The New Saints celebrate winning an eighth-consecutive top-flight title. (Tomos Lewis)
In what will be the inaugural season of the newly-named JD Cymru Premier, we are set for one of the most competitive top flight campaigns in recent years.
Champions in the previous eight seasons, The New Saints are rightly expected to top the standings once again come May, however it’s the positions below them which provide reason for excitement and intrigue.
Something of a rarity, the two promoted sides – Airbus UK and Penybont – are being tipped by many to stave off relegation and maybe even push for a top six place.
We’ve assessed each team’s prospects, their dealings in the transfer market and how supporters can expect them to perform in the upcoming campaign.
The New Saints
The New Saints celebrate Greg Draper’s goal against Barry Town United. (Image: Tomos Lewis)
Last season: 1st
Predicted finish: 1st
Scott Ruscoe’s side were forced to dig deep in order to win their 13th top flight title, after being pushed hard by Connah’s Quay Nomads and Barry Town United, but their experience and strength-in-depth eventually told as they finished 12 points clear at the summit.
The Oswestry-based outfit have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far this summer, bringing in just three players so far in Keston Davies, Adam Hughes and Ryan Harrington.
All three have been involved in the Saints’ Champions League qualifying games, with the second leg of their second round game against Copenhagen taking place tomorrow (Wednesday).
A player to keep an eye on is 23-year-old Billy Whitehouse, who we are yet to see on the European stage. This could prove to be the former Doncaster winger’s breakthrough season at Park Hall.
There is no reason to suggest that they can’t secure a ninth-consecutive domestic crown, and their prospects were further strengthened with the recent announcement that last season’s top scorer and talisman Greg Draper had penned a new deal.
Key player: Greg Draper
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Barry Town United host Connahs Quay Nomads at Jenner Park in the Welsh Premier League. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Last season: 2nd
Predicted finish: 2nd
Last season’s runners-up, the Nomads will head into the 2019/20 campaign with confidence after their memorable win against Kilmarnock in the Europa League a fortnight ago.
Andy Morrison’s side were expected to be the closest challengers to The New Saints before their European heroics, but the impressive displays against strong opposition has raised the question of ‘can they replicate that kind of form week in, week out in the league?’
The Deeside outfit have established themselves as a team that are more than capable of producing the goods in one-off encounters, their 2017/18 Welsh Cup victory and the run to the Scottish Challenge Cup final last season proved this, so they will hope for more consistency this time round.
Their only arrival to date has been defender Callum Roberts from Newtown. A quality addition no doubt, the former TNS player is one of the best in his position in the league, however the club’s shortcomings last season could be down to their squad depth; so you feel a couple more signings could help them to bridge the gap.
Key player: Michael Bakare
Barry Town United
Barry Town v Cliftonville in the Europa League Preliminary Round at Leckwith Stadium. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Last season: 3rd
Predicted finish: 3rd
The real success story of last season, the Dragons will be looking to build on their third place finish in what was just their second season back in the top flight.
The main challenge for Gavin Chesterfield’s men now will be to prove that their achievements were not an anomaly, and they have certainly signalled their intent in the transfer window.
The arrivals of Luke Cummings, Jack Compton, Eli Phipps and Keyon Reffell have added a considerable amount of quality and experience to the squad, one which should have enough to secure at least a top four finish.
Key player: Kayne McLaggon
Bala Town
Bala Town celebrate their 3-0 win against Cardiff Met. (Image: Bala Town F.C.)
Last season: 6th
Predicted finish: 4th
By their standards, the Lakesiders had a season to forget in 2018/19, finishing sixth, their worst performance in the league since 2013/14.
Scoring goals wasn’t too much of an issue last season, it was keeping them out which proved to be a problem. Their goals conceded tally of 63 was the third highest in the top flight, behind only Llanelli and Llandudno – who were both relegated.
The signing of Jonny Spittle from Connah’s Quay Nomads will certainly improve them at the back, while Lee Molyneux and Steven Leslie are both highly-experienced campaigners who will provide good competition in the squad.
