THE NEWS FROM NANTPORTH

Manager Stephen Vaughan Leaves                                                         Tuesday 1st October 2019

Bangor City have announced the departure of manager Stephen Vaughan.   This comes after a topsy turvy week which began with defeat against Llandudno, peaked with a League Cup win over The New Saints and ended with a seven nil thrashing at Prestatyn.   The terse club statement said that the club wished the departed manager well for the future and would now seek a new manager.   Inbetween these lines are concerns over the future of manager and former chairman Vaughan. The club now precariously balanced on the will and commitment of twenty or so Italian players who - reportedly - live in Liverpool and travel up for matches.

Bangor Set for Kick Off                                                                            Friday 23rd August 2019

Bangor City kick off their season at Conwy on Saturday afternoon   All this after a seemngly endless delay whilst they took on - and defeated - the FAW's points deduction.   The victory at arbitration on Monday released the club from FAW sanctions over charges which few if any involved in Welsh football fully understand.   On Thursday City announced a couple of new signings ahead of the Conwy match, Damase Kiwanda and James Thomas.   Winger Kiwanda began his career at Huddersfield before playing for the likes of Hyde United, Mold Alex and Airbus.   34 year old midfielder Thomas has Welsh Premier experience with Caernarfon Town having also played for Warrington and Vauxhall Motors. He joins from South Liverpool.   But the proviso at the end of the Bangor City press release states that the signings are subject to FAW approval.   City will hope they are granted clearance to play at Conwy on Saturday.

Bangor City Successful at Arbitration                                                Saturday 17th August 2019

Bangor City were cleared to play in the CymruNorth at sports arbitration in Birmingham on Friday afternoon.   The 42 point deduction - initially reduced to 21 - has now been expunged.   What even the most partisan FAW fan makes of this absolute shambles is hard to know but the simple fact is that they have been overruled at arbitration.   City are now likely to start their season at Conwy onj Saturday 24th August 2019.

New Season Kick Off Postponed - Again                                          Tuesday 13th August 2019

The FAW have postponed the CA fixture against Colwyn Bay on 17th August 2019.   This is due to arbitration between the FAW and Bangor City taking place the previous day.   Using what is described as emergency powers the Governing Body have also stopped Holywell (who might be re-instated into the CA from the WNL) and Llandyrnog United (who might be relegated from Welsh Alliance Divison One to Division Two).   The fact that emergency powers are needed at this stage of the season is bizarre. Clubs who could be viewed as totally innocent are now seeing their season so badly distrupted. Neither club - nor Bangor City - know what league they will play in and will soon fall behind with their fixtures.   The tired cliche Together Stronger linked to all things FAW has a "We're all in this together" ring to it these days. And by the way, we're not.

New Season Kick Off Postponed

The FAW have postponed the Nathanierl Cup Conwy Borough v Bangor City fixture this weekend (3rd August 2019).   This is reportedly due to the forthcoming Independent Arbitration meeting which Bangor requested to have their 21 point deduction over turned.   Whilst this serves to prevent City from kicing off the new season it also serves to undermine the start of the JDCymruNorth season, which after the trumpeted rebrand and relaunch is a shot in the foot by the Governing Body.   There is no schedule or timetable available to suggest whether this will be resolves before the 17th August league season opening weekend.

City Launch Reserve Side	Thursday 18th July 2019
Bangor City have launched a reserve side which will play in the Welsh Alliance Reserve League.   The management team will be Colin Quirk and Jamie Welsh. Quirk formerly played for Buckley Town and Queens Park (Wrexham).   City have also added a couple more pre season fixtures, see the updated list
Yalany Baio Returns	Wednesday 17th July 2019
Bangor City have announced the return of all action midfielder Yalany Baio.   Baio played for City during the 2016-17 Welsh Premier campaign and then again last time around in the Cymru Alliance.   Mananger Stephen Vaughan welcomed his return and suggested more of a similar caliabre may well follow. photo Yalany Baio left with thanks to EventPhotoWales
City Slump at Hednesford	Sunday 14th July 2019
Bangor City lost five nil at Hednesford on Saturday, see
Bangor City Kick Off Pre Season With A Win	Friday 12th July 2019
Bangor City won one nil at Mold on Tuesday evening thanks to a debut goal from Harry Blackburn.
Four More Sign - Plus Two	Friday 12th July 2019
Bangor have announced the arrival of four more new faces to Nantporth.   They are 21 year old attacking midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang who has played for Novara in Italy and Mosta in Malta.   Three British player make up the quartet, namely former Crewe Alexandra youngster Lewis Foster. Lewis who also played for Salford City can play in defence or midfield.   Defender or midfielder Paul Cliff has been with Skelmersdale and closer to home Holywell and Rhyl.   Finally Tuesday evening's goalscorer Harry Blackburn signs from Clitheroe.   Added to this list a couple more, goalkeeper Gennaro Cuomo from Italy, and Massimo De Maria

