As we prepare for the Genero Adran Trophy semi-finals this weekend, over the border in England, two former Genero Adran Premier stars are preparing for two huge FA Cup games.
Both Emily Bayliss and Seren Watkins departed Wales last year and while this weekend will be an exciting one for them, both reflected on their time in the Genero Adran Premier fondly.
For Bayliss, she has been able to see the league grow over a number of years, and believes she leaves the league in a far better place than what it was.
“It’s changed a lot over the last couple of years, especially since my time at Cardiff City. It’s become a more competitive league, it’s become a more professional league, there’s more attention and investment, and overall, it’s a better product now.”
For Watkins, she explained her time in Wales was all about making the right steps at the right time.
“I look back on my time in Wales positively. Having started out at Cyncoed, which was a big step up from where I had been playing before, and then moving to Cardiff City was another step, but they were crucial stepping stones in my career.”
Both found success at Cardiff City. For Bayliss, she was able to lift the Bute Energy Welsh Cup with the Bluebirds in 2022, and she had an inkling that City would go on to win countless trophies after that.
“It’s always good to win silverware, especially because it was something we were working towards all season. We got through every stage of the cup safely, but then to win it is something every team wants to do and work towards. It was special.
“Cardiff City are a unique club. They’ve got a fantastic group of staff working there, and the club pushed us players hard. They get great support from the men’s side, and I’m happy that they’ve done as well as they have done.”
Watkins was one of those who benefited tremendously from that win at the SDM Glass Stadium, as she and the team went on to win countless trophies, including the treble in what turned out to be her final season with the club.
“It was the perfect way to end my time at the club. Especially that third game against Wrexham in the Welsh Cup, it could have gone either way, but to win that showed the resilience that we had in the squad. I left on such a high personally, and I don’t think I could have left on better terms.”
All good things come to an end, and for these two midfield maestros, off to England they went. For Bayliss, her next adventure lied with Bristol Rovers in the fourth tier of English football, and it was a move she couldn’t turn down.
“When Bristol Rovers came in, I felt it was an opportunity I had to take. It was a different experience for me and I felt it was the right time for me to make the switch. I had heard a lot from friends that had moved over the bridge and had playing time in England, and no one had anything bad to say about it.”
Watkins, on the other hand, headed to the Midlands and to third tier side West Bromwich Albion – along with Cardiff City team-mate Rhianne Oakley.
“I knew a couple of the girls here already, so I got in contact with them and after the first session here, I could see it was such a positive environment and somewhere I could see myself fitting in. It was a no-brainer for me.”
With both teams going well in their respective leagues, the FA Cup has given them another opportunity to flourish.
After huge third round wins, both sides have been drawn to play WSL sides in the fourth round. For Bayliss and Rovers, they head to Walsall on Sunday night to take on Aston Villa.
“It was crazy seeing our name come out against Aston Villa. For everyone on a personal level and on a club level, we knew we made a big bit of history against Oxford, and Sunday is going to be a very big occasion and we’re all looking forward to being a part of that.”
While for Watkins and the Baggies, they will face the current holders, Manchester United, on Saturday night.
“I was over the moon when I saw our name come out the hat! You always hope to draw a WSL team at this stage, but to actual draw one was a real shock. We’re all excited for the opportunity that we have in front of us.”
And both Bayliss and Watkins could be in for some epic individual battles. For the former Archer, she might be matched up with leading WSL appearance holder, Jordan Nobbs.
“It’s crazy to think I could be matched up against a player like Jordan Nobbs. It’s daunting, but we’re all working really hard, and the better the opposition you play, the better you become. We’re all looking forward to the challenge and we can’t wait for that whistle.”
For the tough tackling Watkins, a battle with Lioness and Euro 2022 winner Ella Toone could be on the horizon.
“It’s crossed my mind certainly and I have thought of what it might be like to be marking someone like Ella Toone, and we’ve had some chats amongst the squad about it. However, I always back myself. If I didn’t think I was good enough, what’s the point in me playing football? I’ve got to go in there with as much confidence as I can and see how it goes.”
Without a doubt, this weekend marks an incredible step in the journeys of both Bayliss and Watkins, and without the Genero Adran Leagues, who knows if this would be possible?
