“We’ve picked a good balance” – Cymru Regions Cup boss sets sights on success in Bosnia
Gruff Harrison replaces Andy Hill in the managerial hot seat. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Gruff Harrison admits selecting his Cymru Regions Cup squad was a lengthy process but believes the final group strikes the right balance of youth, experience and energy.
Just six players return from the squad that defeated their North Wales opponents in the play-offs, leaving Harrison with a significant rebuilding job ahead of Cymru’s opening game in Bosnia and Herzegovina on September 2.
The 37-year-old, who took charge of Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru from Andy Hill, explained his approach to putting the squad together.
“I like to work backwards,” Harrison said.
“Who are we going to be up against and what does beating them look like? From that, I picked a way of how I want us to play and then picked players who fit that profile best.
“We’re going to have to score goals to win games, but we’re also going to have to defend. So we’ve picked a good balance of experience and youth, and energy and physicality.”
Perfect starts rewarded for Cymru South stars
Seven Cymru South clubs are represented in the squad, with Pontypridd United providing the largest contingent.
The club have made a perfect start to the league campaign, and that form has been rewarded with Ethan Edwards, Kofi Rowe, Jack Jones and Clayton Farrah all earning selection.
Pure Swansea have also maintained a 100 per cent record, with Dan Ingram and Mason Kelly included alongside Casey Coughlin.
Coughlin is currently joint-top scorer in the Cymru South, level with Pontypridd’s Edwards.
Only one active player has been selected from outside the Cymru South, with Penrhiwceibr Rangers’ Warren Jones earning his opportunity.
Harrison believes Jones has the ability to perform at a higher level and deserves his chance on the international stage.
“Warren is quite capable of playing higher,” he said.
“I think he’s got a great winning mentality. He’s good on the ball, and I’ve seen a lot of him over the last few years, and he deserves an opportunity to represent the Cymru Regions Cup team.”
The turnaround will bring us closer together’
Harrison’s appointment came just three weeks before the tournament, meaning there has been little time to prepare his new-look squad.
The manager admits the rapid turnaround has presented challenges, but believes it could ultimately prove beneficial.
“The turnaround we had to get the squad picked and have everyone together and have our first training session this week obviously presented a few challenges,” Harrison said.
“But I think that’ll bring us closer together.
“I’ve been on the phone hours and hours over the last few weeks, but it’s rewarding. I think the quick turnaround keeps the momentum going.”
Now, with the squad selected and preparations underway, Harrison and his players can turn their attention to the tournament itself.
