Wrexham Evening Leader

Smith slams Euro decision

28 December 2004

The big three would look to be entered into the UEFA Cup

DENIS SMITH believes the Welsh FA are wrong to block a possible route into European football for Wrexham.

Smith reacted after news that Wrexham, along with Cardiff and Swansea, have been told they cannot represent Wales in European competition because they still play in England.

The FA of Wales have met to discus the big three's Euro exile but then there was a further twist to the plot.

TNS, who look like they will land the Welsh Premier League title, have been given the go-ahead to build a new stadium to play their home matches - in England.

Their ground is in Oswestry and the FAW will put them forward for Europe, but following the meeting they say Wrexham, Cardiff and Swansea will continue to be overlooked.

Their argument is that TNS play in the Welsh Premier League whereas the big three are still competing in the Football League.

POLITICS

Regardless of the TNS situation, Smith says the big three should get the chance to get back into Europe for the good of Welsh football.

Smith said: "There is a lot of politics about where teams are playing and this goes back before my time here, when there was the issue with the likes of Colwyn Bay.

"It's disappointing, but the Welsh FA make their decisions for whatever reasons they have.

"But I think they are wrong to not let Wrexham, Cardiff and Swansea play in Europe.

"If they want to promote Welsh football in the best light it should be the best teams in Wales representing the country.

"That is good for Welsh football and to see the big three in Europe would be great.

"They say go and play in the Welsh Premier League but that is not going to happen."

There is no route in European football through the FAW Premier Cup in which holders Wrexham travel to Haverfordwest in the quarter-finals next month.