Ex-GB boss Paul Thompson announced as new Devils head coach
Rhodri Evans
Former Great Britain boss Paul Thompson has taken over as Cardiff Devils head coach following the departure of Pete Russell.
Russell, who guided the Devils to a first European title – the IIHF Continental Cup – left after the club lost the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) play-off Grand Final to Nottingham Panthers.
Thompson was head coach of Great Britain from 2006 to 2011, and spent 13 highly successful years at Coventry Blaze.
Joining in 2000, Thompson led Blaze into the current Elite League era, winning four league titles, one play-off championship, two knockout cups and three Challenge Cups as Coventry dominated the early years of the competition.
Thompson was also named EIHL coach of the year on three occasions.
Scandinavian Success
After leaving the Blaze in 2014, Thompson moved to the Swedish Allsvenskan League with IF Troja-Ljungby before moving to Aalborg in Denmark for the 2014-15 season.
Thompson returned to England with the Sheffield Steelers for the 2015/16 season, winning the league title in his first season and again named coach of the year.
The next season, Thompson’s Steelers defeated the Devils in double overtime to win the Playoff Championship in 2017.
He left the Steelers midway through the 2018-19 season and was hired by Schwenninger in the DEL, the top league in Germany. He was let go in December the following season. During the Covid season of 2020-21, Thompson coached Italian side Unterland, winning the Italian Cup.
He was hired by Odense ahead of the 2021-22 season and was tasked with turning around a team that had finished last the previous season. Over the last four years, he has transformed the Bulldogs from a last place team into Champions.
‘we’re on the same team now’
“Paul Thompson is one of the most successful coaches in the history of this league and we are very pleased to have him in Cardiff,” said managing director Todd Kelman.
“I am very aware of the historic rivalry between the Devils and the teams Paul coached. Before my time, the Blaze and the Devils had one of the fiercest rivalries in the league and when I got to Cardiff, those first few years we were battling with the Steelers for every title.
“Even before I came to Cardiff, when I was in Belfast, we battled with the Blaze for hardware nearly every season. Believe me, I cursed his name a lot over the years, but I think rivalry is always wrapped in respect. You don’t hate a team that you always beat. You hate the teams that you battle against and compete for trophies against.
“What he has done in Denmark is impressive, taking a smaller budget team all the way to a championship, the first in the history of their club. I watched their entire playoff run and I was impressed with the style they played – fast, relentless hockey that was hard to defend.
“The bottom line is, we’re on the same team now. We are happy to have him and looking forward to getting him to Cardiff.”
Top image credit – Dean Woolley
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
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Alex Cuthbert: My British and Irish Lions XV
Rhodri Evans
Right then, this shouldn’t cause any controversy! Let’s pick my British and Irish Lions Test XV…
Loosehead Prop – Ellis Genge
Starting in the scrum, something I know all about – not! – Ellis Genge is my loosehead. Outside of France, England had the best scrum in the Six Nations this year and Genge has been a key part of the set piece for them for years now.
Hooker – Dan Sheehan (captain)
Sheehan captained Ireland for this year’s Six Nations, and while they didn’t manage to win a third straight title, the Leinster hooker’s performances did not disappoint.
No one in world rugby can do the things he does as a hooker and, with Andy Farrell as head coach, you can put your money on Sheehan scoring a test try from the wide channels.
Tighthead – Tadgh Furlong
We’ve seen props that can carry like centres or jackal like flankers, but Furlong can distribute like a flyhalf.
His recent injury troubles have kept him out of international rugby for a little while and allowed other players to get a potential look in, but you have to pick on experience for the Lions sometimes.
Lock – George Martin
Martin reminds me of where Itoje was just before the 2017 tour. The Leicester Tigers lock has everything he needs to get to the very top of the game. Itoje has played so much rugby for Saracens and England that come the summer he will be absolutely knackered. It’s a real toss-up between the two Englishmen.
