Llandrindod Wells Football Club has withdrawn from the Lock Stock Ardal League North East on the eve of the new season, the club announced last week. The decision follows a difficult 12 months marked by player departures, long-term injuries and resignations from the volunteer committee that runs the Spa town’s senior side.
Background to the withdrawal
The Spa men have taken part in the Ardal Leagues since their formation, initially competing in the Ardal South East for the 2021-22 campaign before moving to the North East division for the four subsequent seasons. Early seasons brought comfortable mid-table finishes, but last term saw the club struggle for players and results, narrowly avoiding relegation.
Injuries compounded the problem. Daryl Nicholls and Kieran McCarley were sidelined with long-term problems, although McCarley made a weekend return recently. Another key name, Liam Hall, has not featured since September. Mid-season changes included the departures of Danny Hall and Gavin Rowlands, while Kejan Foryszewski and Fin Francis spent the latter half of the campaign travelling and were less available.
Summer losses and cancelled friendlies
The situation worsened over the summer when a number of important players left the club. Goalkeeper James Barker — who had been a near ever-present since joining from Rhayader Town in January 2022 — signed for Canton in the Ardal League South West. Jack Evans moved to West Wales Premier League side Cwmamman United, and Ruben Edwards transferred to local rivals Builth Wells.
Signs that the club would struggle came when it failed to fulfil two pre-season friendly fixtures. Those cancellations made clear the side could not reliably field a team at Tier Three level, prompting the club to consult players, management and the committee before announcing the withdrawal.
"Last season was a very difficult one both on and off the pitch for us. As a result, a number of first-team players have departed, as well as numerous resignations from our committee. We have been unable to attract any new signings and have had to cancel two of our pre-season friendlies as a result of not having enough players available."
The club statement, read by chairman Robbie Nicholls, made plain this was not intended to be an end for football in Llandrindod Wells. Instead the announcement framed the move as an opportunity “to reset, rebuild and secure a sustainable future” at a level appropriate to available resources.
Local impact and next steps
The withdrawal will have immediate effects on players, volunteers and supporters. Local rivalries — most notably with Builth Wells, which gained Ruben Edwards this summer — will be affected by the Spa side’s absence from the Ardal League fixture list. For those who follow grassroots football in the Radnorshire area, Fixtures and league allocations will now be adjusted to reflect the club’s decision.
Club officials have indicated they will refocus on rebuilding. That usually means concentrating on youth development, reserve and local league football, and recruiting volunteers to fill committee roles. A sustainable future will depend on attracting committed players and off-field support to stabilise operations before considering a return to Tier Three competition.
- Main causes: summer player departures, long-term injuries, committee resignations
- Immediate consequence: withdrawal from Lock Stock Ardal League North East for the coming season
- Stated intention: reset and rebuild with a view to securing a sustainable club structure
| Player / Role | Current status |
|---|---|
| James Barker (goalkeeper) | Moved to Canton (Ardal League South West) |
| Jack Evans | Signed for Cwmamman United (West Wales Premier League) |
| Ruben Edwards | Joined Builth Wells |
For many towns the football club is a community hub. In Llandrindod Wells, the decision to step back from the Ardal League will be felt beyond the pitch — affecting volunteers, matchday income and local sporting identity. But the language used by club leaders was resolute about recovery rather than retreat.
As the town’s correspondent, it is clear this is a moment for the community to rally. If the club follows through on plans to rebuild from within, focusing on youth and local leagues, there is a realistic chance of returning to higher tiers in time. For now, supporters and local football bodies will watch closely as the club reshapes its path forward.
