WHAT A SEASON IN STORE!

THE 2009/10 Welsh Premier League season has all the makings of being one of the most exciting in the competition's 17-year history.
The main reason for this is the fact the whole make-up of the league changes next season with the advent of the "Super 12".
This means the WPL becomes a 12-club league from 2010/11 with six - and possibly eight - of the present members going down at the end of the campaign.
Current clubs have to ensure they not only finish in the top 10 to preserve their status, but also that they attain the Football Association of Wales' Domestic Licence, which signifies on and off-the-field excellence.
Two clubs, one each from the two feeder leagues (Cymru Alliance and Welsh League), will join the elite band of 10 clubs, but they must also meet the stringent licensing criteria.
If they are unable to gain the Licence, then the 11th and possibly 12th highest positioned Licensed clubs will get a reprieve.
Here is a look at the current 18 clubs and how LILYWHITES ONLINE feels they will fare in the new campaign:

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN
The return of Luke Sherbon will come as a timely boost to an Aber midfield which has lost key men Chris Venables and Ross Stephens in the close season. The goals of Graham Evans could again prove vital for Town, who always attain a respectable finish.
Last season: 8th. Top 10?: Yes.

AIRBUS UK BROUGHTON
The ambitious Wingmakers have signalled their intentions by bringing in quality front men like the league's all-time record goalscorer Marc Lloyd Williams, Carl Owen and Paul McManus, as well as the defensive class of Rhys Roberts. Watch out for Jack Abraham - he could prove something special.
Last season: 12th. Top 10?: Yes.

BALA TOWN
Colin Caton has brought in a whole host of players in a bid to ensure Bala's first season in the Welsh Prem is not their last. Experienced men like John Toner, Ricky Evans and Mark Powell can make a difference, but will it be enough to make that top 10?
Last season: n/a. Top 10?: No.

BANGOR CITY
Watch out for Bangor this season! Neville Powell has brought in excellent signings in the shape of Mark Smyth, Dave Morley, Ashley Stott and Chris Roberts. The future of Chris Sharp at the club could be an important factor in their progress, as will luck with injuries, but I expect them to achieve their best finish under Powell.
Last season: 6th. Top 10?: Yes.

CAERSWS
The return of Mickey Evans as manager might help their fortunes, but Caersws have been rocking on the ropes like a punch-drunk boxer for some time now and really are fortunate to still be in the league. It is hard to see them survive once more.
Last season: 17th. Top 10?: No.

CARMARTHEN TOWN
Expect Deryn Brace's side to be strong as always with Mark Pritchard and Craig Hanford adding strength to the squad. Threatening the domination of the traditional top three is unlikely, but European qualification looks a decent bet.
Last season: 4th. Top 10?: Yes.

ELEMENTS CEFN DRUIDS
With the likes of Ricky Evans, Kevin Holsgrove and Mark Stewart having moved on, it is hard to see this season being anything other than a struggle for Druids, although no team with Waynne Phillips and Lee Jones in charge will go down without a fight.
Last season: 13th. Top 10?: No.

GAP CONNAH'S QUAY
Like Druids, they have lost so many key players such as Aden Shannon, Liam Loughlin and Phil Clarke that it is hard to see anything other than an uphill task for Nomads to remain in the WPL.
Last season: 9th. Top 10: No.

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY
Derek Brazil has built up an enterprising young side at New Bridge Meadow over the past three years, but it remains to be seen whether they can better last season's seventh position.
Centre half Lee Bevan looks a good signing, but experienced campaigners like Lee Jarman, Neil Thomas and Craig Hanford have all moved on, as well as the exciting Luke Bowen.
Last season: 7th. Top 10?: No (might need to rely on 11th or 12th place being enough)

LLANELLI
Andy Legg has built up the makings of a title-winning squad in the summer with Lee Jarman, Chris Venables and Craig Moses adding real strength to the ranks. Four-times Golden Boot winner Rhys Griffiths will be a danger man as always.
Last season: 2nd. Top 10?: Yes.

NEATH
Big spenders who have become full-time during the summer could threaten the traditional top three of recent years Rhyl, TNS and Llanelli this season. New assets like keeper Anthony Williams and ex-Wrexham midfielder Chris Llewelyn could help them become a real force.
Last season: 14th. Top 10?: Yes.

NEWTOWN
The Robins may need to rely on a Domestic Licence to keep them afloat. The capture of Ross Stephens is a boost, but losing players like Craig Moses will weaken them up front.
Last season: 10th. Top 10: No (might need to rely on 11th or 12th place being enough).

PORTHMADOG
Tomi Morgan has rung the changes at Y Traeth in the summer in a bid to avoid a third successive relegation dogfight.
Their strike-force of Paul Roberts, Aden Shannon, John Rowley and exciting newcomer Marc Evans could save them, but they could still be suspect at the back.
Last season: 16th. Top 10?: No.

PORT TALBOT TOWN
Lee Kendall...say no more. The signing of arguably the league's finest keeper will help Port's progress no end this season.
With the potent up front partnership of Martin Rose and Drew Fahiya, plus the added experience of Neil Thomas and Nick Holland, Talbot can really pull up a few trees this term.
Last season: 5th. Top 10?: Yes.

PRESTATYN TOWN
Adding the likes of Andy Moran, Steve Rogers, Paul O'Neill, Gareth Wilson, Matt Towns and Adie Moody in the close season to the squad will go a long way to securing Prestatyn's survival.
On top of the aforementioned newcomers, the likes of Mike Parker, Ian Griffiths and Jack Lewis will come on a bundle for their debut season in the WPL.
Last season: 15th. Top 10?: Yes.

RHYL FC
What can we expect from the champions this time around? Well during the summer 11 members of the title winning squad have left and just four players have been signed. Those that remain are top class, although cover is needed in most positions. Despite the uncertainty at Belle Vue in recent weeks, Rhyl can still be up there with the best challenging for the crown.
Last season: 1st. Top 10?: Yes.

TECHNOGROUP WELSHPOOL
Huw Griffiths won't let this team surrender its WPL status without an almighty battle, but with Steve Rogers and Paul Roberts gone, where are the goals going to come from? Returning striker Calvin Davies perhaps? while Peter Doran and Mark Stewart are good recruits. Maesydre is a million miles away from Super 12 requirements.
Last season: 11th. Top 10?: No.

THE NEW SAINTS
Craig Jones and Christian Seargeant are really good acquisitions by coach Andy Cale. Generally a young side with bags of pace, TNS can be a real force this season and experience is still there with the likes of Steve Evans.
Last season: 3rd. Top 10?: Yes

PREDICTIONS SUMMARY:

Top 10 (no specific order)
Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Bangor City
Carmarthen Town
Llanelli
Neath
Port Talbot Town
Rhyl
The New Saints
Prestatyn Town

11th/12th
Newtown
Haverfordwest County

Bottom Six
Bala Town
Caersws
Elements Cefn Druids
Gap Connah's Quay
Porthmadog
Technogroup Welshpool