Lock – Tadgh Beirne
If this tour was to New Zealand or South Africa, and the options in the back row not been as fierce, I may have been tempted to put Beirne at blindside and fit Itoje in.
Most importantly, though, the Irishman must start. He is an incredibly skilful ballplayer and as solid as anyone at the lineout.
Blindside Flanker – Tom Curry
The back row is so tough to pick. Each of the four nations had 7s who put in excellent performances in the Six Nations. Josh van der Flier – who missed out on the 2021 Lions tour – will have to sit out again, as will Scotland co-captain Rory Darge.
Curry is such an excellent all-rounder, he gives you so much flexibility in the rest of the back five.
Openside Flanker – Jac Morgan
Morgan has been Wales’ best player in a difficult period. His carrying is immensely underrated, and everyone knows how good he is over the ball. Outside shout to be captain too.
Number Eight – Taulupe Faletau
I know Caelan Doris will be the Lions number eight. I also know that Faletau may not even make the squad, let alone the test team.
But I love Taulupe. He is the most talented Welsh player of our generation and deserves the chance to go on another Lions tour.
Scrumhalf – Tomos Williams
Williams’ form for Gloucester has been unbelievable. Jameson Gibson-Park is Farrell’s man but no one outside of Antoine Dupont can do the things Tomos can.
Flyhalf – Finn Russell
Another maverick talent, Russell has matured into a high quality flyhalf. With England and Ireland unsure of their first choice 10s, Russell gets in.
Left Wing – James Lowe
The man with the biggest boot in Europe. Lowe is a fantastic finisher and such a strong carrier. Better all-round player than Duhan van der Merwe.
Inside Centre – Sione Tuipulotu
He has a race against time on his hands to be fit enough to tour, but there’s no other 12 like Tuipulotu. Bundee Aki showed touches of his 2023 form in the last Six Nations, but the Scottish centre is a level above when fit and firing.
Outside Centre – Garry Ringrose
Lots of people seem to think that Huw Jones has this position in the bag, but Ringrose is my pick. Another one who was unlucky to miss out in 2021, Ringrose is a properly excellent defender and underrated attacking threat.
Right Wing – Darcy Graham
You need a difference maker in the back three and Graham is the best option. He beats so many defenders, even when he doesn’t make a break, he is causing chaos and opening spaces up for teammates.
Fullback – Hugo Keenan
The competition between Keenan and Blair Kinghorn is fierce but I’ve gone for the Irishman. Kinghorn offers the positional versatility, but Keenan is the better pure 15 for my money.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
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Jake Ball reverses retirement, signs for Scarlets
Rhodri Evans
Jake Ball has re-signed for former club side Scarlets, having previously announced his decision to retire from rugby.
The Australian-born lock won 50 caps for Wales during his previous nine-year spell at Scarlets, before leaving in 2021 to sign for Japanese side NEC Green Rockets.
Ball made 133 appearances for the west Walian region between 2012 and 2021, winning the Pro12 title in 2017 and reaching the Champions Cup semi-final the following year.
Having decided to retire from rugby at the end of last season, Ball’s signing for Scarlets is a surprising one, but he is raring to go.
“I can’t wait to get back in and get started again,” said Ball.
“When I left the Scarlets, it was around Covid and it didn’t feel like the farewell I wanted. Then, since I finished in Japan and announced my retirement from rugby, I have had this feeling of unfinished business.
“When I heard the Scarlets were looking for a second row, I spoke to Peely and Cubby and they spoke about what is building at the club, the exciting young talent coming through, the environment and ambition there and I wanted to be part of that.
“I have missed playing, I have missed the professionalism of the game. Obviously, myself and my family know the Scarlets well, know the area and we loved it during our time there – the place, the people.”
‘The ambition still burns bright’
“I am excited by the challenge of being a professional rugby player again, the training, the match-days – as I said, I have missed it,” Ball added.
