Wayne Jones provides update as Haverfordwest prepare for resumption of football
Haverfordwest, Wales, UK. 16th Dec, 2020. Barry Town United v Haverfordwest County at Bridge Meadow Stadium in the JD Cymru Premier on the 16th December 2020 Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
HAVERFORDWEST County have used the current lockdown of elite sport in Wales to extend the contracts of four players in Wayne Jones squad.
Cardiff City striker Danny Williams will remain at the Bridge Meadow until the end of the season, his eleven goals this season one of the reasons the Bluebirds sit in seventh place on their return to the Cymru Premier.
Goalkeeper Matt Turner, who has alternated with Wojciech Gajda, will also continue his development in West Wales after being loaned out by Leeds United.
Summer signing Trystan Jones has extended his day at the club, meanwhile Jack Britton has also extended his stay with Haverfordwest.
With the squad now finalised for a remainder of the season, it has prompted Wayne Jones to begin preparations for the resumption of football.
It is hopeful that domestic football in Wales will return in early March, however it is subject to the Welsh Government loosening their restrictions.
“I’m chomping at the bit to return to football as are the players,” said the Bluebirds boss.
“The boys fitness levels have remained good under the guidance of fitness and conditioning coach David Le-Grice, but you can’t beat the camaraderie of training as a team.”
“There have been some some slight niggles which we can hopefully stretch out,” continued Jones as he awaits the release of the remaining phase one fixtures in the impending weeks.
“Our aim for the season hasn’t budged; it is to finish tenth, although that doesn’t mean I’m not ambitious and I’m targeting to build on the positive performances we have shown this season.”
Funds were available to Jones in the recent transfer window, but it was decided that he would remain loyal to the side which currently sit in seventh.
“These boys have got us into a great position, and they have my support, the contract extensions signed this week showing how the club wants to build during the next three years.”
Haverfordwest are however, looking only at this season, with relegation confirmed if the Welsh Government restrictions allow a return for elite football. The league must complete phase one, for financial reasons, from UEFA, league sponsorship and to hold their elite league status next season. The projected completion date for the season will be May 30th, following which the Welsh Cup final will be played in early June.
Jones was coy but had a glint in his eye on the possibility of juggling the league campaign with a Welsh Cup run.
“We can mix it with the best and both the Welsh Cup and the League Cups are opportunities to further enjoy the season, where the limited team entry allows us a great opportunity of going deep into the competition.”
All of Jones backroom staff are involved in the return to the training ground and he has linked well with Academy U23 coach Ceri Phillips during the downtime. “Covid has had an impact but it has given me more time; to reflect on myself, my players and the Club as a whole” said Jones.
“We have to respect the game and we are all aware of what we are doing and how we are seen to be doing it. We are the pinnacle of football in Pembrokeshire and the Club are in the spotlight. We do it right and want to be seen to be doing it right. I’m now more understanding of the players mindset and how they need to be treated on and off the pitch.”
