After Barry's and Caersws' defeats in the first stages of European competition this summer, League of Wales Representative, Alun Evans has called for a summer league. He believes that Welsh clubs failure in European competition over the past seven years, with just 7 wins in 78 matches, is largely down to players not being fit enough for the level of opposition in the middle of pre-season. Mr Evans was keen to disregard any talk of allowing the 'exiles, (Wrexham, Swansea and Cardiff) back into Europe, saying that UEFA would not allow it, and that the Welsh FA had done all they could in an attempt to allow them back. Much could be learnt by watching how the Irish Eircom League benefits from a summer league, which has just begun it's inaugral season. It will be interesting to see how Irish clubs fare in European competition next summer, and if prooved successful, whether the FAW will follow suit. The Sport Network
This would seem to me to be the result of letting in more also-rans from the big leagues into the CL, thus necessitating more qualifying rounds, thus pushing the start of CL qualifying before many league seasons, including Wales. Perhaps if UEFA sticks to the plan to eliminate the second group phase (which would save four weeks), they could move the qualifying later in the year, which could push the games after the league season kicks off. Three qualifying rounds is a bit rediculous too, as is the 4th placed team from a few leagues making it in, but that's another argument.
But I don't agree Welsh teams are being knocked out early because of the scheduling and not being fit. They're getting beat because they are weak clubs who can't compete at that level.
Well, that too. But UEFA could help them out a little bit. May not help much, but they need all the help they can get.