PROPOSALS for Wales’ big three to play in the Welsh Premier were yesterday slammed by the league’s managers, who branded the idea “ludicrous” and “diabolical”.

Welshpool boss Tomi Morgan said the FAW’s idea to allow Wrexham, Cardiff City and Swansea to field teams in the league was “laughable” and “a no-goer from the start”.

Llangefni Town’s general manager Bryan Owen demanded the big three choose whether to compete in Wales or in England as they sought qualification to the Champions League and Uefa Cup.

Meanwhile, Rhyl boss John Hulse said he was open to any ideas but was yet to be convinced such a plan could work.

The plan, contained in the document “FAW Strategic Plan 2007-2012”, was put to Welsh Premier clubs in yesterday’s league board meeting.

The idea of former Welsh Premier secretary Alun Evans, it would see the Football League clubs field reserve teams in the league in an attempt to qualify for European competition.

But Morgan said: “It’s a great idea but it’s a no-goer from the start. I can’t for a moment see Uefa sanctioning teams being represented in two different countries.

“The notion that Cardiff could play in the Welsh Premier and also, potentially, in the Premier League in England is laughable and ludicrous.”

Morgan pointed to Wrexham’s FAW Premier Cup quarter-final defeat to Llanelli on Wednesday night, which the Dragons lost 4-2 in extra time after relinquishing a two-goal lead in 90 minutes.

“Alun Evans is saying it would improve the league – but look at Wrexham’s performance against Llanelli,” he said. “The plan’s got so many pitfalls it would fall at the first hurdle.”

Morgan said rather than keep churning out the idea of the big three joining the Welsh Premier, which has been touted at various times since the league’s inception in 1992, the FAW should invest more money into the domestic structure.

“People keep coming up with these fantastic ideas year in, year out,” he said. “But until the FAW throw some money at the league things aren’t going to improve.

“The league needs something to get it back on track, but I don’t think bringing in these three clubs is the answer. I can’t see it working – it seems very much an impossibility.”

Llangefni chief Owen said of the plan: “I’m not happy about it at all. I’d welcome the big three with open arms if they were leaving England and coming into Wales to improve the league, but they can’t have their jam on both sides of the bread.

“Bringing reserve sides in isn’t improving the league – there’s not a Premier League in the world that has reserve sides in it.

“I’m sure Rangers and Celtic would love to play in the English Premier League, but would the other Scottish clubs let them play reserve sides in the Scottish league? It’s diabolical – I’ve never heard such a ludicrous idea.”

And Rhyl boss Hulse said: “If it’s for the benefit of the league then great, sit us down and show us how it’s going to work and how it’s going to be better.

“But I can’t see how you can be registered with one FA in one country and one FA in another.”