RHUDDLAN Town have stepped up their pre-season preparations as they look to establish themselves in a higher division next season.

The Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division champions will be part of the new NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division, which is part of the Football Association of Wales’ incoming structure in a bid to improve standards at grassroots level.

Wayne Hughes’ side faces a significant step up in class against sides who were plying their trade at Tier 3 standard last season, and they will be without the services of influential duo Mathew Beach and Jay Whitehouse after they departed in favour of a move to CPD Y Rhyl 1879.

Despite this blow, Town were bolstered with the news that a large number of their championship-winning squad have committed for the upcoming campaign, and former skipper Keiran Evans will be returning to the pitch after a season out in a coaching environment.

The squad returned to full training recently after the FAW relaxed restrictions, and they are now ramping up their sessions after the governing body moved to phase two of their return to football guidelines.

Wez Jones will be taking one session to improve their strength and condition ahead of the challenges that lie ahead, and Evans will be working on the technical aspect of the game during their second training of the week.

Hughes, said: “We are stepping things up now it’s getting closer to the restart of football in Wales.

“The lads had their first fitness session with Wez Jones at Pengwern College, which was fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing the squad improve every week.”

Rhuddlan are still looking for one or two more players to add to the squad, and anyone interested should contact the club via their social media channels.