Gruff Harrison will lead Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru in Group 1 of the UEFA Regions’ Cup next week as the representative side head to Bosnia & Herzegovina for the Intermediate Round.
“We’ve done as much work as we can on the opposition but it’s hard to tell until you see them first hand,” explained Harrison this week. “What I’m looking for is togetherness. We’re going to be extremely organised, and I’ll make sure they’ll give everything.
“We’ve set the standards in a team meeting of what’s expected of them. Come the end of the tournament we’ll have done everything we can, and the results will take care of themselves. Whether we’re good enough or not good enough, that won’t be down to the lack of trying.”
Currently manager of Ynysygerwn in the Ardal South West, Harrison replaced Andy Hill last month and the side will now look to make history by becoming the first Welsh representative team to make it through to the finals that will take place next summer.
Harrison, still only 36, brings a wealth of domestic experience to the role having previously managed Ammanford for over a decade, gaining two promotions and overseeing extensive progress both on and off the field. However, this will be his first taste of European football, and he is relishing this continental test.
“I’m extremely proud and that is the overriding feeling,” he explained. “I don’t think there are words that really describe it. It’s stronger than pride. I’ve put a lot of work into football over the last 15 years and I’m still a relatively young coach.
“To be appointed to lead this team into the Regions’ Cup is a real benchmark for me and I’m over the moon. I can’t explain it to be honest as I don’t think there’s any superlative that does it justice. It’s a stronger feeling than pride.
“I’m excited and looking forward to the task ahead. It’s been a big challenge, but it’s something I really enjoy doing in terms of piecing it all together alongside club management and living my life at the same time.”
Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru Y De claimed a 6-1 aggregate victory over their north Wales counterparts to qualify for the UEFA Regions Cup in May this year. Earlier this week, Harrison named his 18-man squad for the mini-tournament, completing another key step in a hectic month of preparation since his appointment.
Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru squad confirmed
“I think that has been the biggest challenge because three or four weeks ago I had no idea that I was going to be involved,” he explained. “It’s a pinnacle role really for anyone who operates at our level, so I went for it, and now I’m planning to go to Bosnia next week and I need to get 18 players plus staff out there.
“I’ve tried my best to make sure I’ve left no stone unturned. I whittled it down to a list of 50 players and then worked through it to make sure we cover all the different attributes you need to win games abroad. The final call on the players has been on me, and I like to think that I’ve put together a squad that’s going to have different sides to it, so one that can play or mix it up.”
Pontypridd United of the Novira Cymru South are the club with the most representatives with four players selected, while current league leaders Pure Swansea have three. Meanwhile, Penrhiwceiber Rangers captain Warren Jones and Ynysygerwn midfielder Ollie Redhead are the only players selected from the third tier.
“We’ve trying to be as respectful as we can to each club and not overload them. We’ve only had one training session and two meetings, and the training session itself didn’t last long because the players played two or three days before that and they’ve also got games at the weekend before we go.”
The opening match for Tîm Rhanbarthol Cymru takes place at the Mladost Stadium in Kakanj as the side face North Macedonian outfit Bitola on Wednesday 2 September (11:00 BST). They then return to the same venue on Saturday 5 September (11:00 BST) to take on Cilicia of Armenia.
The final match takes place at the BHFF Football Training Centre in Zenica against Zenica-Doboj on Tuesday 8 September (10:00 BST). The eight group winners will then progress to the finals that will take place in June and July 2027.
“Another challenge is not really knowing who we’re facing,” Harrison added. “I’ve tried to do some homework but that’s obviously tough when the teams and their football pyramids are quite unknown, but I’ve done as much research as I can on them.
“There are also logistical issues that the FAW are supporting us with just to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Ensuring people’s passports are in order and even understanding that mobile phones may not work out there, so they need to buy an eSIM. Those things you may not necessarily think about.”
Harrison will have one eye on his squad this weekend as they play their final club fixtures before meeting up.
“I’ve been holding my breath each game,” he added. “But if there’s an injury we just have to deal with the fallout because I think you can expend a lot of energy procrastinating on negative things, and I don’t do that.
“I think my strength lies with my passion and commitment towards it. I back myself on the technical side and I’m confident that most players that work with me have enjoyed working with me. But I think for this particular task, it’s about bringing people together in a short space of time and to fight for a common cause.”