Bangor City Kick Off Pre Season	Monday 8th July 2019
Bangor City travel to Mold Alex on Tuesday evening for a pre season friendly against their Welsh National League hosts.
New Manager Appointed	Monday 8th July 2019
The new manager at Nantporth is Stephen Vaughan jnr who also involved in the management of the club.   Stephen has experience as a player with Liverpool and Chester and in management with Bangor City U19s and Mosta FC of Malta.

Bangor City Win CA Reprieve                                         Monday 24th June 2019

Bangor City are set to continue in the Cymru Alliance after gaining a reprieve at the appeal hearing held at Caersws today.    The club was represented by Chris O'Neal who called witnesses to argue that the 42 point deductioin - and resulting relegation - was too severe.    The Independent body agreed and halved the points deduction to 21 points which left City on 30 points, but above Penrhyncoch and more significantly Holywell on goal difference. The Wellmen are now relegated.    The club was also fined £700 but would receive £439.20 costs back from the FAW.    City still face considerable difficulties signing players given the Transfer Ban.    It is also worth noting that the Cymru Alliance will enforce a transfer window next season, similar to the Welsh Premier.

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Bangor City Face New Hearing	Monday 24th June 2019
The FAW Appeals Panel will meet again to decide Bangor City's fate.   Another meeting to decide on the punishment - or otherwise - will take place on Tuesday 24th June 2019.

Bangor City Face New Hearing - And Bring in New Faces

Friday 21st June 2019

The FAW Appeals Panel will meet again to decide Bangor City's fate.   Another meeting to decide on the punishment - or otherwise - will take place on Tuesday 24th June 2019.   Bangor City initially announced that the 42 point deduction had been declared null and void.   Later on the same day the FAW came out with a different perspective, that Bangor had presented new evidence which they needed to consider.   Either way some kind of result should be forthcoming on Tuesday which will decide whether City -and indirectly Holywell - stay in the Cymru Alliance next season.   It should be noted that the Transfer Ban remains in place, and unless I am missing something, will do so until overdue wages are paid by the club.   Not withstanding this uncertainty and the restrictions of the transfer ban, City have signed more players from overseas.   In addition to the five listed earlier:   Twenty One year old midfielder Emanuele Gianmaria Zaminga from Tricase   Goalkeeper Gabriele Brino from Treviso also aged 21.   Twenty Five year old Burkina Faso striker Aziziou Zoumbare from DJK Dom Bosco in Germany   Manager's son, a nineteen year old striker Francesco Leghissa from Maltese outfit Mosta   Midfielder Nicolas Delveschio is the 21 year old son of former Italian international Marco Delvecchio   Defender or defensive midfielder Eugenio Dalia from Italy has previously played for Palermo Youth, L'Aquila and Igea Virtus

Big Week Ahead...

Monday 17th June 2019

The FAW will this week hear Bangor City's appeal against the 42 point deduction for fielding inleigible players last season.   The punishment seems to revolve around Bangor fielding two players as non contract whilst paying both more than could be deemed as reasonable expenses.   Bangor might well argue that this is commonplace in North and Mid Wales at both Welsh Premier and Cymru Alliance level.   The FAW may well reply that their records suggest otherwise.   Either way a decision will be revealed during the week, City and the likes of Holywell Town, who might yet avoid relegation from the CA if City are demoted, can begin to plan for the new campaign.

City Lodge Appeal & Sign Five

City Lodge Apeal   According to the North Wales Chronicle, Bangor City have appealed against the FAW decision to deduct 42 points (from last season's tally) and impose a transfer ban on the club.   & Sign Five   Over the past week or so City have announced five new signings..   Left footer Massimo Sammartino arrives from Mosta of Malta, having previously played for AS Roma.   Former Bangor and Airbus midfielder Pavel Vieira has returned to the club.   Left footed scouser David Thompson has previously played for Bala Town, Rhyl and Marine.   Former Boca Juniors youth team winger Francesco Serafino having also played in Malta.   Defender Davide Salvatore is the fifth newcomer, the 22 year old Italian joins from Jonica Siderno   (With the club the subject of a Transfer Ban these signings are all dependent on FAW approval.)

