Pontypridd Town AFC Women manager Fern Burrage-Male has hailed the exciting project that has been put in place at the club.
Formerly known as Cyncoed Ladies, who finished 6th in Wales’ topflight last season, a merger with Pontypridd Town AFC was announced in May.
Heading into the newly rebranded Adran Premier campaign as Pontypridd Town AFC Women, Burrage-Male was full of praise for the steps the club have taken both on and off the pitch.
“It’s been such an exciting challenge for us, between the merger and the application to be a Tier 1 Club in the new Adran Premier. There was a core group that remained whilst transitioning from Cyncoed Ladies to Pontypridd Town. It’s that group, led by our committee that have driven these changes for the club.
“We also recognised that by merging, we had to invest in partnerships. For example, with the University of South Wales, we now have access to some of the very best facilities in Wales.
“Our partnerships enable us to provide our athletes with additional provision in world class facilities assisting them to improve their game. Between the strength and conditioning facilities to the pre and post-match analysis, these are small additions to our programme which are now our everyday practice and expected by our athletes.”
Burrage-Male was announced as manager of Pontypridd Town AFC Women in August, having previously been Cyncoed Ladies’ Director of Football.
In their final season as the Mighty Oaks, Charlie Mitchell guided them to a sixth-place finish.
The returning Burrage-Male has acted quickly over the summer to make her own stamp on the squad, making no less than eight signings.
Renee Day, Carys Milton, Carys Bufton, Lauren Lyons and Anika Wilson have all joined the club, as well as Alana Murphy, Jasmine Simpson and Sinead Melinn.
Having strengthened the squad over the summer, Burrage-Male expressed that a detailed approach in recruitment has been crucial for the club.
“We’ve now got a fantastic squad and I’m so excited to work with some brilliant players that we already had at the club and our new signings. There is a real mix of experience, quality and depth to our squad.
“All of our new signings have settled in well and most importantly are making a positive impact to the club and adding value.”
Despite some new and returning faces at Pontypridd this season, a key figure at the club is Alison Witts.
The striker scored six goals in 18 appearances in all competitions last season and was Cyncoed Ladies’ main goal threat.
After committing to staying at the club over the summer, Burrage-Male expressed her delight at keeping her top scorer.
“She’s really coming into her own. She’s been growing season on season and she’s really going to be a fighting force this season.
“She’s a great talent and a great character to have around the club. I’m so pleased to see her really enjoying her football and thankfully, she’s enjoying her football in a Pontypridd shirt.
“She’s a really good character to have in the dressing room. From a players’ perspective, she’s got their back and they’ve got hers.
“The fact that we’ve added to her responsibility with some an off-pitch role as content creator, shows her commitment to the club.”
Witts and Pontypridd Town began the new Adran Premier campaign in perfect fashion, with a 2-1 win at The New Saints.
The striker netted from the penalty spot as well as giving her side the lead for a second time with a shrewd finish.
After securing three points on the opening day of the season, Burrage-Male was hugely impressed with the character of her side.
“Surprisingly, there was quite a lot of pressure. I think TNS probably felt the pressure as well as one of the newbies to the league.
“I was really pleased with how the girls coped and managed that pressure. The talk around the teams was that both had something to prove, but we went about our game plan really well.
“There were elements to improve that we’ve taken from the game, but to go up there under pressure, given the changes over pre-season, I’m incredibly proud of the squad.”
Pontypridd Town now face the huge challenge of coming up against Swansea City Ladies.
The Swans went the whole of last season unbeaten, as they secured a league and cup double.
The champions also secured a huge victory on the opening day with a dramatic 2-1 win over title rivals Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Despite their underdog status, Burrage-Male insisted that her side are relishing the challenge.
“They’re champions for a reason. They did Wales proud in Europe. They were fantastic. They were a credit to the league.
“We know we’re going to be up against it on Sunday. We’re very familiar with their squad and what they’re about, but we’re all looking forward to the game
“We enjoy facing them from the one-on-one battles on the pitch, but also as a tactical battle as well. We want these opportunities every week.
“Belief is going to be hugely important. We’re always going to back ourselves. We know we’re in for a gritty game.
“We absolutely will go into this game with confidence and we will do everything we can to deliver on the game plan and most importantly enjoy the challenge.”
It’s been a summer of wholesale changes at the club with the merger with Pontypridd Town, new recruits to the squad and steps being taken on and off the field.
With the changes now firmly embedded in the Club, Burrage-Male expressed that their long-term goal is to be competing with the likes of Swansea at the top of the table.
“That’s our ambition. If you look at our history in recent seasons, we’ve been a mid-table team we need to get past that and step it up a level.
“We’ve taken the time over the last 12 months to look at the whole club, there have been huge commitments given; partnerships developed and major changes to our youth structure and development of future talent. It won’t be long until the players of our under 19’s will be pushing for first-team football.
“Coupled with the fact that we’re now partnered with USW and have a dedicated media team. We’re a better brand, meaning we’re going to attract better players that are going to push our existing players even harder.
“The competition for places on the pitch is only going to make us stronger. Every player is pushing for their shirt every week and that will help us in our ambitions to push further up the table and have good cup runs.
“We realise that it won’t happen overnight, but we’re taking the right steps on and off the pitch. We know success will follow and what’s most important to us, is that each and every one of us will have earnt it.”
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