Mark Jones Interview
Mark Jones Interview
By webmaster/rheolwr y wefan
October 27 2003
Nigel Hunt talks to Port Talbot Town manager Mark Jones for www.porttalbotafc.co.uk, about their start to the season, Welsh Premier standards and the future for Welsh football.
Mark Jones has been the manager of Port Talbot Town for the last two seasons bringing stability to the club, however the recent run of results has lead him to being under more pressure than any other time of his tenure. Since the last interview the Blues have secured our highest ever finish in the top flight of Welsh football, there have been a number of big name signings that it is hoped can take the club to the next level and the lucrative Premier Cup.
How would you assess the season so far?
Obviously, we have not done as well as I thought we would have done with the squad that we have at Port Talbot. I still think we will have a top eight finish, we are only a couple of wins away from the top eight going into the Newtown game. I will not be happy until we have a top six finish, but top is the dream and a crack at the Champions League.
Are you still enjoying the Club and the League as much as ever?
I love it, it’s a real challenging League, and I have realized that is the highest level outside pro football. No game is easy, even for Badger (Ken McKenna) at TNS and Kenny (Brown) when he was at Barry.
What would you say to those that think the Welsh pyramid is not working?
They have not been watching or following it. There are few upsets in the Welsh Cup compared to the English and Scottish competitions. The league is bringing a lot of enjoyment and competition to a lot of people throughout Wales and it’s very competitive. It has to be good for the long-term future of the national game. When it 1st started there were a couple of easy touches in the League, but not no more. I have learnt so much on and off the park over the last two years about the demands on everyone involved players, managers and staff.
How do you feel the new signings have settled in?
Its always hard to settle with a new club, but there is a welcome at the club, no one wants to leave the Blues for another semi pro club, there have been offers for Savage, Dodds and Guppy amongst others. They are still giving us 100%. No one who's gone have left under a cloud.
Were you sad to see the likes of Jason Bird leave the club?
Yeah, Birdy has played for me for seven years, he knew about Liam Hancock and a couple of youngsters progressing through the ranks, he needed time off the bench and though he is with the Grange Quins, he is always available for the club, and is one of the most committed players I have ever dealt with.
How do you feel about the Welsh Cup draw?
Aberystwyth is a tough draw, but if you are going to win it you have to play the best, it’s a home draw, which we are happy with, but Aber have started so well. Being underdogs suits the club. I hope that we get big support for the Cup. If everyone performs on the day we can make progress.
Are you prepared for the Boxing Day game?
‘Looking forward to it as always it’s a great occasion, one of the biggest games in the league that deserves more media coverage’.
What do you think of the media coverage?
'Apart from John Edwards and the evening papers the national coverage is shocking. Although the Welsh Non League paper is a welcome addition. They are missing so much untapped talent, which could help the pro clubs and Wales’s future chances. Some mornings we do not get results of the previous night League games in the Welsh press. Bring back Dylan Ebeneezer and the Gol team, they were committed to the League and grass roots football. Oliver Hides on BBC Wales Radio is interested and I hear Radio Cymru is good in all fairness.
The Barry situation?
Its disappointing for them, as they have done well for Welsh football, but they just have to get on with it now within their resources. I have a lot of time for Kenny Brown.
Welsh Under 21’s?
There are boys good enough in our league to represent the country and it would be good boost for everyone to see them involved. It would also be good for the gate.
Wales chances in the Play Offs?
I just hope that they have everyone available for Russia and put it like this if we get there, I will definitely be going to Portugal next summer. I think nearly all of the Club will be over there.
Anything you would like to say to the supporters of the club?
They have been great over the last two years and long may that continue, hope that they can turn out in droves for both the Derby and the Welsh Cup games, which will be so important for the Club.
Many thanks to Mark Pitman of www.porttalbotafc.co.uk for sending us this article. If you would like to send an article or interview on for publication please email them to wpwebmaster@uk2.net