WHEN it comes to Welsh domestic football there aren’t many people around who know the game more than Richard Williams-Cooke.
The former midfielder who commanded opposition players during his spells in the top and second tier of the Welsh domestic system is now embarking on another venture, this time it is on the other side of the white line.
The former Newtown, Denbigh, Bala and Cefn Druids midfielder spoke about the critics of the Cymru Premier, the difference between the top divisions, the changed attitudes of youngsters and the re-birth of Rhyl.
The former midfielder, who has already tested the waters in management with Denbigh Town and FC Oswestry Town, has played in the ever-changing Welsh system, and seen it evolve and change over the years.
He was a Newtown player in the 18 team format when the gulf in class between the handful of big boys and the sides in the lower reaches was huge.
That gap has closed dramatically and there is no denying that no matter how many neutrals and fans from other countries frown at the Welsh system. Bangor and Rhyl faced off about eight times one season, as did TNS and Airbus.
Williams-Cooke believes that repetitiveness needs looking at, but admitted there is no doubt in his mind how far the league has come on since his heyday.
“I think the league is much stronger now than it was back then. Teams are more professional, fitness levels and the quality of players has improved.
‘Coaching standards are on a different level to back then also.
‘When I played for Newtown it was an 18 team league format and the gap between the rest and Llanelli and TNS was massive.
There is still a gap but it will be difficult for teams to compete with TNS without substantial investment. That’s taking nothing away from them by the way as Mike Harris and TNS are brilliant for Welsh football.
‘As a spectacle, my opinion is that maybe it is time for a change and something different from the format.
‘A lot of tier two eams, from a facilities point of view, are ready to go up and have invested heavily to meet ground criteria.’
‘Caernarfon have been a breath of fresh air to the league with their brilliant fan base and the atmosphere they create at games.
‘Maybe extend the league to 14 and then possibly 16 to freshen up the fixtures as a lot of people complain about the number of times teams can play each other over a season.
‘However, it’s a balancing act to retain the quality of the league.’
One league that is attracting big attention now is the Cymru North, a 17-team league that Williams-Cooke has called the most competitive in the system.
Big sides, sleeping giants if you will, are battling it out at the top of the league.
Williams-Cooke has always said it how it is when it comes to football, no beating around the bush. If his side gets beat he holds his hands up, if it goes his way he’s first to praise the players.
One thing that he has been outspoken about in the past, and many would argue in a good way, is the attitude of a section of young footballers.
He believes there is a difference in mentality now to when he played when you had to take negativity and criticism on the chin.
He said: ‘I am quite an outspoken person and say what I think but I stand by most of it!
‘I do think that the mentality of some younger players coming through has changed.
‘I made my CA debut at 16 for Denbigh Town away at Llanidloes Town, then was demoted to the 3rd team the week after.
‘However, it gave me a taste for it and after a good season for the reserves, I was a regular in the first team by the age of 17/18.
‘It toughened me up a lot and served me well as I got older but you don’t tend to see that as much nowadays with younger players.
‘I have come across a lot that just give up if things aren’t going their way. A lot of lads who have played academy football don’t push on after that.
‘Now I’m not slating academy football at all by the way, as the coaching is way above what I ever received.
‘But there is a huge difference between playing U19s football and playing adult football and that’s where the mentality of players comes into it in my opinion.
In terms of his own ambition and desire, for now, Williams-Cooke only has eyes for the top division. Despite tasting the number one role, two is where he will sit, or shout from the technical area, for the time being.
And he believes the side Eddie Maurice-Jones has assembled at Belle Vue is capable of bringing the glory years back to the club.
He added: ‘Myself and Eddie wouldn’t be at the club unless we felt we could take them back to the WPL and that’s why we came here.
‘However, there has to be a plan and that starts off the pitch with so many people working behind the scenes tirelessly.
‘The club is moving in the right direction and is more stable now than it has been for a while. ‘Everything we do is discussed with Paul Higginson, Dave Norman and Adam Roche and we have a good relationship.
‘Getting out of the Cymru North is our first target and as mentioned above that is no mean feat in itself.
‘So we will continue to try and do that and give everything we have.
‘If it happens then we will re-assess and create a plan to compete in the WPL but were not getting ahead of ourselves at all.’
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
ernie
great interview