City Appoint Director of Football

Bangor City have announced Max Leghissa as Director of Football   The Italian previously worked in Malta with Mosta FC.   Before that he worked on the Milan academy and has been involved with a number of other Italian clubs as well as Syrianska in Sweden.

City Deducted 42 Points!

An investigation by the FAW has resulted in Bangor being deducted 42 points for fielding ineligible players last season.   The case against the club is detailed here FAW Disciplinary.   It is of course hard to fully understand what this means, although the 42 point punishment means relegation presumably to the Welsh Alliance.   In response to this Bangor City issued a statement which can be found here BCFC Response   If my understanding of what Bangor are saying is correct they have been punished for paying or possibly not paying non contract players who then should be classified as contract players with a contract deposited with the FAW.   In these circumstances the FAW cannot respond to Bangor's defence as it will be the subject of an appeal scheduled for a date after 29th May 2019.

Bangor Hit By FAW Transfer Ban

A report in the North Wales Chronicle - substantiated by the FAW - suggests Bangor City have been prevented from signing professional players until December 2019.   In simple terms the message from the FAW is that City must pay overdue wages owed before they are allowed to move on.   Anyone who has read this website over the past ten or fifteen years will know I am no fan of the Cardiff based Governing Body but it is very hard to find fault with their stance, given that players and others are owed money and have lodged formal protests. The FAW have a legal obligation to act.   The current Bangor board face the choice of paying off the monies owed or accepting that the club cannot function.   Meanwhile pretty much every club in North Wales is announcing signings on a daily basis, some are releasing pre-season fixtures..   This news comes against a backcloth of ongoing action by the Supporters Association (BCFCSA) to launch a new club.   Life is seldom dull at Bangor City but this calamitous situation must be resolved if the club is to move forward.   A response from the club is expected in the next day or so.   For the full article at source

News Round Up

Taylor Fletcher Gone

Bangor manager Gary Taylor Fletcher has left to the club.  He was initially announced as the new manager of recently relegated Llandudno but promptly declined the appointment citing conflinct of interest with his work. Llandudno then announced Matt Jones as their new boss, former manager of recently relegated Denbigh Town.  It has to be said that is a strange series or sequence of events.  No word as yet as to who might replaced GTF at Nantporth.

City Gain Tier Two Licence

The FAW have taken a keener interest in the second tier of Welsh football and have introduced a tier two licence which Bangor and pretty much every other club who applied have achieved.  Given that most CA clubs have been trumpeting the signing of contract extension by current players the clubs must have felt very confident of their futures.  Oddly enough a notable licence failure in South Wales were Port Talbot Town, doutbless they will appeal and - from my point of view - good luck to them.

BCFCSA Move Towards New Team

The Bangor Supporters association have released a statement confirming that they have applied to the FAW to register a new Bangor club.  No detail as yet of a name or manager, and of course it is up to the Governing Body which league or tier they are placed.

The Citizens Choice Player of The Season

The Citizens Choice Player of The Season is Jordan Piggott   The tall teenage defender joined Bangor in the autumn after a lengthy wait for International Clearance, and made his debut at Penrhyncoch in October 2018.   He initially played at right back but when the player exodus occured following the Caernarfon defeat moved more regularly to centrehalf, first alongside Mike Williams and then Michael Johnston.  More recently he has been the old head next to Cian Williams and very youthful fullbacks.   It would have been easy for Jordan to have fund a club closer to his Birmingham home but he stayed loyal and put in the 270 odd mile round trip to Nantporth.  Jacob Farleigh was also a contender under similar circumstances as was player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher who was clearly hampered by injury.   But the former West Bromich youngster deserves this nominal gong (no prize unfortunately!) and joins some familiar names in the table of previous winners.   Jordan was also named in the North Wales Chronicle Team of The Season by sports reporter Dean Jones, the only City player to feature.

Supporters Opt to Launch new Club

At a meeting of the Bangor City Supporters Association on Wednesday evening the members elected to launch a new club. The details of  a press release as reported by the BBC can be found here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47881842 Clearly the Supporters Association have spoken to the FAW (the new club would play in Wales) and have some form of agreement with regard to a level or league they would enter for the 2019-2020 season. There is also talk of a Level Three compliant ground in the Bangor area and of manager(s) being provisionally agreed. Level Three would suggest Welsh Alliance League football. Watch this space!

EuroGold Announced as Stadium Sponsors

Bangor City have announced that shirt sponsors EuroGold are the new ground sponsors, and that they will contiue as shirt sponsors until the end of next season in what is described as a five figure sum.

