Cardiff Metropolitan manager Christian Edwards has discussed how the Welsh clubs competing in Europe can work together to help build Welsh football’s reputation and representation.
The Archers are gearing up for their Europa League preliminary round tie against FC Progrès Niederkorn in Luxembourg on Thursday.
Edwards’ side are one of four Welsh teams taking part in the two UEFA competitions in the coming weeks, alongside The New Saints, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Barry Town United.
The 43-year-old discussed the group effort that is required in order to benefit Welsh domestic football.
“As a collective, the four teams who are in Europe this year are only trying to do their best to help Welsh football. To make sure we have those four club spots next year.
“When you see our club coefficient, it’s always difficult and we’re always going to draw harder teams.
“I’ve spoken to Andy Morrison, Gavin Chesterfield and Scott Ruscoe, and we discussed how the collective effort must be the best for Welsh football – and that’s certainly what we’re aiming to do.”
Christian Edwards is all smiles after qualifying for the Europa League.
(Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Edwards recognises that while there have been some memorable results from Welsh sides in Europe, there have also been disappointments.
“I think it’s a contextual thing.
“Certain clubs have achieved and have achieved things very well.
“You could argue one or two in recent years haven’t achieved what they should have.”
Discussing the tie in general, the former Swansea City defender admitted the stern challenge that his side will face on Thursday.
“Whilst we wanted that glamour tie – which Progrès is – we also wanted a team we could beat.
“It’s going to be tough, but if we can get the away performance to keep us in the tie to come back to Leckwith, then we’ll be in a good position.
“Who knows what 30 students can do on any given night?
“Outside of football I think we know what they can do, but it’s what they can do on the football pitch that is going to be important to us.”
Christian Edwards following his side’s win against Aberystwyth Town. (Image: Colin Ewart)
Something which fills Edwards with pride is knowing that side will be representing a variety of locations, organisations and people when they take to the field at the Stade Municipal de la Ville de Differdange on Thursday evening.
“We’re representing Cardiff. We’re representing Cardiff Metropolitan and also the student population of the UK.
“We’re very proud to be the flag bearer of that.
“I think we do it very well. I think the most important thing is that it’s never really about the players’ performance on the football pitch that people respect and like. It’s the way they conduct themselves off the pitch and that’s credit to the staff.
“The players are humble and they’re very respectful and gracious. That’s the true colour of a Cardiff Metropolitan Football Club player. If that’s the way it is then I’m very happy, that’s what is needed.
“There were a lot of pretenders that played football when I took over, and it took a lot of resistance, co-operation and a culture of egos to take the club to where it is today
“I think that’s been the difficult part. The football comes secondary, they’re all good players and they’ve got the talent but it’s getting them right off the pitch that is important to me.”
Edwards, who has been with the Cyncoed side for over a decade, highlighted how important the players have been in buying into the philosophy.
Edwards at the club’s media event. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse
“We’ve progressed a long way, it’s that journey that every player has been on.
“It’s not just the players but it’s the voluntary staff, the people behind the scenes to allow it to become the juggernaut that it is.
“It’s very interesting. It’s unique. We have a unique model, it’s something I believe that if you’d try to copy you’d be foolish at doing because the buy in we have here here is ridiculous.
“Our model is different to professional clubs and professional teams in our league, but it’s a challenge as well, with those challenges you have uncertainty and that you have risk. With risk you have to play, work hard and this is what our players and staff do.
“We relish that risk and uncertainty because it keeps you on the edge of your chair and you have to work against that uncertainty.”
Edwards was speaking at the club’s media event, which was held at Cyncoed Campus in Cardiff.
(Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse)
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