The Cymru Premier season is almost upon us, with it all beginning again on Friday, August 11.
Most teams will have had one competitive game under their belt after playing in the Nathaniel MG Cup, but for most teams, the priority is the league. We’ve also had four teams in Europe and Haverfordwest County did us the proudest, but this will be the last season four European spots are on offer, before a reduction for the 2024/25 season.
European performances usually bring up the question as to what the purpose of the league, and one positive of Welsh football’s top tier is player development. It’s a league that acts a platform for players to use it as a stepping stone either to get into the professional game having either been a part of it or trying to break into it.
Nathan Wood is the latest example of it having been released by Newport County, and then gone to Undy Athletic and later Penybont, before earning a move to Rodney Parade this summer.
Below are five players under the age of 21-years-old that we believe will strut their stuff this season. Are you in agreement with our suggestions or is there anyone you think deserves a mention? Let us know in the comments.
Five Cymru Premier prospects tipped for a big 2023/24 season
Harri John
It was reported by The Athletic that whilst in the Faroe Islands, John knocked on Pennock’s door to thank him for playing in Europe. Such an act is admirable, and shows that despite already doing what most players won’t do in their career, he is still grounded.
He made 21 league appearances in total last season with 11 of those coming off the bench, and this year we might see him get more of a prominent role. You trust Pennock to be the manager to develop John for sure.
Gwion Dafydd
He’s only 18-years-old so you don’t want to over-expose him but TNS’ failings in Europe should perhaps make Craig Harrison consider a change in his approach. Dafydd got eight goals in 16 games last season with 12 of those being substitute appearances.
As goals-per-game ratios go he must have had one of the best records in Europe. Cymru C manager Mark Jones called him up – usually naming two young players who get an experience of international football but may not play – but he was deserving of it on his playing ability alone.
The old guard have had their time at Park Hall, and now I’d like to see Dafydd given a more influential role in the team, or at least perhaps a loan move to a team where he’ll play every week. He didn’t come off the bench in Europe, so we won’t see that straight away but there’s a player with obvious talent in Dafydd.
Gabriel Kircough
Signed up from Pontardawe Town this summer, and given his debut in Penybont’s biggest game of their history. Rhys Griffiths hasn’t been afraid to look to the feeder leagues to get some young up and coming players and to then develop them. You only have to look at what Griffo did with Nathan Wood as a reason to be excited about Kircough.
The 19-year-old got seven goals and three assists in league football last year and was prolific in the Development League. He got 16 goals and seven assisters against players his own age but he’s shown already he can perform well against players much older than him.
Iwan Roberts
Roberts’ arrival at Maes Tegid is exciting for sure. The Lakesiders have lost a fair few players this summer having failed to qualify for Europe. It’s a rebuilding job for Colin Caton, and it’s good that he’s looked to an 18-year-old to help shape his side.
Roberts came from Liverpool’s academy having played regularly in their U18’s, and later went on to represent his country. He can use the Cymru Premier as a stepping stone to get back into professional football with this move.
Louis Lloyd
One of two Wrexham players that were released and headed to Caernarfon. Lloyd played for Wrexham in a seven-a-side tournament alongside the likes of Paul Rutherford, Lee Trundle, David Jones and Andy Morrell.
Alright it was against players who have since hung up the boots but he played well and has kept himself fit. Lloyd has been on the books of Shrewsbury Town and Wrexham, so there’s a good player in there.
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