Llanelli Town are being tipped to win the Cymru South title after coming up short over the past two seasons.
The Reds have been involved in title races with Barry Town United and Briton Ferry but have had to watch on as others lifted the trophy. Barry had a 16-point gap over them and then last year Ferry finished seven points better off.
Pontypridd United have come down from the Cymru Premier, but having lost some key players, there’s not the same feeling around the place that they can replicate what Barry did which is cruise to the title. Gavin Allen has made some decent signings though with Ashley Evans and Dan Griffiths still capable of playing in the Cymru Premier, whilst Liam Eason has arrived from Cambrian United.
Dean Wheeler was named the Manager of the Year for the Cymru South at the end-of-season awards. The Young Guns finished fifth last term in what was their first season back in the second tier in four years but they have been placed to drop at least two places.
The best odds are 11/1 for Trefelin with Llanelli manager Lee John suggesting they could be dark horses. Trefelin finished 11th last season but Andy Hill has done some good business.
Charlie Corsby has joined from Cardiff Met, whilst Shaun MacDonald has arrived from Penybont. Hill has won the division before as a manager with Llanelli, and if they finish any higher than 11th, they will secure their highest ever league finish.
At the bottom end of the table, Taffs Well have the joint furthest odds on for the title which signals that the bookmakers think they will go down this season. The Wellmen stayed up on goal difference at the end of last season and have flirted with relegation before, will they be able to preserve their second-tier status of 20 years? Time will tell.
Surprisingly, Baglan Dragons have the same odds as Taffs Well. Baglan finished 10th in their first season in the Cymru South and got some big results last term, and so whilst the bookmakers think they will be down there, we expect them to avoid the drop.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers, Newport City and Trethomas Bluebirds have all come up from the Ardal Leagues. Ardal South West champions Penrhiwceiber aren’t being tipped to stay in the division too long, sharing joint odds with 2021/22 champions Llantwit Major.
As for Newport City, the signings of Nat Jarvis, Luke Cooper, Josh Graham and others have earned them the prediction of a top-half finish. Trethomas Bluebirds are expected to finish around mid-table.
Cymru South 2024/25 title winner odds (via DragonBet)
Llanelli Town – 5/2
Pontypridd United – 13/4
Carmarthen Town – 6/1
Newport City – 6/1
Cambrian United – 7/1
Afan Lido – 8/1
Caerau Ely – 8/1
Goytre United – 10/1
Trethomas Bluebirds – 10/1
Trefelin BGC – 11/1
Cwmbran Celtic – 12/1
Llantwit Major – 14/1
Penrhiwceiber Rangers – 14/1
Baglan Dragons – 20/1
Taffs Well – 20/1
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
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