AROUND THE GROUNDS:
SEASON RECAP
When I launched ‘Around the Grounds’ during Matchweek 35, I had no idea it would be what I enjoyed putting together the most. Like plenty of us, I'm a fan first, but writing all these has broadened my perspective and strengthened my insights, not only for the clubs I cover consistently, but for football in general.
Following the Welsh contingent has opened doors to conversations and communities I'd have never found otherwise, and it’s made my love for football and the game in Wales feel much more real. So thank you.
Already looking forward to next season.
Let’s get into it.
Cardiff City | Promotion to the Championship
The Bluebirds’ last two games saw them dismantle Northampton 5-1, then end the year with an honestly disappointing 5-4 defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town. Regardless of the final day result, Cardiff can only be happy with the way the season went.
The likes of Gabriel Osho, Omari Kellyman (on loan), Nathan Trott (on loan), and all the Academy boys who came through and took their chances allowed Cardiff to have the options off the bench to return to the Championship at the first time of asking.
What we’ve tried to do with the club is be really progressive and plan mainly to improve the squad throughout the season in each window. Each player we brought in, we felt, improved the squad significantly. - Brian Barry-Murphy
The name that sticks out the most to me, though, is Omari Kellyman. What an addition he was to this team. When a talented youngster from a top 6 club in the Premier League joins a lower division side, it can go one of two ways. They either shine and make a name for themselves or disappear, never to be heard from again (maybe a bit dramatic).
But Kellyman certainly put people on notice.
The 20-year-old midfielder racked up 7 League One goals and an assist in 24 appearances. He’s still finding his feet in senior football, but his close control and composure in tight areas set him apart at this level. As the season progressed, he only grew in importance, impact, and maturity, so Cardiff fans will be hoping it isn't the last they see of him, but as they say, “never fall in love with a loan player.”
We’ll see what the Championship throws at them, but I feel as though Cardiff have everything they need to be successful next year.
Swansea City | Mid-table finish
From where the Swans started off the season (looking like they might get dragged into a relegation battle in December), mid-table (11th) seems like a successful year, all things considered. Although fans would tell you otherwise. Even with the rough start, Swansea found themselves in contention for that final playoff spot heading into the back half of the campaign.
They hung around until other teams, also in contention, took charge and outclassed them.
The last two matches for the Swans saw that type of form continue, really, with a 1-1 draw away to Norwich and then a 3-1 win at home against Charlton Athletic to end the campaign.
While they saw out the final day with a victory, it was a season that fell short of their own ambitions.
For Swansea, the best bit of business they could do is keep hold of their best players. Žan Vipotnik was crowned the Championship’s leading scorer, winning the 2025/26 Golden Boot. That kind of award and recognition almost certainly guarantees a summer exit to a Premier League club, or a recently relegated squad looking to bounce right back up to the top flight.
The Swans would do well to have him back next season (or at least get the right price for the striker).
Ethan Galbraith is another name that’s been floating around as a possible departure. He was named Men’s Best Newcomer at the Swansea City Player Awards Evening.
Here’s to hoping Swansea can make a few additions of their own and run it back with this squad (we’ll see).
Wrexham | A Playoff dream
The Hollywood storyline that’s been well documented ended in heartbreak on the final day of the season. They drew 2-2 with Middlesbrough and, with results elsewhere not going their way, finished the season in 7th place.
What more could you want, though, as a Wrexham fan (other than that Premier League dream realized)? It may be totally fair to say that the Red Dragons weren’t ready just yet to make the leap up to the top flight, but others may argue, myself included, that their CV has proved otherwise. They had an incredible season when you take a step back.
With each jump up in division, the product on the pitch matched it. 3 consecutive promotions? 4 years ago, this club was still figuring out life outside the EFL.
Fans may see this as a surface-level disappointment right now, but the reality is they’re probably right where they belong and can now push on to bigger and better things. Next up, another year in the Championship, which I think is going to prove invaluable.
A monumental overachievement? Or just the first stepping stone to an extended Premier League stay? Excited to find out!
Newport County | Survival on the final day
What a battle this year turned out to be. Came down to the last day of the season to retain their status as an EFL club. Stressful doesn’t even begin to put into perspective what these fans experienced over the last few months, but with the dramatic win against Barrow, Newport County live to see another year in League Two.
Newport went into these final two games needing to win them both. They first delivered a dramatic finish to one of the most exciting games I witnessed all season. A 90+18-minute winner against Oldham, after a penalty save, is what you watch football for.
The Exiles’ last game away to Barrow would serve as another reminder of how tight the margins are in the EFL. Having trailed most of the game, it wasn’t until the 76th minute that Newport were able to equalize through a Tom Davies dribbler through a few defenders in the box.
Shortly after, the fans could take a bigger sigh of relief when Bobby Kamwa sealed the victory and their safety in the 83rd minute.
Speaking of Kamwa, he’s been absolutely crucial for the Exiles. A free signing from Burton Albion and a product of the Leeds United academy, who'd spent years trying to find his footing in professional football. This journey culminated with a goal that will no doubt be written into the club folklore. He put the team on his back.
Closing out the year
Wrexham held their own and showed they truly belong at this level, Swansea continued their steady stay in the second division, and Cardiff City bounced back immediately from their relegation last year, winning promotion from League One and setting up a well-deserved return to the Championship. First time since 1980 we have 3 Welsh clubs in the second tier. Amazing.
Newport County once again lived on the edge in League Two, surviving on the final day in nerve-wracking fashion. But they survived, and that’s what matters.
Our clubs from Wales now span just two divisions. They’re closing the gap with each other, and that’s exciting!
⚔️ 🏴
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