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[Alex]

from welsh-premier.com

RESERVE teams from Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham could be allowed to join the Welsh Premier as early as next season, with five clubs being thrown out, under controversial plans being considered by the FAW.
Former secretary general Alun Evans, the man responsible for the formation of the League of Wales in 1992, is the author of the new proposals which would give the 'big three' a route into Europe and see the Welsh Premier reduced in size from 18 to 16 members.
Clubs will meet today to discuss the plans, which would end the European exile of the big three league clubs.
An official 16-page document called FAW Strategic Plan 2007-2012 calls for the dramatic shake-up. It states that Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham must be permitted to field teams, which would in effect be second-string elevens, in the Welsh Premier from August onwards.
The big three would be eligible to go for Champions League and Uefa Cup places in 2009 as a result of finishing in the top places in the table when they would inevitably field their first-choice teams.
The report states a change in power at Uefa, where Michel Platini has taken over from Gerard Aigner as the main man, presents a favourable window of opportunity for the Big Three which "must be seized"
Evans’ report to the FAW states that while playing standards have improved, the public perception of the league is poor and its national status questioned by the absence of teams from Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham.
The FAW have been told that should the status quo remain, it will be "absolutely detrimental" to Welsh football and that the inclusion of the big three would enhance the league in terms of attendances, playing and refereeing standards, better stadia and results in Europe.
The Welsh Premier clubs will almost certainly be unanimously opposed to the idea but, with the FAW holding the casting vote on the Welsh Premier board, it can force through the proposal.

[Jenga]

international clearance, i can see problems already.

[bigcol]

What a mess that will be to sort out - if a player is registered for the reserves can they also play league football for the parent team?  Vice versa can a squad player for the parent team be dropped into the reserves?  To play in Europe you have to submit a squad before the start of the competition, how's that going to work?

There is one thing right though, the Welsh League is a joke and always will be whilst Welshies are playing in England.

[Alex]

i just fore see wrexham playing alty in the league and resting players for an upcomin uefa cup match

[ManagementGuru]

Very good point - the implication is that if Wrexham get relegated, it should be into the League of Wales rather than the Conference - which would of course mean only three down from the Conference.

[bigcol]

Very good point - the implication is that if Wrexham get relegated, it should be into the League of Wales rather than the Conference - which would of course mean only three down from the Conference.

Lol but in that case, how would they ever get back into the league.

As an aside, it's only January yet scenarios are already being speculated which will prevent some of the bottom 4 getting relegated from the BSP this season, as per usual.

[Alex]

i feel sorry for the welsh teams that get thrown out for this to happen, some like airbus uk are stuggling for crowds as it is if they were in a lower league they'd have no chance, they cot a gate of 83 for a league game in december against Caersws FC

[Dougals Dad]

When the Welsh league forst started it was sponsored by Konica and was thusly called "Comical" League of Wales.

The only plus of these measures I can see could be improved attendances.

Minuses:

As mentioned; international clearance every time a player goes between 1st & reserve teams
A kick in the teeth to teams that will be relegated.
A kick in the teeth to teams that have been the mainstay of the league.
Reserve team players earning a place in Europe & then being thrown out of the team for European matches

If the 'big' Welsh teams want this route to Europe then they leave the English league.