“I hope I can add my experience and help the younger players in the squad and learn a few things from them as well.
“Scarlets are a great club, who gave me my chance when I came over to Welsh rugby, they had faith in me when I first came over and that means a huge amount to me.
“Physically, I feel in a better place than when I left and the ambition to play at the top level still burns bright.”
‘Big fans favourite’
The return of Ball to Parc y Scarlets is a welcome and necessary addition to the Scarlets squad, who are losing Alex Craig, who is signing for Glasgow Warriors at the end of the season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets,” Peel added
“He was a popular member of the club and a big fans’ favourite, someone who played more than a century of games for the Scarlets and had a big part to play in the title-winning season.
“We all know the qualities he possesses as a player and as a leader. His professionalism and workrate will be an example to the young group of players we have coming through.
“From the conversations I have had with Jake, it is clear he feels he has plenty more to offer. He has been keeping himself in great condition since returning from Japan and we can’t wait to see him back here for the start of the pre-season.”
Ball joins Wales international Joe Hawkins in signing for Scarlets ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The club also announced recently that academy graduate and Wales international prop Kemsley Mathias had signed a new deal with Scarlets.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
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Sheehan signs three-year deal at Swansea City after successful caretaker spell
Rhodri Evans
Swansea City have announced that Alan Sheehan has signed a three-year deal to become their permanent head coach, following a successful caretaker period in charge.
Sheehan initially took charge of the Swans in February, after Luke Williams was sacked with the club in relegation trouble.
The 38-year-old Irishman has led Swansea to seven wins and two draws in 12 league matches in charge, cementing the club’s place in midtable.
“We’ve been very impressed with Alan since he’s taken over as caretaker head coach for a second time,” Director of Football, Richard Montague, said.
“It was important that we carried out a thorough and detailed process for appointing our new head coach. We had to get this decision right, and we are very happy with the work that’s been done and confident that we’ve picked the best head coach to take our club to the next level.”
‘It feels surreal’
Speaking via the Swansea website, Sheehan spoke of his pride at being given the opportunity to lead the club beyond the end of this season.
“I have always said it is a privilege to be at this football club, and now I have the honour of officially being the head coach,” said Sheehan.
“It feels somewhat surreal, but I am incredibly privileged to have the honour of managing the football club.
“There has been a really good feeling around the place, I have spoken over the last couple of months about building something here.
“I have been in talks with the ownership for a good while now and the message has always been consistent about what we need to move forward.”
‘I will leave no stone unturned’
Sheehan was also effusive in his praise for the Swansea fans, who have welcomed his style of play and positive results.
“The fans have been excellent to me, and I understand the responsibility and duty of care I now have to the football club, to the fans, the owners, the staff and the players,” Sheehan added.
“I will leave no stone unturned to make the club successful. It’s not just about surviving, or being the manager for the sake of it. I would love to bring this football club to a better place.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
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Mark Williams wins thrilling World Championship quarter-final in a black-ball finish
Rhodri Evans
Mark Williams won a thrilling World Snooker Championship quarterfinal over long time rival John Higgins 13-12, with a black-ball finish in the deciding frame.
Welsh world number six, looking to win his fourth World Championship title, fell behind 5-1 in frames to his ‘Class of 92’ counterpart, before recovering to draw 8-8 overnight.
Williams came back strong in the morning session, winning the first four frames to lead 12-8. Higgins, a four-time World Champion himself, showed his quality to comeback strongly and level the game at 12-12.
Thrilling Final Frame
In a tense deciding frame, Williams took the first advantage, hitting a break of 25. It was not enough, however, as Higgins replied with 31.
After another solid visit to the table from Higgins, and two errors from Williams, the Scot led 56-25 and looked to have booked his spot in the semi-final.
Williams’ safety game got him out of trouble, though, forcing Higgins into a mistake as the cue ball hit the middle pocket knuckle, opening up an opportunity for the Welshman.
