Plas Madoc made a massive impact in their short history

One of the most successful football clubs to emerge in the Wrexham area in recent times has sadly folded.

Plas Madoc burst onto the scene in 2017-18 by storming to the North East Wales League title in their debut season.

Then the following campaign they even more impressively won the Welsh National League Division One championship by a huge 19 points, going all 22 matches unbeaten, recording 20 victories and netting 106 goals.

And Ryan Roberts’ side completed the double by lifting the Division One Cup, beating Rhydymwyn 3-0 in the final at Alyn Park, Mold.

Madoc also enjoyed a great run to the quarter-finals of the national FAW Trophy in 2018-19, eventually going out 4-2 to beaten finalists Pontardawe Town.

In previous rounds, the Wrexham outfit had dumped out Welsh Alliance Division One clubs Mynydd Llandegai (5-2) and St Asaph City (4-1).

Last season, curtailed due to COVID-19 saw Plas finish a more modest 11th in the WNL Premier Division, but still they had progressed a long way in three seasons.

Plas Madoc released the following statement today: “It is with great sadness that we must announce the committee’s decision to fold the club.

“The decision has not been taken lightly and is based both on the financial implications of the current pandemic and the Pyramid Structure of the FAW.

“COVID-19 has put a huge strain on our club finances, having not played a game since the the beginning of March and being unable to fundraise for the coming season.

“Our main income has always been our community fundraising which has not been permitted over the summer, but even with the hard work to secure funding to sustain ourselves, we are still unable to keep the club active due to players.

“We have come into problems with sustaining a full squad due to the FAW Pyramid Structure.

“We cannot offer the FAW’s ideals to players registering with us and we are unable to offer promotions to higher leagues due to ground criteria and finances.

“We would like to thank our loyal players, volunteers and fans for your support and we hope they are as proud of us as we are of them . Huge thanks also go to the businesses and support groups who have sponsored us over the last 3 years.

“A special thank you goes out to our treasurer Stacey Williams, chairman Lee Hodgson, our management and coaching team, Ryan Roberts, Craig Roberts, Craig Lee Evans, Ty Foulkes, Lee Price and all other volunteers who have been vital in the day to day running of the club.

“Thank you to the North East Wales Football League and the Welsh National League for all their help and the professional way in which the leagues are run.

“Thank you to other clubs, secretaries and managers for your guidance. You have helped us so much and we are truly grateful.

“We have had an amazing short history and will leave our stamp on North Wales Football.

“We have made many friends (and probably a few enemies) over the years, and hugely grateful for the friendships we have made which we are sure will last a lifetime.

“We wish all our players luck if they decide to carry on doing what they love.”

Plas Madoc’s proud record

League

2017/18 – North East Wales League: Played 26 Won 23 Lost 3 Goals For 130 Goals Against 36 Position 1st (champions)

2018-19 – Welsh National League Division One: Played 22 Won 20 Drawn 2 Lost 0 Goals For 106 Goals Against 26 Position 1st (champions)

2019-20 – Welsh National League Premier Division: Played 17 Won 4 Drawn 6 Lost 7 Goals For 24 Goals Against 44 Position 11th

Total league record: Played 65 Won 47 Drawn 8 Lost 10 Goals For 260 Goals Against 106

Cups

2018-19 – Welsh National League Division One League Cup winners

2018-19 – FAW Trophy quarter-finalists