(Image: Beverley Hemmings)
MID Wales football was dealt another blow this week with Brecon Northcote resigning from the MMP-NL Mid Wales League.
The club’s resignation follows the withdrawal of Knighton Town last week and leaves both the first and second divisions to run with 14 clubs.
Manager Anthony Thornley confirmed the decision and cited a lack of commitment from players with the Stags now planning to join Knighton by running one side in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South).
Thornley apologised to the league and clubs for dropping out mid-season while insisting the Penlan club had no alternative after being left with only three players available for this weekend.
Thornley said: “We lost a few players in the summer and these players did not let the club know of their intentions until after pre-season which meant we had no time to sign replacements.
“Meanwhile three or four lads who said they would join never reappeared.”
Thornley revealed the club had also been let down by players who had refused to commit to the increased travel demands of the Mid Wales League and preferred instead to play for the club’s former reserve side in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South).
“There has been a lot of arguing within the club and a lot of players have refused to play for the first team and preferred the relaxed aspect of reserve football,” said Thornley. “The arguments have got worse and a lack of discipline both on and off the pitch has resulted in a vast majority of the first team requesting to leave.”
Thornley insisted the club had not folded and would rebuild at recreation level.
“At the moment we don’t have the quality to compete in the Mid Wales League and decisions will have to be made about moving forward,” said Thornley. “This was not a decision the club took lightly.”
Club chairman and reserve manager Gareth Pegg will take charge of the club’s single senior side for the remainder of the season.
Anthony Thornley has stepped down as manager and the club will continue in the Mid Wales League South.
(Featured Image: Beverley Hemmings)
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