Crisis at Cornelly as football club faces an uncertain future
FOOTBALL
A CRISIS meeting was staged on Monday night to determine the future of Cornelly United Football Club, writes Tony Poole.
The Meadow Street boys, who are set to operate in Highadmit South Wales Alliance Division One next term, have recently drifted into decline.
But things got worse last week when a new manager opted out, and went to Alliance Division Two club Cefn Cribwr.
An intended pre-season friendly was called off after 18 players had committed, but only six showed up.
It resulted in an emergency meeting that decided to remain in the Alliance - and withdraw from the Port Talbot League.
This means the club has thrown their lot behind just one team in a bid to steady a rocking boat, and move into calmer waters.
The Monday gathering came against a background of Cornelly appealing against relegation to Division One.
Though only three teams were due to be axed, ripples triggered higher up the FAW pyramid have impacted on the Alliance. With Betws and Cardiff Corries down from the Welsh League and only champions Trefelin up, the Alliance has an extra team.
However, during an Alliance meeting earlier in the year, there was a possibility of the Premier Division going with 18 clubs for one season only, as opposed to a stipulated 16.
But the possibility of this being triggered surrounded three teams be- ing relegated from the Welsh League.
That was a worst case scenario plan that failed to transpire, and clubs were warned at the time of the potential consequences of finishing towards the bottom of tables.
And with the FAW now making the main promotion and relegation decisions, it’s hard to see how Cornelly can win.
The appeal is being heard next Monday ahead of the Alliance AGM at Llantwit Fardre Social Club two days later.
However, playmaker Daniel Jenkins, who was Cornelly top scorer last term with 23 goals, has left Meadow Street.
Though Welsh League newcomers Trefelin seemed favourites to obtain his signature, he has decided to sign for Cefn Cribwr.