The 2021/22 Cymru Premier begins on Friday and there is plenty to look forward to in the 30th year of top-flight football in Wales.
Will European success equate to domestic dominance?
If their performances in Europe are anything to go by, then we are in for an exciting season from the Oswestry side. With the signing of Declan McManus from Dunfermline, Anthony Limbrick’s side have shown real intent to retain the JD Cymru Premier by breaking the league’s transfer record.
Leo Smith has been in imperious form during the European games, scoring six goals in six games.
The New Saints have also gone to last season’s champions and signed Danny Davies from Connah’s Quay, Anthony Limbrick is certainly building a squad that will be able to sustain a campaign in the Europa Conference League while also making a charge for the title.
How will Caernarfon fare?
Since their return to the top flight, each season The Cofis have been written off and been dubbed as relegation candidates, however each season, they’ve proved their doubters wrong and secured a sixth-place finish. This season, things are different, those doubters think that The Cofis are certainties for another top-half finish and with the fans back in full flow, Huw Griffiths will certainly fancy his chances.
A lot of changes has happened during the summer at The Oval, Steve Evans has come out of retirement, Dion Donohue has joined the Football League and the always exciting Rob Hughes is now plying his trade with The Cofis. Will Caernarfon live up to what’s expected or in a cruel twist of fate, again prove people wrong?
Race for top six
The race for top six – Last year it was Haverfordwest who missed out, while Newtown who finished in seventh made it to Europe. With the league losing that fourth place in Europe, the sixth place will take on some added importance.
Newtown have signed David Cotterill, Callum Roberts, and Naim Arsan and after losing out in Europe will look to improve the league position from last season..
Haverfordwest have secured the services of Henry Jones and Dylan Rees while holding on to Jack Wilson who was fantastic last season before a long lay-off due to injury.
Penybont have secured the services of James Waite who is touted for big things and that’s not forgetting Flint Town United who have signed last season’s player of the year in Mike Wilde and along with players such as Danny Harrison and Jack Kenny, they could make a charge for the top six.
Caernarfon Town will also be looking to make it four seasons in a row and competition for that SPFL Trust Trophy place will be competitive, to say the least.
Can part-time Connah’s Quay claim a third title?
A real summer of change at Deeside. The Club have reverted back to part-time status and have seen a plethora of last season’s best players depart a Championship winning club, Mike Wilde, Danny Harrison, Danny Davies, and Callum Roberts have moved on to pastures new.
However, Jamie Mullan and Ryan Harrington have joined from The New Saints and former Prestatyn striker Jordan Davies has joined after a spell at King’s Lynn.
The most important signing for the reigning champions was the signature of Andy Morrison on to a new contract, a man who knows how to get the best out of each player he coaches.
Connah’s Quay have faced a lot of changes during the Summer however the grit and determination that has seen them win back-to-back titles will still be present at The Deeside Stadium as they push on for three in a row.
And finally… the fans are back!
Yes, the fans are back! For the first time in nearly 18 months, fans will be present at JD Cymru Premier stadiums. From the step-ladders at The Oval to the Double Deckers at Park Avenue to the fans in the trees at Maes Tegid to those behind the barrier at The SDM Glass Stadium, all of those will now be allowed to enter the grounds and support their teams.
The fans have missed watching their teams and players and coaches alike have missed having the support of their faithful to cheer them on.
We’ve seen the effect fans can have at many a JD Cymru Premier ground and those clubs will cherish seeing the supporters enter through the turnstiles again. There’s nothing like hearing the roar when your team hit the net and surely everyone is looking forward to seeing and hearing that in the flesh again.
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