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Post by allezlesrouges on May 9, 2021 13:41:57 GMT
Should be a good one, a good title race is great for the league and the overall excitement
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Post by conwy10 on May 13, 2021 8:24:40 GMT
I’d love to see Connahs Quay do it again but I feel far more comfortable seeing TNS in the Champions League Qualifiers. I hope CQN prove me wrong but I think with them it’ll be the standard first round loss and fall back on the Europa League, TNS are more of a wildcard and could pull off a shock or two.
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 13, 2021 8:53:21 GMT
I’d love to see Connahs Quay do it again but I feel far more comfortable seeing TNS in the Champions League Qualifiers. I hope CQN prove me wrong but I think with them it’ll be the standard first round loss and fall back on the Europa League, TNS are more of a wildcard and could pull off a shock or two. Yeah I think you are right, but likewise would love to have Cei Connah win the Championship again and earn it this time. Makes the league feel like less of a closed shop |
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Post by gogdownsouth on May 13, 2021 9:42:21 GMT
I’d love to see Connahs Quay do it again but I feel far more comfortable seeing TNS in the Champions League Qualifiers. I hope CQN prove me wrong but I think with them it’ll be the standard first round loss and fall back on the Europa League, TNS are more of a wildcard and could pull off a shock or two. They did knock out Kilmarnock a couple of seasons ago and have generally performed pretty well in Europe I would say. TNS always seem to have the possibility to capitulate in certain games in Europe but will have the advantage of being seeded in the Champions League qualifiers which CQN would not. I believe Welsh sides will have a good run in the qualifiers this year but feel we might fall just short in getting a side to the group stage of the Europa conference League. Losing a European spot next season is also a killer, does anyone know how they are going to factor that into the league? |
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Post by conwy10 on May 13, 2021 10:10:04 GMT
I’d love to see Connahs Quay do it again but I feel far more comfortable seeing TNS in the Champions League Qualifiers. I hope CQN prove me wrong but I think with them it’ll be the standard first round loss and fall back on the Europa League, TNS are more of a wildcard and could pull off a shock or two. They did knock out Kilmarnock a couple of seasons ago and have generally performed pretty well in Europe I would say. TNS always seem to have the possibility to capitulate in certain games in Europe but will have the advantage of being seeded in the Champions League qualifiers which CQN would not. I believe Welsh sides will have a good run in the qualifiers this year but feel we might fall just short in getting a side to the group stage of the Europa conference League. Losing a European spot next season is also a killer, does anyone know how they are going to factor that into the league? Yeah the Kilmarnock one was an amazing result. I just feel CQ are a tough team to play against but can’t take the game to others like TNS. I thought this year would be a good one for Welsh teams but didn’t turn out great. Hopefully the draw is kind to us. |
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Post by foxmulder on May 13, 2021 10:14:28 GMT
I was hoping CQ would do it too for the reasons already stated, but after the state they left the Barry dressing rooms in, they can do one.
Horrible team, horrible manager.
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 13, 2021 11:28:13 GMT
I think we'll see one team make it into the Europa Conference. If we get a good set of draws we could get 2 teams in
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Post by gogdownsouth on May 13, 2021 12:23:36 GMT
I think we'll see one team make it into the Europa Conference. If we get a good set of draws we could get 2 teams in I hope so, think 2 is slightly optimistic as would require one of our sides to win 4 rounds of qualifying. Our best chance lies in whoever wins the league, they only have to win their 1st qualifying round in the Champions League to be guaranteed a minimum of a play off for the Europa conference is my understanding, but admit it's a big IF to win that opening round especially if CQ due to being unseeded. |
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 13, 2021 12:34:08 GMT
