Five players to watch ahead of the new Adran Premier campaign
Erin Murray of Cardiff Met (L) in action Briton Ferry Llansawel v Cardiff Met at Old Road in the Welsh Premier Women's League on the 14th March 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD
The first season of the rebranded Adran Premier gets underway this weekend.
In the previous campaign, an enthralling title-race went down to the wire, with Swansea City winning the league by a point on the final day of the season.
With the Swans and Cardiff Met’s impressive performances setting the standard, there were also hugely significant individual displays.
Ahead of the new campaign, we take a look at five players to watch this season.
Erin Murray
Despite Cardiff Metropolitan University narrowly missing out on the title last year by a single point to winners Swansea City, the Archers did have the league’s best performer in Chloe O’Connor.
The playmaker scored 15 goals in a stellar campaign on her way to securing the league’s top scorer spot.
O’Connor’s form has earned her a deserved summer move to Bristol City Women, who play in the FA Women’s Super League 2.
The move will undoubtedly leave a huge void to fill and the responsibility to grab the goals will now fall to Erin Murray.
The striker impressed last season, notably scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Cyncoed Ladies in April.
With O’Connor’s departure posing a big loss to the Archers, Murray will see the upcoming campaign as a chance to step up to be Cardiff Met’s main star.
Pheobie Poole
It was a breakout season for Phoebie Poole in the previous campaign, who was outstanding for Cardiff City Women.
In her first season for the Bluebirds since joining from Barry Town in 2020, Poole went on to net 22 times in 19 competitive appearances in 2020/2021.
Her performances saw her recognised for her form, as she was named Welsh Premier Women’s League Young Player of the Season.
The Bluebirds had a successful campaign, reaching the WPWL Cup final with a 3-2 win over Cardiff Metropolitan University, eventually losing out to winners Swansea City.
Iain Darbyshire’s side also claimed an impressive 2-2 draw with Met at Leckwith Stadium, a result that proved costly for the Archers in the title-race.
Cardiff City Women’s positive results against Cardiff Met last campaign gives encouragement that they could close the gap between themselves and the top two this season.
If Pheobie Poole can replicate and build on last season’s performances, she will play a huge part in that challenge for the Bluebirds.
Rhianne Oakley
A huge part of Cyncoed Ladies’ counter-attacking style last season was Rhianne Oakley.
Formerly of Bristol City and Cardiff City Ladies, Oakley showed that she is one of, if not the quickest player in the league, posing a real threat with her directness on the left flank.
Oakley also boasts international experience, having been capped on five occasions by Wales’ U19’s side.
Her form last season was noticed by none other than the champions, as the winger has joined Swansea City this summer.
The Swans had an outstanding campaign last year, securing the title whilst going the whole season unbeaten, as well as securing the League Cup with a 4-1 victory over South Wales rivals Cardiff City Women.
Making her debut in Swansea’s Champions League campaign, it will be interesting to see what Oakley can do in a star-studded Swans side this season.
Jasmine Simpson
While much of the attention of the fans of Wales’ top-flight was captured by Pheobie Poole last season, fellow young attacker Jasmine Simpson also impressed.
Her directness and pace in beating the offside trap was a huge threat for the Bluebirds, often used by Darbyshire as a weapon off the substitutes’ bench.
Simpson had a notably impressive performance at Port Talbot Town, in which she scored two outstanding goals in a 5-1 victory.
This summer, Simpson has made the move to Pontypridd Town, formerly known as Cyncoed Ladies, who will be managed by Fern Burrage-Male.
Ahead of the new campaign, a strike partnership of Simpson and Alison Witts will certainly be one to watch.
Amy Williams
Another exciting transfer in the Adran Premier ahead of the new season is Amy Williams’ move to Cardiff City Women.
Williams featured ten times for Abergavenny Women last season, scoring two goals, including against Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Previously of Barry Town United, Villa Dino and Tredegar, it was the winger’s pace that impressed the Bluebirds.
Williams is another who has experience at international level, having been part of Wales’ U15’s and U17’s setup.
Despite joining a youthful Cardiff City side, Williams could thrive on learning from the likes of Zoe Atkins and Danielle Green to further her development.
