FANS of Welsh football are celebrating after it was revealed the JD Cymru Premier would receive a cash injection in the near future.
It was also hinted the calls to expand the league and scrap the 12 club format had been heeded.
Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney was interviewed by Welsh language broadcaster S4C at half-time during Sunday’s clash between Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon Town.
He said: “We’re going to invest a few million pounds into this league. It needs it.
“The general direction is that we will see a bigger league.”
FAW chief Noel Mooney.
A final announcement on the future of the JD Cymru Premier will be released in coming weeks.
However, the words of the FAW chief executive are the first to acknowledge the calls for investment and scrapping the 12 club format which has failed to improve European competition results while attendances have also fallen behind tier two averages in recent years.
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The opening JD Cymru Premier weekend saw the average increase by a staggering 78 per cent thanks to the involvement of Colwyn Bay whose match against Caernarfon Town attracted more than 1,400 fans.
However a majority of Cymru Premier supporters have long warned about fixture repetition undermining interest and will hope to see an expanded league launched as soon as possible.
Newtown Football Club chairman Nick Evans described it as “pivotal moment for Welsh football.”
He said: “We’re delighted to have been part of the FAW Cymru Premier strategic review over the past nine months which is now about to be published.
“The outcome is a strategic plan founded upon eight pillars which will run from 2024-2030.
“The plan will cover numerous objectives including club infrastructure, branding, marketing, community engagement to name just a few. All of this will be funded with substantial investment from the FAW.
“This really feels like a pivotal moment for Welsh football, and it will definitely be a springboard for transforming this league into one that will draw renewed interest and support from Welsh football fans.”
TNS chairman Mike Harris agreed, saying: “The league has been underfunded for many years so any increased investment is very encouraging for all clubs.”
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