Rhayader Town have announced they are to withdraw from the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance.
The Red Kites had been due to start their campaign on Saturday, 12 August, but have informed the league they will not be taking up their place after all.
In a statement, Rhayader Town say they took the decision reluctantly but it ultimately comes down the fact players don’t want to make round trips of more than 300 miles for a game of football.
“This is a decision that hasn’t been taken lightly and we have explored every avenue to try and fulfil our obligations to the league.
“For several seasons travelling commitments in this league have become a burden and this year it has come to a head with the realisation that players do no want to travel what can be 324-mile round trips to play a game of football.
“We apologise to all clubs that our decision has affected but we will come back stronger.
“We will accept any punishment that the league and FAW sanction.”
Rhayader Town insist they will be playing football in the coming season and it’s to be hoped they can be incorporated into a league somewhere – maybe the Spar Mid Wales, second division?
After all, FAW rules might well demand they are demoted two leagues and there are only 13 clubs in division two this season – but I would stress this is pure speculation on my part and no decision has been taken.
It is to be hoped the authorities don’t hammer the Weirglodd club financially – anyone who is on a committee in local football will know it takes a lot of raising.
Yes, there has to be a deterrent to prevent clubs dropping out of leagues on a whim, but Rhayader clearly didn’t take this decision lightly and so there doesn’t seem much point in effectively kicking a club when it’s already down.