Williams closed the gap to 52-56 but opted for safety on the final red. Higgins took advantage and, after navigating a tricky brown on the far cushion, had a shot on the blue to win it.
Higgins missed the blue in extraordinary fashion, leaving Williams 13 points adrift and 18 points to play with. The Welsh Potting Machine lived up to his nickname and sunk the blue, pink, and black to win a thrilling quarter-final.
Williams’ celebrations are understated but his relief as he left the Crucible stage was palpable. He will play Luka Brecel or Judd Trump in the semi-final, with Trump leading 5-3.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
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Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan: 'To say I don’t care is wrong'
Rhodri Evans
Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan says that those who say he does not care about the club are “wrong” and that the club has begun a review of “several structures and practices” following relegation.
Cardiff were relegated from the Championship following a 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion and will play their first League One campaign in 22 years next season.
Parts of the Cardiff fanbase protested Tan’s ownership of the club during Saturday’s draw.
Following relegation, the Cardiff City Supporter’s Trust called for more communication between the fan representatives and the Cardiff board, with “urgent change needed.”
Part of a statement read: “We are also disappointed that Vincent Tan has made only minimal and very infrequent contact with the club fans to discuss issues and listen to fans views and concerns.
“There has therefore been virtually no opportunity for fans to speak to the person who appears to be the sole decision maker on key issues at the club.
“As a matter of urgency we are requesting a meeting between Vincent Tan and the elected fan bodies to discuss the failings which have culminated in our relegation to hear what fundamental changes are going to be put in place throughout the club from top to bottom to avoid further failings in future.
“Continuing the failings of the past that have led to us celebrating our 125th anniversary with a relegation are not going to turn around our fortunes on the pitch.
“Big changes are needed, and needed now, to avoid a further downward spiral in the fortunes of the club that we fans love.”
In his own statement, Tan has defended himself in the face of criticism.
“To say I don’t care is wrong and I strongly push back on that,” he said via the club website.
“I watch every game and speak to the board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball!”
Tan has also announced a “period of review” at the capital club.
“To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting,” the statement continued.
“The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back. A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks.
“As a point of developing strategy, our Board of Directors have begun internal discussions with executive management and staff to strategise and plan for the summer and new season.”
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
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Work To Do: Second successive wooden spoon for Wales Women
Rhodri Evans
In the end, it never really got going.
Sean Lynn, Wales women’s new head coach, had spent much of the last six weeks cautioning against any drastic improvement in his new team and maintaining that this year’s Six Nations was a ‘free hit’ ahead of the all-important World Cup in the autumn.
After five chastening defeats and the ever-unwanted Wooden Spoon, one can see why Lynn preached such caution in his early days.
A trip to Scotland on the first weekend was a good test for the new side. Scotland have been Wales’ closest rivals in the women’s game for a number of years and beating them was the benchmark for positive Six Nations campaigns.
The Lynn era got off to the perfect start with a score from Carys Phillips after four minutes, but Scotland rallied to lead 24-14. A late Gwenllian Pyrs score almost saw Wales snatch victory at the death, but it was not to be.
Against England at the Principality Stadium, Wales again started well, scoring through Jenni Scoble’s first try in professional rugby.
England, though, were far too strong, running in 11 tries in front of a record crowd for a stand-alone women’s sporting fixture in Wales.
Lynn’s team started well throughout the campaign, scoring the first try in four of their five matches, with Kate Williams also dotting down in the first ten minutes against France after Emilie Boulard had opened the scoring.
A trio of matches where Wales were good enough to score two tries, but poor enough to concede more than 40, ended the tournament and made for some tough questions.
Lynn insisted before the record 44-12 defeat to Italy in Parma – in which the visitors lead 10-12 at halftime – that his players were now playing for their places at the upcoming World Cup. With Wales unable to put in an 80-minute performance throughout the campaign, difficult decisions need to be made.
