshire’s most-famous sons. He has represented his country on 74 occasions and has also competed for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. The 34-year old is still plying his trade at Championship level for Swansea City, although his next move currently remains unclear. Allen is out of contract this summer and although he is keen to remain at the club, he admits that he is unlikely to be offered a new deal until the current campaign has concluded.

Swansea are perfectly safe and cannot push for a play-off spot, so you’d expect the club to already be planning for the 2024-25 season, yet the club hasn’t necessarily excelled when it comes to future planning over the last few years. Manager Luke Williams is still relatively new to the job and he is likely to begin fully assessing his squad at the end of May. Allen is one of a number of players whose current deal expires this summer alongside veteran right-back Kyle Naughton and the inconsistent Jamie Paterson.

Allen has featured regularly for the Swans this season, amassing 23 appearances (many of which came from off the bench), although he wasn’t involved throughout October and November whereas a recent groin and toe injury has limited his minutes throughout April. He admits that his recent fitness issues have made him consider his calling time on his distinguished playing career, however, he believes that he still has plenty to offer and he remains committed to making a difference on the pitch. His latest injury setback has come at a bad time, although he remains relatively confident of continuing his stint at the club.

Williams prefers to play a possession-style and is believed to be an admirer of Allen’s tidiness on the ball. The former Notts County boss will be keen to keep some experience in the squad with many of the older heads having departed at the end of last season.

If cutting ties with the club this summer, Allen may opt to drop down the pyramid with newly-promoted Wrexham likely to be searching for an experienced core to enable them to thrive in League One. The midfielder spent a short spell on loan at the Racecourse Ground in 2008, although the club has changed beyond recognition over the last few seasons. The Red Dragons, who are owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny are likely to be one of the favourites for promotion once the League One outright odds are released by the bookmakers this summer and with many online betting sites heavily promoting their betting offers for new customers at the start of each season, they are likely to be a popular pick for punters to achieve back-to-back promotions.

Unlike Wrexham, the Swans are unlikely to be touted for promotion next season, although they may be able to challenge for the play-offs if Luke Williams is given a competitive budget and is able to retain key players such as Matt Grimes, Oli Cooper and Ben Cabango.

Coaching may also be an option for the midfielder, who is widely respected within the game. Having recently chalked up his 200th appearance for the club, he would surely be in pole position for a coaching role alongside Williams should he wish to hang up his boots anytime soon. Allen joined the club at the age of 10 and was a key component in helping the club reach the Premier League and there is a possibility that the club will look to create a pathway for him to earn his coaching badges whilst working with the current squad.

Some players opt to completely step away from football upon retirement and Allen isn’t short of hobbies and interests. He is an ambassador for the Welsh charity Action on Hearing Loss Cymru and having received a cockerel for his 24th birthday, he has been a keen keeper of a smallholding and his flock has grown exponentially over the last decade. Although he may enjoy spending more time with his chickens once his playing career has run its course, he is likely to still be involved in the beautiful game at some level.

Joe Allen’s career has been a largely successful one and although he’s had a few recent setbacks, he will always be fondly remembered by fans of both Swansea and the Welsh National team. If he hasn’t done enough to earn himself a new deal in SA1, he has plenty of options and is unlikely to be short of potential suitors.

Business

Expansion for Ashmole & Co with acquisition of Jones Ward Accountants

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

CHARTERED, Certified Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are delighted to announce their expansion following the acquisition of JonesWard accountancy firm in Carmarthen.

Ashmole & Co Carmarthen has today taken over JonesWard who have closed their office in Lammas Street, Carmarthen. All JonesWard staff, including Ian Jones and James Ward, have transferred over to Ashmole & Co and will be based in the Old School, the Quay, Carmarthen.

JonesWard informed their clients that the administrative burden of running a practice had increased significantly over recent years due to the constant changing money laundering and tax regulations, software requirements and so on. Over the past 12 months it had become more challenging to maintain the level of service they had been used to providing.