Steve Vaughan Jnr Returns - As Chairman

Bangor City have announced that Steve Vaughan Jnr has returned from his spell in Malta and is the new club chairman.   This comes against a backcloth of unpaid bills, the club being unable to use Nantporth for home matches, and an ongoing boycott by large numbers of supporters.   Rumour at Flint on Saturday suggested the Inland Revneue and Water Bill had been paid and the latter reconnected.   The official statement and related detail can be found here  Steve Vaughan Jnr Returns

Johnno Returns

Bangor have signed Michael Johnston   The experienced central defender rejoins City from Wrexham based Brickfield Rangers.   Since leaving Bangor in 2015 Michael has played for Llandudno, Caernarfon and briefly Runcorn.   Welcome to Nantporth Johnno   BIOGRAPHY   A Liverpool born centre back, Michael Johnston moved to Farrar Road on a loan period from Tranmere Rovers just before the September 2007 transfer window.  During the summer of 2008 he was released by Rovers and wasted no time in signing for City on a permanent basis.      Michael has represented Wales and Under 17 and 19 level and was voted the outstanding player in North Wales at the end of the 2007-08 season. During the 2009-10 season Michael represented Wales Under 23s (semi professional) side.   He has won three successive Welsh Cup Winners medals in 2008, 09 and 10 and in 2011 added a Welsh Premier Championship winners medal. Michael represented the club in the Champions League matches against HJK Helsinki at the beginning of the 2011-12 season and again in the Europa League a year later to bring his total European appearances for the City to a dozen starts - a club record.

Tom Reilly Signs

Bangor have signed former Accrington youth team player Tom Reilly.   The eighteen year old left footer can play fullback or midfield and also has experience playing in Sweden with Eskilstuna City.   Tom is available for selection now after awaiting International Clearance.

Gresford Game - and More - in Doubt...

Saturday afternoon's CA visit of Gresford Athletic is in doubt.   After a great deal of speculation on social media - much of it unreliable it has to be said - things came to a head after the Welsh Cup visit of Caernarfon.   Events - or an eventuality which many City fans had feared when Steve Vaughan under the guise of VSM, took over the club in 2016.   Chief amongst them strong rumours of unpaid wages, not only to players but ground staff, and of unpaid bills.   It was unpaid bills to companies with well rehearsed debt collection systems that proved most significant and led to the club releasing the following statement

Recent Events:   On Monday morning Bangor City Football Club was issued with a £16,000 demand for electricity. The electric has been used by Nantporth CIC and Bangor City Football Club. This led to its disconnection.  We understand Nantporth CIC are in the process of changing over to a different supplier for the 3G pitch floodlights which makes up a majority portion of the overall bill. This has not happened as yet.   However, unjustly the bill is in the name of Bangor City Football Club.   This was followed by a water rates demand of £9,000 the same day which has now also been turned off.   The Football Club is responsible to pay this bill.  Negotiations are in place to get both bills settled and brought up to date as soon as possible.  We are still waiting on funds being released from the FAW which has also hindered our cashflow.  Bangor City's creditors list is approximately £80,000 in its entirety. This includes bringing players and staff wages up to date as well as paying compensation to our former groundsman.  The club has been in negotiations with investors and sponsors for the past two months and are very close to securing a new stadium sponsor.   The Football Club will be requesting its shareholders to assist with the current financial situation and the club endeavours to get ready for Saturday's league fixture v Gresford FC.   [END OF STATEMENT]    There has been a sense of inevitability leading up to this, accelerated no doubt by the departure of Steve Vaughan jnr to Malta.    What happens next is unclear but it seems highly unlikely that all the funds needed will be forthcoming although it might be possible to reach an agreement with creditors based on part payment to the water and electricity suppliers.    How long such interim payments would be effective for is another question.    There has been a good deal of ill informed speculation on social media, to which this website will not be adding.    News will be reported as it unfolds, in particular with one eye on the weekend visit of Gresford.    Watch this space...

Bangor Land Midfielder Menagh

Bangor City have signed former Blackpool   youngster Jamie Menagh  The 25 year old Liverpool born midfielder was noted by Gary Taylor Fletcher when both played at Bloomfield Road.  Since which time Jamie has played for Prescot Cables, Chester, Marine, Altrincham and Airbus UK.  He gained most first team experience with Chester in the National League and Airbus in the Welsh Premier for whom he played against Bangor twice in the 2016-17 season. losing at Nantporth but winning at Broughton with The Planemakers.  The signing had been delayed due to International Clearance but with that now gained Jamie can hope to make his debut for City at Holyhead on Friday evening.  Welcome to Nantporth!

