Technogroup Welshpool have endured one of their most tumultuous days in their 122-year history after suffering a 15-point deduction for fielding ineligible players just as their manager quit for unconnected reasons.
The club confirmed this morning that the league had informed them by letter last night that the points would be docked, but that appears to be the least of their worries as they start the search for a new manager after Graham Evans walked out.
Club secretary Liam Pritchard confirmed: “We are disappointed this has made it into the public domain as we are currently considering our options to appeal the points deduction.
“What I am compelled to say at this time is that Graham's resignation and the points deduction are totally unconnected. I can confirm that it is not a result of the proposed deduction of 15 points by the Cymru Alliance.”
The deduction appears to centre around two players who have played for Town without receiving international clearance to play in Wales from the English Football Association. A similar scenario happened in 1992 when the club was deducted 66 points for playing Billy Morris in 22 matches while he was banned by the English FA.
The deduction means Welshpool will start Saturday’s big local derby with Caersws rooted to the bottom of the table with -11 points.