Still suffering from post-World Cup withdrawal symptoms? Going to bed still dreaming of Luka Modrić dancing through midfields at will? Never fear, the Welsh Premier League returns soon! As does the rest of Welsh football. Ross Dawson looks ahead.
This month, Welsh domestic football makes its triumphant return. While for some this may not mean much – especially given the four weeks we just endured as part of the World Cup – but for others, it means the world (pardon the pun). While some Welsh sides thrived in their previous campaigns, others may not have enjoyed such success. Swansea City are one of them.
Not too long after being labelled one of the Premier League’s dark horses, with names such as Michu, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Joe ‘the Welsh Pirlo’ Allen once among their ranks, the Swans suffered a tepid season in the top flight, resulting in relegation. Östersund’s Graham Potter has been the man elected to pick up the pieces left by Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal last season. As expected, with relegation comes a drastic change in the club’s personnel. The Swans have failed to convince a number of key stars to stay, including goalkeeper Łukasz Fabianski, midfielder Ki Sung-Yong and defensive cult hero Angel Rangel. However, the Swans have done a commendable job so far in the summer transfer window to replace some of those stars. They spent £2m to allure 19-year-old centre-forward, Joel Asoro, from Sunderland, as well as securing free transfers for Real Madrid and Liverpool prospects, Jordi Govea and Yan Dhanda. This is very much a year designed to instil stability into the club, given the fact they ploughed through managers quicker than lager turns to urine. Building a foundation for the future should be Potter’s main priority. Only then they should turn their heads towards reclaiming a spot in the top flight.
In League Two, Newport County will hope to build on a successful season and push for promotion to League One. After the great escape of the 2016-17 season, the Exiles bounced back the following season, finishing in a respectable 11th place. The side were even treated to a tantalising FA Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup after bloodying the noses of Leeds United in the third round, eventually forcing Mauricio Pochettino’s men to a replay at Wembley Stadium. The Exiles have done some smart business so far in the transfer window, importing five players on a free transfer and a further two on loan. Bristol City youngster, Antoine Semenyo, is the latest to join gaffer Michael Flynn’s team, while Brighton right-back Tyler Hornby-Forbes has also made the move from the Premier League. There’s no reason why Newport aren’t able to push for a playoff spot this season. The club have leaders on the field in David Pipe and Josh Labadie and an abundance of youthful talent to provide excitement in the final third. This is a massive season for County.
Finally, the hub of Wales’ grassroots game also makes a return. The first phase of the Welsh Premier League kicks off on Fri 10 Aug as Bala Town welcome Carmarthen and Aberystwyth welcome Llandudno. The New Saints cruised to a sixth consecutive league trophy last year and were awarded with the chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. They lost on aggregate 5-4 to Shkëndija from Macedonia, but new qualification rules mean they still have a chance at Europa League qualifications. A good chance at that, as they currently sit 2-1 up on aggregate against Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps. Though TNS will likely win the league again, Cardiff Met FC have been one of the sides to rise from the ashes and become their main competition. The side, made up entirely of university students, made national headlines not too long ago for their efforts in earning Europa League qualification, but sadly fell at the final hurdle. Wayne Allison’s men were narrowly edged out by The New Saints in the Welsh League Cup final last season, suffering an agonising 1-0 defeat. Make sure you mark Sat 29 Sept on your calendars, as that is when both teams clash for the first time in the season.
Swansea kick off in the Championship against Sheffield Utd and Newport in League Two against Mansfield on Sat 4 Aug. The Welsh Premier League kicks off on Fri 10 Aug. Info: www.efl.com/ / www.wpl.cymru