COUNTY GALLERY

SCOTT YOUNG by Ray Taylor

SCOTT YOUNG is getting used to playing for another club after being associated with Cardiff City since the age of 13.  But his life with the Bluebirds continues with his work for their Football in the Community project throughout his home borough of Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Injury  brought  his  full-time  playing  days  to  an  end at  the  early  age of 28,  but  he has made an early

impact in his new life as Newport County AFC team captain.

“I’ve been happy with my career;” he said about his 11 years as a professional at Ninian Park during which time City have been promoted four times.  He has also suffered the disappointment of relegation a couple of times, but his career has had far more successes than failures.

Tonypandy-born Scott first made an impression playing for Llwynypia Boys Club in the Rhondda and he was former youth development officer Gavin Tait’s first signing for Cardiff.  He joined the ranks of the professionals at the age of 17, making his debut as a substitute for Phil Stant at home to Stockport County in November 1993 when Nathan Blake scored a hat trick for City.

He was a midfield player in his formative years but it was as a central defender he came to prominence in the first team. 

“I first played at the back after Jason Perry had been sent off and I played there ever since.”

International call-ups followed and Scott represented Wales at B and under 21 level.  He also earned selection for the full national squad and was four times chosen as a substitute without making a playing appearance.

His main claim to football fame though is his dramatic late winner for City in the FA Cup against Leeds United, then the Premiership leaders, early in 2002.  Cardiff were then a couple of divisions below the Yorkshire side though they now meet at the same level in league competition.

Scott played a part in Cardiff’s promotion two seasons ago before injury ruled out his involvement in the consolidation of their status last term.

“I knew a lot about County before I joined and we have a great team spirit here,” he said.

“There is a great togetherness about the players and management, and while it was a wrench to leave the playing side at Cardiff where I have been all my working life, I am more than happy where I am.

“We have a lot of quality here.  Jason Bowen is easily good enough to be still playing league football still and players like Roger Freestone, Jonathan Coates and Kevin Aherne-Evans have good experience while we have some good youngsters as well.

“I think we can hope to get into the play-off places in this league.”

Scott lives with his wife Fiona and two young children in Trealaw in the Rhondda and six year old Connor and Lauren, aged two, make for a noisy household.  He is working with children aged between six and 15 with his full-time work while progressing his coaching qualifications towards an A badge.

It has to be the Leeds game where I scored the winner.

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