Berriew withdraw from league, manager quits

Berriew Football Club have withdrawn from the Ardal North East League, and their manager has quit as a result, casting more pressure on the controversial new tier system being operated in Wales.

The club confirmed this lunch time that due to a lack of commitment from players, with many departing the club, they were forced to call it quits and will likely drop down into Mid Wales football.

In a statement issued to the media, Marcus King, Chairman, said: “Berriew Football Club has notified the Ardal Northern League that it has decided to withdraw from the Ardal North East League.

“The Club has lost a significant number of senior players during the close season and have not been able to replace them. We would have had to rely on a squad largely consisting of last season's Reserve team.

“We believe that would have been unfair on those players, our supporters and the other teams in the league.

“We remain an ambitious club and intend to rebuild for the future. We have therefore applied to fill the vacancy in the MMP Central Wales League North created by the recent withdrawal of Churchstoke FC.

“Following this decision, Team Manager, Josh Gough, informed the club that due to the changed circumstances he could not continue in his role. A further statement regarding the position of Team Manager will be made in due course.

It has been a difficult summer for the club after long standing manager Dave Jones stepped down at the end of the season. His successor, Paul Inns, quit after just a month to allow Gough to take control, but his departure means that a fourth manager will be in place in the space of three months.