CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas is confident he will keep his squad together in the event of a cancelled season.

There is increasing uncertainty regarding just when any football below the JD Cymru Premier can resume anytime soon, with coronavirus cases surging across the country resulting in drastic measures being implemented by the Welsh Government.

This has caused yet more disruption to the newly formed club, who look primed for a promotion tilt in the new NWCFA Tier 4 (East) Premier Division when permitted to do so.

This has left Thomas arranging two training sessions for players in different counties during the lockdown, which evolved into online meetings when the two-week “fire-break” began.

He said: “Local lockdown until the fire break meant we had two sessions going on, one for the Denbighshire based players which Warren (Adam) ran and I held one In Flintshire for the lads there so we have managed to get a couple in.

“We have held zoom meetings last week with all the lads to check everyone is okay and keep them updated and the three who have gone away to university I have called for a chat.

“I try to stay positive that the season will start even In a reduced programme but at the end of the day, we have no control over that and can only wait and see what the Government and Welsh FA decide.

“It’s not just the footballing front that concerns me it’s peoples’ welfare and not just the players. A Saturday afternoon for many people Is a release and I know from some of the contact I’ve had with some supporters this makes such a difference for them to get out and engage with other people.

“We really hope that it starts but again what will be will be and we can only wait for the information and guidance.”

Thomas also highlighted concerns about just how many clubs will “disappear completely” in the event no competitive action gets underway this season and whether youngsters will pursue other interests with no football to look forward to.

“If no season then hopefully we will still be able to keep the majority of the squad as with being a new club we had to sell the long term plan to these boys and I firmly believe the majority will stay in preparation for season 2021/22 should nothing get going,” added Thomas.

“The bigger problem I’d say for the Welsh FA is how many of the clubs will disappear completely if there is no football and longer-term how many children from this generation will give the game up completely with no football.”