After winning all 14 matches in the Genero Adran North this season, the final tick in Connah’s Quay Nomads’ perfect season would be promotion to the Genero Adran Premier.
After finishing as runners-up for two consecutive seasons, claiming the league title was the main priority for Jordan Parry’s side this term and the Nomads manager expressed his relief at getting over the line in dominant fashion.
“No one puts as much pressure on myself than I do,” said Parry. “It is a long season, but this young group of players have played every game like it is their last.
“If I could bottle up the celebrations after we won the title, I would replay it over and over. Everybody was ecstatic and watching us all come together and celebrate was amazing.
“The turning point for when I thought our chances of winning the title were strong was after Christmas. We have fallen short around that period in the past, but this year everyone has been committed. We’ve always stuck to our principles which were aligned between the players and staff.”
A message to go one step further and win the title was stressed to Parry’s team throughout the campaign. The transition into a youthful team was a risk, but one that certainly paid off.
The average age of players who featured for the Nomads in the Genero Adran North this season was 19.6, which is one of the youngest squad sizes in the whole of Welsh football. That faith in youth was not just a necessity, but it became an identity.
Experience is often touted as a key factor for title-winning sides, and while the Nomads do still have some experienced players in their squad, the narrative has been flipped.
A perfect Genero Adran North record, which has featured some dominant wins, has seen everybody show maturity beyond their years.
“The reason we have won this league is because of our player recruitment this season,” said Parry. “There was a specific average age and level of commitment I wanted. We considered what stage these players were in life and we matched that with what we wanted in this project.”
Parry is now hoping his talented side can produce one more stellar performance this season as the Nomads bid for a place in the Genero Adran Premier for the first time in their history.
Genero Adran Leagues play-off
Pontypridd United await in Sunday’s Play-Off final at Latham Park, and Parry is determined to write a new chapter in the Connah’s Quay history books.
“Belief that we can achieve promotion is the most important thing we have needed to create heading into Sunday, and this is something we have done for every game throughout the season.
“We have huge amounts of respect for Ponty, and we know we are in for a tough test as they have been in the Adran Premier before. We find ourselves underdogs going into this game, but as we have done time and time again this season, we are approaching this with our feet firmly on the ground.”
The Nomads have had some heartbreaking defeats over the past few seasons, but falling short has fuelled hunger and motivation this season, and that makes the message on Sunday simple for Parry.
“Everybody has to believe in themselves, believe in each other and play like it is their last game,” added Parry.
“There is one clear message that my dad has always given me and that is ‘good things come to those who want it’. If there is one thing I have learned from this group, it is that they are a group that never gets ahead of themselves.”
Promotion would be a defining moment for not only the players, but also for Parry’s managerial career. He has experienced highs and lows in the dugout, but few occasions have carried this level of significance.
“This is without a doubt the biggest game of my life. My ambition as a manager is to always compete at the best level, and if successful on Sunday, I am confident that we can compete in the top-flight with hopefully some new additions.”
Promotion would not only bring joy to the senior squad, but also to the younger generation, who see many of the Nomads stars as role models.
“Our female section at Connah’s Quay Nomads has grew from just two players to a full Player Development Centre and full-time scholarship programme.
“Everybody involved in the female section of this club is exceptional. Our Player Development Centre is a clear pathway to our senior team and there would be nothing more inspiring to see those involved with the academy hopefully celebrating promotion on Sunday.”
