European Football's Governing Body, Uefa have given their initial support to ideas originally proposed by Wrexham chairman, Mark Guterman to give the winners of the F.A.W Premier Cup a place in Europe's second competition, the Uefa Cup. 

Wales’ big three clubs are to form an alliance in favour of the proposals.

Cardiff City, Wrexham and rivals Swansea City will send representatives to meet with F.A.W supremo David Collins in the week to discuss Guterman's proposals regarding the Uefa Cup spot.

Guterman took his case to thousands of television viewers, who had been watching Wrexham cruise to their fourth Premier Cup crown in six years following a 6-1 victory over Newport County last week. Guterman presented petitions signed by thousands of Wrexham fans, determined to see their club back in Europe again. 

The 6 Welsh clubs that play in the English pyramid used to be able to qualify for Europe through winning the Welsh F.A Cup. Victory in the Cup gave the winners entry to the now defunct European Cup Winners Cup, which was Europe's second competition up until 1998, with Chelsea winning the last ever tournament. 

The Bluebirds qualified for Europe in this way 14 times, most recently in 1993 when City were knocked out at the first hurdle following a hard-fought two legged battle with Standard Liege. 

In 1968 City's European Cup Winners' Cup run took them all the way to the Semi-Finals, the best ever performance by a Welsh club in Europe, before they were narrowly knocked by SV Hamburg.

One of the best nights in the clubs history also came in the Cup Winners' Cup in 1971. The Bluebirds caused a major shock beating European giants Real Madrid 1-0, in front of 47,500 spectators at Ninian Park. Unfortunately, Madrid turned the tie around in the Second Leg to win 2-1 on aggregate, but it still goes down as one of the best achievements in City's history.

Wrexham local newspaper, the Evening Leader has also strongly backed the proposals printing messages of support for the scheme, and encouraging readers to sign up petitions in the area. The issue was even talked about in the House of Commons! 

Wrexham Chief Executive David Rhodes fully supports Guterman and is hoping a bid can be put to Uefa before the start of next season. 

“We plan to have a meeting with the other two Football League clubs and with the F.A.W to take the matter on, said Rhodes 

“Uefa acknowledged last week that other countries have entry to Europe through two separate Cup competitions, why not us? 

“Uefa have said they would like an application in at the start of the season. With that in mind, we would like any development to be made by 2004/2005.” 

Rhodes also believes that should one of the 'big three' Welsh clubs gain entry to the Uefa Cup, they could give a good account of themselves.

"I think that if one of the three clubs were involved in the Uefa Cup you would have to fancy their chances of at least getting through the early rounds". added an enthusiastic Rhodes.

A spokesman of Swansea City has backed Rhodes’ words. 

“The winners of the Cup in Liechtenstein actually play in a Luxembourg-based league, he said. 

“For the three clubs to get back into Europe would benefit Welsh football and build on the work Mark Hughes has done with the national team”. 

Many of the clubs in the Welsh Premier are strongly against the idea. Barry Town boss Kenny Brown, who took his side to a Welsh League & Cup double for the third successive time this season, believes the English-based clubs should not be allowed qualification through Welsh competitions. 

“We can only get into Europe through Welsh competitions, why should the English-based teams be allowed to get into Europe through two nations when we can’t?” said Brown.

On a personal note, although I would be delighted to see the Bluebirds return to Europe after a 10 year absence, I can’t help but think it’s a bit unfair on clubs higher up the English pyramid who would not have this backdoor into Europe. I mean, how would Everton feel – a hard fought season saw them miss out on a Uefa Spot by just 1 point to Blackburn, but Cardiff City, currently playing two divisions below the Toffees could get qualification through a competition nobody outside of Wales has heard of! 

It could also have a negative affect on the Welsh Premier League, which is already struggling to gain support. European Qualification is one of the main factors which keeps any media interest in the division - should City or one of the other Football League clubs gain European Qualification it would surely cast a shadow over Welsh League clubs progress in Europe.

Also, if Uefa decide that the 6 'Exile' clubs are allowed to gain access to Europe through Welsh competitions again, why not just us back into the Welsh F.A Cup and give any possible additional qualification spot for Wales into the League of Wales?

Do you agree? Should the Premier Cup get a European Place? Would CCFC have any success in the Uefa Cup? Is it fair on other English and Welsh clubs? Please post all your comments on the messageboard.

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