What to expect from the 2019/20 Welsh League season
(Image: Same Old Smiths)
The Welsh League season begins this evening and there’s plenty to look forward to.
There are only two divisions this season, following the FAW’s takeover of the second tier.
It means new names for the divisions, with Division Two now being known as Division One and Division Three becoming Division Two.
Penydarren to challenge again
You wouldn’t put it past Penydarren challenging for a third consecutive promotion and even league title this season
Kerry Mullins has installed a winning mentality into the club and this club is riding a continuous wave of success.
Having won the League Cup for the first time in their history last season they’ve shown that they’re capable of beating higher opposition sides.
Names like Christopher Colvin-Owens and Joshua Brogden have become household names in the South Wales football scene, expect them to continue their goalscoring prowess in a higher division this time around.
Pontardawe Town having narrowly missed out on promotion to Caerau Ely last season, will want to challenge once more.
Caldicot Town, who have a glittering talent in Harri Shelley, challenged well last season, will be fighting for promotion once more.
Abergavenny Town were also a surprise outfit last season, under the stewardship of Ben Bannon, they could be the side to watch out for this season.
An unable to call Division Two?
Usually in Division Two, there are three sides who challenge for the two promotion spots, whilst this season you couldn’t name your two promoted sides.
Aberdare Town and West End were relegated and have pedigree at a higher level, but this Division is unforgiving. Ask AFC Porth who had to accept a 10th placed finish last season.
Ynyshir Albions won the South Wales Alliance League title comfortably last season and with their Rhondda spirit, you can’t write them off.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers and Pontyclun both challenged Penydarren and Trefelin, so they will want to go one further this season.
Exciting Derbies
Already in the first month of the season, we’re being treated to some new derbies.
First up on Tuesday will be a new kind of Port Talbot Derby when the relegated Port Talbot Town host Trefelin, who won promotion last season.
Port Talbot have a youthful side compared to their Cymru Premier days, whilst Trefelin are blessed with some prolific players in their ranks like Damon Thomas and Jordan Edwards.
Another derby to look forward to is Ynyshir Albions who will be making their debut this weekend. They play AFC Porth on Wednesday at The Oval.
The chance to rebuild?
Aberdare Town were the whipping boys of Division Two last season and were on the end of some heavy scorelines. West End who also went down, had lost a number of games by a big margin.
But as they drop down to a lower division, this now gives them the chance to rebuild.
Perhaps the biggest case for rebuilding is Ton Pentre, who had been teetering very closely to the relegation backdoor for a number of years.
The Bulldogs have entrusted Nickie Jones to bring stability to the club as they find their feet in Division One.
By looking to local talent in the area, they can find an identity once more which can prepare them for the future.
New managers!
A number of managerial changes have been made in the leagues this summer.
Nathan Cadette has taken over Bridgend Street, having helped Dale Gardiner to the Division One title with STM Sports.
Eston Chiverton has been given the job at Goytre, Scott Russell is the new boss at Monmouth Town following Nicky Morgan’s departure to Cwmbran Celtic.
Gareth Kedward has returned to senior-level management, as he takes over at Aberbargoed Buds.
Rob Thomas leads Abertillery Bluebirds into a new division, following his move from RTB Ebbw Vale.
Mark Dunford takes over at Trethomas Bluebirds.
Andrew Wenzel, fresh from winning a league title with English side Woolaston is also a new face in the Welsh League dugouts, having taken over at Chepstow Town.
(Featured Image: Same Old Smiths)
