PRESTATYN Town chairman Jamie Welsh has confirmed the club is not looking to replace John Lawless before the JD Cymru North season begins.

The reigning champions have endured a turbulent time in recent months since winning the crown which began with a failure to obtain a Tier 1 Domestic Licence from the Football Association of Wales and also included the resignation of manager Neil Gibson.

The club parted ways with Lawless for an issue that they cannot comment on at the present time, but Welsh is keen for Ryan Turner to get a good shot at proving his worth as first-team manager once competitive action eventually begins.

Turner has been part of the set-up for a considerable period of time and is also heavily involved with the Prestatyn Town Academy, with the respected coach also recently applying for his FAW ‘A’ Coaching Licence.

Welsh said: “Ryan is going to get a chance over the 15 games this season when it gets underway. He deserves his chance and hopefully, he’ll get accepted onto the A Licence course and do well in the games so that there won’t be any need to change things.”

There was plenty of speculation linking the Merseyside-based players with moves away following Lawless’ departure, but a number have remained committed to the Seasiders’ and were formally registered in the FAW’s Comet system recently.

This includes former Bayern Munich youngster Dale Jennings, ex-Colwyn Bay player Josh Brizell, Joseph Halligan, former Tranmere Rovers defender Adam Buxton and Markus Hynes.

One player who has opted not to come on board is Luke Holden, with ex-Wrexham striker Johnny Hunt on trail at an unnamed full-time club with a view to securing a deal.

Welsh also revealed that Town are planning on signing some locally based talent before the January window comes to a close to further bolster their ranks.