End of a nightmare (From Barry And District News)

End of a nightmare

Barry Town's top goal scorer Jamie Moralee has told the News of his heartache after being told earlier in the season that the club would have to let him go.

Jamie, the fans' firm favourite, is dedicated to Barry Town AFC, having signed a new two year contract.

On the football side, it's been a great season for him but the ex-Crystal Palace and Watford striker had an early setback.

He was told that the club could no longer afford his wages and that he would have to leave the club at the end of the season.

Jamie has come to love Barry, the club and his fellow players and it was a bitter pill to swallow.

"I was very despondent and shocked but my wife Liza has been a rock through it all and kept me on positive ground."

After a month or two of heartache the situation was resolved and Barry Town AFC were delighted to come up with a rescue plan which keeps Jamie at Jenner Park for at least another two seasons.

"When I first came because I knew Peter Nicholas I told Barry that if a Football League club came in for me I would probably go", said Jamie.

"But as I came to settle and enjoy being a part of Barry Town's success story, I told Peter that even if a league club came in for me I would not go. I have been offered some new challenges but my heart is here. That's why when I was told to go, it felt as if my world had caved in."

The rest is history. Moralee got on with the job and went on to score 33 goals, his 59th in two seasons.

"I feel as if I have plenty to offer Barry Town with my experience and I've done my best over the last two seasons. I have only missed one game through injury in that time", said Jamie.

Jamie believes that Barry will go from strength to strength next season, but feels that the club needs a couple more players.

He has the highest regard for his fellow professionals and has faith in them all. We asked Jamie to comment on each one of his team-mates.

Simon Rayner, goalkeeper. Simon is just 18 years of age but is an amazing 6ft 5in tall. He has played for his home country of Canada at youth level and is very ambitious.

JM: "He has a good presence and I believe he can go all the way to the top."

Lee Phillips, defender, age 23. Represented Wales at under-21 and had 30 English League games for Cardiff City.

JM: "Lee is a big occasion player and he has pace, power and loads of ability. Able to play at a higher level."

Lee Jarman, defender, age 24. Called up to the Wales squad when just 18, played for Cardiff City and Oxford United.

JM: "Lee has all the ability but needs a full season to establish himself." Andrew York, central defender, age 33. A non-league Welsh international acclaimed as the best centre back in the league.

JM: "Andrew is a natural born winner. He trains hard and is inspirational, I have the utmost respect for him."

Kenny Brown, defender, age 34. Had six games at West Ham, and also played for Millwall and Crystal Palace.

JM: "Kenny is a good footballer and a great passer of the ball. Uses all his experience and knowledge of the game."

Tom Ramasut, age 24, midfielder, under-21 international for Wales, ex-Bristol Rovers.

JM: "Tom has done well for us. He has good ability and is a little bit different, giving us other options. An intelligent player."

Richard Kennedy, age 23, midfielder at Brentford and Crystal Palace.

JM: "Richard is an unsung hero. He is fit and very mobile, and in my opinion the most improved player at the club."

Mike Flynn, age 21, midfielder, was at Newport County.

JM: "Mike is a winner. He scores goals and has all the armoury. A strong running player he needs to be a bit more clever when considering his options on the ball.

Jamie Jenkins, age 23, midfielder formerly with Bournemouth.

JM: "Had a bad time with injuries but Jamie is a bright spark and when he plays well, the team plays well."

Gary Lloyd, age 30, left wing back capped at Welsh B level and has been in the full Welsh squad. One of the best players in the League of Wales.

JM: "Gary has great ability and is simply irreplaceable."

Scott Morgan, age 27, defender. Was on Bournemouth's books.

JM: "Scott is a credit to himself and probably Barry's most consistent defender."

Lee Pratt, age 19, midfielder, from Llantwit Major.

JM: "Lee has great ability and is gutsy. Needs a run in the team and to gain some confidence."

Jon French, age 25, midfield, striker or wingback. Was at Hull City and Bristol Rovers. Team Captain.

JM: "Jon has done well. He always gives 100 per cent, has great ability and could easily be playing at a higher level."

Dave Toomey, age 30, Front runner from Tiverton.

JM: "Dave's first season as a pro and he comes out of it with great credit. Needs to build on it."

Nicky Burke, age 21, striker. Was on Swindon's books.

JM: "Nicky has a first class attitude, and has improved tremendously. Needs to decide on when to shoot or pass."

Jamie Moralee, age 30, striker at Crystal Palace, Watford, Millwall. Replaced Ian Wright after he signed for Arsenal. Made his premier debut for Crystal Palace at Southampton when only 19.

Jamie is the fans' hero and top goalscorer. Every goal gets the fans singing. Has a great first touch and an eye for the spectacular goal.

He counts Tim Alexander (TNS) and Richard Carter (Cwmbran) as tough opponents and the most physical defenders Sean Wharton (Cwmbran), Dean Philpott (Llanelli) and Phil Holmes (Port Talbot).

Barry Town have a great squad of players and Kenny Brown firmly believes that they have not reached their full potential.

"This squad will get better", said Kenny. "Another season will help them gell even more."

Kenny may sign another couple of players with Europe in mind, but will only entertain those who are as good or better than present squad members. Kenny Brown is a shrewd man but has to work within the club's financial restraints.

Kenny will want to improve on the poor starts in the league of the last two seasons, but right now, as he and the rest of the players take a well earned break, he will be focused on Europe.

Next week we will look at Barry Town's likely opponents in the first qualifying round of the Champions League. So don't miss next week's News.