Dan Bradley set for Jenner Park Stadium return for Nathaniel MG Cup Final
Barry Town United stalwart Dan Bradley returns to Jenner Park Stadium on Saturday evening with Cambrian & Clydach Vale.
The experienced goalkeeper spent a total of 11 years, tallying up a total of 361 appearances with the Linnets, before leaving for pastures new with the Cam Army two seasons ago.
He was one of the players that remained with Barry Town United despite their demotion to Division Three and went full circle, picking up a Welsh League Division One winner medal.
Bradley produced some goalkeeping heroics against his former side in the first round of the competition, as they knocked out the current Welsh Premier League leaders on penalties.
The 31-year-old said: “Jenner Park is a home away from home. It’s a place I spent 11 great seasons. It’s a ground that will always hold a special place for me.
“I’m looking forward to playing back here and seeing some old faces around the ground.
“After defeating Barry Town in the first round on penalties I feel that it is destiny that my new team Cambrian and Clydach will lift the trophy at Jenner Park.
“Having played against Cardiff Met while at Barry I have no doubt they will be a formidable opponent but certainly one that our camp believe we are capable of defeating.
“The games I have seen in recent months on Sgorio show they seem in good form and I’m sure will give us a good game.”
In what is a youthful squad at Cambrian & Clydach, following their philosophy of promoting from within, with a number of academy graduates making the grade at first-team level.
Bradley was a losing finalist in the 2016/2017 League Cup final against The New Saints, but with over 300 games under his belt, his experiences in Welsh football are invaluable.
Cambrian’s young guns suffered defeat to Swansea City in the FAW Youth Cup Final two years ago, but having a player of Bradley’s experience, may put the Rhondda side in good stead.
“The experience I bring to the team is invaluable especially in high profile games and having a large group of players under the age of 21.
“For such a youthful team we are in the best position as underdogs and relish the challenge ahead of us, we have shown this season that we thrive as the underdogs.
“I think that by having the experience I will be able to bring a sense of calm to the team while being under pressure for large parts of the game from a fantastic opponent.
“Events like this and being apart of the whole occasion is why we all play this wonderful game called football.
“Win or lose I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Nathaniel MG Cup with Cambrian and Clydach Vale.”
(Featured Image: Barry Town SC)
