THERE were dark days for women’s football in Gwent when Caldicot Town Ladies were relegated to Division 1 from the Welsh Premier League, writes Bob Cypher.

But now there is bright light at the end of the tunnel - the Severn Tunnel.

When Town were demoted to the Welsh Women’s League Division 1, their talented development squad - who were runners-up to Cardiff Met last season - found themselves without a club because teams in Division 1 don’t have development squads.

But a change of name and home venue means the squad will compete in the South Wales Women and Girls League as Severn Tunnel Ladies FC, playing on the county league-standard pitch at Rogiet.

The players have a new coach, Sian Rees, who was coaching at Sudbrook Girls before being asked to take on the role.

“It’s an honour to coach this very talented bunch of players,” Sian said.

“I believe the raw talent, ambition and effort they are putting into this team will take them all the way to the top of the women's game.

“I had a call from Caldicot Town Ladies manager Luke Harris asking me to coach the ladies and we have been warmly welcomed at Severn Tunnel FC."

The men’s team manager Ron Atkins said he and the club are delighted women’s football will be played under the Severn Tunnel banner.

“When we were approached, we didn’t hesitate,” he said.

“After a lot of work by club chairman Nathan Wheeler, secretary Josh Birch, Sian and myself, we registered the name and signed all the players as soon as the league gave us the go-ahead.

“The team’s kit will be sponsored by local firm Danny’s Taxis and we all hope this is the start of a new era in Rogiet.”

Seven Tunnel Ladies will kick off their season with two away games at Pontypridd club Rhydyfelin on Sunday, September 2 (2pm), and at Aberdare Town a week later.

Their first home match is on Sunday, September 16, when they welcome Tredegar to Rogiet.