Hats and phones ready for big kick-off

Bucket hats and smart phones are essential for Welsh football fans embarking on another season of trial, tribulation and hopefully triumph.

The now compulsory head gear for the collective which is the ‘Red Wall’ saw limited travel this summer, due to Wales men’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.

Watching and listening to a major tournament as interested observers may be less stressful.

But as any veterans of France, Qatar and an array of other European capitals for major tournaments will tell you, you miss the adventure, camaraderie and the buzz of your team being there.

Step forward Craig Bellamy and Rhian Wilkinson...

Bellamy bounce?

Craig Bellamy was appointed as Wales head coach on a four-year deal at the start of July

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) took very little time either in dismissing Robert Page and appointing Bellamy as his successor.

Pledges of loyalty to Page after the Euro 2024 play-off final penalty shootout exit against Poland soon dissipated with a friendly draw in Gibraltar and a thrashing in Slovakia.

Within weeks Page had gone, pride intact. He was the first man to lead Wales to a World Cup since 1958 and - despite some fans’ vocal misgivings - there was general appreciation for his services, having stepped up to the plate to take the reins from Ryan Giggs.

Nobody doubted Page’s passion for his country. But undeniably there was a frisson of excitement among Wales supporters at the appointment of a former captain as new head coach. A proud Craig Bellamy. A beaming Craig Bellamy. A Craig Bellamy who felt the Wales job was his destiny, even if it had been unexpected.

The timing was right for the FAW and Bellamy’s laser focus was obvious when he announced in his first press conference he had already watched first opponents Turkey eight times.

Bellamy will be aware of the concerns over his temperament. And he will know there are those he must still win over – as is the case with any managerial appointment.

But his knowledge of the game, his coaching expertise - honed under Vincent Kompany - and his work ethic are unquestionable.

He will relish the prospect of mixing the know-how with the promising youngsters coming through.

Captain Aaron Ramsey has already predicted an exciting future under his former club and country team-mate. A fit Ramsey surely still has a part to play as Bellamy also looks to develop the likes of Lewis Koumas and get the best out of Brennan Johnson.

Wales’ Nations League opener is against Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium on 6 September. We know already the bucket hats will be out and Bellamy will be prepared.

Wilkinson way?

Wales won their European Championship qualification group after winning four and drawing two of their games under new coach Rhian Wilkinson.

A growing number of bucket hats can be seen following the upwardly mobile fortunes of Wales' women's side.

Rhian Wilkinson’s appointment following the surprise departure of Gemma Grainger appears to have seen the handbrake taken off the Welsh team.

Canadian international Wilkinson has undoubted pedigree as a coach and has brought a more expansive approach to Wales’ quest to qualify for a major tournament for the first time.

It is a tortuous route to the Euro 2025 finals in Switzerland next year, but the portents are promising.

If Wales get past Slovakia in the first round of play-offs in October, they will face either the Republic of Ireland or Georgia in the second round the following month.

Unlike many a tournament draw in the past – for both men and women – this one has provided a decent window of opportunity.

None will want it more than Jess Fishlock, now the all-time record goalscorer and cap holder for Welsh football.

She is a player who is as important to Wales' women's team as Gareth Bale was for the men.

Fishlock was in the commentary box in Qatar when Bale achieved his ultimate ambition of leading Wales out at a World Cup.

It would be fitting for this trailblazer to help Wales’ women to their first major finals.

She is 37 now, though you may not know it when watching her. We should cherish every moment of Fishlock pulling on a Wales shirt.

Have smartphone, will travel!

Cardiff City and Swansea City remain in the Championship for 2024-25 while Wrexham move up to League One and Newport County continue in League Two

Of course, virtually everyone has a smartphone, but never has it been more useful to football fans as they embark on a season when there are EFL games on a bewildering number of days and with various kick-off times.

This could be why smart phones were invented.

The alarm function will be particularly handy with the long trips for 12.30pm kick-offs.

Spare a thought for Swansea fans heading to Middlesbrough on the opening weekend for a lunchtime start.

Their journey will begin before dawn, likewise the Sunderland fans travelling to Cardiff on the same day.

The side effects of the lucrative new television deal mean the loyalty of the faithful will be tested again.

For the same reason, the smartphone calendar and reminder apps will also be important.

Thursdays will become a regular football day. Get into that 12.30pm habit in the lower divisions, too.

It’ll be a rollercoaster ride. Just make sure you don’t drop your phone.

Saints go marching on

The New Saints dropped down to the Europa League competition after losing to Hungarian champions Ferencvaros in Champions League qualifying

Change is in the offing in the Cymru Leagues with the FAW outlining a £6m investment, a major revamp and talk of expanding the number of clubs, more Friday night football and VAR lite.

It was a welcome show of initiative and interest in Wales’ top tier from the FAW, even if it has caused some discontent and the prospect of a lot of travelling on Friday night will need some selling.

Further changes are due to be announced.

But the more things change the more they stay the same for The New Saints, who last season claimed their 16th domestic Championship title – their 11th in 13 seasons.

Yet as main flagbearers in Europe, Welsh supporters must hope their current adventure continues, wherever their club loyalties lie. The Saints and Caernarfon have had welcome successes this summer.

And since the FAW changes are all about improving that fiendishly confusing co-efficient which dictates European rankings, a TNS European campaign which heads into the autumn benefits all.

What’s more, should Craig Harrison’s men reach a group stage in a European competition, their resources will face severe examination, meaning their title dominance to be challenged.

The Genero Adran Cymru Premier will this season feature promoted Briton Ferry Llansawel, an example of a club who appear to be highly motivated to serve their community.

Champions Cardiff City Women will look to defend their crown to make it three in a row. But at Wrexham, the women’s side continue to benefit from the interest of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

With the Hollywood influence showing no signs of waning, Wrexham – fresh from a summer tour in North America – can surely be expected to get stronger.

Swansea will be keen to re-establish their dominance having been champions in three consecutive years before Cardiff won the last two titles.

The growing interest is welcome. It all contributes to the growth of women’s football, bucket hats and all.

And the games are all on a Sunday – easy to add to your smartphone calendar.