CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas questioned the Football Association of Wales’ interest in lower league football following their phase three announcement.

With a return to competitive action for any team outside the JD Cymru Premier still some way off, it has only heightened frustrations from those who are on the outside looking in at the present time.

Thomas has been busy throughout the summer putting together a formidable squad that appears primed for an NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division title bid when the season officially begins, although that does not look likely until mid-November at the earliest with the FAW’s recent announcement following advice from the Welsh Government.

The Belle Vue boss stated that playing friendly fixtures against teams from their own league “makes absolutely no sense” and highlighted the recent rise in coronavirus cases across the country as another potential stumbling block to the governing body’s plans.

Thomas, said: “The next phase is still unclear in my opinion. Giving a date you may be able to play friendlies but only against clubs in your own league makes no sense whatsoever.

“I think the recent rise in cases will also have an impact in the return date and honestly question whether the Football Association of Wales have any interest in any league below the JD Cymru Premier.”

The newly formed club have been back in training for a number of weeks now in readiness for a possible return to playing matters as they look to mark their inaugural campaign with promotion to the third-tier at the first time of asking.

Thomas has enjoyed a wealth of managerial success in the past, most notably during a memorable treble-winning campaign at Conwy Borough, which he is looking to bring to the new Rhyl club after the Lilywhites were wound-up earlier this year due to financial issues.