JANUARY 23, 2018

BARRY TO HOST INTERNATIONAL

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and Football Association (FA) have confirmed that the first-ever ‘C’ international between Wales and England will be held at the home of Barry Town United. 

The landmark fixture at Jenner Park will be played on the evening of Tuesday 20th March (7.30pm), with the cream of Wales’ domestic divisions pitted against the best of England’s non-league system.

Former JD Welsh Premier League boss Mark Jones has been appointed the Wales C manager and will select his squad of qualifying players exclusively from the Welsh pyramid; a scene Jones is more than familiar with. 

“I’m very proud and honoured to be appointed to this role”, revealed the Cardiff-based coach. 

“I was fortunate enough to take Carmarthen and Port Talbot into Europe and am relishing the challenge on March 20th”. 

“I have been involved with our national league for over twenty years and honestly don’t feel that the standard of domestic football in Wales gains the credit it deserves.

“Of course, England will offer very tough opposition and I’m sure that it will be a great occasion, which can hopefully be repeated on a regular basis”. 

Jones’ Wales squad will converge for a training camp in Newtown on Sunday 4th March, before meeting up in Cardiff a fortnight later to finalise their preparations for the international in Barry. 

Meanwhile, England are expected to bring a squad packed with National League talent, with the likes of Dagenham & Redbridge, Kidderminster Harriers and York City represented in their latest outings.

Among those to have worn the England C shirt in recent years have been the Cardiff City pairing of Lee Tomlin and Omar Bogle, Newport County’s Marlon Jackson and Watford striker Andre Gray, as well as Millwall’s Steve Morison; who would later switch allegiance to Wales, winning 20 full caps. 

Further information for the Wales vs England C international at Jenner Park, including admission details, will be confirmed in the coming weeks.