ONE OF WALES' oldest football clubs will return to the pitch for the upcoming season, following uncertain times.

Last summer, Wrexham-based Cefn Druids FC confirmed that it would not play in the second tier of north Wales football during the 2023/24 season as planned.

Troubles began for the Ancients as they were relegated from Wales' top-flight, the JD Cymru Premier, in 2022.

Then, in January 2023, the club was banned from signing players for two transfer windows, after being charged with breaching Fifa transfer guidelines.

All that led to an uncertain future for the club.

But now, the Druids have confirmed that they will be back in action during 2024/25.

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The club will be starting from square one by participating in tier five of Welsh football.

A statement from club chairman Des Williams read: "Following a brief period on the sidelines, one of the oldest names in the Welsh footballing pyramid is back and raring to go.

"Druids have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to solve the off-field issues that caused them to withdraw from playing football. Starting in Tier 5 of the league, the club has restructured itself and now falls in line with EFL guidelines as well as incorporating FAW standards.

"With new coaching staff, committee members and fresh faces around the club, it hopes to encourage youth development as well as coach development.

"The clubs first appointment is Phil Winsper as Director of Football. The former Llangollen Manager and stalwart has a wealth of local knowledge that will prove invaluable to the new set up. Winsper will be the link between the footballing and business side of the club and will be focus on the playing side rather than the off pitch recruitment etc.

"The next piece of the jigsaw is the capture of Steve Garnett as Technical Director. Steve’s role is to find emerging talent and recruit the best players at all ages, starting at seniors and then the academy next season. Former Llangollen Reserves Manager, Steven Birch is the first team manager and brings passion, intensity and a hunger and drive to improve as a coach and manager."
 

The club is now recruiting volunteers and players ahead of the new season.

Cefn Druids is one of Wales and indeed the UK's oldest clubs having been formed in 1872.