By Thomas White
August 11 2009

This season seems to be all about making the Super 12, which comes to effect from the 2010-2011 this season. We have a brief look at the 18 contenders and see who'se likely to up there challenging for honours, facing midtable obscurity or batteling to avoid the drop.

Aberystwyth Town - Despite making the Welsh Cup Final, Boss Brian Coyne along with new 1st team coach Jake King will be aiming for improved perfomances in the league particuarly the 2nd half of the season was disappointing by his and their standards. While the current signings have been described from elsewhere "as not in the class" there are 1 or 2 couple of big name signings planned to join ahead of the new season. (Prediction - should make the Top 8 comfortably)

Airbus UK Broughton - Could be the suprise package of this season having finished 12th last season bolstered their strike force recruiting Mark Lloyd Williams and Carl Owen from CPD Porthmadog. (Prediction - Top 12)

Bala Town - The leagues only new boys brought in a host of experienced WPL campaginers in  Jay Bell, Ricky Evans, Ross Jefferies, Danny Jellicoe, Peter Moore, Mark Powell, John Toner but did lose Tommy Mutton. While manager Colin Caton's side should avoid being in a bttom of the basement battle meeting the domestic requirements for the new Super 12 could be a struggle.

Bangor City - With the return of Ashley Stott and Mark Smyth along Chris Sharp the team "everyone loves to hate" should be in contention to be the "best of the rest" at a minimum with a possibility of challenging the top 3 if they can avoid key injuries and suspensions.

Caersws FC - Mickey Evans returns at the helm after a 2 year absence in which "sws" finished twice in the relegation zone only to be reprieved on technicalities. Veteren defender Huw Clarke returns in a move which should tighten up the defence but goals are what Sws are looking for and havent had an out an out scorer since the departure of Graham Evans.

Carmarthen Town - Player-boss Deryn Brace has largely kept his squad together and recruited Llanelli's Mark Pritchard and Haverfordwests Craig Hanford as well as highly rated Sam O Sullivan from Merthyr Tydfil.

Element Cefn Druids - New same, same problems for the Druids who'se delays to the ground as well as losing key players like Ricky Evans means they are unlikely to be challenging for the new Super 12 this season.

GAP Connahs Quay - Already on their 4th manager before a balls been kicked new player boss Mark McGregor will be in for an interesting ride with the Nomads this season who as well as being manager is expected to play a key role in defence

Haverfordwest County - A side that is largely youthful and play plenty of exciting football could finish upper midtable with the acquisiton of Lee Bevan and Robbie Walters combined with the goals of Jack Christopher.

Llanelli AFC - Our favourites for the title this season begin the first season under new player manager Andy Legg who has reshaped his squad bringing in Lee Jarman, Lee Jenkins, Craig Moses, Chris Venables and Owain Warlow but has retained Rhys Griffiths who will surely be up there for the Golden Boot award at the end of the campaign.

Neath FC - The new big spenders of the WPL  have probably made the headlining signing of the season with striker Chris Llewellyn and defender Ian Hillier as well as keeper Anthony Williams.

Newtown AFC - Should make the super 12 comfortably based on their facilities alone but while having a limited playing budget did manage to tempt Ross Stephens from Aberystwyth Town.

CPD Porthmadog - Tomi Morgan's arrival and improved performances combined with "JIWS" goals meant they played WPL footbal for another year but the big question is how will he replace JIWS.

Port Talbot Town - Mark Jone's improved PTT side arguably obtained the services of  the best keeper in the league (barring his temperament) in bringing Lee Kendall back south from Rhyl and strengthened the midfield with ex Llanelli captain Neil Thomas and Nicky Holland.

Prestatyn Town - comfortably survived their first season in top flight Welsh football and aim to push on with new signingsAndy Moran, Paul O'Neill, Steve Rogers and Gareth Wilson expected to perfom but Super 12 could be just out of their reach.

Rhyl FC - Many predicted will dominate the WPL for the next few seasons until Alan Bickerstaffe as sacked as manager and financial concerns began to emerge from Belle Vue. Greg Strong has taken on the role as player boss but has been boosted with the arrival of John Leah from rivals The New Saints, Leahs former team mate Martin Naylor and a return to Belle Vue from Lee Hunt.

Technogroup Welshpool - Woefully inadequate facilities will finally rule out them of WPL football after this season for the forseeable future but Huw Griifthis is looking to build a youthful side who welcome back Calvin Davies.

The New Saints - Dr Cale will hope his new look side will step up to the plate after the uproar at the end of last season with the loss of John Leah, John Toner, Duane Courtney (who has since signed for Blue Square Prem side Kidderminster) and Rob Williams. Chris Marriot (Wrexham), Craig Jones (Rhyl) and Chris Seargent (Bangor City) are the pick of new signings which should see them through as title contenders