‘Proud’ – Sean Wharton sends upbeat message to Barry Town players
Cardiff City v Barry Town United in Adran Premier at Leckwith Stadium on the 18th December 2022. Credit: Perry Dobbins
Barry Town United manager Sean Wharton has hailed his side for the manner of their performance in their narrow defeat against Cardiff City.
The Linnets battled well with the Bluebirds, losing just 1-0 in the wet and windy conditions at Leckwith Stadium. Cardiff are unbeaten across all three competitions this season, whilst Barry have struggled for form.
Wharton has just one point from five league fixtures in charge, following the close defeat to Cardiff City he was still full of praise and confidence.
“I think the girls were expecting a really tough performance today and they got it but I think we showed them we’re a really good team.” He began.
“I’m so proud of all the girls today. From one to 11 and all the substitutes that came on as well, I couldn’t have asked for much more.
“I think the game should’ve been abandoned. If you look across the country there would’ve been many abandoned where the pitch wasn’t as bad as what it was out there today, I think it was a huge risk playing that game. [Players’ safety] was the concern for myself and the players.
“There are no concerns at all. The girls are great, and we’re not worried, there may be other people concerned but we have nothing to worry about.
“We’re going in the right direction and we’ve got a great under-19s and great 250 to 300 girls playing football, they turn up to training every week, there’s nothing to be concerned about.
“I’ve got a young team, they’re learning every single week, they work hard and enjoy each other’s company and it showed today and our supporters were great and we showed them today we’re going in the right direction.”
Barry Town United sit seventh in the Adran Premier, however with 10 of the 14 representatives on the pitch against Cardiff City being under the age of 19 their club positives branch out much further than results- their under-19 side are currently third with many players going on to represent the first team this season.
“[Erin Brennan] is a great leader. She doesn’t say much but what she does say is vitally important and she has quiet discussions with the younger girls and they look up to her and it’s fantastic for me as manager to have someone like that.
“My message now though is, enjoy Christmas. Family life is vitally important, they’re going to go off and have a break then come back ready for the second half of the season.”
The Linnets next game is against a tough Cardiff Met opposition who currently sit third, on 22nd January at Jenner Park.