Having had only three training sessions to imprint his style on the squad, Lynn did not rock the boat in any meaningful way in his selections.
Injuries to Sisilia Tuipulotu and Alisha Joyce-Butchers kept those two key players out of the entire tournament, while in-form Harlequins duo Alex Callender and Kayleigh Powell both missed matches due to smaller issues.
As a result, the team was remarkably stable. Gwenllian Pyrs was the cornerstone of the scrum, while Scoble had bright moments at tighthead in place of Tuipulotu. Carys Phillips and Kelsey Jones rotated at hooker.
Wales were given an injury boost in the form of Gwen Crabb, who had played very little international rugby in the last three years and was a good partner for the industrious Abbie Fleming. Teenager Alaw Pyrs was given opportunities in every match to show her immense promise.
In the back row, the absent Joyce-Butchers and Callender were missed and meant that the trio of Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, and Georgia Evans put in an enormous effort across the six-week campaign. Williams and Evans brought their good club form into the international arena, and their performances were rewarded with team of the tournament nominations.
Wales’ most consistent player in their recent woes has been Keira Bevan, who was her usual metronomic self, both out of hand and boot. Utility back Powell had an opportunity to play flyhalf and looked good against France before an injury picked up in training ruled her out of the Ireland and Italy matches.
Lleucu George’s boot remains an excellent weapon in the Welsh attacking armoury, but she is becoming predictable when deciding to pass or carry the ball, which can make Wales a little stuttering going forward.
Wales’ centre partnership is Lynn biggest issue. Hannah Jones retained the captaincy this tournament and she started every match but, with her form not meriting automatic selection, there may be a switch before the World Cup.
Inside Jones, in the 12 shirt, Wales picked two very different options. Powell was a surprise selection at inside centre against Scotland and England and looked good there, but the Welsh backline lacked physicality, especially against the Red Roses.
After Powell’s shift to flyhalf and subsequent injury, Courtney Keight filled the role. Another slight position shift, Keight plays most of her club rugby at fullback for Bristol Bears, and looked a little rusty, albeit effective.
The back three of Lisa Neumann, Jasmine Joyce-Butchers, and Carys Cox started every game, with youngsters Nel Metcalfe and Catherine Richards deputising from the bench. Cox in particular had an excellent tournament and could potentially be a centre option down the line.
Outside of the matchday squad, there are a number of younger players who have impressed in the Celtic Challenge that could now be in contention for places. The Gwalia Lightning quartet of Molly Reardon, Maisie Davies, Gwennan Hopkins, and Bryonie King are all excellent prospects and none are 22 yet.
With a two-match tour of Australia the only international rugby between now and the first game of the World Cup, Lynn and his squad must take the lessons from this campaign on board and enact a quick turnaround if they are to reach the knockout stages.
Wales’ World Cup group consists of world number two side Canada, as well as Scotland and Fiji. With old foes Scotland up first, Wales have to be at the level required straight away. Otherwise, that World Cup will go the same way this Six Nations.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.
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Discover the thrill of track cycling at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales
Rhodri Evans
Are you ready to experience the exhilarating world of track cycling?
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, a complete beginner or a group of friends or colleagues looking for a unique sporting experience, the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales is the perfect place to start your track cycling journey.
Why Track Cycling?
Track cycling is a unique and thrilling discipline that combines speed, strategy, and skill. The smooth, steeply banked surface of the velodrome track allows cyclists to reach incredible speeds and engage in intense, tactical races.
It’s a sport that promises excitement and adrenaline, making it ideal for those looking to try a new and exhilarating sport.
Beginner-Friendly Programmes
At the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales, we understand that starting a new sport can be daunting. That’s why we offer a range of beginner-friendly sessions designed to teach you the basics.
Our expert British Cycling qualified coaches are dedicated to helping you learn how to control a fixed-wheel bike without brakes, whilst building your confidence and cycling skills. Ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience as you progress through the stages of the programme.
