PRESTATYN Sports have been dealt a huge blow with the news that talisman Ian Griffiths has left the club.

The Journal understands that the prolific striker informed manager Mark Hughes of his decision last weekend following his four-goal performance against Mynydd Llandegai to extend their impressive start to life in Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division One.

Griffiths is widely regarded as one of the most lethal finishers operating anywhere in the region, and speculation is rife regarding a possible move to Huws Gray Alliance side Prestatyn Town after turning down the chance to join Leon Field and Ryan Turner’s side earlier this summer.

This has resulted in Sports making a formal complaint to the Football Association of Wales regarding an alleged “illegal approach” by the Seasiders in relation to Griffiths, something which the club strenuously deny.

The matter will be investigated by the governing body in the coming days.

Griffiths has been at the heart of Sports’ incredible rise to prominence in recent years under Hughes and John Hargreaves, playing a significant role in their Welsh Alliance Division Two title-winning season last term, which saw them achieve a third tier berth for the first time in their history.

He did not feature in Sports’ two fixtures this week following his decision as he awaits seven-day clearance to formally agree terms with the Seasiders.