1. As continuation of Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr's fans are the same as those who were exiled to England during the FAW's expulsion of Welsh Clubs playing in English Leagues, on principle they won't join the Welsh Premier League. The FAW didn't have the balls to take on Swansea, Cardiff & Wrexham at the time. Newport were at a similar level to Merthyr were also exiled illegally and forced into playing home games In England. Others like Bangor City, Newtown & Caernarfon all in the English system too rejected entry into the LOW but caved in. 2. Oswestry Town have always played Home Games in England they were affiliated to both the Shropshire FA's & FAW, which has now been inherited by TNS. Wrexham too played in the Birmingham League this was more to do with it's regions and levels, than nationality. The Welsh System was part of the English.Today teams move sideways between the regional leagues, there are peculiarities, one season you could be in Northern division next Southern. There are still Border Clubs left over or returned into the Welsh System likewise others joined English leagues. Its quite possible there will be other English clubs entering the WPL in future. Is it an issue? No!! The newly formed Oswestry today are knocking around the Shropshire/West Midland leagues a totally independent outfit 3. I asked the question? If he's got an issue with Welsh club's in England does he have it with cross border clubs. I have not made a statement. It's Offices are in Wales, where it signs its documents.
I don't recall much of their conference days but of course accept their history in the english system before the Welsh pyramid was introduced; of course a good FA cup match beats Prestatyn 4 times a season. The FAW were slow to get the national system sorted out but that is no reason to hold it back now that it does exist. I know it won't be sorted in my lifetime, but I would like Welsh clubs to play in Wales not England. If they are considering increasing the WPL at any time, then inviting the non leaguers back again would be a good starting point after all they are going nowhere at the moment and Wrexham, Merthyr, Colwyn Bay and Newport would bring a challenge to the sterile TNS scenario and could do wonders for our European adventures.
Last time I looked Newport were still in the EFL, although maybe Island Ranger can foresee relegation next May. As for the other three, I can't see any of them wanting to leave the English pyramid any time soon.
Yes anticipating their relegation I do get that they fear losing fans but they would soon flood back for European games which would be new for them & something they won't get where they are now Plus winning instead of losing brings fans in too Wrexham v Bangor would bring in 1000's & even Colwyn Bay would better their small crowds Throw in Caernarfon v Rhyl & Merthyr v Newport and it adds up to an exciting Welsh premier league plus provide competition to TNS domination, the FAW could have made this happen 20 years ago so why not now?
