Future of FAW Premier Cup - Update

14/04/2008

As many of you will be aware BBC Wales formally advised the Board of Directors in late January that they were not prepared to continue with their financial support of the FAW Premier Cup beyond this season. The Board took the view that it would have the best chance of attempting to secure alternative financial support if that information was not freely available in the public domain, while discussions were being held with other broadcasters. As a matter of haste, contact was made with all the possible broadcasters to ascertain any interest that they might have in the competition, while this information was not public knowledge. Eventually the withdrawal of support by BBC Wales become general knowledge towards the end of February with both BBC Wales and the Board confirming BBC Wales's withdrawal. There was some initial interest from two broadcasters, although this soon narrowed to one, and these discussions have been on-going now for sometime, but regrettably it has not been possible to bring them to a satisfactory conclusion that would guarantee the competition's future. At last week’s Board meeting, it was agreed that contact should be made with all the shareholders (and potential shareholders) and advise them of the current situation, which is that there will not be a competition in season 2008/09, so that all are aware for planning purposes with regard to next season. The Board agreed, as it has done so far, to continue to “leave no stone unturned” in trying to secure the competition’s future, but as it stands there will be no competition in season 2008/09. The Board will meet again in early summer to ascertain whether the situation has changed at all. Until that time the usual arrangements for the conclusion of the financial year and the calling of the Annual General Meeting will be undertaken. Malcolm Stammers Competition Secretary

Newport claim trophy	11/03/2008
Newport County claimed the trophy at the 3rd attempt by beating Llanelli by the only goal of the game scored by Craig Hughes.

Final on March 11th at Newport County

28/02/2008

The Board of Directors at their meeting earlier today (February 27th) considered the arrangements for the Final of this years competition. The Board were made aware of the correspondence, whether in writing or electronic with regard to the matter between the Competition Secretary, both clubs and BBC Wales. They also considered the formal request from BBC Wales, who fund the competition for the match to be played on Tuesday, March 11th 2008 (for them the only available date in March), in order that the competition could be completed by March 31st. After careful consideration of all points raised the Board unanimously decided that the match will be played on Tuesday, March 11th as the date requested by BBC Wales and there being no reason put forward as to why both clubs were not available to play on that day. Furthermore as with Section 1,Paragraph 6.9 of the competition rules, the Board then considered the venue for the Final. As both clubs grounds were UEFA approved at the start of the competition and had been made available for use on March 11th, the Board decided that the venue would be decided by the toss of a coin. This method had been used to decide the venue on previous occasions when both Finalists grounds were available. This resulted in Newport County being successful, so the match will be staged at Spetty Park.