This is the view that greets high-ranking visitors to the new prestigious offices of the Football Association of Wales at their new address of Neptune Court, Vanguard Way, Cardiff.

The office is in a road that is used as an unofficial lorry park

This is Neptune Court. The office is in midfield.

Much of the funding for the offices came from award from UEFA under the "Hat-Trick" project to improve the infrastructure of football in Wales.

Thanks to the "Hat-Trick" project, the FAW has these offices, whereas the member clubs of the leading domestic competition, the Welsh Premier League, and who are expected to represent the country and the Football Association of Wales in European competition have things like this.

Never mind the offices. Which part of Welsh football is beamed across most of Europe on television? Which part of Welsh football is going to be seen by most people? Where should the money be going?

I wrote to UEFA about their take on the "hat trick" project and although they read my mails, they couldn't be bothered to reply. My latest reminder to them was read on Wednesday 14 February 2007 at 10:23:34.

Yes - nothing like a bit of symbolism, is there? Definitely guarded and patrolled by a bunch of dogs and under surveillance. In fact never mind the "sym" bit. It's nothing but bolics if you ask me.

The nickname I gave to it of "Ceaucescu's Palace", after the residence of the former Romanian dictator which contrasted starkly with the conditions under which he expected his subjects to live, is really most appropriate. That was guarded and patrolled too, and also had a wall around it.

The staff canteen, on dirait. It is in fact the closest public eating facility to FAW Headquarters. I wonder how many of these high-ranking visitors are brought here for lunch?

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