The Spar Mid Wales League is set to produce one of its most eagerly anticipated seasons with Division One bulging with decent sides and the birth of a potential giant in division two.
Llanidloes appear to be the team most managers fancy for the title, but with Rhayader and Welshpool joining the fray, it has been a long time since so many big clubs were involved.
While Welshpool Town have been given 10 more days grace to pull together a new side under David Jones and Neil Breeze, neighbours Waterloo Rovers will play their first season under new manager Dale Roberts who is looking forward to the challenge.
“We hope to do a lot better than last season and I am confident that the squad we've kept together are more than capable,” he said.
Sam Andrews has come in from Berriew but Ed Morrell has departed for university. Tomorrow they take a Berriew side in the Welsh Cup which has endured a turbulent off-season with a trio of players – Will Thomas, Ian Probert and Ed Baldwyn - switching to Guilsfield. Dan Dawson has joined to bolster last season’s runners-up.
Llansantffraid Village will be a lot of people’s dark horses with Jamie Davies joining as manager from Llanrhaeadr. Together with assistant Paul Lewis, he has focussed on bringing the best out of last season’s squad and added midfield workhorse Simon Edwards from Llanrhaeadr and experienced centre half Glenn Evans to the ranks. They will be in Division One action tomorrow against highly fancied Newbridge.
Division One newcomers Montgomery have been in sizzling summer form but manager Clive McNamee isn’t letting his Division Two champions get carried away.
“Our only target this season is to go out and try to win every game, we will see where that takes us. Realistically I think a top half finish is well within our grasp,” said McNamee who welcomes Kerry youngster Elliott Jones has signed up but he has lost Tony Meredith to Bishop’s Castle and Stuart Buckley-Robins to Guilsfield. Tomorrow they entertain Machynlleth in the Welsh Cup.
Llanfair United have been the talk of the football scene this summer and will reveal their new look side against Tregaron Turfs in the Welsh Cup tomorrow.
Ross Frame, Rich Astley and Llion Davies have signed from Guilsfield while Rob Bennett and Geraint Jones have been recruited from Carno and Andrew Hughes comes in from Meifod.
Rhys Stephens has taken over the helm with Darryl Griffiths as assistant and he is refusing to get drawn into talk of titles before the season has even begun.
“They are all local lads who have been impressed by all the efforts being done by the committee and want to be a part of what’s going on,” said Stephens. “There is a real buzz in the town. The club is ambitious and we just want to get a good season. We won’t set any targets. I am too wise to get drawn into that!”
Llanfyllin manager Graham Evans has been busy recruiting too with ex-TNS goalkeeper Elliott Davies, Martin Phillips, Tommy Lewis and Zak Manhire coming in but the retention of another player has particularly pleased the boss.
“A lot of clubs came in for Steve Laws but he has committed to the club which is fantastic,” said Evans whose side are also in Welsh Cup action. “We are looking forward to getting going and will try to consolidate this season but that doesn’t just mean we will just be happy with mid table.”
Four Crosses have been strong pre-season and take on Abermule tomorrow in the league.
Manager Nick Popyk has brought in Andrew Webb, Paul Hughes, Chris Bishop, Elliott Howes, John Butler, James Neill and Ian Kynaston with only the retired Rob Owen departing.
“I think with the players we already had on board and the new signings we should be aiming for a top three spot at the very least along with a good cup run,” said Popyk. “I am hoping the players we have brought in will help us score more goals which was a downfall last season.”
Abermule meanwhile have lost several players to rivals Kerry who are managed this season by Joe Andrew. Mule will be without Chris Carroll, Nick Mumby, Huw McGrath and Jed Rodway who have moved over the hill. Kerry begin tomorrow with a Welsh Cup trip to Connah’s Quay Town.