FORMER Newtown and TNS manager Graham Breeze has dubbed the organisation of the Welsh Premier a “laughing stock” in a damning broadside.
Breeze spoke out in disgust following another series of controversial decisions since the turn of 2010 - culminating in the Welsh Premier postponing Bala Town’s match versus Llanelli, despite the pitch passing inspections.
Breeze said: “The Welsh Premier is making unbelievable and unwanted demands on semi-professional clubs, yet its own behaviour has become farcical and completely unprofessional.
“This month has been a classic. Firstly the league arranged the Loosemores League Cup Final for Easter Monday, without any communication with the Welshpool and Carmarthen Town, who were due to play finalists TNS and Rhyl.
“Then came the incredible announcement that the cup final could not go ahead on Easter Monday because the sponsors could not attend.
“Now Rhyl are quite rightly telling the league officials where to get off, having been asked to play the match after the season was scheduled to end, when players are out of contract. Imagine the insurance ramifications of a player being seriously injured.”
This is not the first time the controversial governing body have cancelled games without consulting clubs, having changed Welshpool’s fixtures to accommodate S4C during Breeze’s reign as general manager at the Maesydre club.
The cancellation cost the club over £2,000 in lost sponsorship and gate receipts, while all claims for compensation were ignored by the league.
Breeze reckons the Welsh Premier have failed in their duty to listen to their clubs opinions, by steamrollering through a 12 club top flight next season, while also failing to fund their clubs.
“Everyone you speak to at clubs across Wales believe the league is in danger of imploding,” added Breeze. “Clubs are living beyond their means and believe me the grim reaper is at the door.
“The Welsh Premier wants 500 seater stadiums when attendances are at an all-time low. I’ve been to games this season where clubs report gates of 100 to 150, when a quick count revealed the real figure was 70 to 80.”