Wrexham are flying high in League One but talk of a potential step towards European football has divided opinion this week.
The winner of the Welsh League Cup could end up in the UEFA Conference League though, handing Wrexham a potential route into Europe.
That would be a much faster route for Wrexham but whilst Phil Parkinson loves the idea, many have issues with this proposal.
Some feel that Wrexham will limit opportunities for Cymru Premier clubs whilst others don’t think Wrexham should be able to compete in England and Wales at the same time.
Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony has now chipped in whilst speaking on his podcast The Hard Truth.
MacAnthony admitted that he can totally understand why Wrexham and the other Welsh clubs are chasing this idea, noting that the rewards are ‘massive’.
However, the Posh chairman added that this would damage Cymru Premier clubs and potentially taking opportunities away from doesn’t really sit right with him.
“Wow,” said MacAntony. “I guess it’s a two-sided answer. One would be no, because they’re in the EFL, but two would be… if I were them, I would want to.
“The financial rewards are massive. When I looked at buying Irish clubs recently, one Irish club had made millions from being in Europe, from getting through and qualifying to the group stage. The prize money is colossal.
“I can understand why they want to do it and I guess their argument would be – because we’ve done business across borders in Scotland and Wales – that, if they’re going by all the transfer rules of the transfer window with the international clearance when you have to sign a player from one of those clubs, I guess they would argue… shouldn’t they qualify for some of those competitions?
“The flip to that would be the people in those Welsh leagues will say ‘well we don’t have an opportunity to go into the EFL’ so it’s a bit two-sided there. It’s an interesting topic; I’m not educated enough on it to give a real slanted view on it but again, I understand why they’re doing it but I don’t agree that maybe they should be allowed to do it.
“They don’t make money as it is, those clubs; they don’t have the TV deals, they don’t have the share of income, and now all of a sudden you’re going to try and take that from them? I’m not sure that sits well with me,” he added.
Wrexham not alone in Welsh League Cup talks
Wrexham will understandably grab the headlines with this idea.
McElhenney and Reynolds generate headlines around the world and Wrexham’s rise has captured hearts and minds across the globe.
This isn’t just a Wrexham idea though has Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County – the other Welsh clubs playing in the EFL – are also involved.
All four clubs are keen to get involved in a move which will divide opinion in Wales.
Some clubs will see that the likes of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham will bring more exposure, more sponsors and more spotlight on the competition.
Others will feel that they will have no chance of qualifying for Europe if those teams – who have much bigger budgets – are allowed in.
Wrexham are serious about this step but it may take some time to thrash out the details over the coming weeks and months.
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