I think we'll see one team make it into the Europa Conference. If we get a good set of draws we could get 2 teams in I hope so, think 2 is slightly optimistic as would require one of our sides to win 4 rounds of qualifying. Our best chance lies in whoever wins the league, they only have to win their 1st qualifying round in the Champions League to be guaranteed a minimum of a play off for the Europa conference is my understanding, but admit it's a big IF to win that opening round especially if CQ due to being unseeded. I think it is a bit optimistic, but a team from Luxembourg managed to make the Europa last season, so it is possible to get lucky and the team to perform well enough to get it done |
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Post by conwy10 on May 13, 2021 16:12:00 GMT
I think we'll see one team make it into the Europa Conference. If we get a good set of draws we could get 2 teams in I hope so, think 2 is slightly optimistic as would require one of our sides to win 4 rounds of qualifying. Our best chance lies in whoever wins the league, they only have to win their 1st qualifying round in the Champions League to be guaranteed a minimum of a play off for the Europa conference is my understanding, but admit it's a big IF to win that opening round especially if CQ due to being unseeded. What’s the caliber of opposition in the first round? Is that the one with teams from Kosovo, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands or could face the Hungarian, Croatian, Slovakian Champions? |
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Post by gogdownsouth on May 13, 2021 17:47:42 GMT
I hope so, think 2 is slightly optimistic as would require one of our sides to win 4 rounds of qualifying. Our best chance lies in whoever wins the league, they only have to win their 1st qualifying round in the Champions League to be guaranteed a minimum of a play off for the Europa conference is my understanding, but admit it's a big IF to win that opening round especially if CQ due to being unseeded. What’s the caliber of opposition in the first round? Is that the one with teams from Kosovo, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands or could face the Hungarian, Croatian, Slovakian Champions? 1st qualifying round of the Champions League will be Dinamo Zagreb, Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets and Malmo being the standout seeded teams who have qualified so far. TNS would be seeded and thus avoid those sides, CQ however would be unseeded. Unseeded sides are currently the league champions from Malta, Norway, Iceland, Albania and Shamrock Rovers from Ireland. |
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Post by conwy10 on May 13, 2021 19:20:44 GMT
What’s the caliber of opposition in the first round? Is that the one with teams from Kosovo, Gibraltar, Faroe Islands or could face the Hungarian, Croatian, Slovakian Champions? 1st qualifying round of the Champions League will be Dinamo Zagreb, Olympiacos, Red Star Belgrade, Ludogorets and Malmo being the standout seeded teams who have qualified so far. TNS would be seeded and thus avoid those sides, CQ however would be unseeded. Unseeded sides are currently the league champions from Malta, Norway, Iceland, Albania and Shamrock Rovers from Ireland. Crazy and a credit to TNS to be seeded over the likes of Norway. I can’t see CQ doing anything against those. |
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Post by CrackityJones on May 15, 2021 11:07:58 GMT
Great start from the Nomads. One hand on the sexiest trophy in football.
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 15, 2021 11:18:58 GMT
Great start from the Nomads. One hand on the sexiest trophy in football. Gôl i Seintiau Newydd hefyd Will get interesting if Pen-y-Bont equalise |
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Post by danybont on May 15, 2021 13:13:10 GMT
Well, llongyfarchiadau Nomads.
Very confused as to what happens now... What are these playoffs for? Penybont v Newtown? Why?!
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Post by rico on May 15, 2021 14:41:57 GMT
4th vs 7th (top of Relegation conference)
5th vs 6th
and then the two winners play each other in a decider for last European spot. Makes for a bit more excitement towards the end of the season but also the split means teams can play other teams up to 4-5 times during the season which kind of counters the added excitement of the playoff IMO.
Congrats CQ, funny interview with Morrison sticking it to Mike Harris after.
