Roger Returns To His Roots And Newport County
Recognising a good thing when they see one the Gwent club have asked Roger to devote an evening a week looking after and training youngsters with aspirations of becoming full time professional footballers. Roger, still a major part of the national squad set up with Mark Hughes will hope to give a few evening hours over to Newport so that his contract and time with Swansea are not affected. Roger Freestone started his playing career at Newport County before a big money transfer to Chelsea in 1987. A few months later he was saving a penalty for the Stamford Bridge club at Old Trafford on Match of the day.
Swansea's number one has always indicated that once he does hang up his gloves that a position in coaching or management would probably be the next step. Roger though see's that as something for the future, at 32 years of age he sets his targets high and always refers to David Seaman, a Premiership goalkeeper at thirty eight years of age as the benchmark. So any managerial role will have to wait.
Newport County will approach Swansea City on Friday morning just to confirm that manager John Hollins doesn't take the matter personally, and get his blessing for the role. From a Welsh footballing point of view this is great news for Gwent kids with a talent for goalkeeping, and if Roger's input helps along a new Welsh star of the future there should be no reason why Swansea would say no.
He already trains a Sunday morning kids team in Risca, and last year got off a Saturday night flight from Moldova, and went straight to the youngsters training ground to get them ready for an important game. Roger, currently finishing off his new kitchen at his home in Risca, is looking forward to the task ahead, just as long as he can get his gas cooker working in time for his return to training on Monday where he looks forward to meeting Mr Hollins brand new trialist from Spain.
A Great Night
Roger starts his year of testimonial celebrations this Saturday ( 7th July ) at The Gwyn Hall, Neath with a sports quiz, auction and prize night. The compere' will be Kevin John from Swansea Sound and the sponsors are Gareth Keen Insurance brokers, supporters of Swansea City for a number of years. There will be a bar from 7.30 pm until 1 am, a tremendous amount of signed shirts for auction and most importantly Roger Freestone testimonial merchandise will be available. His new testimonial shirt is available for only eleven pounds on the night. If you would like a ticket, for groups or just yourself contact Phil Sumbler on 07768 507695. There are a few tables left, however the expected audience will be over 200 which is a fantastic start for Roger's testimonial year. Tickets are only eight pounds and this includes a buffet compliments of the organisers of the event.