Focus on relegation
FOOTBALL
ANOTHER Nathaniel Cars Welsh Football League AGM is heading for choppy waters, writes Tony Poole.
It now almost goes without saying that relegation issues will once more dominate Saturday’s gathering in Cardiff.
But unlike recent times when Tata Steel was the venue, the meeting this time is at the Holiday Inn in Tongwynlais.
The league decided to scrap the annual dinner – that for many years was staged on Aberavon seafront – in favour of a meal and presentations on the same day as the AGM.
But the thorny issue of Briton Ferry Llansawel being relegated from Division One in a fourth relegation spot – as opposed to three – is set to dominate proceedings.
The Old Road club are likely to launch an appeal against an FAW Council decision to relegate them to Division Two.
Port Talbot Town being denied an FAW Domestic Licence to operate in the Welsh Premiership triggered the discontent.
Haverfordwest County were already down, having finished bottom of the Welsh Premiership.
But two teams returning to the Welsh League with only Cardiff Metropolitan University moving up, wasn’t anticipated.
It’s the latest in a long line of relegation issues that in recent times have blighted close seasons.
Should Briton Ferry appeal the decision then within a few weeks an FAW commission will meet to discuss the issue.
However, Tata Steel have confirmed that they have pulled out of the league while SecondDivision colleagues West End have scotched rumours and will continue to operate at this level.
This should lead to a reprieve in Division Three for Ely Rangers – and only five clubs axed.
That means 2003 cham- pions Betws are doomed with Lliswerry, Newport YMCA, Cardiff Corries and Newport Civil Service.
Once the talking stops, as is the norm, the draw for the opening round of the league’s Nathaniel Cars Cup will be made.
However a name unfamiliar to Welsh League followers will emerge next season in Division Two – Newport City FC.
It’s a rebrand of Newport Stadium club Llanwern whose last match under that name was a 4-0 loss to Ammanford.
But the retention of Ely Rangers in Division Three will form welcome news a tier below in Highadmit South Wales Alliance.
Though they are now only likely to receive two clubs in Cardiff Corries and Betws, it remains to be seen how it impacts.
Treforest, Aber Valley and Porthcawl Town Athletic were the Premier clubs occupying the three stipulated relegation positions.