FOOTBALL clubs have tentatively welcomed the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announcement of a provisional starting date for the new Ardal Leagues.

Last week the FAW confirmed the national third divisions would commence in January – potentially ending 10 months of inactivity.

While clubs welcomed the news, several managers also urged the FAW to work on improving their communication with clubs expressing disappointment with the authority’s lack of contact so far during the pandemic.

Carno manager Gary Jones said: “I like the format that they have put forward, I feel waiting till the end of January is sensible with weather conditions.

“The lack of communication and information has been frustrating but hopefully we can move forward now.”

Caersws joint manager Chris Davies welcomed the news of the season starting up.

He said: “It’s promising news coming from the FAW.

“I’m quite surprised this format, a 15 game season, was decided upon and even more so that they’ve put promotion and relegation on the table considering the shorter season.

“Following this news and in order to move forward, clubs will need more detailed information from the FAW, which isn’t their strong point, to allow us the time to prepare and put things in place.”

Meanwhile Four Crosses Football Club stressed the starting date was only provisional.

A spokesman said: “Hopefully it will and we shall prepare for that.

“We were not in favour of a 15 game season but we will just have to get on with it.”