Bangor 1876 insist they are fully committed to progression

Bangor 1876 have made assurances that they are fully committed to rising up the Welsh football pyramid.

Last week’s list of FAW Tiers 2 and 3 applicants for the 2020-21 season did not include current Gwynedd League leaders 1876.

This led to speculation from detractors on social media that the club lacks ambition, but 1876 secretary Dafydd Hughes insists nothing could be further from the truth.

In a statement, Mr Hughes said: “Many will have seen an announcement on Friday by the Football Association of Wales headed ‘FAW Tier 2 and 3 applicants confirmed’.

“A number of Tier 2 and 3 clubs were named and it was stated…’In addition, 30 applications have been received from Tier 4 clubs and 9 Tier 5 clubs have also expressed an interest to be considered’.

“These applications and expressions of interest resulted from a decision at the December meeting of the FAW National Leagues Board which was keen to understand how many clubs at Tier 5 would consider making an application to play in Tier 3 next season.

“Therefore, the FAW wrote to all clubs via the area associations to advise them to declare an interest.”

Mr Hughes continued: “The absence of Bangor 1876 from this list was highlighted on social media and interpreted by some as an indication of lack of ambition on our behalf. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is that we have been in discussion with the FAW since the pitch inspection which accompanied the process to admit us as members back in June 2019.

“The extent of the work required to bring Treborth up to Tier 3, or even 2, standards, is known to us and we are very grateful to the University for its active support to the bid to upgrade the facilities, not just for us, but for all teams using the facility.

“The FAW have today confirmed that they are aware of our aspirations and we have recently agreed an action plan with the University with a view to meeting the criteria.

“It is important to note that Tier 5 Clubs were not in a position to make an application at this time, the process being restricted to those clubs in tiers 1-4, and, therefore, to differentiate between applications and expressions of interest.

“We hope that this clarifies the situation for everyone having the interests of the club at heart. Thanks for your interest and support.”