Les Gone. Darlington and Stephens to follow?

Bangor legend Les Davies has joined Llandudno.   The 33 year old has moved to Tudno who this week allowed John Owen to join Cefnm Druids.   There had been suggestions that the Maesgeirchen marauder was unsettled and from my perspective he cut a glum figure in the Boxing Day fixture at Porthmadog. He was replaced by player manager Gary Taylor Fletcher against Guilsfield.  Les is a hugely popular figure with Bangor fans and will be sorely missed.   No sooner had this story started to gather dust than news broke that leading goalscorer Alex Darlington and defender Ashley Stephens had been the subject of substantial offer from Mosta FC of Malta. The club Steven Vaughan jnr joined  a month ago.   Of course not every part timer footballer with a job and family can uproot - but that is very much up to the players involved if the offer is accepted.   Older Bangor fans might be reminded of the exodus of 1980 when Stan Storton left to take over as manager of Telford United.  If memory serves me Kevin Charlton, Alan Walker, Dave Barnett and Dave Mather went with him, possibly one more too.   It has to be said that didnt end well, City fans will be interested to see if the manager has replacements on the way or..

Bangor City To Be Sold?

New Owners Poised to Takeover...   The story broke on local media and is well summarised in this article:   Bangor City set for takeover   There is no indication as yet quite what this means in terms of who the new owners might be or what control or influence they would have.   It seems odd given the appointment of Alan Moogan today and Gary Taylor Fletcher before the weekend, but with more new expected over the next few days the situation will soon be clearer.

Alan Moogan Arrives

Bangor City have appointed Alan Moogan as Assistant Manager   Blues boss Gary Taylor Fletcher has brought former Southport midfielder to Nantporth as his assistant.   The former Everton youth teamer and reserve retired from playing in 2014 after several years with Southport, Burscough and Telford.   Since 2014 he worked as a player coach at Southport and then Telford and more recently as a coach with Liverpool FC.   Welcome to Nantporth Alan

Taylor Fletcher Returns

Gary Taylor Fletcher is back at Nantporth   The vastly experienced Gary Taylor Fletcher is the new manager, in place of caretaker Steven Vaughan who has moved to Malta.   Since leaving Nantporth at the end of last season after the licence failure Taylor Fletcher has been out of football. But a couple of weeks ago he linked up with Llandudno and scored three goals in his three appearances for the relegation strugglers.   Technically he replaces Craig Harrison who left to join Connahs Quay in mid October, but the nine game winning streak inherited by GTF is as much down to Vaughan and his assistants.   Taylor Fletcher will be a player manager at Nantporth although any return on the pitch will be on hold until around the New Year due to FAW regulations.   His tenure as manager begins at Belle Vue on Friday night.   Welcome back GTF.

Gary Taylor Fletcher in action against Carmarthen with thanks EventPhoto Wales

Steven Hewitt Flies South

Bangor midfielder Steven Hewitt has moved to Australia   The creative midfielder had been linked with a move to a local WP side but this proved to be wide of the mark.   The former Burnley youngster scored eight goals from 27 starts for City last season and rejoined the blues during the autumn after training with the club.   This is a life changing opportunity and a chance too good to pass up.   Good luck Steven.    In recent weeks Lee Owens, Tom Field and Andy Jones have also left the club.    Good luck to them also.

Harrison Goes Nomad

Bangor manager Craig Harrison has resigned and taken up a coaching position at Connahs Quay.   This may well be the post left vacant by the return of Neil Gibson to Prestatyn but the net effect is another managerial change at Nantporth.   For the Welsh Cup visit of Mold tomorrow Steve Vaughan jnr will take charge, assisted by Luke Purcell and Alan Lewer.   As the resignation was only received this morning no further news on a likely longer term replacement for the former TNS boss has been announced.   Quite why Harrison chose to leave at this particular moment may become clearer in time, but his first duty is to accompany Jock Morrison to Park Hall tomorrow for a top of the table clash with his former club.   Strange times.

City Mourns Dick Rigby

Bangor fans have been saddened today by the news of the death of long time supporter Dick Rigby.  A familiar figure home and away, home and abroad, Dick was often to be seen stopping for a chat, a moider, with fellow City supporters.  Dick was an active and loyal supporter of both the football club and supporters association.  Literally hundreds of City fans have taken to social media to offer messages of support to Dick's wife Anora and their family at this very sad time.  Gone but not forgotten,  Rest in Peace Dick Rigby

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