Ryan glad to see back of manic January

Newtown Manager Darren Ryan is glad to see the back of January, which he described to the club's website, as the worst month of his managerial career.

His side hosts title chasing Llanelli tomorrow and the Robins' boss said January had been the most stressful and probably the worst month of his managerial career as he worked frantically to bring new players to Mid Wales Leisure Latham Park.

Thwarted on several counts and hit by the Richie Harris' injury Ryans month climaxed with the transfer of Lee Hartshorn from Merthyr falling through because of a FIFA Rule.

"The rule is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, if everyone was full time with money being paid it's not a problem. We have got part time players in a part time league but they (FIFA) make rules and we have to abide by them."

Ryan is confident his new look side can continue the form shown in the last two matches as they take on the title chasing full timers.

"They are a good team, going for the title, and we have just got to stop them playing and do our own thing. It will be difficult but we have two clean sheets since we started playing again and that has given us confidence and we have to take that into this game.

"We have got Neath, Rhyl and TNS coming up and there's nothing to stop us matching them now. Everyone at the club is in a positive mood and although I was disappointed with our showing in the first half against Carmarthen there was a marked improvement after the break."

And the manager was praised today by club chairman Mike Jones for his efforts during the transfer window.

I think we have to accept that top players are reluctant to join a club lying 14th in the table and a reputed low budget

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darren for all his hard work during the past manic month" he said.

"No-one could have done more for the club and he was again deserted by Lady Luck. I would also like to assure our supporters that the board has backed Darren in the transfer window and no player has been lost due to to financial restrictions."

"However, I think we have to accept that top players are reluctant to join a club lying 14th in the table and a reputed low budget. The time for a club to decide playing policy is in April at the latest and the manager should assemble his squad from May to July at the latest.

"The January transfer window is suitable only for a little tinkering of the squad and is clearly not designed for sensible, businesslike decisions."