CEFN DRUIDS have issued a statement saying they “hope a resolution can be reached” to save the club from going out of business.

The Ancients, founded in 1872, are one of the oldest clubs in Wales, but face uncertain times after HMRC issued a winding up order, although it’s believed that the issue is under control.

The news comes less than six months after Druids were taken over by local businessmen Jamie Digwood and Des Williams.

At the time of the takeover, Williams said: “We are budgeting for a “mid-range” six-figure investment in the club in a bid to get into the top six in the Welsh Premier with a view to playing regular European football.

“We are planning for the academy and want to have at least four players coming into the first team.

“This is about development in the community and recruiting from Wales.”

A statement from the club with regards to the winding up order, posted on social media, read: “The football club has been served a winding up order by HMRC that relates to debts from 2018/19 that was undeclared to the new investors.

“Members of the old board of directors are currently in talks with the new investors regarding the matter and hope a resolution can be reached before the hearing and save the club from going out of business.

“We will make another announcement on Tuesday.”

Druids qualified for the Europa League in 2018, losing 2-1 to Trakai in a two-legged preliminary round tie under Huw Griffiths.

Griffiths, who was quickly appointed sporting director, has since left the club and been replaced by Stuart Gelling.

Gelling, placed in temporary charge until the end of the season, has picked up one point from a possible since replacing Griffiths, following up a narrow defeat to Carmarthen with a 2-2 home draw against Aberystwyth.

The Ancients are in a battle with Cardiff Met for seventh spot, which could bring about an end of season play-off place.

Saturday’s trip to Cardiff Met, and forthcoming matches, have been postponed by the Football Association of Wales as a result of coronavirus.

Druids have seen another possible route into Europe closed off as they were beaten 4-0 by Caernarfon Town - Griffiths’s new club - in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals last month.