PRESTATYN Town FC is in the hands of a new owner after Neal Colakoglu sold the club.

The JD Cymru North side confirmed the news on Wednesday evening after a deal was agreed between Colakoglu and Merseyside-based investor Jamie Welsh, who will now be tasked with moving the Seasiders’ forward.

Colakoglu took over from Chris Tipping in late 2018 and immediately set about changing the club’s fortunes. He re-appointed Neil Gibson as manager when they were occupying a relegation spot in the Huws Gray Alliance, and they were recently crowned JD Cymru North champions by a convincing margin following the Football Association of Wales’ decision to curtail the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Town also missed out on a chance to secure JD Welsh Cup glory after reaching the semi-final stage.

The cup’s European place was eventually awarded to Barry Town United, who clinched fourth position in the JD Cymru Premier.

Colakoglu, said: “I am really sorry to be leaving the club. I am thankful for all the support from fans, the club itself and staff such as Leon Field, Neil Gibson, Martin Jones and Tony O’Reilly.

“The players were really professional throughout and won the league by a 16-point margin. I am going to miss the club but I feel like a new direction is needed.”

Welsh thanked Colakoglu for his efforts and has already spoken to current squad members and manager Neil Gibson about his ambitions for the club.

There will also be an opportunity for supporters to meet the new owner during a Zoom conference meeting on Thursday at 7pm. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the club's social media channels.

Welsh, added: "I would like to thank Neal and his fellow directors for giving me this fantastic opportunity. The club has real potential and I look forward to fulfilling its potential. 

"It’s obvious to see that we have a fantastic team on the pitch and the best manager in Wales.

"It’s unfortunate, although not confirmed yet, that we will be playing in the Cymru North next season. 

"I met with the players last night to outline the club's plans in the short and long term and I now look forward to helping Gibbo and the team go out and win the league again. 

"These lads and the club deserve to be playing at the highest level. Over the next couple of days the club will be announcing how I plan to restructure the club off the field.

"Now we need to build the club off the field and with the help of the supporters and the board we are putting in place I believe we can achieve success on and off the field."