Future looks bright at Dinas Powys FC! (From Penarth Times)

Future looks bright at Dinas Powys FC!

8:30am Thursday 6th September 2012 in Letters

WHEN a team in the Welsh League has scored 19 goals in two games, and a staggering 26 in the last four, it’s only right that the headlines and the accolades should go to the record-breaking team and its management.

In this case, it’s Dinas Powys FC’s first team, manager Mark Dunford and his management team of Phil Clay, Matt Boyd-Anderson, and Lee Moore.

The squad of players, with no shortage of skill and ability, has carried on from last season’s promotion challenge, and now stand unbeaten in runners-up spot in Welsh League Division Two.

Speak to any of the management and supporters though, and they’ll tell you that the thing that sets the team apart is a tremendous team spirit and character.

It has seen most of the players re-sign from last season, with a number of them turning down offers of money from other clubs to play elsewhere, in order to remain at a club where no player receives a payment to play, following a similar example previously set by players at clubs like Merthyr and Barry Town in recent years, at a time of financial difficulty for many clubs in South Wales.

Of even better long term news than the current goal fest, for one of the largest clubs in South Wales, is the recent appointment of Paul Eldridge as secretary, followed by the signing of the vastly experienced Mike Lambert as the new chairman, following a long search.

Mike’s is a name that will be familiar to many within football circles in South Wales, having held Senior positions within Cardiff City Supporters Club over many years, and he has huge experience within the Welsh League, including overseeing the rise of Garw Football Club to the Welsh League First Division from 2004-2009 as well as developing the boys, girls and ladies football at the club.

With Mike also a member of the Welsh League management committee, he is joining Dinas Powys at a time when a recently appointed strategic development committee has been set up to move the club forward at all levels, from mini football onwards.

The two appointments of Paul and Mike are vital to the club’s short term and long term success. But the fact that someone with Mike’s vast experience, ability and enthusiasm, has chosen not only to join us, but that he shares our vision of how a successful community club should be run, makes this the biggest signing the football club has made for a number of years.

Mark and the boys are proof of just what can be achieved with the right skills and character, even when finances are very difficult, and we’re constantly in desperate in need of financial support and sponsorship.

Dave Jose

DPFC