Sunday, September 30, 2007

The Welsh Premier

Good article by Chris Wathan in the Wales on Sunday today about the potential of the Welsh Premier - and its failure to develop enough players who go on to play at a higher level. I suppose Lee Trundle and Steve Evans are the best examples so far.

This weekend, the top three clubs win again. Title holders and favorites TNS really threw down the gauntlet with a 3-0 away win at would-be challengers, Carmarthen. Llanelli won away 4-3 at Caernarfon, who are on a poor run. And Rhyl beat Airbus 2-1 at home. The table has a familiar look at the top end after this weekend's games.

In games at the bottom of the table, Caersws notched up another point after a draw with Bangor, while Newtown beat Neath 3-0. In other games Porthmadog lost 2-1 at home to Newi Cefn Druids, Connahs Quay drew 3-3 all with Welshpool, and Port Talbot beat Aberystwyth 2-1.

4 comments:

Aberavon and Neath Liberal Democrats said...

Other players who made their mark in Welsh Premier football before moving on to league and national representation are Mark Delaney, Eifion Williams and Owain Tudur Jones.

- Frank Little

Glyn Davies said...

Thanks. I didn't know about Delaney. Not exactly ground shaking though is it?

Ian James Johnson said...

But surely a rather unfair playing field?

If Welsh Premier clubs had significant funding to run top flight academies then they would, but in a predominantly market driven football world the best Welsh talent will always be hoovered up by clubs across the border (no, not TNS!) who can promise the earth.

The simple fact is that any player with natural talent is likely to have been signed on to an English club at the earliest possible moment and not suddenly be 'discovered' aged 22.

Glyn Davies said...

Ian - can't disagree. That's why I try in my small way to generate a bit of interest in the Welsh Premier. If it was talked about more, it would attract more support and more sponsership. There are three of you who sometimes comment on my weekly posts. If there were more, we could generate some controversy.