Robyn Pinder predicts a close title race as the Adran Premier kicks off in Wales this weekend.
“It’s about time someone challenged Cardiff. They’ve had it too easy for the last few seasons!” she grins.
Indeed, Cardiff City have won the last three league competitions – doing the treble in 2023-24, with two doubles sandwiching that achievement.
“Cardiff are well organised. Quite a lot of them have played together for a long time, so that they’re used to what they want to do. They’ve got a clear philosophy. That’s probably what’s been separating them as well for a few years.”
But Pinder thinks that some of the other teams can start to close that gap.
“Wrexham seem to be doing really well. They’ve got a new manager in, and they’ve made what seem to be some really good signings – the infrastructure is there,” she says, pointing out the amount of travel that teams need to do, especially when players are part-time and commuting to training and matches.
She highlights the challenges faced in particular by Aberystwyth Town – part of a club whose men’s team are in the second tier of Welsh football, and positioned right on the coast in west Wales, which means a lot of travel for potential players and staff who aren’t already in the immediate vicinity.
“Recruitment for them is super hard given their location – not many people want to be travelling all that way, so I really do feel for them.
“Aberystwyth are in a really tricky position, and I just have so much respect for them, how well they do every year, given that.
“They’re a team you never want to play. They’re just so resolute, they’re so hard to break down, and if there’s a team that gives their all every single game, it’s got to be Aberystwyth for sure.”
Robyn Pinder: I was consumed by football
Pinder retired from football earlier this year, hanging her boots up after a spell at Swansea City. She enjoyed great success with Cardiff Met, where she featured in their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaigns, and also played for Pontypridd United and Keynsham Town in England.
At the age of 31, retirement seemed a sensible option.
“I don’t think I’m off the pace or anything. I didn’t retire because I thought I wasn’t any good any more! I got to a point where I kept feeling guilty about always saying to my family, friends or my wife, ‘Oh, sorry, I can’t, I’ve got football.’ I’ve been saying that for so long. We just got a puppy as well – a doberman – and that’s pretty full on, and we just got married.
“It was the guilt of my life being consumed by football. It seems like it’s quite sad to say that. I obviously love the game, and I miss it, and I see myself at some point getting back involved, but that was the main thing: just trying to have some time to give all of my attention to other people.”
As for Swansea’s prospects this season, she thinks it’s an exciting time for them under head coach Yzzy Taylor – a bridesmaid at her recent wedding.
“Last year, they had a relatively young squad, who all have some some experience in the Welsh Prem now, so they’re in better stead.
“Yzzy – I’m biased, but they’re in safe hands with a coach of her quality, and they’ve managed to retain some other key members in that in that coaching group, like Nic [Nicola Jones], who’s the goalkeeper coach at the club as well.
“They’re set up really well, and I’m excited to see what they do.”
Pushed on a prediction, she adds: “I would predict a different champion this year, and definitely the points [gap] closing.
“I would guess Cardiff will still be up there, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wrexham, TNS and Swans – maybe, fingers crossed! – up there.”
