Met manager Christian Edwards praises University model

Christian Edwards has praised the clubs model after qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

Cardiff Metropolitan beat Bala Town on penalties to bring European football to the University club.

Having been in the fourth tier of Welsh football in 2013, the one-time Wales defender has overseen a remarkable transition at the club. 

Both the mens and women’s team have qualified for European football after Cardiff Metropolitan Women won an impressive treble.

The 43-year-old said: “I think we have a working model that fits us but there are other clubs in Division Three who can look at us for aspiration. 

“We use the BUCS system as a way of blooding the lads, winning it two years on the bounce. We didn’t win it this year but that was the sacrifice we made. 

“We’ll have time to reflect next week to see what we’ve done. University sport in Europe, not just our means team but our women’s team as well. 

“Our university has two teams playing in Europe next season which is unheard of and fantastic.”

• Bala Town 1-1 (1-3 p) Cardiff Metropolitan: Fuller saves three penalties to send Met into Europe
• Europa League play-off final worth £192k to Bala Town or Cardiff Metropolitan
• RECAP: Cardiff Metropolitan qualify for Europa League after penalty shootout victory against Bala
• Cardiff Metropolitan Women win the Welsh Premier Women’s League

The club are set to receive a windfall of £193,000 from qualifying for Europe. 

Despite the injection of money, players will continue to play for free for the club in what is a unique situation for top flight football in Europe. 

“This is not the end, this is just the start for us. The financial backing will help us considerably but we won’t be wasteful, whatever we’ve got, whoever comes in, we’ll be as good as if not better than what we’ve got. 

“First of all, It’s taking stock of things. It’s not about finance, it’s about the journey and making everyone proud. It certainly will be. It’ll be in the background but we’ll never pay the players. That’s one thing under me that won’t change. We won’t pay and we’ll use the money elsewhere wisely and that’s what we’ll do.”

Having won three league titles in four years, Cardiff Metropolitan had rode a wave of success beforehand.

After achieving the goal of Welsh Premier League football, the club suffered League Cup and playoff final heartbreak a total of three times.

But this season Cardiff Metropolitan were able to lift the Nathaniel MG Cup for the first  time in their history, alongside qualifying for Europe. 

“It means everything for the football club. It’s something we never envisaged to begin with. 

“It’s testament to the players, the hard work they put in week in week out. I’m just delighted, proud and very humble.

“I have a phenomenal group of players but more importantly I have a phenomenal wife and three kids without them I wouldn’t do this every week.”

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)