BALA Town manager Colin Caton’s controversial statement following their defeat at Caernarfon Town has got the north Wales footballing community in hot debate.

The Lakesiders’ boss claimed that “not many” of the current Cofis’ squad would “get anywhere near” his line-up, which is a statement that is extremely short-sighted given the achievements of both sides so far this term in relation to their pre-season expectations.

Whether the frustration of another defeat at the hands of the newly promoted side got the better of the experienced manager or not is up for debate, but given the fact that they have taken just one point off the Canaries in three outings during the campaign, the facts do not back up Caton’s claims and the gap between the two clubs may not be as big as he thinks given the current state of affairs.

There is no doubt that Town have overachieved in their first season back in the JD Welsh Premier League, even boss Sean Eardley freely admits that, but this is a club that has given the top flight a huge shot in the arm and nothing has been handed to them, so they deserve their place in the top six amongst the WPL elite thanks to the exceptional way they have adjusted to the rigours of the league and the way each of them have pulled together in the face of more experience and a higher class of opposition.

The significant budget differential between the two clubs should mean different expectations, but the Lakesiders’ find themselves well out of the title picture and at the end of the day the table does not lie.

They have not been good enough this season, especially with the talent at their disposal, and this has only added to Caton’s frustration as the likes of Connah’s Quay Nomads, defending champions The New Saints and surprise package Barry Town United continue to thrive.

The likes of Alex Ramsay, Nathan Craig, Danny Brookwell, Gareth Evans and Noah Edwards would no doubt all add something to this current Bala squad, and having an emerging talent such as Sion Bradley would also do more good than harm given how well the former Porthmadog standout has performed when called upon this term.

Caton’s has enjoyed a phenomenal career within the domestic game. He achieved a considerable amount as a player and has further boosted his credentials in the dugout, but his somewhat disrespectful remark was a little bit bitter in the heat of the moment and maybe it is a sign of the times in terms of how worried he currently is, or should be, with the rise to prominence of Caernarfon under Eardley.

One thing high-profile signings’ cannot bring you is team spirit and cohesion, something which the Cofis’ have in abundance and this was further evident on Friday night as they dug in for another three points in their quest for Europe.

When Caton has further time to reflect on his statement he will know deep down that he would give a considerable amount for the same will to win and determination from his current group of players.

This, of course, will be water off a duck’s back to Eardley and his squad, who have proven the doubters wrong on an almost weekly basis this season, and Caton’s comments are a clear indication that they are continuing to ruffle feathers with the WPL’s heavyweights.

Something that will no doubt motivate them further and delight the loyal Cofi Army.