Welsh Premier ready to look at league reduction

Mar 22 2008 Terry Phillips

THE Welsh Premier League board are considering radical plans to reduce the league to 10 teams.

This is the latest plan to shake up the Welsh Premier, following a proposal that Cardiff City, Wrexham and Swansea City should enter reserve teams in the competition.

The Bluebirds, certainly, would prefer their route to European qualification to be via the English pyramid system and they are through to this season’s FA Cup semi-final against Barnsley.

Further progress would bring that debate into focus.

The latest plan is likely to be debated by the 18 club chairmen during April. If it proves successful, the league would be reduced to just 10 clubs with a second division, also of 10.

It would be modelled on the Scottish Premier League where teams play each other four times a season.

There would be end-of-season play-offs between the sides finishing at the bottom of the Welsh top flight and those at the top of the second division to determine promotion and relegation.

The reduction from 18 clubs to 10 could be achieved by natural wastage when strict new Uefa criteria come into force at the start of season 2009-2010.

Griffith takes reins at ‘Rhiw
FORMER Cardiff City and Barry Town player Cohen Griffith is the new manager of MacWhirter Welsh League club Troedyrhiw.

Griffith will work alongside former Football League player Kevin Rogers and former Welsh Premier player Richard Parker.

The decision follows the resignation of John Jenkins.

Guyana-born Griffith, 45, played for Cardiff City, Kettering Town and Barry Town during his football career.

He began his career at Kettering before moving to Cardiff in October 1989 for £60,000. He played in City’s Division Three championship team in 1992-93 and was a Welsh Cup winner with the Bluebirds.

Since his retirement from playing he has moved into coaching, and currently holds a Uefa B licence and has worked on coaching schemes in the UK and Australia.

Wales search forfirst Uefa victory
WALES play the third and final match in their Uefa Under-17 Championship qualifying group tonight, taking on hosts Northern Ireland at Lurgan (7.30pm).

They have drawn 1-1 against Slovenia and lost 1-0 against a Scotland squad which includes ex-Cardiff City trainee James Wood, the son of former Bluebirds’ goalkeeper George.

James left the Cardiff youth system to sign for Manchester City, while George is now a coach with Hartlepool United.

The Cardiff City players with Wales in Northern Ireland are Adam Matthews, Dean Hudson, Kye Edwards, James Bloom, Craig Mason, Jon Meades and Zach Evans.

Bryntirion wait on final rivals
BRYNTIRION Athletic are through to the Nathaniel Car Sales Cup final, but are still waiting to see who they play.

Caerleon and Goytre United clash in the second semi-final, to be played at Ely Rangers FC on Wednesday, April 2 (7pm).

Bryntirion are also still in the chase for honours in the MacWhirter Welsh Football League and they have a big match next Wednesday.

Manager Fran Ford takes his team to play Division One leaders Ton Pentre.

There are also midweek matches on Tuesday. Caldicot entertain ENTO Aberaman , while Goytre United are at home to Newport YMCA.

In Division Two, promotion rivals Barry Town and Uwic clash at Jenner Park on Tuesday (7.30pm).