| Aber chief says exciting times lie ahead |
| Friday 28 May 2010 |
 ABERYSTWYTH Town chairman Tony Bates believes that exciting times lie ahead, but warned lessons must be learned from Rhyl's decline. Bates remains confident that a reduction in the Welsh Premier's membership will improve the standard and profile of the league, and that Aber can establish itself as one of the leading clubs. But he admitted that lessons can be learned from Rhyl’s relegation from the top flight, adding that clubs have to measure their ambitions against their means. "Unfortunately it is very much a case of speculating in order to accumulate," reflected Bates (pictured). "Running a football club is an immensely difficult task, and each year we face an uphill task in trying to balance the books. "Lest anyone should be in any doubts at all about these difficulties, you only now need to look at the position of Rhyl, who mid-point last season were unable to pay their players their full wages and whose financial position is now such that they have been unable to remain in the league. "In Aberystwyth we are fortunate that we have two magnificent main sponsors in Cambrian Tyres and Morrisons, coupled of course with the support of many of the businesses in the locality. "Nevertheless, from a financial standpoint, we are unable to compete with several of the clubs, and we must continue to punch above our weight if we are to succeed, although it certainly won’t be for want of trying." As far as next season is concerned, Welsh Premier board member Bates says: "At the moment it still unclear as to the way that the league will run next season since everything depends upon whether the FAW is able to reinstate the Premier Cup that was so successful in previous years. "The hope is that the 12 teams will join with Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport in a new dynamic cup competition, with prize money totalling £350,000 being made available. "In that event, the teams would play each other twice, there will be a minimum of 10 games in the Welsh Premier Cup and coupled with the League Cup and the Welsh Cup there will be plenty of football for supporters. "If the Premier Cup is not reinstated, then the league must decide how many games to play. "These are extremely exciting times for the league - the thinking behind the reduction from 18 teams to 12 is to improve the quality of football and thereby heighten the profile of the league, the expectation being that the better players will gravitate towards these 12 teams. "One downside next season is that due to the ridiculous decision of the FAW and Spar Mid Wales League to relegate our reserves team, the club will definitely disband the team next season. "The club will be seeking to change the position in time for the following season possibly by creating an under-19 academy team. "I am determined that the brainless parochial mindset that has created this problem will not be allowed to prevent our local talented youngsters from progressing in the beautiful game," he added. |