Fears of another U21 farce in Wales
August 15, 2001

The Welsh Under-21 club competition is in serious danger of deteriorating into an even bigger farce than last year according to reports in Wales.

With the new Celtic League due to kick off on Friday the fixture list for the U21 competition, that last year was abandoned without a winner, has yet to reach the clubs.

The Western Mail newspaper in Wales found eight of the nine clubs involved are deeply dissatisfied with the organisation of the tournament and the delay in receiving the fixture list.

Last season only Caerphilly was able to complete its fixtures and Llanelli was named champions by the WRU, a decision later rescinded after Pontypridd complained it could have had all the fixtures been played.

This year the clubs are at loggerheads with each other as to what day of the week the games should be played with some wanting mid week games and other wanting to play at the weekends so the youngsters can train with senior squads.

But there is general agreement that the tournament needs marketing properly if a repeat of last year's shambles is not to be repeated.

Bridgend managing director Leighton Samuel told the newspaper: "This is a tournament of potential. It needs marketing correctly and more cohesion between the union and the clubs."

Pontypridd press officer Cenydd Thomas added ominously: "it seems to be carrying on in the same style as last year, which is disappointing. If this competition is to have any credibility it has to be organised properly."

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