PRESTEIGNE St Andrews have secured their return to the fourth tier of Welsh football.

The border club resigned from the MMP-NL Mid Wales League East before the start of last season.

The club followed the now defunct Newbridge in resigning from the newly regionalised league and would be joined by Knighton Town in resigning and dropping down to the Watson Financial Mid Wales League South.

However the club has now begun the road back up the Welsh football pyramid after receiving confirmation from league officials of their accepted application to join the MMP Central Wales League South.

The new league will be one of two regionalised fourth tier leagues next season with officials splitting the two leagues between north and south after last season’s western and eastern conferences were beset by resignations.

The western league operated with just seven clubs while the eastern league was reduced to 14 by the end of the season.

Presteigne St Andrews chairman Mark Weiland said: “We are pleased to have received confirmation that we have been accepted into the MMP Central Wales League South for the 2022-23 season.

“The planning and hard work for the season has already started at the club.

“We are looking forward to seeing our young squad compete at this level and are excited to be joining what was a very competitive league.”

Meanwhile Presteigne St Andrews FC’s manager John Haycox has resigned.

Haycox said it had been a very difficult decision but an offer of a post with a Hellenic League Premier Division club was too good an opportunity to turn down.

In his letter, he highlighted the lack of player commitment towards the end of the season as being a major issue and it is one that will need addressing quickly.

The committee placed on record its thanks for his efforts during his time at Llanandras Park and wished him all the very best for the future.

Anyone who is interested in the post should contact club chairman Mark Weiland at their earliest opportunity.