THEY may have missed out promotion to the JD Welsh Premier League at the first time of asking, but Rhyl are making some positive steps to ensure the long-term future of the club.

The Lilies’ return to the Huws Gray Alliance sees them facing their lowest ever finish in Welsh domestic football, but despite this there can be plenty of cause for encouragement both this summer and in the years to come.

A recent restructure of the Academy is sure to continue the fine tradition of young, local players making an impact with the first team set-up, and in Director of Football Mark Connolly and Academy head Luke Binns they have two experienced individuals that can nurture the talent within the club to give them the best possible chance of succeeding.

With the top-flight riches out of their reach, at least for one more season, this will be pivotal given budget restrictions for most of the sides operating within the HGA.

It is going to be a very active summer in terms of transfer activity at the Corbett Sports Stadium, as manager Matthew Jones and Connolly look to make full use of their first pre-season together in the hope of securing an improved league finish next time around.

There is no doubt that the current squad has plenty of talent operating within it, but consistency has been a real problem and this is something that will have to be addressed sooner rather than later in order for them to return to the promised land.

Keeping gifted shot stopper Rory Crowther will be pivotal to their chances of success, with the young talent once again demonstrating why he is considered to be one of the most talented goalkeepers anywhere outside the WPL.

Midfielder Stewart Carroll has been a calming influence in the middle of the park and is rarely wasteful with the ball at his feet, so his commitment to the cause will be another huge asset if they manage to convince him to stay at the club.

Aaron Pomeyie and James Murphy have shown glimpses of brilliance during the second half of the season, while Phil Marsh has also come on a great deal and has emerged into a commanding presence upfront for the group to utilise.

There will be big changes, that is one thing that is guaranteed, but there is a core at Rhyl that are really capable of pushing the side to new heights next term, and the foundations at the club are now such that its long-term stability is not only secure, but is sure to thrive event more thanks to tha hard work of those behind the scenes.