THIS time last year, Mark Hughes would never have believed what 2002 had in store for him, only the best year in Welsh football's recent history.

Seven games, no defeats. Wales have also begun their Euro 2004 qualifying quest in perfect style, with three wins out of three, the first time Wales have won their opening three qualifying matches. Finland, Italy and Azerbaijan have all been put to the sword as Hughes' men march towards Portugal.

But with the huge improvement, and leaping 48 places in the world ranking, comes expectation so Hughes' new year's wish this time around will be 'more of the same please lads.'

Newport County register their highest pyramid placing since their re-formation 13 years ago, before Tim Harris (pictured) was replaced by ex-Welsh international Peter Nicholas six months later.

But for Cwmbran Town it wasn't a year to remember for a number of reasons. But their main concern will be whether their boss Tony Willcox makes a full recovery from a heart condition which may force him to quit football.

JANUARY

Cardiff City beat Leeds United win an epic FA Cup Third Round clash 2-1 in front of the Sky TV cameras on January 6 thanks to goals from Graham Kavanagh and Scott Young. Newport County get knocked out of the FA Trophy at the Third Round stage on January 12, losing at Ryman league Hampton and Richmond 2-0.

Three days later Newport County were knocked out of the FAW Premier Cup 3-0 at the quarter-final stage by Third Division Swansea City. Cwmbran Town chairman John Colley reveals their 12-monthh stadium exile has doubled the club's regular annual financial outgoings which has spiralled to more than £200,000.

FEBRUARY

Craig Bellamy scores as Wales draw 1-1 with World Cup favourites Argentina in a Millennium Satdium friendly on February 13. This was to be the start of a fantastic year for Welsh football.

Cwmbran Town beat Oswestry in the League of Wales - a results that confirm the Crows as record breakers because it was their 32nd league game without a draw, which broke a 97-year British record.

MARCH

Newport County sign former Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Fowler on a free transfer from Nationwide Conference strugglers Woking.

On March 15 Cwmbran Town striker Craig Hughes is banned him from every football ground in England and Wales as a player and a spectator for three years. The 23-year-old was caught and charged for running onto the pitch after Cardiff City's FA Cup third round win against Leeds on January 6. Jason Perry was sacked as Tim Harris' assistant manager on March 22. Wales draw 0-0 with the Czech Republic in a Millennium Stadium friendly on March 27.

APRIL

THE Argus report that Colin Addison, sacked recently by Swansea City, is rumoured to returning to football management as Tim Harris' assistant on April 2.

Four Newport businessmen join the board of Newport County on April 23 to form the strategic management team that will affectively run the club as a business. Wales boss Mark Hughes is linked with the vacant managerial post at Preston North End on April 26. Newport County AFC finish fifth in the Dr Martens Premier League, their highest league position since they were re-formed in 1989. Cwmbran Town finish seventh in the League of Wales.

MAY

Robert Earnshaw scores the only goal as Wales beat Germany 1-0 in a pre-World Cup frienldy at the Millennium Stadium on May 14.

Newport-based GP Graham Jones retires as the Welsh national team's doctor after 198 apperances. Hartridge win the English Schools under-19 FA Cup, beating Blue Coat School of Liverpool 3-2 at Anfield on May 17. Wales win the Home Nations semi-pro tournament after beating Northern Ireland.

Cwmbran Town striker Craig Hughes, banned from every football ground in England and Wales for three years in March, has had his suspension lifted on May 24. On that day Newport County beefed-up their strikeforce with the signing of Welsh semi-pro star Mark Dickeson from League of Wales side Llanelli on a free transfer.

JUNE

Newport-born Mike Flynn, formerlly on Newport County, leaves Barry Town for Second Division Wigan Athletic for £15,000 on June 20 - County will get a sell-on fee. On June 24 Nathan Cotterall left Cwmbran Town for full-time League of Wales double-winners Barry Town.

JULY

Cwmbran Town sign forward Jody Jenkins, keeper Marty Ellacott forward Chris Summers before Colin Addison is appointed as Tim Harris' right-hand-man at Newport County.

Striker Martin Paul leaves Newport County for Chippenham Town. Newport County host ex-European Champions Steaua Bucharest in a pre-season friendly on July 29. Only three first-team players can play after a mystery bug left 15 members of their squad ill. County lose 5-1 to Steaua.

AUGUST

Newport County sign Hednesford striker Neil Davis before starting their new Dr Martens Premier League campaign with three wins on the trot.

County also try and assist contraversial ex-Welsh under-21 midfielder Leon Jeanne to resserect his football career after problems with drugs but after a couple of weeks he gives up.

SEPTEMBER

Wales make a flying start to their Euro 2004 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win in Finland.

Cwmbran-born defender Daniel Gabbidon makes his debut as Simon Davies and John Hartson score the goals. Colin Addison leaves his post as Newport County's assistant manager to take up the vacant managerial seat at Conference side Forest Green Rovers, Chris Smith takes over on a temporary measure. Newport County lose five league games in a row, a record-equalling run, after winning their first three. Mark Bowen steps down from his post as Mark Hughes' right-hand-man of the Welsh national team.

OCTOBER

Mitsubishi confirm it will sponsor the League of Wales.

Newport County are dumped out of the FA Cup at the third qualifying round stage by lower-league Team Bath on October 12, this result increases the pressure on Exiles manager Tim Harris. Wales beat Italy 2-1 in front of a packed house at the Millennium Stadium, arguably the best result in the country's history. Simon Davies and Craig Bellamy were on target for the Welsh.

Newport County midfielder Stuart James joins Bath City

NOVEMBER

Jason Perry is told by Newport County directors to end his eight-month exile and return to the club or face the sack.

But Perry insists he never wanted to stay away. The next day Tim Harris resigns as manager at Newport County and is replaced by former Welsh international Peter Nicholas. Wales win their Euro 2004 qualifier in Azerbaijan 2-0 thanks to goals from Gary Speed and John Hartson. That victory in Baku meant, for the first time, Wales have won their first three qualification games.

Newport County threaten legal action against Barry Town, and a possible winding-up order, if they don't pay the £10,000 owed to them after Mike Flynn was sold to Wigan and the sell-on fee was not paid to County.

DECEMBER Newport County are paid their debt from Barry Town. Newport County midfield duo Darren Ryan and Dave D'Auria join Carmarthen Town and Llanelli respecively. Cwmbran Town boss Tony Willcox scales down his football commitments as he is diagnosed as suffering from angina