CPD Y Rhyl 1879 have named their first-ever club captain for the upcoming season.

The newly formed club announced that defender Reece Fairhurst was the player chosen to lead them through their inaugural campaign after the former Rhyl FC were wound-up due to financial issues.

Fairhurst is the one remaining member of the Lilywhites’ squad from the previous campaign that agreed to stay on at Belle Vue despite a significant amount of interest from elsewhere.

The centre half stated he was “honoured” to captain his hometown club, who are expected to be the frontrunners for the NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division title when competitive action is allowed to resume by the Welsh Government and the Football Association of Wales.

He boasts a wealth of experience across the region and was part of the Prestatyn Town side than clinched the Huws Gray Alliance title under Neil Gibson, but injury prevented him from making a significant impact in the top-flight before moving to the Lilies’ to work with Eddie Maurice-Jones.

Despite the large majority of former Rhyl players opting to take their chances elsewhere, Fairhurst decided to stay on and help the new club through their period of transition as Thomas’ men look to bring football back to the heart of the community once again.

Fairhurst, who attracted interest from higher-tier clubs such as Denbigh Town this summer, will be tasked with providing leadership on and off the pitch next season and possibly beyond and makes history by becoming the club’s first-ever skipper.