AMMANFORD will play one of their biggest games on Saturday (Aug 10) as they take on Welsh Premier League side Newtown in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Ahead of the game the Herald spoke to Ammanford manager Gruffydd Harrison about their preparations for the new season.
Newtown will likely provide a strong test for Gruffydd’s men but he says they are not just going there to ‘make up the numbers’ adding they will ‘give it their all’.
Ammanford booked their tie with Newtown after beating Ceredigion side Penrhyncoch 2-1 in the first round last weekend (Aug 3) and the manager is happy with what he has seen from his squad so far.
“I’ve seen a hunger from every single player. We have a few new concepts to our play we wanted to implement and so far so good, said Harrison.
“Everyone is motivated and clear on what we want. I’m happy with everyone and their application so far.”
Ammanford will play the 2019/20 season in the newly named JD Cymru South League and Harrison added: “It was important we retained our status in this league last season to ensure our involvement in the rebranding and so far it’s evident the professionalism has raised greatly.
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with any club within this league. Every club has had to sink or swim and that will only raise the standards again.”
The club has had a shorter pre-season than usual with the first two rounds of the league cup being played and Gruff adds that his squad is in ‘good condition’
“We have one slight injury concern but apart from that we are healthy and that is the most important thing for me after preseason”, he added.
Ammanford have boosted their squad with the signings of former Swansea City players Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson who Gruff says have both been great since they joined.
Gruff said: “They obviously will bring great experience and quality, but they understand they are part of Ammanford AFC and that’s the most important aspect of our club.
“They have been great since arriving and will be great assets to go alongside an already outstanding group of players.
“They will also help us within the wider community to establish greater links as we aim to further establish the club within our area.”
Gruff added that the club is not planning on making any more signings before the season starts stating: “I am very happy with the depth within the squad and everyone will play their part this season. We won’t be adding any more before the window closes and I don’t expect anyone to leave.”
Finally the Herald asked about Ammanford’s goals for the new season and Manager Gruff explained: “As they are every season, on the field we want to win every fixture we play in. If we can’t we’ll work out why and try to improve.
“We are working hard to get better and better and that needs to translate into wins and points. How hard we work will collerate with the outcome of football matches were involved in and consequently our league position.
“Off the field I want us to become a community hub and further promote our commitment to the Jac Lewis foundation in relation to mental health awareness.”
Saturday’s game in Newtown will kick off at 2:30pm with the club laying on buses for supporters wishing to attend.
Ammanford’s first game of the new League season takes place a week later (Aug 17) as they travel to Taffs Well.
Their first home game of the season sees them take on Swansea Uni FC on Friday, August 27, kick off at 7:30pm.
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