TWO leading managers from the region have been reacting to the news that JD Cymru North clubs might be getting their season underway shortly.

The Football Association of Wales are in the process of applying for ‘elite athlete’ status regarding Tier 2 clubs, with a mid-January start the most likely scenario if Sport Wales approve the request.

Llandudno manager Sean Eardley has yet to take charge of a competitive game due to coronavirus restrictions after making a bombshell move from Caernarfon Town this summer, but the popular boss hopes this move is the “light at the end of the tunnel” after months of severe disruption.

He said: “It’s news that the Tier 2 teams have wanted, without getting too ahead of ourselves of course.

“Clubs have worked very hard up to now meeting protocols and making sure they’re following government guidelines and hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to shine a little brighter.”

Conwy Borough manager Matthew Jones is another who is itching to get his tenure underway after replacing Chris Morrell following the FAW’s decision to curtail the 2019/20 campaign.

He stated the news was a “step in the right direction” and added it was a realistic objective to meet the COVID-19 protocols in place that have enabled the JD Cymru Premier season to run relatively smoothly.

“I think this is a step in the right direction for sure,” added Jones.

“I believe with the licensing processes within Tier 2, coupled with a very strong infrastructure of the member clubs, that this should be a realistic objective.

“It would then be down to us as clubs to prove that we meet the COVID compliance and then fingers crossed we can get our season started.”