BIG changes are coming at Rhyl Football Club after the shock departure of two high-profile members of their backroom staff.

Manager Matthew Jones and Director of Football Mark Connolly both announced they have decided to depart the Corbett Sports Stadium in the latest bold move by the current board to get them back into the JD Welsh Premier League.

The move has not yet been announced by the Huws Gray Alliance outfit, but The Journal understands that a new director of football has already agreed to take on the role and a managerial candidate has been approached.

In a statement on his Twitter account, Jones said: “So that’s it, my two years at Rhyl FC have come to an end.

“I would like to thank all the players, staff and volunteers that I worked with during my time at the club and the fans for always being so supportive. I wish the club all the very best for the future.

“Just to let you know it was my decision.”

It is believed that Jones was asked to step down to an assistant manager position which he decided to decline, while Connolly will be a huge loss both on-and-off the pitch due to his influence throughout the club and within the dressing room.

The move is also set to put the future of a number of star names in doubt due to their relationship with the pair, with midfielder Stewart Carroll and defender Tony Davies of the names linked with a departure in recent days after a wealth of interest from high-profile clubs across the region.

The Lilywhites did not indicate the reasons for the move when contacted, and have given no timescale in terms of the new arrivals being confirmed.