There is no doubt that the Maes Tegid outfit are under pressure to perform after a disappointing showing last time out, and their motivation will be sky high to prove any doubters wrong.
Key player: Henry Jones
Newtown
Newtown celebrate a goal against Aberystwyth. (Will Cheshire)
Last season: 5th
Predicted finish: 5th
The Robins were one of the league’s surprise packages last season, going somewhat under the radar as they finished a comfortable fifth, just missing out on fourth to Caernarfon Town on goal difference.
Making five signings so far in the transfer window, the Latham Park side have been keen to ensure that they maintain a level of competition in the squad; as they look to replicate their 2018/19 efforts.
Ian Sheridan and George Harry appear to be two solid pieces of business, the former has played over 150 games in the Cymru Premier, while Harry has made over 50 appearances at the age of just 20.
Niall Flint, Lewis Short and Jack Kelly have arrived from Matlock, Leek Town and Kettering Town respectively to ensure that the squad has a fresh feel to it.
Key player: Nick Rushton
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan celebrate after qualifying for the Europa League. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Last season: 7th
Predicted finish: 6th
Last season proved to be the Archers’ best in their 19-year history, as they won a maiden Nathaniel MG Cup and reached the Europa League qualifying rounds for the first time.
The departure of star striker Adam Roscrow – who netted 14 goals in 23 appearances last season – will be a miss to the Students, but they have been able to secure the return of winger Jordan Lam, as well as young prospects Mael Davies and Owen Taylor from Carmarthen.
Without Roscrow, the responsibility on the shoulders of Eliot and Will Evans will increase. The pair are both more than capable of stepping up, while you still have the likes of Dan Spencer and Tim Parker – who are both well-accustomed to the top flight.
This season could also see a number of promotions from the Development squad. Gruff Stead is a good example, the youngster featured against Llanelli towards the end of last season, as well as playing in the recent pre-season game against Cinderford Town.
Key player: Eliot Evans
Caernarfon Town
Caernarfon Town take on Aberystwyth Town in the Welsh Premier League. (Will Cheshire)
Last season: 4th
Predicted finish: 7th
The Cofis were mightily impressive in their first season in the top flight, delighting their passionate fans and proving some doubters wrong to finish fourth.
It goes without saying that their biggest challenge this season will be overcoming the fact that they are no longer an unknown quantity.
A potential positive is the fact that Alan Bickerstaff will be taking over as the new First Team Manager, as previous boss Sean Eardley moves into the role of Assistant Manager.
The new man in charge may opt for a change in approach, in an effort to ensure that his team aren’t nullified by the opposition; who have a season’s worth of knowledge in the bank.
The new arrivals at the Oval so far consist of right-back Gruff John Williams, striker Sam Jones and defender Mike Pearson. All three are good additions, and should definitely be pushing for a place in the starting eleven.
Key player: Danny Brookwell
Airbus UK
Airbus UK take on Connah’s Quay Nomads in their previous top-flight campaign. (Will Cheshire)
Last season: 1st (Cymru Alliance)
Predicted finish: 8th
The first of the two promoted teams, the Wingmakers swept all before them to secure their return to the top flight, winning 24 of their 30 league games to finish 18 points clear at the top of the Cymru Alliance.
It is commonplace for newly-promoted teams to be tipped for relegation, however there is genuine belief that Steve O’Shaughnessy’s side can be competitive in the Cymru Premier.
They’ve made some shrewd signings in the form of George Hughes, Jake Phillips, Alex Darlington, Andy Owens and Jordan Evans.
Owens and Darlington are both proven goal-scorers in the top flight, Hughes and Evans have experience with Shrewsbury and Wrexham while Phillips is an exciting young prospect.
Their squad looks well balanced, and they will fancy their chances of causing some upsets as they bid to re-establish themselves as a top-flight team.
