Welsh Premier fans are still undecided on whether Welsh clubs should be allowed to join the English pyramid.
Our final poll results were as follows:
| Question: Should Welsh Premier clubs be allowed to move to the English pyramid system, if they so wish? |
| Yes |
 53% |
| No |
47% | Number of votes: 324 |
As the poll results show, there doesn't appear to be a strong leaning on either way of the argument. Every season appears to bring up new rumours of certain Welsh Premier clubs interested in leaving Wales for the lowest echelons of English football. This season Bangor City and Barry Town have been rumoured to be weighing up their options.
Lilywhites Lead The Way
However both these clubs have had disappointing seasons by their own standards (especially Barry) Therefore, is it fair to suggest that they are only considering a move because of their failings in their own league system? Last season Rhyl were reportedly ready to leave the Welsh Premier for the North West Counties League, but such plans have seemingly simmered out this season following their success in the Welsh Premier, Welsh Cup and FAW Premier Cup. Off the field the club are also as healthy as they've ever been, with gates at an all time Welsh Premier high at Belle Vue.
Rhyl also stand to make more money this season than they could ever realistically dream of making at the bottom of the English system. They've already made at least £25k from their Premier Cup exploits this season, doubling to £50k if they can overcome manager-less Swansea City, rising to a tidy £100k if they win the final against Wrexham. There's also a couple of grand prize money for winning both the League Challenge Cup and Welsh Cup.
And how much extra revenue have they made from increased gate receipts this season? Attendances are regularly over the 500 mark, and whilst this could still be improved they're in a far healthier state than most Welsh Premier clubs and lower English pyramid clubs find themselves in.
Europe and Beyond
Next season will also see Rhyl compete in Europe - whether in the Champions League or UEFA Cup remains to be seen, but the potential of pulling a plum draw as their title rivals TNS did last summer could prove to be a huge money-spinner. They're also boosted by the fact they'll be able to stage at least the 1st round home leg at Rhyl, now that Belle Vue meets UEFA criteria - following the construction of the Gene Kelly Stand from Manchester City's old Maine Road ground.
Therefore should Rhyl be looked at as the model semi-professional Welsh Premier side? There can be no doubting that they are a well run outfit, driven by an ambitious board and an ever-increasing fan base. Would playing the likes of Stone Dominoes or Castleton Gabriels bring in any more fans or success than derbies with Bangor City, title deciders against TNS, Premier Cup games against Swansea City and possibly Wrexham, or European games against potentially the biggest sides in the World?
Of course the Welsh Premier has its problems - and no-one should bury their heads in the sand and say that the English pyramid does not also bring with it it's own rewards. But Rhyl have proven that Welsh Premier teams can be successful - and God forbid even profitable, so who's to say other WP teams can not emulate the success of the Lilywhites in future seasons?
It will be interesting to see just how many Rhyl supporters will be demanding a return to England if they go on to achieve an elusive quadruple this season.
Over To You
What do you think? Let us know your thoughts on the messageboard or even better write us an article with your views on this subject.