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Post by iot on May 15, 2021 14:48:25 GMT
4th vs 7th (top of Relegation conference) 5th vs 6th and then the two winners play each other in a decider for last European spot. Makes for a bit more excitement towards the end of the season but also the split means teams can play other teams up to 4-5 times during the season which kind of counters the added excitement of the playoff IMO. Congrats CQ, funny interview with Morrison sticking it to Mike Harris after. That bit at the end was class! Ha |
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 15, 2021 15:35:31 GMT
4th vs 7th (top of Relegation conference) 5th vs 6th and then the two winners play each other in a decider for last European spot. Makes for a bit more excitement towards the end of the season but also the split means teams can play other teams up to 4-5 times during the season which kind of counters the added excitement of the playoff IMO. Congrats CQ, funny interview with Morrison sticking it to Mike Harris after. . But also means that the top teams play higher quality opposition more frequently and therefore improve more - which is what the league needs IMO |
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Post by rico on May 16, 2021 12:36:02 GMT
4th vs 7th (top of Relegation conference) 5th vs 6th and then the two winners play each other in a decider for last European spot. Makes for a bit more excitement towards the end of the season but also the split means teams can play other teams up to 4-5 times during the season which kind of counters the added excitement of the playoff IMO. Congrats CQ, funny interview with Morrison sticking it to Mike Harris after. . But also means that the top teams play higher quality opposition more frequently and therefore improve more - which is what the league needs IMO Fair point, not thought about it that way. Possibly! Not completely convinced it would have a big impact on improving teams outside of CC and TNS (and possibly Met due to the student element) as there's not much continuity with players. Most squads in the league look very different season to season. |
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 16, 2021 15:22:48 GMT
. But also means that the top teams play higher quality opposition more frequently and therefore improve more - which is what the league needs IMO Fair point, not thought about it that way. Possibly! Not completely convinced it would have a big impact on improving teams outside of CC and TNS (and possibly Met due to the student element) as there's not much continuity with players. Most squads in the league look very different season to season. I think it would prepare us for Europe better. Which is ultimately how we go about getting more money in the league to invest in improving everything |
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Post by conwy10 on May 18, 2021 11:34:23 GMT
Fair point, not thought about it that way. Possibly! Not completely convinced it would have a big impact on improving teams outside of CC and TNS (and possibly Met due to the student element) as there's not much continuity with players. Most squads in the league look very different season to season. I think it would prepare us for Europe better. Which is ultimately how we go about getting more money in the league to invest in improving everything If we want to prepare for Europe we really need to find ways of getting them up against the other Welsh teams. Not sure how they can be convinced but a straight knockout tournament with Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, Merthyr in would be amazing. Not sure why they can’t enter the Welsh Cup if Scotland can invite 3 countries into one of their national tournaments but a Quarter Final with TNS Vs Cardiff, Connahs Quay Vs Swansea, Bala Vs Wrexham, Barry Vs Newport could be a massive experience for the clubs. They would probably only send development squads but they’d have a chance to scalp the big boys if they don’t take it seriously. I imagine if Wrexham are midtable National League or Newport struggling in League One/Two it could be a good chance to achieve something. |
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Post by allezlesrouges on May 18, 2021 17:40:19 GMT
I think it would prepare us for Europe better. Which is ultimately how we go about getting more money in the league to invest in improving everything If we want to prepare for Europe we really need to find ways of getting them up against the other Welsh teams. Not sure how they can be convinced but a straight knockout tournament with Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, Merthyr in would be amazing. Not sure why they can’t enter the Welsh Cup if Scotland can invite 3 countries into one of their national tournaments but a Quarter Final with TNS Vs Cardiff, Connahs Quay Vs Swansea, Bala Vs Wrexham, Barry Vs Newport could be a massive experience for the clubs. They would probably only send development squads but they’d have a chance to scalp the big boys if they don’t take it seriously. I imagine if Wrexham are midtable National League or Newport struggling in League One/Two it could be a good chance to achieve something. What's this in reference to? |
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Post by rico on May 18, 2021 19:34:40 GMT
If we want to prepare for Europe we really need to find ways of getting them up against the other Welsh teams. Not sure how they can be convinced but a straight knockout tournament with Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, Merthyr in would be amazing. Not sure why they can’t enter the Welsh Cup if Scotland can invite 3 countries into one of their national tournaments but a Quarter Final with TNS Vs Cardiff, Connahs Quay Vs Swansea, Bala Vs Wrexham, Barry Vs Newport could be a massive experience for the clubs. They would probably only send development squads but they’d have a chance to scalp the big boys if they don’t take it seriously. I imagine if Wrexham are midtable National League or Newport struggling in League One/Two it could be a good chance to achieve something. What's this in reference to? The incredibly named Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, formally Irn Bru (Scottish Challenge Cup). Scottish teams with guest clubs from Wales, England, NI & ROI. Think it was the Welsh cup winners that got the Welsh spot. Loved the idea behind that to be fair. Did Wrexham play a strong team for that last tournament? |
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Post by gogdownsouth on May 19, 2021 11:48:40 GMT
What's this in reference to? The incredibly named Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup, formally Irn Bru (Scottish Challenge Cup). Scottish teams with guest clubs from Wales, England, NI & ROI. Think it was the Welsh cup winners that got the Welsh spot. Loved the idea behind that to be fair. Did Wrexham play a strong team for that last tournament? If my memory serves me correct we played very much a side containing fringe 1st team players/those coming back from injury and some lads from the youth team so can't say we took it all that seriously before being beaten by Rangers U21s in the quarter finals. |
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Post by paj on May 20, 2021 11:41:52 GMT
Despite winning the league Nomads are reverting to part time next season. It is very financially difficult in the Welsh pyramid.