Ian Jones said, “We feel Ashmole & Co share the same values as us and have the necessary expertise and resources to ensure we can continue to provide the personal touch and level of service clients have been accustomed to. Myself and James are not retiring but we will be supported by Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff from now on in their Carmarthen office.”

Ashmole & Co partners Sharon George, Carwyn Morgan and Vinal Patel will strive to ensure JonesWard clients will continue to receive the high quality of service they are used to.

Vinal Patel, Partner with Ashmole & Co said, “It is our priority to make the transition as smooth as possible with all employees of JonesWard having already transferred to Ashmole & Co and are now based in our office on the Quay in Carmarthen. We look forward to meeting our new clients and working closely with them to meet their needs in the future.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in south Wales, now operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Ammanford.

Charity

Fundraiser to take on epic 87k steps challenge to raise funds for Withybush

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

SAM Faulkner is challenging himself to walk 87,000 steps in one day to raise funds for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in memory of his father.

Sam will be walking along the Brecon and Monmouth Canal from Brecon to Rogerstone in Newport.

Sam said: “Since losing my Dad last year, I made a personal commitment to do something to raise money every year for the Cardiac Care Unit at Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest who looked after my Dad so well in his final days.

“I will be challenging myself to complete 87,000 steps in a day on July 20th 2024 – 1,000 steps for every year of my Dad’s life. I’ll be walking around 40 miles in about 10 hours.

“Canal walks were always a firm favourite of mine and my Dad’s, with many days spent walking along the Grand Union in Northamptonshire when I was growing up.

“My family and I, and the unit at the hospital, would be beyond grateful for anything supporters could give. Thank you ever so much in advance.”

Katie Hancock, Pembrokeshire Fundraising Officer, said: “We’d like to say a huge good luck to Sam with his challenge. Thank you so much for dedicating your time to raise more funds for the Cardiac Care Unit.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

You can donate to Sam’s fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sam-faulkner-1712508280259?newPage=true&fbclid=IwAR2tyVVQVea0DLQelSsrp7Ie2CKjX0jXGnwndR_tBKL-Av2kv8f5nchEolw

For more details about the charity and how you can help support local NHS patients and staff, go to www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Business

Dragon LNG explores integration of LNG and CO2 liquefaction processes

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

Tom Sinclair

DRAGON LNG, based in Waterston, Milford Haven, recently announced a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions.

The company awarded a contract to Worley, global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study.

The study is focussing on exploring the potential benefits of integrating LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)
regasification and CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) liquefaction processes at Dragon LNG’s facilities. This integration holds promise for a more efficient operation, with the potential to reduce energy consumption, carbon intensity and the levelized cost of CO2 export not only at the Dragon site but also for Haven industry companies.

If feasible, the technology at Dragon would support wider collaboration with RWE Pembroke Net Zero Centre, whose CO2 would be transported to the Dragon facility for processing before being shipped via non-pipeline transport (NPT) to carbon sequestration sites.

Key aspects to be addressed in the feasibility study include:

Technical Solutions: Worley will evaluate various technical approaches to seamlessly integrate LNG and
CO2 liquefaction processes, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and effectiveness.
Carbon Intensity Reduction: Dragon LNG is committed to sustainability, and the study will assess how the integration of processes can contribute to lowering the carbon intensity of operations, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Economic Viability: Understanding the financial implications is crucial. The study will delve into the levelized cost of CO2 and other economic factors to determine the feasibility and financial benefits of the proposed integration.

Commenting on the partnership, a spokesperson for Dragon LNG stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Worley on this important initiative. As a responsible energy provider, Dragon LNG is continuously seeking innovative ways to enhance our operations while minimizing our environmental footprint. This feasibility study represents a significant step towards achieving those objectives.”

Worley’s expertise in engineering and consultancy services including in the CO2 and LNG sectors makes them an ideal partner for this endeavour. Their track record of delivering sustainability solutions aligns perfectly with the ambitious goals of Dragon LNG.

This collaboration underscores Dragon LNG’s commitment to driving sustainable practices within the energy sector. By exploring the integration of LNG regasification and CO2 liquefaction processes, the company aims to pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient energy future with their ambition of a net zero terminal by 2029.