PRESTATYN Town are officially back in training as they look to retain their JD Cymru North title next season.

The Seasiders’ got back down to business under strict social distancing guidelines at the Motion Finance Stadium on Thursday, August 6, with the squad taking part in their first session since the Football Association of Wales curtailed remaining fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Neil Gibson’s side were crowned champions on a point-per-game basis after finishing 16 points clear of Flint Town United, but it was the Silkmen who took their place in the top-flight after Prestatyn were denied their FAW Tier 1 Domestic Licence on appeal.

This was down to planning permission for a new TV gantry that was not granted in time, but Denbighshire county council has now approved the proposals to enable club officials to get everything ready well in time for the next licencing deadline.

Gibson has lost the services of prolific striker Jordan Davies, and midfielder Rob Hughes signed for Flint after departing the set-up midway through the campaign in favour of a move to Australia.

The majority of their title-winning squad all agreed to re-sign despite significant interest from elsewhere, which is a trademark of the loyalty this group have shown to their boss over the years.

This should ensure that another bold bid for promotion is assured next time around, and the Seasiders’ also added an intriguing new arrival in former Caernarfon Town and Porthmadog forward Shaun Cavanagh.

The likes of Colwyn Bay, Guilsfield and Bangor City are also set to push them for the crown next season, but given the way that Prestatyn dominated from start to finish last term, it will take a monumental effort from another championship contender to knock Gibson’s men off their perch.

Town has arranged a series of pre-season friendlies in the build-up to the new campaign, with official dates set to be confirmed once it is safe to do so.