Reaction | 2022/23 Adran Premier champions

Adran Premier Champions, Cardiff City...
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On a memorable day for the Bluebirds, clinching the Adran Premier title, head coach Iain Darbyshire spoke to Cardiff City TV.

His side became champions of Wales’ top-flight for the second time in the Club’s history with a 3-1 victory over The New Saints.

“It’s everything we’ve worked towards for the past two years,” Iain began. “We’ve put a lot in place to build a successful group, but we’ve had to improve week-in, week-out and we’ve done that this season. I’m so proud of the players, the staff and everyone behind the scenes. As a club, we’re in such a fantastic place across our three teams and I’m just so proud of everyone.

“Character has been massive for us this season. You can’t have it your own way. You’re not going to blow teams away every week. Teams like TNS are trying to get to where we are and I’ve got so much praise for them, their coaching staff and how they do things because it’s working.

“Every game we’ve had against them has been difficult. Everyone is getting better and the fact that we’re champions in such a competitive league shows how hard we’ve worked."

A key part in the Bluebirds’ side this season has been talented midfielder Seren Watkins, who has produced countless impressive performances for City.

Seren added: “I’m over the moon. It’s something we’ve aimed towards for a very long time, we’ve worked really hard to get to today and we deserve it.

“We’ve come from finishing third last season to winning the league and it just shows all the work that goes in behind the scenes, all the adjustments we’ve made with training. As a team, we’ve been fighting for each other in every match and we believe that we can go and win every game. 

Commenting on the performance of captain Siobhan Walsh, who netted an important brace for City, Seren stated: “Obviously, she’s brilliant. I think especially for players like me, who have more of a defensive role, she plays a massive influence. A lot of players in the squad look up to her and she’s consistent week-in, week-out, so she’s massive.”

Defender Megan Bowen has also impressed for the Bluebirds this season, having signed from Barry Town United at the beginning of the campaign.

After winning the title in a City shirt at the first time of asking, she said: “I’m so proud of the team’s performance, not only against TNS, but throughout the season. Nobody has been better than us and it shows on days like today, when there’s more pressure on us, we can still play well and win games. I’m just really proud of our performance today.

“I think we have the perfect mix of experience and young players coming through and that’s what’s won us the league. The older players show us the way and the experience they have is amazing. Our younger players learn from them, not only on matchdays, but in training as well.”

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