Friday night revamp drives Cymru Premier's 16‑club expansion

The Cymru Premier kicks off this evening with a fresh coat of paint and a revamped schedule, as the 35th edition expands to 16 clubs and moves most fixtures to Friday nights, John Smith/FAW said today that the league is ready for action.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) hopes the sweeping changes will boost the league’s popularity and raise its overall standard, believing wider exposure will improve the quality of Welsh football.

The New Saints enter the campaign as clear favourites, having secured five consecutive titles and aiming for a 19th crown, with manager Craig Harrison, who has won the division in each of his ten seasons at Park Hall, adding new players to the squad.

Harrison reinforced the defence with former Chelsea prospect Dynel Simeu, who arrived from Southampton for £1.5 million, and welcomed back Brad Young after his stint in Saudi Arabia, yet the side suffered a UEFA Conference League qualifier exit on penalties to Flora Tallinn.

Penybont, the 2024‑25 runners‑up, have secured significant new investment this summer and recruited ex‑Newport County defender Liam Shephard.

Connah’s Quay Nomads, despite finishing second last season, lost key midfielder Rhys Hughes to TNS and are planning a 4,000‑seat stadium.

The Red Dragons Den pitch highlights the commercial push behind Welsh football, as Haverfordwest also attracted fresh backing, with American businessman Andreas Johansson joining co‑owner Rob Edwards, who previously took over Hamilton Academical and runs Ohio Valley Wrestling.

At 25, Jordan Hadaway of Llandudno becomes the youngest active top‑flight manager in Europe after guiding the Seasiders to the Cymru North title and a remarkable 80‑point season, a story that captured national attention.

Llandudno are among six promoted clubs this season – up from the usual four – with Ammanford, Cambrian United and Trefelin BGC also making their debut, the latter marking the first Rhondda Valley team in the top tier.

Excitement runs high among supporters as the revamped Cymru Premier league launches, promising fresh narratives and a battle for the title under the new Friday night format.