Key player: Alex Darlington
Penybont
Penybont celebrate a goal in their title-winning campaign. (Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
Last season: 1st (Welsh Football League Division One)
Predicted finish: 9th
Rhys Griffiths’ side went unbeaten in the Welsh Football League Division One as they stormed to the title in 2018/19.
A well-drilled outfit, the Bont should be capable of making the step up, holding their own and giving teams problems with their dangerous frontmen.
One of the busier clubs in the market, they have made six signings so far: Dan Jefferies, Mikey George, Dan Summerfield, Lewis Baldwin, Matthew Harris and Nathan Wood.
Defender Sam Rodon – the brother of Swansea City’s Joe Rodon – has left the club to join Haverfordwest County, and his presence at the back will be missed; however, Griffiths will have his side well marshalled and tough to break down.
The performances of Luke Borrelli and Cullen Kinsella will go a long way deciding how Penybont fare in the Cymru Premier, while Kane Owen will also be vital; commanding his troops from left-back and providing a threat from set-pieces.
Key player: Luke Borrelli
Cefn Druids
Cefn Druids celebrate qualifying for the Europa League in the 2017/18 season. (Jordan Jones)
Last season: 10th
Predicted finish: 10th
The Druids were not able to recreate their 2017/18 heroics – when they won the Europa League play-off – recording a 10th place finish last season.
While they finished just one place clear of the relegation zone, they were never really in any danger of facing the drop.
Their total number of incomings is just three as it stands: Tom Reilly has joined from Swedish side Eskilstuna City, while former Blackburn youth product Ramirez Howarth and Charley Edge, who began his career with Everton, appear to be longer-term projects.
They should have enough to ensure that they remain clear of the drop-zone again this season, while manager Huw Griffiths will doubtless have loftier ambitions.
Key player: Alec Mudimu
Carmarthen Town
Carmarthen Town take on Aberystwyth Town in the 2018/19 Welsh Premier League season. (Colin Ewart)
Last season: 9th
Predicted finish: 11th
While the Old Gold have made some positives moves, their defence remains an area which could prove to be their achilles heel.
Their goal-scoring abilities are not in doubt, with the likes of Liam Thomas – who netted 24 goals last season – and Luke Bowen, who proved to be a good foil with 11 goals in the league.
Their attacking options have been strengthened further with the arrival of Josh Bull from Cwmbran Celtic, while midfielder Elliott Scotcher has joined from Haverfordwest County.
They have made a start to addressing their defensive issues, with Alaric Jones joining Scotcher in making the move up the A40, however they still need to strengthen further if they’re to form a backline capable of keeping them in games.
It cannot be ignored that the club were due to be relegated in 2017/18, surviving only after Bangor City were demoted; and while Neil Smothers helped to make them tougher to beat last season, they won’t be able to rest on their laurels this time around.
Key player: Liam Thomas
Aberystwyth Town
Llanelli Town host Aberystwyth Town at Stebonheath Park in the Welsh Premier League. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Last season: 8th
Predicted finish: 12th
Another established top-flight outfit, the Seasiders could have a fight on their hands to preserve their status in Wales’ top tier.
After going on an impressive run in the middle part of last season, looking like they were set to qualify for a European spot, they tailed off disappointingly and somewhat limped over the finishing line.
Key figures Terry McCormick and Declan Walker have both departed, and will leave significant gaps in the team which will need to be filled by the six signings they have made to date. Ashley Ruane, a more than capable squad player has also left to join Bangor City.
Ben Birch, Alex Boss, Joe Phillips, Luke Boundford, Porya Ahmadi and Malcolm Melvin have all arrived at Park Avenue, and will need to hit the ground running to ensure the Black and Greens get off to a good start.
Matthew Bishop has returned for a second spell as manager, and will be hoping this one is more successful than the first. When he departed in May 2017, Aber were just one point above the drop zone with four games remaining.
Key player: Geoff Kellaway
(Featured Image: Brian Jones, Lewis Mitchell and NCM Media)
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