Ahead of the new Cymru Premier season, which kicks off on Friday 16th August, we pick out five rising stars who could be set for breakout campaigns…
Evan Press, Barry Town United
As Barry embarked on their first European campaign in 16-years, one of the big decisions Gavin Chesterfield made was starting Evan Press against Cliftonville.
At just 19-years-old, Press kept a clean sheet alongside Luke Cooper in a Europa League qualifier.
Unfortunately, they conceded four in the return leg, but Press’ performance in the home leg alongside Cooper could spell things for the future.
Press has just two minutes of Cymru Premier football under his belt but this campaign is one that could open up new avenues for him.
Barry have only signed Luke Cummings in defence this summer, so it doesn’t look like a new center-back is on the wishlist of Gavin Chesterfield this summer.
With Barry and Gavin Chesterfield’s commitment to bringing through young Welsh youngsters, Press’ is in the right hands in regards to the development of his career.
Our first winner of the evening…
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) May 5, 2019
The #Bluebirds' @CF11Academy Player of the Season is George Ratcliffe! 👏#CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/taPvsg6JRK
George Ratcliffe, Barry Town United
Cardiff City won’t have sent a promising goalkeeper to bench warm. Expect Ratcliffe to play a prominent role with Barry this season.
Mike Lewis performed well in the Europa League qualifiers, despite conceding four in the second leg, but Ratcliffe will be hot on his toes.
The 18-year-old is highly rated by Cardiff City and was voted their Best Academy Player last season. Not bad for a goalkeeper of a team which reached a national final.
Ratcliffe like Press is in the right place in regards to player development. Gavin Chesterfield can be trusted with bringing through young players and preparing them for senior football. Look at the development of Momodou Touray, who has been involved in Newport County’s senior side this pre-season.
Guto Williams, Cardiff Metropolitan
With Cardiff Metropolitan now without a prolific striker in Adam Roscrow, Met may alter the way they play.
Will Evans was deployed as a striker in their Europa League qualifiers. Evans’ placing upfront could spell good news for Guto Williams, who could take up that left-up spot in midfield.
Despite not featuring at all against Progrès Niederkorn, he was still on the bench and was part of their plans.
Out of 32 games last season, Williams made 13 starts for the Archers and saw himself subbed on six times.
Last year was Williams’ first year as a student with the Met. He accustomed the best he could to senior level football with the Met, so his second year with the University will only help benefit him next season.
Ryan Harrington, The New Saints
Since taking over The New Saints last year, Scott Ruscoe’s recruitment policy seems to be bringing through young players, who he can develop.
Harrington made his debut in a Champions League qualifier, he may have conceded two alongside Keston Davies but in the away leg, they kept an impressive clean sheet in Kosovo against Feronikeli.
With Blaine Hudson missing the Qualifiers due to injury, Harrington’s path into the first-team has been fast-tracked and he’ll be hoping to nail down a permanent place in the squad.
At the age of 20, Harrington’s versatility could also work in his favour, as he can play all across the backline.
He’s already been exposed to senior football in the third tier of Scottish football with Montrose.
With senior-level football under his belt, a platform with TNS now could be the making of him.
Sam Jones, Caernarfon Town
Signed from Gwynedd rivals Bangor City, Sam Jones’ move to Caernarfon Town has to be one of the best moves of the summer.
Jones has had the best preparation for the season. He was named in Ynys Môn’s squad for the Inter-Island games. His two goals helped them into the final, before they won gold.
Experience at an international level and playing against senior-level players could put him in good stead for a long campaign with Caernarfon.
He was prolific at Under-19s level, scoring 40 goals for the Citizens. The Cofis backroom staff already know what he’s like, having featured against them in the Welsh Cup.
Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s decision to give Jones’ senior football at Bangor has only benefitted him.
(Featured Image: Brian Jones, Colin Ewart, and Matthew Lofthouse)
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