THE DRAW for the opening qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League is just two weeks away, as Barry again prepare to pit their wits against foreign opposition.

Seasoned campaigners like Andrew York and Gary Lloyd have played more than a dozen games each in Europe and they will say that there is nothing to compare with it.

The majority of Premier Division players never ever take part in European matches, and it is a great privilege for our lads to be there year in, year out.

Barry have already met Aberdeen, Dinamo Kiev, Boavista and FC Porto - tough competition indeed!

Kenny Brown, Barry player manager will be looking forward to an easier opener, if that is possible, because the draw has not always been favourable to the Jenner Park club. Kenny, Kevin Green and one or two others, will fly out to Geneva for the draw on June 21. But Barry already know who they may meet.

Skonta Riga of Latvia, Apoel Nicosia of Cyprus, Tampere United of Finland, the champions of Moldova and Georgia are all in Barry's group.

Akranes of Iceland, Belshina Bobbruish of Belarus, Shelbourne of the Republic of Ireland and the champions of Macedonia complete the group, and any of them could be matched with Barry.

The players commence training on June 17 and will be expected to have maintained their weight to within 2lb of last season.

Already there is talk that Barry Town could be matched against Manchester United should they overcome the first hurdle.

It seems unbelievable that the likes of Keane, Giggs, van Nistelrooy and main crowd puller David Beckham could be playing against the Dragons.

One step at a time, but Barry would obviously have to play such a dream match at the Millennium Stadium.

The mind boggles at such a scenario, but Barry Town will do everything they can to negotiate the first qualifying round whoever they meet.

Supporters chairman Tim Johnson, an intrepid European traveller, rather hopes that Barry play the champions of Iceland.

"I've been to most places in Europe watching top matches and Barry's opponents over the last six or seven seasons, but I've never been to Iceland", he said.

Interview

We will keep you posted on Barry Town news and next week we hope to publish an interview with Andrew York, Barry's most experienced European player alongside Gary Lloyd.

Yorkie is currently in Ireland and due to go off on holiday again very soon, but we will be doing our best to track him down.

HONOURED Jenner Park will host the schoolboy international between Wales and England next season, and it will be live on Sky Sports.

No entry

A stern warning goes out to every club with League of Wales ambitions. Ton Pentre and Welshpool, who both gained promotion, have been refused admission.

Strict criteria by UEFA regarding football grounds has denied the two former LoW clubs entry, and a reprieve for Haverfordwest and Rhayader has been gratefully received by both clubs.

Ton Pentre have ten days to appeal as have Welshpool, who have spent £12,000 on their ground. No reasons have been given but floodlights, seating, toilet facilities and disabled access are all important factors in gaining acceptance to the League of Wales.