Hay St Marys have withdrawn from the Spar Mid Wales League with the season just over a week away.
After much soul searching, The Saints have pulled out after just one season in the Spar, citing the travel involved plus the loss of a host of players.
Hay made their decision a fortnight ago but kept the news under wraps until League secretary Phil Woosnam returned from holiday last weekend.
A letter from the club stated: “Hay St Marys find themselves in a very unfortunate position in having to advise that due to players who represented the club last season now not being available, we will not be able to field a side in the Spar Mid Wales League.
“We have lost three players to other sides, two are going travelling while ten are going to university.
“After careful consideration, it is clear from the players who have committed to the club this year, that up until October, while the university players are still available, we would be able to field a side.
“After this we will not have players available to undertake the travelling required in the Spar Mid Wales League.”
Hay were denied promotion after ending the 2006-2007 season Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South) champions for what they claim were political reasons.
The following campaign they had to settle for runners-up spot to a reborn Rhayader Town but reclaimed the title 12 months later to rightfully take their place in the Spar Mid Wales League.
In their first season Hay made a bright start but eventually finished 13th in the final table.
The club appeared geared up for the new Spar Mid Wales League campaign appointing ex-Builth Wells manager, Sean Hackett and coaches Gareth Davies and Jay Probert.
But they have been unable to attract new players who are either getting paid by other clubs or are not prepared to travel and Hay, as a club, do not see the merits in playing players as they do not have the structure to sustain it in the long term.
Chairman Martin Tong said: “ The formation of the new second division has also not helped as we have been unable to strengthen with players from the likes of Rhosgoch and Talgarth who themselves have stepped up and no longer see the benefits of leaving their home clubs.”
Hay will now field a team in the Watson Associates Mid Wales League (South) and one in the Hereford Times Herefordshire League Premier Division.
The border club have been granted permission from the Central Wales Football Association to play in England and geographically it makes sense.
But they could face a hefty fine from the Spar Mid Wales League for their late withdrawal.
Spar secretary Woosnam says he is disappointed and that it is unlikely Hay’s place will be filled in the first division at this late stage although the Spar Executive Committee meet next week.
In division two, Defaid Du are also believed to have withdrawn.
The side which competed in last season’s Montgomery Amateur League second division made a late application and have been included on the Spar fixture list for August and September.