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Post by gimli on May 20, 2021 13:14:17 GMT
I hope this doesn't mean a return of TNS's hegemony, though I expect realistically it will. I wish the FAW would impose some sort of strict financial restrictions on the league to stop Mike Harris endlessly pumping money into TNS and running them at a loss just so he can dominate the league and boost his ego.
If there aren't enough full time teams in the league to mean there is legitimate competition for the title, there shouldn't be any. The unbalanced nature of the league is really holding it back. Make it a level playing field and then your Balas, Barrys and Caernarfons could be challenging, making the league more exciting, drawing in new fans and hopefully leading to it growing naturally.
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Post by paj on May 20, 2021 14:22:31 GMT
I hope this doesn't mean a return of TNS's hegemony, though I expect realistically it will. I wish the FAW would impose some sort of strict financial restrictions on the league to stop Mike Harris endlessly pumping money into TNS and running them at a loss just so he can dominate the league and boost his ego. If there aren't enough full time teams in the league to mean there is legitimate competition for the title, there shouldn't be any. The unbalanced nature of the league is really holding it back. Make it a level playing field and then your Balas, Barrys and Caernarfons could be challenging, making the league more exciting, drawing in new fans and hopefully leading to it growing naturally. Agree that a more competitive league would be beneficial and it is a shame that the two most successful are among the least well supported. A successful Rhyl Bangor Barry or Caernarfon draw big crowds. Would not want to stop full time teams however as we need a race to the top not the bottom and we should encourage ambition. Real issue is a lack of FAW backing for their own league. |
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Post by gimli on May 20, 2021 15:06:54 GMT
I hope this doesn't mean a return of TNS's hegemony, though I expect realistically it will. I wish the FAW would impose some sort of strict financial restrictions on the league to stop Mike Harris endlessly pumping money into TNS and running them at a loss just so he can dominate the league and boost his ego. If there aren't enough full time teams in the league to mean there is legitimate competition for the title, there shouldn't be any. The unbalanced nature of the league is really holding it back. Make it a level playing field and then your Balas, Barrys and Caernarfons could be challenging, making the league more exciting, drawing in new fans and hopefully leading to it growing naturally. Agree that a more competitive league would be beneficial and it is a shame that the two most successful are among the least well supported. A successful Rhyl Bangor Barry or Caernarfon draw big crowds. Would not want to stop full time teams however as we need a race to the top not the bottom and we should encourage ambition. Real issue is a lack of FAW backing for their own league. I wouldn't want to prevent teams from going full time either, rather make it so clubs have to be sustainable and only spend what they make. Or put a salary cap in place that's tied to the average revenue of the league. In the short term it would mean a completely part time league, but over time, and with enough support from the FAW, teams would grow naturally and hopefully get to a point in future where the vast majority of the teams in the league are professional. It couldn't be much worse than it is now anyway, it would effectively just remove a team with no fans (except one rich one) that everyone hates from the equation and let the proper clubs fight for the title. I realize this isn't realistic, but TNS's artificial domination of the league is really holding it back. I can't think of any other way of stopping it unless a few more sugar daddy millionaires come around and buy a few more clubs. But that would inevitably lead to them going bust in the end. |
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Post by garynysmon on May 20, 2021 15:31:13 GMT
Despite winning the league Nomads are reverting to part time next season. It is very financially difficult in the Welsh pyramid. Its pretty difficult all round. Doubt it would have been the case without covid hammering them financially, they could easily make the best part of a million quid through European football this summer. TNS have raked in similar amounts quite regularly from getting into the Champions League preliminaries and dropping into the Europa League. |
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Post by CrackityJones on May 22, 2021 18:46:11 GMT
The Cofi army are into the play off final after a convincing win against Barry. I fancy Penybont to get the job done tomorrow to set up a crackin final
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