LLANYMYNECH Football Club have applied to join the MMP-NL Mid Wales League East.

The Station Road club confirmed its intentions to seek membership of the fourth tier when football returns.

Manager Nathan Bartram insisted the league had always been one which the club aspired but events of the past 12 months had ensured promotion was a priority.

Bartram said: "We see being members of the Mid Wales League as the best way to take the club forward and secure its future.

"Football in the pyramid will see us able to attract a new generation of young players, particularly from our local juniors club, that will allow them to play a strong standard of football while still representing Llanymynech."

The club has spent nine years in the Montgomeryshire League - a league which the club has a long history.

Llanymynech Football Club with the Consolation Cup in 2017.

Llanymynech Football Club with the Consolation Cup in 2017.

Llanymynech Football Club in 2017.

Bartram confirmed the club would look to utilise the league in the future for a new reserve side if their application to the Mid Wales League is accepted.

Bartram said: "We're aware it's a competitive process with other clubs applying for membership so nothing is certain.

"In years gone by we've always seen the natural promotion as the way to make the step up to the Mid Wales League, but with the new FAW Reserve League and the effects of the pandemic making the outlook of amateur level football a lot less certain we believe this is a positive step to ensure our club achieves its potential.

"We've successfully kept hold of our entire playing squad and are looking forward to introducing some younger players making the step up to senior football.

"We are looking to add players with experience of playing at that level, experience that they can share with the current squad.

"We know this would be a big step up, a tough challenge, but we are going into it with our eyes wide open.

"Whether this is the correct move or a step too far we'll only know by looking at the table at the end of the season, but we'll be leaving everything out on the field.

"Everyone at the club is behind this move, and it will be a real team effort to see it come to fruition."