History of Cwmbrân Town AFC

Cwmbrân Town was formed in 1951 when Whiteheads AFC disbanded. After playing in junior leagues the club switched to the Welsh League in 1960, moving to Cwmbrân Athletics Stadium in 1975.

In 1978 Cwmbrân finished bottom of the Welsh League Premier Division and were relegated, in 1981 The Crows finished 16th but in 1982 won promotion to the Premier Division.

In 1986 Cwmbrân became full members of the FAW and were chosen as one of 14 Welsh clubs to participate in both the English FA Cup and FA Trophy.

It was not until November 1991 that the club made a substantial move forwards in appointing Tony Wilcox as manager. The Town were then founder members of the newly formed Football League Of Wales, and went on to win the Championship at the first attempt in 1993. As champions they represented Wales in the European Champions Cup - the only LoW side to do so (before it became rebranded as the UEFA Champions League).

In 1998 Cwmbrân again qualified for Europe as Welsh Cup Finalists, meeting Romanian side Nationale Bucerusti. The following season they went one better reaching the UEFA Cup by finishing third in the LoW to set up a two legged encounter with Glasgow Celtic.

Since that first season Cwmbrân have been ever present in the LoW and are usually pushing for honours. The 1999/2000 season saw The Crows reach the Welsh Cup Final and qualify for Europe by finishing third in the League of Wales.

During season 2002/03, Cwmbrân Town again reached the Welsh Cup Final, but this time narrowly missing out after a penalty shoot out with Barry Town.

As a result of us finishing runners up in the Welsh Cup, the Crows qualified for 03/04 UEFA Cup, and in the 1st Qualifying round, were drawn against Maccabi Haifa from Israel who in the 02/03 season beat Manchester United in the Champions League. A 3-0 home defeat in the first leg was a little harsh on our overall performance and the return leg resulted in a similar score line.

Cwmbrân have achieved a feat only one other club has managed (Juventus). They've played in all 4 major UEFA competitions: European Champions Cup (Champions League), UEFA Cup, Cup Winner's Cup, and InterToto Cup.

The loss of a major backer in 2005 lead to a down-turn in fortunes for the club, and after finishing bottom of the WPL in 05/06 and 06/07, the Crows were relegated to the Welsh League first division. Spaniard Guillermo Ganet has been tasked with a swift return to Wales's top division.