HOLYHEAD Town FC have requested to drop out of Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two amid growing concerns over the club’s future.

The Chronicle understands that officials at the Harbourmen have formally requested to withdraw from the fourth tier for a season due to significant player shortages that have worsened with their three players sent off during a weekend fixture against Kinmel Bay.

A message sent to playing staff on Sunday morning, stated: “We are absolutely gutted it’s come to this, but we can’t keep going on like this.

“We have tried everything possible to keep it going and this club in the Welsh Alliance. We have currently nine first team players out of the next three games with injuries, suspensions and work/family commitments.

“We have made the decision to ask the Welsh Alliance to drop out of the league for the season. This does not mean the club will be folding at all, but we will be keeping the Holyhead Town name going through the reserves in the Anglesey league until end of the season were we can assess the situation again.”

Current first team players that are still with the club were told they are “more than welcome” to become part of the reserves side, but they “would not stand in their way” if they wanted to move to pastures new.

The decision has been made to “secure the future” of the troubled club, who currently sit seventh after winning six of their opening 11 league games.

They also hit the headlines earlier this season with a JD Welsh Cup derby clash against Holyhead Hotspur, which is the first time the two clubs have ever squared off in a competitive environment.

“We’re sorry it’s come to this but it seriously getting out of control and we will end up with no club in the end,” the message added.