Adult Track Intro Stage 1
These 1-hour on-track sessions are suitable for ages 14+ and will introduce you to the exciting discipline of track cycling. Participants must be able to ride a bike and the coach will progress riders at their own pace.
The group size is small to allow both adults and young people to take their first pedal strokes enjoyably.
Stages 2 and 3
They are designed to build on stage 1, introduce more advanced skills and techniques on the track, and refine group riding and various drills to challenge riders in skill, performance and fitness levels at each stage.
Our coaches will provide continuous feedback and support, helping you reach your full potential and skills to pass Stage 4
Stage 4
This 1-hour session is designed to assess riders on the skills and knowledge they have acquired through Stages 1-3.
Once riders demonstrate competence and safety, the coach will award them their Stage 4 Accreditation, allowing riders to ride and race at other indoor velodromes across the UK.
Women’s Only Track Cycling Sessions
We also offer dedicated female-only track cycling sessions. Suitable for complete beginners or experienced track cyclists looking for empowering and supportive sessions with an opportunity to connect with other female cyclists.
Group Track Cycling Experiences
Experience the thrill of Group Track Cycling with our customised packages for up to 30 riders, including track disciplines like 500m Time Trials, Take a lap, and Aussie Road Man Pursuits with delicious refreshments, podium places, medals, and trophies.
This unique opportunity combines the thrill of track cycling with team building and unforgettable memories with your team.
Join the Track Cycling Community
Joining the track cycling community at the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales means becoming part of a supportive and passionate group of cyclists.
You’ll meet like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for the sport, making new friends and connections along the way. Our community is welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone feels valued and encouraged.
Get Started Today!
Ready to embark on your track cycling adventure? Our beginner-friendly programmes, expert coaching, and vibrant community are here to support you every step of the way.
For more information about our programmes for all ages and abilities along with upcoming events, visit our website, newportlive.co.uk/trackcycling or contact us on 01633 656757.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales!
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.
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Wrexham complete historic promotion three-peat
Rhodri Evans
After the long-awaited promotion from the National League, and its sequel in League Two, Wrexham, in typical Hollywood fashion, have made the series of promotions into a trilogy.
No club has ever won three successive promotions in the top five tiers of English football. Wrexham, the third oldest club in Britain, have achieved yet more history.
Just four years ago, before Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came to north Wales, the outlook for the club looked very different. Over a decade stuck on the outside of the Football League looking in had left the town in a strange stasis.
Glitz and glamour of two high-profile, exceedingly, unabashed Americans broke the mould.
After 15 years of frustration in the National League, and at the second time of asking since the high-profile takeover of the club by actors Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020, Wrexham were promoted in spectacular fashion in 2023.
The previous season had seen the club fall short of an automatic promotion spot and subsequently lose in the play-off semi-final in extraordinary circumstances against Grimsby. A 118th minute heart breaker scored by the artfully named Luke Waterfall meant the side from Cleethorpes won a modern classic 4-5.
Add in a 1-0 defeat to Bromley in the FA Trophy final at Wembley six days earlier, and plenty of rival fans were seeing the funny side of a club that had spent an unprecedented amount of money and with little to show for it.
Not that Town fans want to dwell on those matches when such precedented success was just around the corner.
Wrexham, buoyed by the money brought in by Hollywood owners, came back stronger, losing just three times over the 46-game season and scoring a remarkable 116 goals on the way to promotion into the Football League as champions.
The catharsis felt by the town was only matched by the wild celebrations from the fans – and the players, who were treated to a trip to Las Vegas, paid for by Reynolds and McElhenney.
Most of the core of the squad were retained for Wrexham’s first venture into League Two football in a decade and a half, with eye-catching additions of James McClean, Steven Fletcher, Jack Marriott, and Arthur Okonkwo adding necessary quality and experience.
