BETTWS FC

A BRIEF HISTORY 

Bettws FC was formed in 1995 from the amalgamation of Bettws AFC and Bettws Athletic. Bettws AFC was formed in 1957 as Bettws Welfare by the late President Mr Stan Epton and played in the Llynfi Valley, Bridgend and District and up until 1995 the Port Talbot and District League. Bettws Athletic was formed in 1981 as Bettws Boys` Club and played in the Bridgend and District League before becoming one of the founder members of the South Wales Senior League which was formed in 1990 as part of the new pyramid system formulated by the FAW. Bettws celebrate their 50^th year of football in the village this season and a special commemorative badge is being used for the one and only time this season. Other functions and celebrations will be held as the season progresses 

In 1994/95 season, Bettws AFC had finished 2^nd in the Port Talbot League for the 2^nd year running and Secretary Neil McEachen recognised that it would be difficult to get out of that league and progress. Meanwhile, Bettws Athletic were struggling on the field and financially and he approached Chairman Steve Jones to discuss the amalgamation. Similar talks had broken down 2 years previous, but with different personnel involved the sensible thing was done. 

After going cap in hand to the South Wales Senior League the amalgamation was ratified, Bettws Social Club provided the sponsorship and Bettws FC was born. The target was Welsh League 2000, a 5 year plan.  

The immediate affect of the amalgamation was the return of Bettws born players from clubs like Garw, Llangeinor and Tondu. Bettws finished 5^th in the 2^nd Division and were promoted after reorganisation of the league.  

1996-97 saw the resignation mid season of Kevin Edwards and his replacement was Bobby Howe from Porthcawl. He took Bettws to 3^rd and 2^nd place in consecutive years but was released in 1998 to be replaced by Kevin Edwards for a second spell. Committee changes occurred during this period as well. Neil McEachen retired and his replacement Allan Selwood lasted a year before Phil Sweeney took the reins. Steve Jones resigned as Vice Chairman due to work re-location. The sponsorship moved to the Oddfellows Arms and forged on they did. 

In 1998-99, runners-up again before winning the Senior League in 1999-2000 and also won the South Wales Intermediate Cup. Lost the play off for Welsh League to South Wales Amateur League champions Dinas Powys. Manager Resigned.  

During that summer Bettws successfully appealed against their exclusion from the Welsh League when there was space in the league and a play off was not necessary that season.

Darren Dyke was appointed Manager and attracted some key players and brought the best out some youngsters. Won the 3^rd Division title at first attempt without any pressure from cup competitions that they were excluded from. Followed on with a 2^nd place promotion from Division 2, behind Gorseinon team Garden Village. 

Bettws went into the 1^st Division hoping to consolidate at mid table. Darren Dyke had resigned due to work commitments, SWFA coaching and scouting for Sunderland. Kevin Edwards returned for his 3^rd spell and the rest is history. Kevin guided an excellent bunch of players to the title and almost won the cup only to be defeated by closest rivals Neath in the final. 

This magnificent achievement came too early for Bettws to progress into the FAW Premier League due to inadequate facilities. Floodlights, seated stand, turnstiles and upgraded barriers are needed at an estimated cost of £80,000. However it is the clubs intention to strive for these facilities and wheels are in motion to raise the capital with work in progress to upgrade fencing and barriers. The youth system is in place from 7 to 18 years old and the playing future is in safe hands with some good players in house especially at under 16 & 18 level. 

Season 2003/2004 saw a new player manager in Joff Wile the former Aston Villa trainee and experienced Welsh Premier League player with spells at Cwmbran, Haverfordwest, Llanelli, Port Talbot, but his best period with the successful Inter Cabletel under George Wood. Secretary Phil Sweeney had to resign due to re location with his employers, but this saw the return of the very experienced secretary, Neil McEachen and his assistant Allan Selwood. It turned out to be a poor season by Bettws standards and Joff resigned. 

For 2004/ 2005 Kevin Edwards was coaxed out of retirement for his fourth spell and a rebuilt squad hoped for better things this year. Things did not work out for Kevin, and sadly he resigned at Christmas. 

The committee wasted no time in appointing his successor. Kevin’s assistant and current fringe player and former top scorer Steve Amos, was promoted to manager. Steve did a great job in his first few months in charge of the side getting us to our second best position in the Welsh League. 

Steve was re-appointed the following season with the remit of staying in this division and building for the future. With a host of youngsters coming through the system, the future looked promising, but wouldn’t be achieved without some hard work. Unfortunately we were relegated on the last day of the season and Steve was relieved of his duties as a manager. 

The club did not stand still and in an attempt to bounce back appointed Paul Giles, manager and Ray John to work on the return to 1^st Division status. However, after 4 league and 2 cup games, just when a full squad was getting back to full fitness, they unexplainably resigned. Mark Sage, former Garw stalwart and Jason Edwards, former club captain were appointed and missed out on promotion by 2 points.  

This season looks to be interesting with some key signings up front.

Web site created and maintained by Anthony Simons.