The 2023/24 JD Cymru South campaign kicks off this weekend and with no clubs coming down from the JD Cymru Premier last season, several teams will see an opportunity to win the division and earn promotion.
Llanelli Town and Briton Ferry Llansawel finished second and third respectively last term, separated by just two points, so will have the highest hopes of claiming top spot. They meet on Friday 28 July (KO 19:30), which is being streamed live on RedWall+.
Carmarthen Town and Cambrian & Clydach Vale placed fourth and fifth last term, and they were given early season tests by Swansea City and Cardiff City respectively in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend.
Abertillery Bluebirds and Baglan Dragons are both making their debuts in the JD Cymru South following promotion last season. The former claimed the Ardal South East title and the latter triumphed in the play-off after finishing second in the Ardal South East.
The final newly-promoted team are Caerau Ely, who are back in the JD Cymru South following their relegation in 2020. Dean Wheeler’s team lifted the Ardal South West title last season.
Caerau Ely have been the joint-busiest club in the transfer market so far along with Goytre United, with both teams bringing in 11 players. Among the Goyt’s new recruits are Keane Watts – who scored on his debut in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend – and former Cardiff City starlet Ntazana Mayembe.
The only managerial change over the summer has come at Taffs Well, where Craig Sampson was replaced by duo Geza Hajgato and Nathan Cotterrall.
CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE
Abergavenny Town
Manager: Nicky Morgan
Stadium: Pen-Y-Pound Stadium
2022/23 league position: 13th
2022/23 top league scorer: Ryan Lewis-Hillier (5)
Abertillery Bluebirds
Manager: Ben Murphy
Stadium: Candour Talent Stadium
2022/23 league position: 1st (Ardal South East)
2022/23 top league scorer: Thomas Beynon (12)
Afan Lido
Manager: Paul Evans
Stadium: Marston’s Stadium
2022/23 league position: 6th
2022/23 top league scorer: Josh Webber (14)
Ammanford
Manager: Gruff Harrison
Stadium: The Rec
2022/23 league position: 10th
2022/23 top league scorer: Jordan Langley (9)
Baglan Dragons
Manager: Carl Clement
Stadium: Evans Bevan Playing Fields
2022/23 league position: 2nd (Ardal South West)
2022/23 top league scorer: Jordan Evans (24)
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Manager: Andy Hill
Stadium: Old Road
2022/23 league position: 3rd
2022/23 top league scorer: Luke Bowen (27)
Caerau Ely
Manager: Dean Wheeler
Stadium: Cwrt-yr-Ala
2022/23 league position: 1st (Ardal South West)
2022/23 top league scorer: Calum Bateman (24)
Cambrian & Clydach Vale
Manager: Richie Ryan
Stadium: M&P Group 3G
2022/23 league position: 5th
2022/23 top league scorer: Liam Eason (18)
Carmarthen Town
Manager: Mark Aizlewood
Stadium: LHP Stadium
2022/23 league position: 4th
2022/23 top league scorer: Noah Daley (19)
Cwmbran Celtic
Manager: James Kinsella
Stadium: Avondale Motor Park Arena
2022/23 league position: 8th
2022/23 top league scorer: Lewis Iles (20)
Goytre United
Manager: Karl Lewis
Stadium: Glenhafod Park Stadium
2022/23 league position: 12th
2022/23 top league scorer: Jordan Edwards (11)
Llanelli Town
Manager: Lee John
Stadium: Stebonheath
2022/23 league position: 2nd
2022/23 top league scorer: Eli Phipps (13)
Llantwit Major
Manager: Stevie McCarthy Campbell
Stadium: Lôn Melin Wynt
2022/23 league position: 7th
2022/23 top league scorer: Owain Edwards (7)
Pontardawe Town
Manager: Garry Taylor
Stadium: Parc Ynysderw
2022/23 league position: 9th
2022/23 top league scorer: Lewis Reed (15)
Taffs Well
Managers: Geza Hajgato and Nathan Cotterrall
Stadium: Rhiw’r Ddar
2022/23 league position: 11th
2022/23 top league scorer: David Lyon & Jan Maertins (12)
Trefelin
Manager: Mike Waters
Stadium: Ynys Park
2022/23 league position: 14th
2022/23 top league scorer: Joe Clarke (9)
