The Rise and Rise of Welsh Football

It's that man again

For so long, the land of the valleys and mines has been famous for its singers and rugby players. But when it came to football, Wales were very much considered one of world football's minnows.

They had their time in the sun in the 1950s when they featured as part of Pele's double act at the quarterfinals of the 1958 World Cup. Then again, much of their nemesis today, e.g. Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Lithuania were either busy rebuilding from World War II or stuck behind an Iron Curtain and part as the Soviet Union.

Welsh sports fans have had all their joy from George North and his teammates for so long

Yes, Welsh football has produced some of world football's best known stars, e.g. Manchester United's Ryan Giggs and soon-to-be Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, but other than that, football in the principality has had very little to shout about.

Until now.

Swansea win Welsh football's first major trophy in league football in years

Two of Wales' biggest clubs are in the English Premier League with Cardiff and Swansea playing together in the same division since 2011 and also the first time they will play together in the top flight.

Cardiff City are back in the big time

This is thanks to huge investment from some wealthy owners, Cardiff and Swansea City, which has seen their previously dilapidated stadia torn down and replaced with Premier League quality stadia. Crowds have been superb to the point that they outstrip crowds at Pro20 rugby games - a concern for Welsh rugby.

Ashley Williams still struggles to get more searches than his hotter female namesake but he's excelling on the field

Both clubs have been hugely strengthened with solid talent from the continent, e.g. Michu, Wilfred Bony at Swansea, but there is some local talent in both sides. Swansea have Welsh internationals, captain Ashley Williams, Ben Davies and Neil Taylor, while Cardiff have long-time Welsh legend, Craig Bellamy and fellow compatriot, Declan John.

Both clubs have two of football's rising managerial talent. Brian Laudrup was linked with Real Madrid last summer after guiding Swansea to the League Cup and a top ten Premier League finish and Premier League followers should become more familiar with Malky Mackay's name.

Malky gives goalscoring hero, Frazier Campbell - his brace helped cause a massive upset

Especially after Sunday's thrilling win over 2012 champions and powerhouses, Manchester City. Ok, City were missing Vincent Kompany at the back but even then, they played well enough on their home turf to unsettle City's stars, not familiar with a homecoming that has been planned for a generation or two.

Yes, Cardiff City may be playing in red - breaking away with the traditional blue and bluebirds which has alienated its older fans - but they're back in the Premier League and that is probably the most important thing for the club.

Can Cardiff and Swansea's success in the Premier League inspire a new generation of Welsh footballers who can get Wales back into a major tournament? That is quite hard to say and we would only be able to see the effects in 5-10 years or so when the current crop of teenagers is ready for first team football.

Aaron Ramsey is one of Welsh football's rising stars

It has to be said that the Welsh national team is currently blessed with some tremendous talent. There's not only Gareth Bale but also Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, Liverpool's Joe Allen and West Ham's Jack Collison. The only trouble is the rest of the team is average at best and still struggles to get wins on a consistent basis.

They were also hampered badly by the shock passing of coach Gary Speed, although current coach Chris Coleman has looked to try and continue Speed's success at bringing out the youth.

Welsh football has a long way to go before it sees days like this

So it may be some time before Welsh football can match the success of its rugby counterparts, but at least you can say that Welsh football is no longer dead, but very much alive and kicking.

Anyway's here's two fixtures to look out for.

3 November 2013, Cardiff v Swansea
8 February 2014, Swansea v Cardiff