confident of WPL survival
AFTER last week’s Welsh Premier League fixtures announcement, Town manager Mark Aizlewood has predicted a mid-table finish for the Old Gold. With many sides strengthening thanks to investment from wealthy private backers, the WPL is fast becoming an extremely difficult place for teams like Carmarthen to pick up points and Aizlewood is particularly weary of his side’s first two matches of the 2015-16 season.
Speaking after the announcement the Old Gold’s boss said: “To get Airbus away in our first fixture is going to be quite a test for my team. I am of the firm opinion that they will be pushing The New Saints hard this coming season and will finish at least as runners-up in the Welsh Premier League. Our first home game is against Connah’s Quay who, I believe, will be the surprise package of the year. They have a good manager and are currently enjoying an unprecedented level of investment from a private individual. The same could be said for Port Talbot Town and Aberystwyth Town. Good managers and ample money breeds easy success.”
Although Town can not compete with such financial backing, Aizlewood is confident his side have the experience and talent needed to finish away from the danger zone for the coming campaign, adding: “Although Carmarthen have had to cut their playing budget again for this coming season I feel that we have enough expertise and know-how to be able to finish in a comfortable mid-table position. For me, the two relegation positions are between four sides. The promoted pair of Llandudno and Haverfordwest County will struggle to adapt to the pressures of the WPL, while Rhyl and Bangor City may well find life somewhat difficult once again.”
With the gap ever widening between the top four and the rest of the league thanks to private investment and European Qualifying round money, it will be vital for Carmarthen that they pick up points against the sides around them. It will be even more important that they make Richmond Park a fortress once more in order to gain as many home points as possible in a league where away wins are difficult to come by.
Add Comment