Sport

Welsh EFL clubs in talks for European football via Welsh League Cup

Published

4 months ago

October 8, 2024

IN a bid to unlock new European opportunities, Wales’ English Football League (EFL) clubs are exploring the possibility of joining the Welsh League Cup, offering them a path to European football. Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County are all part of discussions that could see them compete in the Nathaniel MG Cup, with a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.

Currently, these clubs play in the English football pyramid and can only qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup, or EFL Cup. However, this new proposal—dubbed Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales)—would provide an alternative route, albeit at the cost of losing eligibility for Europe through English competitions.

The concept is said to have been pitched to UEFA, the Football Association (FA), the Premier League, and Cymru Premier, Wales’ domestic top flight. Central to these discussions is an independent report by Deloitte, commissioned by Swansea City on behalf of the four EFL clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW). The report outlines that the initiative could “drive improvement for the whole Welsh football ecosystem,” with financial benefits being shared across grassroots football, domestic clubs, and the women’s game.

Elevating Wales’ European Standing

A key aim of the proposal is to improve Wales’ low UEFA association club coefficient ranking, which currently stands at 50th out of 55 European nations. This low ranking is largely due to poor performances by Welsh clubs in continental competitions. Only a few nations, including San Marino and Gibraltar, rank lower.

The recent success of Cymru Premier champions The New Saints, who qualified for the group stage of the Europa Conference League, has offered a boost to Wales’ standing. The FAW hopes that the inclusion of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport in European competition would further elevate Wales’ ranking and bring in greater prize money from UEFA. Crucially, a portion of this increased revenue would be distributed to support football across Wales, including the Cymru Premier and grassroots initiatives.

A Welcome Development for Welsh Clubs

The introduction of Welsh EFL clubs into the Nathaniel MG Cup is seen as a potential game-changer for both the clubs themselves and the wider Welsh football community. Cymru Premier clubs have backed the plan, recognising that playing against larger EFL sides could raise the profile of Welsh football. Moreover, the chance for Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport to return to European action holds significant appeal.

These clubs have a storied history in European football, qualifying for competitions via the now-defunct Welsh Cup before moving to the English system. Cardiff City famously defeated Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971, while Wrexham beat Porto in 1984. Newport reached the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals in 1981, and Swansea triumphed 3-0 over Valencia in the 2013 Europa League.

Although Welsh EFL clubs have not competed in an FAW competition since the FAW Premier Cup was abolished in 2008, some have entered under-21 sides in recent editions of the Nathaniel MG Cup. The inclusion of their senior teams, however, with the prize of European football on the line, would be a landmark shift.

Transforming Welsh Football

According to the Prosiect Cymru report, the participation of Wales’ biggest clubs in the Welsh League Cup could “unlock transformational potential” across all levels of Welsh football, from grassroots to the professional game. The project recognises Wales’ unique position in European football, where its largest clubs play in another nation’s league system, hindering the competitiveness of its domestic teams in UEFA competitions.

If the plan proceeds, it could mark a significant turning point in Welsh football history, with the potential to elevate the domestic game while reigniting the European ambitions of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport.

For Welsh football fans, the prospect of watching their teams compete in Europe once again may soon become a reality.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association: Week 14 Results

Published

45 mins ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

THE SOUTH Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association, also known as “The Friendly League,” has released the results for Week 14 of the competition.

Match Results

Hundleton 8 v Badgers 2
Llanteg 2 v St Johns 8
Reynalton 8 v St Twynnells 2
East Williamston 8 v Carew 2

The match between Cosheston and Kilgetty was postponed, while Lamphey had the bye.

League Table (Week 14)

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	12	11	0	1	167	92
Carew	12	8	1	3	111	79
Reynalton	12	8	0	4	48	70
Hundleton	13	7	0	6	61	68
St Johns	11	8	0	3	76	66
Cosheston	11	6	0	5	33	54
Llanteg	11	3	1	7	-29	51
St Twynnells	13	3	1	9	-125	48
Badgers	11	3	1	7	6	45
Kilgetty	11	3	0	8	-129	40
Lamphey	11	2	0	9	-142	29

For further details or any inquiries, please contact Steve Cox, League Fixtures Secretary.

Sport

Manderwood Pembs Football League – Div 1: Tenby and Hakin continue title charges

Published

55 mins ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

Hakin United edge Carew in tight contest
Carew 0 – Hakin United 2

Hakin United kept the pressure on league leaders Goodwick United with a gritty 2-0 victory over Carew at the Gerald Hicks Memorial Ground. The second-placed Vikings remain firmly in the title race, poised to capitalize on any slip-ups by Goodwick.

The game was settled in the first half, with Ryan Wilson breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. The Hakin captain connected with a pinpoint Shane Walsh cross to score from close range. Hakin doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime when Wilson turned provider. He set up Alfie Stotter, who unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that soared into the roof of Jack Harries’ net.

Despite Carew’s determined second-half efforts, there were no further goals, and Hakin secured their thirteenth win of the season.

Goodwick United narrowly beat Merlins Bridge
Goodwick United 1 – Merlins Bridge 0

Goodwick United clinched a vital 1-0 victory over Merlins Bridge in a hard-fought encounter at Phoenix Park. Although Goodwick dominated possession and created multiple chances, poor finishing meant they had to battle for the win.

The decisive moment came in the 29th minute when Luke Hayward’s well-delivered corner found Matty Delaney, who headed the ball into the net from close range. Goodwick struck the woodwork several times during the match, but their single goal proved enough to secure all three points.

Goodwick will be looking to sharpen their finishing ahead of their West Wales Intermediate Cup clash with Cwmamman United next Saturday.

Tenby too strong for Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – Tenby 10

Tenby United delivered a commanding 10-0 victory over bottom-placed Herbrandston in a one-sided affair. The visitors controlled proceedings from the outset, leading 3-0 at halftime before adding seven more goals in the second half.

Scott Ferney opened the scoring, followed by strikes from captain Daniel Storer and Jerome Williams. After the break, Ned Davies, Joe Leahy, and Ferney extended the lead, with Ferney netting his second consecutive hat-trick. Leahy added another to complete his brace, before Ferney scored his third to make it 8-0. Rhys Morgan and Jacob Hipkiss rounded off the rout with late goals.

The emphatic win keeps Tenby climbing the table, while Herbrandston remain without a point this season.

Sport

Crymych’s slow start costs them against Ammanford

Published

60 mins ago

January 27, 2025

Herald Sport

Championship Division

Crymych 5 – Ammanford 21

CRYMYCH’S battle to stay in the Championship Division continues as they fell to a 21-5 defeat against Ammanford, who secured a season double over their opponents. A sluggish first half left Crymych trailing too far behind to recover despite an improved second-half performance.

Ammanford’s powerful pack and cohesive backs dominated early on, running in three tries in the first half. Full-back Gareth Rees converted all three to establish a commanding 21-0 lead at the break. Crymych managed a single unconverted try in the second half through replacement winger Hedd George but could not close the gap further.

This defeat marks Crymych’s 11th loss of the season, leaving them in ninth place and in danger of being drawn into the relegation battle. While they remain outside the bottom two, their struggles with slow starts and fundamental errors must be addressed urgently.

Crymych’s upcoming fixtures will be crucial, with the team needing to improve their defensive discipline and sharpen their attack to secure their Championship Division status. The pressure is mounting as the season progresses.

Man of the match was Marco Dallavalle pictured above