Cymru Premier: Fans from all 12 clubs including Briton Ferry, Caernarfon and Pentbont preview the 2024–25 season

The 2024/25 season will mark the 33rd edition of the JD Cymru Premier, Wales’ top flight domestic football division.

Last season saw 192 matches played and 566 goals scored as The New Saints regained their title for the fourth consecutive season, their sixteenth overall.

In what is set to be another entertaining season bolstered by the FAW’s new Cymru Premier strategy here is a look at each club before the opening games of the season this weekend.

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The New Saints

Starting with last seasons champions, TNS will be looking to win the league for a fourth consecutive season this term. They finished last season unbeaten in the league with an impressive tally of 92 points, scoring 117 goals and only conceding 18.

They’ve added to their already talented squad with the additions of Jack Bodenham of Blyth Spartans and Harrison McGahey of Oldham Athletic. Their most impressive signing however comes in the shape of Cymru C international and player of the season Sion Bradley from Caernarfon Town.

Their team will also include last seasons top goalscorer and young player of the season Brad Youngs, after he netted 22 goals in their title winning campaign.

Craig Harrison’s men will be looking to add further trophies to their packed trophy cabinet as well as compete on the European stage. The Saints are set to face in the third qualifying round of The Europa League.

TNS will open their season with a home fixture against fellow European competitors Caernarfon Town.

Fans view

Speaking ahead of the clubs upcoming season TNS fan Sarah Roberts said: “I’m excited for the season ahead, some new faces, some returning and one big name has left.

Reaching the group stages in Europe would be massive for both club and country and would certainly shush the critics out there.”

Newtown

Scott Ruscoe guided The Robins to a fourth placed finish last season before missing out on Europe with a 5-0 semi-final play-off defeat to Penybont.

They will be hoping to go one better this season in what is expected to be a very competitive battle for European places.

Matthew Jones and team of the season nominee Ryan Sears have left to join Caernarfon with Louis Robles also departing to join Bala Town.

The club have however retained forward Aaron Williams who ended last seasons campaign with 18 league goals. The Latham Park faithful will be hoping for another attempt at European glory this campaign.

Newtown open their season hosting Aberystwyth Town in the leagues opening fixture on Friday, 9th of August.

Fans view

Speaking to Newtown fan David Thomas before the start of the season he said: “I think a top six finish is probably the best we can hope for and I would be fairly satisfied with that, with the reduced squad following another season not qualifying for Europe.

It would be nice to see a few academy players earning a position in the first team. Dylan Downs could make the breakthrough this season after some limited appearances last season.”

Connah’s Quay Nomads

The Nomads were the closest competitors to TNS last season finishing 2nd with 59 points, and beating the champions in the JD Welsh Cup final 2-1 at Rodney Parade.

Their second place finished earned them a spot in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round against Slovenian outfit NK Bravo where a last minute goal saw them knocked out of Europe.

Mike Wilde, Harry Owen and Andy Firth have all departed the club alongside team of the season nominee Jordan Davies who has joined Scottish side Greenock Morton after hitting 18 league goals last term.

The club have also lost highly rated youngster Josh Williams who joined League Two side Tranmere Rovers following his impressive season. Harry Franklin has also been a late departure as he joined Crusaders of Northern Ireland.

Former TNS captain Chris Marriott has joined the club after 15 years with the champions and will bring a wealth of leadership and experience to a squad that will aim to challenge for European football again.

The North Wales side have also added former Wales under-21 international goalkeeper George Ratcliffe following his departure from Pontypridd United. The talented shot stopper will further improve their defensive qualities, with The Nomads having the 6th best defensive record last season, conceding more goals than his former side despite Ponty United finishing bottom.

The Nomads will open their campaign with a home fixture against Haverfordwest County at The Essity Stadium in Flint due to off the field issues with the Deeside Stadium.

Fans view

Speaking ahead of the season Nomads fan Jay Condron said: “Obviously there’s been a bit of a hangover after that win at Rodney Parade but it’s back to business as usual now.

It’s no surprise that we’ll be expected to finish in 2nd place behind TNS and to challenge for both the Welsh Cup and League Cup aswell as also be competitive in Europe.

With Jordan Davies having already left to scotland and other forwards leaving the club, aswell as Josh Williams rumored to be leaving aswell it’s leaving alot of pressure on the likes of Jack Kenny and Harry Franklin to do well in big games.

The signing of league legend Chris Marriott has been massive already, countless years of experience winning tens of trophies in that time is huge for us.”

Penybont

It was end of season heartbreak for Bont last time out as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Caernarfon in the European play-off final to miss out on a chance at European football.

They finished phase two of the season strongly only losing once in ten fixtures, before dispatching Newtown 5-0 in the play-off semi final.

Rhys Griffiths will be hoping his side can go one further this season and bring European football to The SDM Glass Stadium.

There has already been plenty of movement in the transfer market with Ponty United captain Clayton Green, Mike Lewis and Joe Woodwiss making the move to Bridgend.

The most impressive addition however is the signing of former Cardiff City youngster James Crole. The forward has previously played at youth level for Wales and will be a major edition to their strike force.

