CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have suffered a blow ahead of the new season with the news of a serious injury to Jay Whitehouse.

The prolific striker was expected to make a real difference for the newly-formed club in their quest for the NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division title next term after agreeing to a summer switch from Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier champions Rhuddlan Town.

Whitehouse’s chances of featuring in the upcoming campaign after the forward suffered a serious leg injury during a training session with Gareth Thomas’ side this week.

This represents a significant blow for the player and the squad. Whitehouse was a key figure in Town’s memorable title triumph last term, finishing as the league’s top scorer to further enhance his reputation as one of the best finishers anywhere in the region.

The player is believed to have suffered a broken leg, which will need substantial rehabilitation in the coming months.

Whitehouse’s injury might mean Thomas might head back into the recruitment market for additional firepower before they get the green light from the Football Association of Wales to resume friendly fixtures before competitive action gets underway.

It also puts more pressure on the likes of Carl Lamb to come up with the goals needed to get the club into the third-tier at the first time of asking.