CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas has called on the North Wales Coast FA to reimburse clubs after their season was formally cancelled.

The Football Association of Wales finally put grassroots clubs out of their misery by declaring anything below the top-two tiers would not be playing competitively this season, leaving hard work and plans in tatters at the newly formed club.

Thomas has been dealing with the death of his father this week, which has the popular figure rightfully focusing on family matters, but he called on the NWCFA to put a similar plan in place to what has reportedly already been done by the North East Wales Football Association.

According to Thomas, who has spoken to several managers across the region, the NEWFA have already reimbursed clubs financially and are working towards a start date of August 1 for the 2021/22 campaign providing there are no further restrictions in place regarding COVID-19.

He said: “It’s no surprise that it’s been cancelled but being honest since the bereavement I’ve not spoken to the club.

“I had a few messages, but they have been superb supporting me and telling me to focus on family.

“As far as we are concerned at least now we can concentrate on preparing a proper pre-season, but where are the North Wales Coast FA?

“I believe the North East Wales clubs at our levels have already been reimbursed and given a start date for their league to start from some of the managers who have called me.”

Thomas also questioned the FAW’s motives for cancelling the grassroots season, with prioritising officials to get the JD Cymru Premier, North and South seasons started and finished as a strong factor in their overall decision.

“They should just say Tiers 3-5 are cancelled not because of COVID-19, but because they probably don’t have the officials to run the leagues with all being under different umbrellas,” he added.