“Life is an endless series of train wrecks with only brief, commercial-like breaks of happiness.”
A quote from Deadpool, the superhero played by Ryan Reynolds. In many ways, Wrexham’s women are enjoying one long ad break at the moment, as they are riding the crest of a wave.
After defeating Briton Ferry in the playoff final, the Red Dragons booked their place back in the top tier for the first time since they had to pull out of it due to financial reasons in 2015. For defender Phoebe Davies, it will be a season that lives long in the memory.
“Last season was a very enjoyable one,” admitted Davies.
A lot of success, winning the league, winning the playoffs, and those few weeks where we had those final games were very exciting. Maybe a cup run would have made things a little bit better, but we can’t have it all!”
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Now in the Adran Premier, Wrexham have been busy in the transfer market to try and strengthen their squad. While they have lost the experience of captain Kim Dutton and Sophie Hodson, Steve Dale has brought in some strong talent.
Keren Allen and Charlotte Boland have arrived from over the border, while Louisha Doran has joined from Adran North side Llandudno. But the signing that will perk the ears of fans will be the arrival of Hannah Keryakoplis. The former Welsh international joins from Derby County, and Davies is looking forward to linking up with the winger once more.
She said: “I used to play football with Hannah many years ago, so I feel like I’ve gone back ten years having her with me again!
“She’s a big personality, she brings so much to the team in terms of experience and talent, and we’re very excited to have her onboard, along with all the other signings we’ve made. It’s only going to develop us as a team, and we’ve seen that in pre-season already.”
The Wrexham brand has travelled far and wide, and people will be keen to see how the women’s side perform. While many will hope they can push near the top of the table, Davies says the league will be incredibly competitive.
“It’s better to look at it in a wider context,” she admitted.
“People are now talking about women’s football, and if that means that Wrexham are on the top of everyone’s list if they’re talking about us and more girls are playing as a result of that, then we are absolutely fine with that.
“I don’t think it’s just us who have made a big push this year. Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Pontypridd have all gone semi-pro now as well as us.
Then there are other teams who train multiple times a week, and in many ways, it’s been a lifestyle for them. Yes, a lot of people are talking about us, but there’s going to be so much competition.”
The Red Dragons have had the luxury over the last couple of seasons to play teams based in North Wales, but they now face the prospect of travelling down to South Wales every other week to fulfil their fixtures. The added complexity of consistent travelling may cause some problems, but the full-back believes the squad are primed and ready for it.
“It’ll definitely be a change to the system for us,” added Davies.
“I was in the Welsh Prem many years ago, so I’m quite used to the travelling. I’ve played in the Midlands League and the Northern League in England and that involves a lot of travelling.
“So, for me, last season was a bit of a one-off luxury not having to travel too far. As a team, we are preparing the best we can for the effect of travelling, and to ensure we will be ready for every fixture.”
While the league is very southern-centric, there will be a North Wales derby this season when Wrexham take on TNS. Bragging right will certainly be up for grabs, and Davies is eager to compete against the Saints.
“It’s great to have two northern teams in the league, even though two is still probably too little,” added the defender.
TNS are a quality side and they’ve established themselves in the Adran Prem over the last couple of seasons.
“In terms of whether there’s a rivalry, I would say there is some between us. We faced them in both cup competitions last year, we won one but lost one too, but both games are going to be a real competitive fixture.”
But before heads can turn to the derby, the focus of the squad will be fixated on Sunday’s opener at home to Swansea City, which will be live on S4C.
The assignment handed to Wrexham couldn’t be any tougher, but Davies says these are the games her squad want to be playing in.
“We’re starting with a bang that’s for sure!” she stated.
“We’ve been preparing for that game well so far, and it’ll be a great occasion. It’s going to be our first game in the Adran Premier, and Swansea will be looking to regain the title this year. It’s going to be a really good fixture and we’ll get a few people down watching too.”
Whatever happens, Wrexham are certainly looking forward to welcoming some of Wales’ top stars and talents to The Rock.
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