TWO of Wales's three Football League clubs last night poured cold water on proposals to regionalise the Second and Third divisions of the competition.

The chairmen of the 24 First Division sides meet at West Bromwich Albion today to consider various suggestions relating to the future structure of the Nationwide League. And certain to be among the proposals are the possibility of a Premier League Second Division - or Phoenix League as it has been called - and the regionalisation of the lower two divisions.

The latter - aimed at easing the financial burdens crippling most lower league sides - will come under closer scrutiny when separate meetings of Second Division and Third Division chairmen take place in the next couple of weeks.

But last night Wrexham and Swansea - Cardiff owner Sam Hammam was unavailable for comment - told The Western Mail they would reject any proposals to alter the current structure.

"I would have to listen to the pros and cons of the suggestion, but if it was as simple as voting yes or no I would vote no," said Wrexham chief executive David Rhodes.

"Regionalisation is suggested as a way of cutting travelling costs on long-distance trips, but this season we're only talking about seven over-night stops.

"It would also take something away from the competition, a view I know chairmen at a lot of the smaller clubs share and I'm sure supporters would too.

"The solution to the financial problems facing clubs is to cut players' wages. Agents constantly talking players up and up must come to a stop."

Rhodes's sentiments were echoed by Mel Nurse, whose newly-installed consortium is grappling with the financial crisis at Third Division Swansea City.

"We don't want to see the present system altered because we want to retain the best quality of football in Swansea," said Nurse.

"However, looking at the way things are going I believe television - not the clubs themselves - will determine what is going to happen because there's so much money at stake.

"In the short term, I agree it's essential clubs such as Swansea control the amount of money players are earning.

"Regionalising the Second and Third Divisions isn't the key. Transport costs? We can afford to travel to places such as Carlisle and Southend if the books are balanced correctly."