Perhaps the best sign of the heights that Wrexham aspired to reach was their preseason.
The club, that only 12 years before had to be saved from oblivion by its own fans, toured the United States, playing Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as Major League Soccer sides LA Galaxy and Philadelphia Union, all in front of packed stadiums.
The trip was a success, with victories over Manchester United and LA Galaxy proving that the Wrexham squad would adapt well to the challenge of a new league.
A 3-5 home defeat to MK Dons kicked the new season off and, coupled scorelines of 4-2, 5-5, 0-5, and 6-0, marked Wrexham out as League Two’s great entertainers.
After that opening day defeat, though, Parkinson’s side only lost twice more before Christmas and were well in the race for back-to-back promotions.
Despite a winter-time wobble, the project took another leap forward when a Paul Mullin brace in a 6-0 thrashing of Forest Green Rovers sealed promotion in the spring sunshine.
Cue the celebrations, a town in jubilation, another trip to Las Vegas. Pretty soon Mullin, Elliot Lee, James McClean, and the rest will be bored of casinos, pool parties, and expensive hotels.
A second preseason in the United States meant more high-profile matches with Premier League sides and, of course, more transfer spending.
Okonkwo signed permanently from Arsenal, while George Dobson, Matty James, and Sebastian Revan joined in eye-catching deals from clubs in the Championship.
Wrexham, with the sheer number of new players signed, needed to let go of others. Aaron Hayden, Ben Tozer, Rob Lainton, Luke Young, and Jordan Tunnicliffe – all key parts of the previous two promotion campaigns – were released.
Despite the carefully presented ‘family club’ image that Reynolds and McElhenney show on the Disney+ documentary series ‘Welcome To Wrexham’, it is clear that their aim for Wrexham is to reach the promised land of the Premier League.
Ambitious clubs do not climb up the leagues from the fifth tier to the top division by keeping hold of players due to sentimental reasons and the ownership recognise that.
No player has had a starker decline than Paul Mullin. The 30-year-old, on and off the pitch, has been the footballing face of Wrexham.
Signed from Cambridge United in 2021 off the back of a 32-goal League Two campaign, Mullin was the immediate star of the Racecourse Ground. 26 goals in his first season and a staggering 38 in their National League promotion charge made him the most famous non-league player in the world.
The man from Merseyside was able to replicate his form in League Two, scoring 24 in another successful campaign. Off the pitch, Mullin is a regular on the documentary, sharing his son’s story of autism diagnosis and his own campaign to raise awareness for the condition, both of which endeared him to fans and rivals alike.
Such is his popularity, Mullin made a cameo in the superhero movie ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ as Welshpool – a Welsh version of the title character played by Ryan Reynolds.
This season, though, Mullin has had to accept a supporting role. After starting the season behind Marriott and Ollie Palmer, Wrexham signed two more strikers – Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez – in the January transfer window.
All this means that Mullin has not played a league minute for the club since those two strikers signed. More shockingly, he has only made the bench once since January 2nd, a run stretching back 17 games.
He’s goal scoring draught is reflected in the team as a whole. After averaging more than two goals per game in their last two seasons in the National League and promoted from League Two as the third highest scorers in the league, Wrexham have only scored 65 goals in 45 games so far this season.
That is the same number as relegation battling Peterborough United and mid-table Barnsley.
Parkinson, the architect of a number of promotions, was known as a pragmatic coach before is time in north Wales and has built a defence-first side, with a back three of Max Cleworth, Eoghan O’Connell, and Lewis Brunt the foundation upon which everything is built.
Off the pitch, Wrexham’s promotion successes are matched by their strong financial position.
At the end of March, the club announced that they had posted record revenues for a League Two club, with a staggering annual turnover of £26.7million. To put that into context, the year before the Hollywood takeover, their revenue in non-league was £1.148m.
