AN exciting new era is underway at Meliden following a complete rethink of their structure over the summer.

The club made the decision to resign from Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two after a multitude of different problems last season, which saw them go through four managers and suffer considerably due to player unavailability and lack of numbers.

Things look far different this summer with a wealth of new squad members joining the set-up under manager John McKeown, who has brought in Scott Millingtion as his assistant in another massive boost to the side.

Millington enjoyed a glittering playing career at Rhyl FC and is well-liked throughout the region, and secretary and general manager Peter Evans is looking for the club to become a more prominent asset to the community going forward.

He said: “We had problems that were well documented last season and we took the decision to step away from the Welsh Alliance before the Football Association of Wales change the criteria next year, which is going to affect a lot of clubs.

“We have gone back to the drawing board with new lads and management team and you can already tell there is a different atmosphere around the place. There is a five-year plan in place to build the club from the bottom up, which includes youth sides and a number of other exciting things that are currently being set up.”

One of those elements is the introduction of an under 13 squad baring the Meliden colours which they are hoping to expand into future age groups, with the club also looking to hold soccer schools and work with the village council after a series of encouraging meetings in recent weeks.

Evans stated there is “no reason” why the club cannot have a good first season operating back at Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division level, adding that they are also looking into the prospect of forming a reserve side for the 2020/21 campaign.

“We have had 23 or 24 lads training with us over the summer, so a reserve side is definitely something that would benefit the club,” he added.