By Paul
December 20 2002

Newport Backer Tony Brown has launched an attack on his own players, questioning they're commitment to the club, but his comments along with the departing Matt Pini, can be said about a large majority of Welsh players.

Ahead of Friday night's opening Premiership clash with Bridgend, Millionaire owner Brown is still fuming about their dismal performance in the Heineken cup against London Irish.

"I got the impression that Sunday's match interfered with their weekend and that it was all a bit of a chore for them,"

"Some did not seem to be that interested. They ought to realise their responsibility to the supporters who deserved much better than they got.

"I have been let down, the supporters have been let down and the city has been let down. There is only so much I can do and I have done as much as I can. "

And on this season's poor form, Brown failed to mention the new coaching duo of Leigh Jones and Richard Hill

"Either the team is good enough but not interested or the team is not good enough," he said, before sensationally claiming, "Either way they are taking money under false pretences. That is not an allegation, it is a statement of fact."

"I would be very disappointed if the players are not aware of their responsibilities. It needs someone to take a grip and tell them just what matters," he said.

The backers investment's have seen Port have the highest average wage in the Premiership, as we all know they're only win the Celtic League came in the last match against Borders, and then in the Heineken cup crashing out of the tournament with a defeat in Edinburgh, at home to Toulouse and last week to London Irish. Although there were signs of improvement when they beat the same London Irish side at Rodney Parade 16-12.

Captain Simon Raiwalui said, "It was very disappointing. We set our goals to go and play well against London Irish and we just didn't do that so as players we have to hold our hands up and take responsibility for it.

"But that doesn't mean anything if we don't come out of this weekend with a good performance so that is what we are all focusing on doing.

"Tony is a very truthful person and an honourable man. He speaks from the heart and that's what he felt.

"He said what he saw and it was the truth so we just have to look at ourselves and rise to the challenge."

Deaprting Full-back Pini, who's last appearance for Newport was as a second-half replacement in the match at the madejski stadium.

"There still seems to be a big thing about playing on the Saturday and then getting in the drink during the week," he said.

"There is a long way to go in terms of professionalism - the way players conduct and look after themselves."

Worrying stuff, but the levels of fitness of Welsh players against foreign opposition, have been very evident.

Captain Raiwalui was quick to agree with the man who pay's his wages, "We have to take it on the chin. He's the owner of the club and he expects a good product for what he is paying.

"He didn't get that last week. As players and as a team we have to take it on the chin and come back to put in a performance this week that we can be proud of.

Springbok Percy Montgomery will make his first competitive appearance on Friday, since his switch from the Western Stormers Super 12 outfit.

Their game against Bridgend is being shown live on BBC2W, with kick off at five past seven.

Good job the match is on Friday, it won't interrupt the player's weekend......