Sport

Shining stars of the Wales national team

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2024

The Wales national football team is in transition under new head coach Craig Bellamy. With a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, they aim to make an impact in the UEFA Nations League while pursuing World Cup qualification. Let’s explore the standout players, their form, and how Wales is navigating international competition under Bellamy’s leadership.

How Wales are currently performing in the Nations League

Wales are competing in Group B4 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League under new head coach Craig Bellamy. Their start to the campaign has been mixed but promising, with a 0-0 draw against Turkey and a 2-1 victory against Montenegro.

These results have built a solid foundation, though there’s pressure on Wales to maintain their momentum in their upcoming matches against Iceland and Montenegro in October, with football odds suggesting a tight battle for group dominance.

Bellamy has brought fresh tactics and urgency to the squad, but converting chances into goals has been a challenge. With key players like Aaron Ramsey and Brennan Johnson, Wales have the talent to turn things around. Securing victories in the next few fixtures will be crucial if they are to remain competitive in the group.

Craig Bellamy’s impact

Since taking over as head coach in July 2024, Craig Bellamy has made a notable impact on the Wales national team. Renowned for his tenacity during his playing career, Bellamy has brought the same intensity to his coaching role.

His focus on high-pressing, attacking football is evident, with an emphasis on improving Wales’ forward play and overall team cohesion. Bellamy’s experience as a former Welsh international gives him unique insight into the squad’s dynamics.

His ability to nurture younger talents, like Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams, while balancing the influence of veterans such as Aaron Ramsey, is helping to reshape the team’s identity. While early results in the Nations League have been positive, Bellamy’s tactical evolution will be key as the team continues to adapt to his system.

Wales’ shining stars

Aaron Ramsey: A key leader in the squad, Ramsey brings creativity and control to the midfield. His experience and ability to manage both attack and defence make him indispensable in high-pressure matches.
Daniel James: James is a crucial winger known for his blistering pace and ability to break down defences. His work rate and growing maturity continue to elevate his impact in attack.
Brennan Johnson: A standout forward, Johnson’s agility, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability have made him a rising star for Wales, with impressive performances translating from club to country.
Ethan Ampadu: Versatile and composed, Ampadu’s defensive stability and ability to play across the back and midfield make him a vital part of Wales’ tactical setup.
Neco Williams: The young full-back combines attacking flair with defensive reliability. His pace and overlapping runs add width and creativity to Wales’ wide play.
Ben Davies: A consistent presence in defence, Davies provides experience and leadership, contributing both as a central defender and a left-back, ensuring Wales remain organised at the back.

Looking ahead to World Cup qualification prospects

The road to World Cup qualification presents both challenges and promise for Wales. Under Bellamy’s guidance, the team has shown resilience, combining experienced leaders like Ramsey with emerging talents. Consistent performances in the National League are key to improving their qualification odds, as upcoming fixtures will be crucial tests.

While recent form has been encouraging, the team must remain focused to navigate their competitive group. With Ramsey’s leadership and young players stepping up, Wales has the balance and spirit to push for World Cup qualification.

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

1 day ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.