Porthmadog manager Papirnyk predicts exciting Cymru Alliance season

CPD Porthmadog manager Craig Papirnyk believes we’re in for an exciting season in the Cymru Alliance League.

The league boasts Welsh Premier League runners-up Bangor City after their demotion last season, as well as former champions Rhyl and Airbus UK.

Porthmadog themselves are a former Welsh Premier League too.

“I honestly cannot wait, it has to be the most exciting Cymru Alliance league for many many years,”

There are such great clubs now competing makes it very exciting times to be part of the league. 

“Being realistic and respectful to this league I think if you can get into that top 4 this season you will be doing well.

We always love a good Welsh Cup run and the League cup has to be a priority as I believe on our day we can beat anyone.

There’s no doubt in my mind that it is going to be a very competitive but great season for all the clubs in the League and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The quality and standard have grown and grown, it’s going to be some season I think.”

The club have lost duo Cai Jones and Sion Bradley to local rivals Caernarfon Town after their promotion.

But Jay Gibbs who had a spell in the top flight last season with Llandudno and a former Cofi has joined Porthmadog.

They recently went toe to toe with top-flight side Llandudno, losing by just the singular goal.

“I’m very pleased, to be honest, we’ve had a very good schedule from training to playing good opposition and competitive games.

Preparations for the season have been almost perfect with the exception of some lads picking up injuries.

We have recruited very well and the lads that have come in have all settled very quickly which is great for me because the squad is settled already.”

Porthmadog opens their league campaign, travelling to Mid Wales side Penrhyncoch.

Papirnyk has recalled last years meetings, praising their recruitment over this summer.

They finished 9th in the league last season, in a comfortable mid-table position.

“Penrhyn are very hard working and honest side who play with a lot of pride and will make it extremely difficult for us on the day from the first whistle to the last.

They have strengthened well and will be looking themselves to get off to a good start at home.

We will go with confidence knowing that we have had a good pre-season, the lads are fit and can’t wait to get going.” 

(Featured Image: Paul Evans of Oval Ways)