Perhaps more relevant is that financial firm Deloitte puts the average revenue for a Championship club at £22m. Wrexham seem ready for their next step up the ladder.
In truth, Wrexham’s promotion from League One is no surprise. Their wage bill of £11m per season is extraordinary for a League Two club and has no doubt increased since their second promotion.
Despite those record numbers, Wrexham did still post an annual loss of £2.7m.
The main reason for that the loan that Reynolds and McElhenney were owed by the club which helped fund the purchase of the Racecourse and subsequent stadiums improvements – namely the erection of the temporary Kop Stand – was repaid. That amount stood at £15.02m in total.
If the club are to make it three on the spin and create some English footballing history, we may begin to see the depths of Reynolds and McElhenney’s pockets.
As fellow Welsh clubs Swansea City and Cardiff City know, just being a Championship regular can be an expensive proposition, let alone one that is attempting to reach the promised land without those precious parachute payments.
For Wrexham, that’s a tomorrow’s problem. The Premier League can wait for its Hollywood ending.
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
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Mike Phillips hosts third annual golf day for Prostate Cymru
Rhodri Evans
Mike Phillips, former Welsh rugby international, is once again teeing up for Prostate Cymru.
For the third consecutive year, he is hosting The Mike Phillips Golf Day in support of Prostate Cymru, a charity dedicated to helping men affected by prostate cancer across Wales.
Since its inception, the event has raised an astounding £65,000, contributing significantly to the charity’s vital work in raising awareness, funding treatments, and supporting those impacted by the disease.
Phillips’ dedication to Prostate Cymru has been unwavering, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed.
In 2024, Phillips, alongside Tommy Williams and Paul Kirk, was honoured with the Team of the Year award at Prostate Cymru’s prestigious Fundraising Awards Dinner, the Blue Tie Ball.
The trio’s incredible fundraising efforts brought in over £20,000, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.
This year’s event promises to be another fantastic day of golf, taking place on Friday, June 27th, at Derllys Court Golf Club in Carmarthen.
Golfers and supporters alike will come together to enjoy a competitive yet friendly tournament, all while raising funds for the fight against prostate cancer.
Prostate Cymru plays a crucial role in educating the public about prostate cancer, a disease that affects 1 in 8 men in Wales and leads to around 12,000 deaths annually across the UK.
Despite its prevalence, there is currently no national screening program for prostate cancer, making awareness and early detection even more vital.
Tina Tew, Chief Executive of Prostate Cymru, underscores the importance of early detection:
“Early detection is key to saving lives, as many men find out they have prostate cancer by complete chance, often when it is too late to treat effectively. While the disease is more common in older men, the risk increases for those over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.”
She also highlights the need for younger men to be aware of their risk factors:
“Prostate cancer is not exclusive to older men. Men aged 45 with a family history of the disease are also at higher risk.
“We encourage those concerned about their health to speak with their GP or practice nurse about a PSA test, a simple blood test that can detect potential issues early.”
With his continued commitment to Prostate Cymru, Mike Phillips is not only raising crucial funds but also helping to spread awareness about a disease that remains one of the biggest health challenges for men.
His annual golf day has become a highly anticipated event, bringing together sports stars, golf enthusiasts, and charitable supporters, all united by a common goal: to make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer.
Whether you’re a golfer looking to participate or a supporter wanting to contribute, The Mike Phillips Golf Day is an excellent opportunity to get involved in a cause that is truly life changing.
A team entry for the golf day costs £400, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more details, contact Paul Kirk on 07807852994 or email p.kirk976@btinternet.com
Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.
If you want to read more pieces from Sportin Wales, why not read to our monthly magazine here or subscribe to the magazine and newsletter at https://sportin.wales/subscribe/.
Our podcast is back for the new season and our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is in charge! You can find all the episodes here or the video versions on our YouTube channel.
You can also keep track of our pieces and videos on our socials at @Sportin_Wales on X or Sportin Wales on Instagram and Facebook.