Mac’s ‘hands off’ warning to Barton

Montgomery and Technogroup Welshpool could be set for a tug-of-war over flying winger Stuart Buckley-Robins who has left Guilsfield.

Buckley-Robins is one of the area’s brightest young talents, making a big impact since stepping up to the Huws Gray Alliance from amateur football towards the end of last season.

But, ironically, the 23 year-old’s opportunities at Guilsfield became limited under Mike Barton this season and only last week he agreed to sign for Clive McNamee (right) at Spar Mid Wales side Montgomery. But Barton, who quit Guilsfield last week for Welshpool, has made Buckley-Robins a priority at his new club.

“As far as I am concerned we have signed Stuart who is now a Montgomery player and I have told Welshpool to back off,” said McNamee who was at Welshpool for 18 years. “They put seven days notice on the player after we signed him but I have told them hands off.”

But Barton, who watched his side win 5-0 in a friendly with Four Crosses in midweek, believes Buckley-Robins could inject the sort of energy and enthusiasm desperately required into his side, and he won’t give up the chase.

“He is a good player and I guess you could say it is a work in progress,” he said. Buckley-Robins is yet to play for Montgomery as he is serving a suspension but is available again after this weekend.

Meanwhile, Barton has realised the magnitude of the job he faces as he looks to rebuild the Welshpool side. He has signed striker Andy Webb and John Dowbridge and intends to draft in up to seven new faces over the coming days. Notices of approach have been sent to Dyffryn Banw for Jon Gamble and Bishop’s Castle for Dan Dawson. Shawbury’s Dan Graham is also on the hit list.

“I must admit it was not an easy time last weekend and I got a bit stressed about everything but now the dust has settled and I am really enjoying the challenge,” he said. “I feel quite relaxed about it now. Everything was done in the right way in regards to me coming to Welshpool and I am looking forward to getting a job done here. I know I have made the right decision.”

Barton leads his new team into battle at home to Cefn Druids who narrowly beat Guilsfield in midweek. The Guils travel to Rhayader for a vital Huws Gray Alliance match against the basement side on the back of three consecutive one-goal defeats. The good news for caretaker manager Bernie Jones is that none of his players have followed Barton three miles up the road.

In the Spar Mid Wales Division One, Llanrhaeadr continue their remarkable season at home to Builth Wells with manager Mario Iaquinta emerging as one of the names linked to the vacant Guilsfield position. Waterloo Rovers look to maintain their return to form on the road to Carno with manager Dave Proctor praising new signing Matt Knight’s impact in last week’s win against the Aberystwyth students. Dyffryn Banw host Tywyn Bryncrug while Llansantffraid Village will be in Welsh Trophy third round action against Gresford.

In Division Two, Four Crosses take on mid table rivals Llanfyllin in a local derby that could see a victor push into the top four on Saturday night. Llanfair United entertain Montgomery in another local showdown with McNamee missing midfielder Shane Kirkham who has joined Division Two rivals Abermule. Bottom side Meifod travel to Rhosgoch four points adrift with just a single point so far this season.

Amateur League Division One leaders Llangedwyn travel to Llanidloes Town Reserves but Division Two leaders Technogroup Welshpool Reserves play Waterloo Rovers Reserves in a mouthwatering Tanners Wines Town Cup first round encounter. Two games are off: In division one, Guilsfield Reserves and Carno’s match is cancelled as is Llanrhaeadr Reserves’ encounter with Dyffryn Banw Reserves.