2004 could well beYear of the Dragons (From Barry And District News)

2004 could well beYear of the Dragons

Barry Town have come through an incredibly difficult twelve months, and now they are looking forward to the New Year with fresh hope.

There was the disastrous time when John Fashanu left, then the stark reality that the club was massively in debt.

The loyalty of the fans shone through when they rallied around to raise the £100,000 needed to save the Dragons from going under.

They had nearly hit their target with pledges and promises of cash, when new owner Stuart Lovering stepped forward with his bid.

And the team has an injection of new talent, with Barry Town manager David Hughes signing a significant trio to boost his squad, with his eye on a fourth acquisition.

First out of the bag was former Cardiff City trainee Richard French, who joined from Merthyr, having also previously been with Newport County.

French made a promising debut in Friday night's match against Aberystwyth and looks set to be a regular feature of the team, with the ability to play as an attacking midfielder as well as a forward.

Hughes had attempted to bring the youngster to Barry earlier in the season, but injury problems at Merthyr meant that the Martyrs were keen to hold on to him.

Also new to the Dragons is former Cwmbran Town and Port Talbot Town player Ryan Shugar - a central midfielder who made his debut as a substitute at Aberyst-wyth, after injury to Lloyd Sloman.

The third new signing was the vastly experienced defender Dean Philpott, who began training with the squad last week.

Philpott is best known for his time with Inter Cardiff, but the Rhondda-born player also spent time with Cardiff City as a youngster, as well as Cwmbran Town, Aberystwyth Town and Port Talbot Town.

Also on Dave Hughes's shopping list is youngster Luke Sherbon, who is currently at Aberystwyth Town. Sherbon signed for Barry during the summer, making his Town debut against Aber in August, before moving back to mid-Wales.

Barry have put in an official 'Seven Days Notice of Approach' upon the midfielder.

It is now just a matter of time to see how well the team gels for future matches.

And while supporters remain understandably cautious about their team's future, with the new talent, a promise of steady financial support and the guts and determination shown so far by the Dragons and their followers, it really does look like a fresh start for Barry Town AFC.