By Webmaster/Rheolwr y Wefan
May 30 2003

Welshpool have announced plans for a new 3000 seater stadium ahead of their appeal against relegation to the Cymru Alliance at the Welsh Premier meeting. The club are confident of remaining in the top flight after receiving considerable support from fellow WP clubs Welshpool Town are all set to take their fight for a Welsh Premier reprieve to the clubs at the Welsh Premier general meeting next week. Club officials will contest the ruling to automatically relegate two clubs after winning the support of 13 clubs to call the EGM at Aberystwyth's Belle Vue Hotel on June 7.

Managing director Steve Hughes is leading the charge to keep Welshpool Town in the top flight. In an interview with the 'County Times' he said: "From the 17 clubs contacted almost all have replied and 13 have been positive," said Hughes. "A few clubs may be undecided as to changing the rule that states two clubs being relegated and the club will be contacting all Welsh Premier clubs before the general meeting.

Welshpool's hopes of avoiding an immediate return to the Cymru Alliance were boosted after Welsh League hopefuls Neath AFC saw their promotion application rejected. The South Wales side is currently completing groundshare talks with local rivals Port Talbot Town but Welshpool remain confident an 11th hour rule change can be completed.

"The club is not trying to prevent Neath or any other club for that matter realising their promotion dream," said Hughes. "If Neath's application was accepted by the Welsh Premier then Welshpool Town FC would obviously step aside but at the moment the league will be running minus a club. "This would mean one club a week out of action while one less game a season would mean less income for clubs. Hughes added: "Welshpool Town wants to be part of the Welsh Premier and enjoyed our first season despite our relegation."

Meanwhile Hughes announced the club's ambitious ground development plans that include a 3,000 seater stadium and meets stringent UEFA licensing. The stadium would incorporate three pitches with Hughes hopeful international recognition would be forthcoming. "Welshpool is ideally situated to host big international games for the Welsh Youth side or under 21's and the club is committed to pressing ahead with such improvements.

"This is our dream for the future of Welshpool Town Football Club but we must also thank our council landlords for their continued support." "Welshpool Town is committed to playing at the highest standard and promise supporters and players that we will be doing out utmost to bounce back next season."

Do you support Welshpool's appeal against relegation to the Cymru Alliance. Should John Deakin keep to the rules and relegate Pool despite Neath's promotion being blocked or would you prefer another season with 18 clubs? Let us know your thoughts on the messageboard