Ovendale No Longer An Option For Jackett

Mark Ovendale has finished his trial at Swansea and will not be offered a professional contract. The ex-York City goalkeeper, who once commanded a fee of over £400k, didn't do enough to impress Kenny Jackett in his week long trial and leaves the club's pre-season training immediately. Ovendale is now expected to sign for Barry Town, who are understood to have already offered the goalkeeper an initial contract for next season.

However, Ovendale will be immediately replaced by ex-Port Talbot goalkeeper Simon Raynor, who has been offered an initial one week trial. Information on the Canadian goalkeeper is thin on the ground, although it is understood that over the last few years, he has been playing his football in the League of Wales for Bangor City and Port Talbot. Raynor has also had previous trials at Swansea and Newcastle.

Whether the unknown quantity of Raynor will earn a contract and the adoration of the fans is yet to be seen. Supporters remain optimistic over the future of fellow trialist Willy Gueret, as Jackett would surely have also released him had he not been slightly impressed.