INTERNATIONAL soccer star Craig Bellamy was forced to disappoint Penarth because he was under-going surgery in America.

Cardiff-born Bellamy, a forward for Newcastle United, was due to open Jonathan Power Associates, the new independent financial advisers to the stars on Bradenham Place on Friday June 7.

Embarrassed staff at the only firm in Wales specialising in looking after sports stars and entertainers hoped Bellamy would not let them down.

But little did they know the football star was recovering from a knee operation.

Des Desai of 'footballdreams.com' has his finger on the footie pulse. He told the Times: "I did hear Craig was due for surgery. It's just unfortunate it clashed with the Penarth opening. I've met Craig. He's not the type to let people down deliberately."

There are around 150 sports people on Jonathan Power Associates' books, mainly professional footballers like 23-year-old Bellamy. The firm also works with athletes such as Ewan Thomas and Dianne Modahl, boxers like Joe Calzaghe and celebrities like Kim Appleby.

It is a first for Penarth, a town loved by the eight-strong team led by principal Jonathan Power.

Haverfordwest-born Mr Power said: "The facilities are fantastic here and it just has the right feel."

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