PHIL Woosnam has welcomed the addition of half the exiled clubs to next season’s Welsh Cup.
Despite Swansea City, Cardiff City and Colwyn Bay opting not to enter, an invitation by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) has been accepted by Wrexham, Newport County and minnows Merthyr Town.
It is the first time clubs from outside the Welsh pyramid have been permitted to enter the Welsh Cup since the 1994 competition.
Welsh FA councillor Phil Woosnam hopes clubs will welcome the trio to the fold.
However the Rhayader-based official also accepted the controversial move would be seen as a slap in the face by some clubs.
“I was in favour of letting the English League Welsh clubs enter as they were once great draws for crowds in this region,” he said.
“Although Cardiff City and Swansea City represent bigger attractions, I still feel the addition of these three clubs will generate more interest in the cup.”
The self exiled six have endured a turbulent relationship since the advent of the Welsh Premier in 1992, which included bitter legal battles with the Welsh FA.
Despite Welsh FA efforts to warm relations with the six clubs over the past decade, the clubs’ refusal to join the Welsh system has been the spark of angry debate among Welsh league clubs.
“It is not going to be welcomed by some Welsh clubs who may feel that these clubs will take a European spot, but in all fairness I’d like to think the Welsh Premier clubs could certainly hold their own against any of the three,” added Woosnam.
Should either of the three clubs win the competition then they would be nominated to represent Wales in Europe - subject to attaining a UEFA licence.
Merthyr Town enter in the second round alongside second tier clubs, while Nationwide Conference duo Wrexham and Newport County will enter at the third round, along with the Welsh Premier clubs.
* WATERLOO Rovers entertain derby neighbours Berriew in the tie of the first round, following the draw for next season’s Welsh Cup.
Elsewhere in the draw Montgomery Town entertain Machynlleth in another mouth watering Mid Wales derby, while Aberdyfi make the short trip to Barmouth and Dyffryn United.
Full draw (ties to be played August 13-14): Barmouth & Dyffryn United v Aberdyfi; Bow Street v Mold Alexandra; Builth Wells v Llanberis; Carno v Treaddur Bay; Connahs Quay Town v Kerry; Gwalchmai v Dolgellau Athletic; Johnstown v Llandrindod Wells; Llanfyllin Town v Brickfield Rangers; Montgomery Town v Machynlleth; Nefyn United v Presteigne; Bont v Castell Alun Colts; Rhayader Town v Hawarden Rangers; Rhosgoch Rangers v Halkyn United; Talgarth Town v Nelson Cavaliers; Tregaron Turfs v Llanfair United; Tywyn Bryncrug v Llanfairpwll; Waterloo Rovers v Berriew