Llandrindod Wells have withdrawn from the Lock Stock Ardal League North East on the eve of the new season.

The Spa men have competed in the Ardal Leagues since they were formed, spending the 2021-22 season in the Ardal South East before moving to the North East division for the past four campaigns.

Llandrindod achieved comfortable mid-table finishes in their first four years but narrowly avoided relegation last time out after struggling with player numbers.

Injuries have not helped, with Daryl Nicholls and Kieran McCarley both out long-term, although McCarley made a welcome return at the weekend, while Liam Hall has not played since September.

Danny Hall and Gavin Rowlands departed The Broadway midway through last season, while Kejan Foryszewski and Fin Francis spent the second half of the campaign travelling.

Matters were further exacerbated with more key players leaving the club over the summer.

Goalkeeper James Barker, virtually an ever-present since joining from Rhayader Town in January 2022, has moved to Ardal League South West side Canton, while Jack Evans has joined West Wales Premier League outfit Cwmamman United. Ruben Edwards has made the switch to local rivals Builth Wells.

Signs were not good when Llandrindod failed to fulfil two pre-season friendlies, and it became evident they would be unable to field a side at Tier Three level, leading to their announcement last week.

The club said: “Last season was a very difficult one both on and off the pitch for us. As a result, a number of first-team players have departed, as well as numerous resignations from our committee. We have been unable to attract any new signings and have had to cancel two of our pre-season friendlies as a result of not having enough players available.”

The club’s statement, read by chairman Robbie Nicholls, continued: “Following consultation with our players, management and committee, we have taken the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the Lock Stock Ardal North East League.

“It is not the end for Llandrindod Wells FC. Instead, it is an opportunity to reset, rebuild and secure a sustainable future for our club.

“We have faced challenges like this before, most notably when we withdrew from the Mid Wales League in the early 2000s. That decision ultimately led to one of the most successful periods in our history, when we achieved three promotions and won the Emrys Morgan and Radnorshire Cups.”

That third promotion took Llandrindod to the then Tier Two Cymru Alliance.

The statement continued: “We know the road ahead will not be easy, but this new chapter provides an opportunity for our talented junior players to progress into senior football, continuing a pathway that has always been central to the club’s identity and long-term success.

“We are determined to build a strong, sustainable future for Llandrindod Wells FC and would love the local community to be part of that journey.”

Llandrindod will now start what they hope is the road back up the Welsh pyramid by fielding their first team in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) this season, where they should be among the title contenders.