'Fash' in charge (From Barry And District News)

'Fash' in charge

NEW Barry Town Chairman John Fashanu has revealed ambitious plans to turn the Jenner Park club into one of the most glamorous sides in Welsh football.

The former Wimbledon star and founder member of The Craxy Gang spoke to the News as he watched his team beat Caersws 3-2.

Fashanu took up his place in the director's box after flying in from Switzerland where he was clearing the deal to take control of the club with FIFA.

The former England star sees his appointment as a ground-breaking move - both personally and professionally.

He said: "Apart from being the youngest chairman Barry Town has had, I am also the first black chairman anywhere in the world, which is an amazing thing in the fight against racism."

Fashanu praised former chairman Kevin Green, who will now become chief executive at the club, calling him a 'great tutor.'

He said: "I was excited when I got the call from Kevin. Of course I'd heard of Barry Town.

"It's great to have somebody with such enthusiasm, and I agreed to it immediately in principle, then went to Switzerland to check with FIFA I could go ahead."

The ex-Aston Villa star then outlined his plans for the Welsh Premier side.

He said: "Barry Town has got a great stadium and a wonderful pitch. I know the team has a lot of potential.

"I came out of Plough Lane in London, where the strengths were in selling players. The team will have to be on its toes because I have big things in mind for this place.

"I don't want people in Barry to think I'm going to write a cheque for £1 million to the club. But if I can bring some promising young players in from my connections with Nigeria and sell them to other clubs, it will take Barry Town forward each time."

Confirming his commitment, he stressed: "I had no hesitation in coming into Barry Town. I'm a businessman. If it's got legs and I can run with it then I'll go in to it."

Fashanu's appointment is seen as a major coup for the club which often faces criticism over its European performances and struggling gates at home.

But a positive Kevin Green is confident the team can become a major player in Welsh football.

He said: "We are delighted that the final piece of the jigsaw in our 18 month plan to restructure the club is now in place.

"Mr Fashanu's appointment will give us the credibility within the business world and help provide the financial stability to enable the club to overcome the difficulties it has faced in the last couple of years."

He stressed that Fashanu's appointment was just one of many and that further announcements would be made in the next couple of weeks.