The side will open the season with a difficult away trip to newly promoted Briton Ferry who will be looking to make a statement themselves.

Fans view

Speaking to Bont fan Brendan Moore ahead of the season he said: “I’m feeling quite optimistic about the season as I think we’ve made some quite decent signings, I’d say the club should be looking to achieve a top half finish, which id say is a realistic expectation as long as we don’t have the injury problems that we had last year.

A player who id say people should watch out for is James Crole who has just signed from Cardiff City.”

Haverfordwest County

It was a remarkable start to last season for The Bluebirds as they began their European adventure with a penalty shootout win against Macedonian champions Shkëndija at The Cardiff City Stadium.

They missed out narrowly in the next fixture against B36 Tórshavn with a 3-2 aggregate defeat, but received high praise throughout Welsh football for their performances.

The club also released a documentary following their European adventures created by media contributor Ryan Evans. When asked about the club he said: “Haverfordwest’s strategy and values can be embodied by the club’s hashtag –  #PlayingForPembrokeshire.

We’ve had a really positive and transformative few seasons – many elements of the club have rapidly progressed, from community initiatives, crowd attendances to the multimedia like the podcast and documentary that we put out on the club’s YouTube Channel.

It all holistically links to drive engagement with the club and fosters a strong sense of community and local pride.”

Tony Penock was unable to guide the club to European football for a second time as they finished 8th in the league behind Penybont in the final play-off spot on goal difference.

The squad has seen major departures including attacking full-back Oscar Borg and talented midfielder Kai Whitmore who joined League Two side Newport County.

It will be a difficult opening game of the season for Pennock’s men as they travel to Connah’s Quay Nomads. The last time the sides faced off in the league The Bluebirds secured a 2-1 win.

Fans view

Speaking on The Bluebirds upcoming season Haverfordwest fan Dan Salmon said: “I guess for us the aim would be top six and Europe. With one less spot to play for it’s going to be tougher than ever to secure that spot.

I think in terms of personnel, keeping hold of players like Zac Jones, Lee Jenkins, Rhys Abbruzzese, and Dan Hawkins is a real benefit to us, but the additions of Owain Jones, Greg Walters, and Ben Ahmun, with Dylan Rees back from injury after missing all of last season adds a good amount of experience to a young team, so hopefully that mix of youth an experience will see us in better stead for the coming season.”

Cardiff Met

The Archers confirmed a spot in the European play-offs last season with an impressive 6th placed finished before defeat in the semi-final to Caernarfon.

In recent years the club have reached European football and will have ambitions to challenge again, however could face a tougher test this time around with the competitive level of the league.

The club have added former Penybont player Ryan Reynolds to their squad having lost defenders Emlyn Lewis to Weston-Super-Mare and Alaric Jones to Haverfordwest County. They have however lost the talented Tom Price who recently represented Cymru C.

Met will open their season with an away fixture against newly promoted Flint Town United.

Fans view

Speaking ahead of their season Cardiff Met fan and videographer Harrison Jones said: “The ambition for the club is always survival, to survive this season would be the goal especially with the quality of the teams within the league.

The club knows it’s competing with teams that have better financial pull from European money but also a very strong competitive league with all clubs wanting the same and that is to stay within the Cymru Premier.

CJ Craven , Dixon Kabongo and Lewis Rees all performed excellently last season and I’d expect the same from them again this season.”

Caernarfon Town

Last season was a historic one for Caernarfon as they bested Penybont 3-1 in the European play-off final to book their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League first qualifying round for the first time.

Despite losing last seasons player of the season Sion Bradley the club will be looking for similar heroics this time around. They’ve already had a memorable start to their campaign with a penalty shootout win in Europe against Crusaders before defeat to Polish giants Legia Warsaw in the second round.

Richard Davies has added to his squad with the additions of Ryan Sears and Matthew Jones from Newtown alongside the return of Paulo Mendes after his departure from Bala Town.

It’s a difficult opening day fixture for the Cofis as they travel to the home of the current champions TNS. The last league meeting between the pair saw TNS dominate in a 8-1 victory.

Fans view

Speaking ahead of the season Caernarfon fan Levi Berg said: “I think losing Sion Bradley is a big talking point for fans from other clubs, and rightfully so, but the transfer we’ve made have really added to the depth and quality in the squad and we will still have players like Louis Lloyd and Gruff John who were electric in the qualifying match.

We should be challenging for a top four league finish. Richard Davies is a fantastic manager and doesn’t nearly get the credit he deserves.”

Bala Town

Colin Caton guided Bala to European football last term with a third place finish and a place in the Europa Conference League first qualifying round. They suffered a heartbreaking last minute defeat against Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia.

The Lakesiders have added further quality to their side including the return of Louis Robles and Lassana Mendes with the club hoping to secure a similar league finish this season.

They have however lost major assets including Kieran Smith and Cymru C shot stopper Kelland Absolom who has made the move to Weston Super-Mare.

The club will open their campaign with a trip to South Wales to face Barry United and will look to avenge the loss they suffered the last time the sides met.

Fans view

Speaking to Bala Town fan David Bullen before the season he stated: “I was concerned about signings but after recent announcements there’s more depth to the squad although I don’t know much about them apart from Mendes.

