The 2019/20 JD Cymru North season looks set to be an exciting one
With a new name, following a re-brand from the Huw’s Gray Alliance League, North Wales football has been shaken up, as they come under FAW control.
We are guaranteed to crown a first-ever Cymru North winner, as they take over from Airbus UK Broughton, who had a stellar campaign in the season just past.
An unpredictable exciting race
Given the stature of the clubs in the Division, some clubs are going to be disappointed this season, with only one team eligible for promotion to the Cymru Premier.
Flint Town United finished second place to Airbus UK last season, as Niall McGuiness showcased his skill at this level, following a move from Rhyl. The Silkmen ended the Wingmakers’ unbeaten run and have continued to strengthen.
Prestatyn Town have been on a recruitment drive this summer and with Neil Gibson at the helm for a full campaign, following his return from Connah’s Quay, the Seasiders will have ambitions to return to the top flight.
Llandudno, relegated from the Cymru Premier last season, are under the stewardship of Matthew Jones. The Seasiders have planned ground improvements and those ideas are a sign of their ambition for an immediate return to Wales’ top flight.
Depending on the outcome of their court case, Bangor City could challenge with the squad they’ve assembled.
Rhyl, who hosted a number of European games in the summer, may feel motivated to get back to hosting European games for themselves. The addition of Asa Hamilton from last seasons winners is a big coup,
Promoted sides all have experience
Corwen, Llanfair United and Llangefni Town have all had experience of playing in the second tier, since the turn of the millennium.
Despite not winning the title, Corwen were promoted after Queens Park had declined a promotion, after opting not to apply for the licence.
They’ll be fancied to go down, given they didn’t win their division, but the Wrexham club have worked hard to reach the Division and won’t go down without a fight.
Llangefni Town have lost a number of players over the course of pre-season and recruitment will be hard for a club of their geographical position.
Llanfair are back after two seasons away, but given their lowly finishes over the last few years in the Cymru Alliance, the Mid Wales club now needs to kick on.
Colwyn Bay’s return
Their return to Welsh football may not have got off to the best start, suffering defeat to Gresford Athletic, but Colwyn’s return was a welcome one.
They may not have a league fixture this weekend, but come next Friday, there will be some intrigue about their home fixture with Flint Town United.
They’ve recruited well, bringing in players who have experience in the Welsh domestic system, promoting local talent.
Craig Hogg knows the Welsh scene already and it seems the club have embraced their new beginnings.
Depending on how they do this season, a good showing from Bay could prompt other clubs to reconsider their stance.
It’ll be a new ground for most clubs and crowds could be boosted, given the uniqueness of the fixtures.
The Derbies!
There are so many exciting Derbies in North Wales.
The festive period has ties like Bangor City v Porthmadog, Llandudno v Colwyn Bay and Prestatyn v Rhyl. Given the recent attendances of some clubs over the festive period at this level before, it’d be great to see the North Wales locals take in these games.
The new changes
Changes to the second tier include a transfer window, as well as clubs being able to be a bit more flexible with their fixtures.
Clubs with the right ideas may play to an unconventional kick-off to the traditional Saturday kick-off of 15:00, but this could give clubs the ability to market themselves correctly.
(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)
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