Bemused Barton keeps his focus

Mike Barton says he is bemused at all the rumours and gossip that has surfaced in the wake of his departure from Guilsfield to Technogroup Welshpool.

His decision caused a huge shock but came just at the right time for Barton (right) who felt he had taken Guilsfield as far as he could and was seeking a new challenge.

But talk of big signing on fees and the recruitment of an army of players have bemused the former Newtown goalkeeper who believes some people need a reality check.

“I have heard this, that and the other this week about receiving signing on fees and all the players I am supposed to have signed but it is so far from the truth it is laughable,” he said. “I wanted a fresh challenge and certainly the position that Welshpool is in provides that. The dust will settle for sure but all this talk doesn’t help. I am just focused on the job at hand and that is to try and turn the fortunes of this club around.”

Barton laughed off suggestions that he would be handing debuts to seven players tomorrow but did confirm that three new faces would be introduced.

“The rebuilding is starting and will take time but, tomorrow, Callum Wright (Newtown), Jon Gamble (Dyffryn Banw) and James Neill (Four Crosses) will be on board.

“There are a lot of things to look at and it won’t be done overnight. It is not just about bringing in players. I said I would spend a couple of weeks observing what is done here so that I know what needs changing. There is a very big job that needs to be done.”

Meanwhile, while Technogroup Welshpool travel to Llandudno, Guilsfield go to Ruthin still under the management of caretaker Bernie Jones, with new boss Russell Cadwallader taking over on Monday.

And more good news for Guilsfield is the return of full back Mike Sawtell who was released by Barton three weeks ago but has been tempted back.