“Him coming back adds more pace to go along with Abedaki and Robles. In regards to Europe I believe we have a good chance of progressing to the second round and to be competitive.

Regarding the league we should be top six but it’ll be tough to compete with TNS and Connah’s Quay.”

Barry Town United

It was a successful first season back in the top flight for Barry as they maintained their league status with a 9th placed finish.

Despite keeping their place in the league they only managed one win from their final ten fixture and will need better form to avoid a relegation battle this season.

Former Merthyr Town defender Josh Yorwerth has made the switch to Jenner Park alongside former Cardiff City and Swansea City man Ben Margetson who joins from Pontypridd United to bolster their defence.

The Linnets will host Bala Town on the opening day of the season at Jenner Park. The last time the sides played each other in the league Barry ran out 3-1 winners.

Fans view

Speaking to Barry Town United fan Steve Hewitt ahead of the season he said: “I think we have our best balanced and possibly most exciting squad for many years, but it’s still rather small for my liking after the exodus at the end of last season.

If we can bolster the squad a bit more then I’d like to think we could make a realistic bid for a top six placing, but if not we could struggle with the inevitable injuries and suspensions start kicking in.

Steve Jenkins seems to have a notable policy of bringing academy players forward into the first team, and there’s no doubt we do have some very talented youngsters.

Our central defence in particular looks stronger than it has been for many seasons, with Josh Yorwerth and Ben Margetson joining Will Richards to hopefully provide the aerial superiority that has been lacking.”

Flint Town United

Flint Town have returned to the top division following their relegation in the 2022-23 season. Last season saw them finish second in the JD Cymru North gaining promotion to the JD Cymru Premier after champions Holywell Town didn’t maintain a tier one licence.

Lee Fowler has been joined by former Colwyn Bay manager Steve Evans and will look to steer the club to safety this season. The club has been successful in keeping JD Cymru North player of the season Elliott Reeves, with him netting 33 goals in his golden boot winning campaign.

The squad has seen a host of additions and departures including Joe Williams, Jay Owen, Rhys Williams, Sol Forde, Lewis Sirrell and Danny Harrison all leaving to join Colwyn Bay of the JD Cymru North.

The Silkmen will open their campaign with a home tie against Cardiff Met. The last time they met on the opening day Flint ran out 5-1 winners at Cyncoed Campus.

Fans view

Speaking on the upcoming season Flint Town United fan Riley Hughes said: “It’s great to be back in the Cymru Premier this season. It was very disappointing when we went down in the 2022–23 season, but we rebuilt and brought in some great players who we were unfortunately unable to retain, which is a shame.

Fortunately, we were able to retain our two prolific strikers, Elliot Reeves and Josh Jones, who between them scored 64 goals in all competitions last season.

But for this season, I think we should be aiming to stay in the league with a 7-8th place finish, and we can then build on that in the future and hopefully in the years to come be challenging for Europe.”

Aberystwyth Town

A dramatic 3-0 victory on the final day of last season against Ponty United was enough to see the Seasiders maintain their top flight status.

Despite a tough season including their largest ever defeat of 11-0 against TNS, the club have still never been relegated from the Cymru Premier, a record they will hope to keep this coming season.

Aberystwyth will travel to Newtown on the opening game of the season, with the last league result ending in a 1-0 win to Newtown.

Fans view

Speaking ahead of The Black and Greens season, Aberystwyth fan Ethan Pollitt said: “There’s a feeling of real optimism around the club ahead of the new season with a core group of players being retained from last season, plus a few quality additions so far in the form of the returning Harry Arnison and Rhys Davies, plus local lad Ben Davies.

The aim will be to push on from the last couple of seasons and try not to be in a relegation battle all year. If survival is confirmed before the final day this year that will be seen as a success, not just for the club but for my heart too.

In the second phase of last season, Jack Thorn moved back from midfield to form a very strong centre back partnership with Louis Bradford, resulting in a good upturn in form, and those two with Dave Jones behind in goal I feel will be key going into next season, as I think that’s one of the better defensive trios in the league.”

Briton Ferry Llansawel

The second of the newly promoted sides, Briton Ferry secured their place in the JD Cymru Premier after winning the JD Cymru South in a thrilling title race with Llanelli Town.

JD Cymru South top goalscorer Luke Bowen will be hoping to continue his form in front of goal after hitting 29 goals in their title winning campaign. They have also added Cymru C international Tom Price from fellow Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met.

Andy Dyer’s men will be looking to maintain their top flight status this season and could prove to cause a few upsets with their attacking talent and well structured side.

They face an opening day fixture against last seasons European play-off finalists Penybont and will be hoping for the dream start at The Old Road.

Fans view

Briton Ferry club photographer and fan of the club Mason Jones had this to say ahead of the clubs season: “Obviously its a big year for the club, our first season in the Cymru Premier is a massive milestone for the club to achieve in such a short time.

Everything is starting to come together and it’s looking like an exciting season, it will be difficult however I’m quite optimistic about our chances of staying up.

We’ve got a good group of lads and a really tight knit community of great people behind the scenes at the club.”