A FOOTBALL Association of Wales statement confirmed Colwyn Bay FC will be playing in tier two when they return to the domestic game next season.

After The Pioneer broke the news on Friday, March 29 following a meeting between the governing body’s power-brokers that the Seagulls would re-join the Welsh pyramid one level below the JD Welsh Premier League.

This means that the current Huws Gray Alliance will be a 17-team league next term, with two relegate dand two promoted in addition to the Bay’s impending arrival.

An FAW spokesman, said: “The Football Association of Wales today (Friday) accepted Colwyn Bay Football Club’s application to participate in the Welsh domestic game.

“From next season Colwyn Bay will play their football in the newly formed FAW Tier Two League.

The new league will operate with 17 clubs in the 2019-20 season. This means that there will no impact on relegation from the Huws Gray Alliance League to Tier Three this season.”

The Seagulls will also be entering the JD Welsh Cup at the first round stage, which is set to take place on October 19 later this year.

The news will come as a massive boost to manager Craig Hogg and director of football Neil Coverley, who can now begin plans to form a squad capable of challenging for promotion to the current Huws Gray Alliance next term.

The news has also thrown up some eye-catching derby ties during the next campaign, with the Seagulls set to come up against the likes of Rhyl, Prestatyn Town, Bangor City and Conwy Borough.

Another team that are set to be thrown into the mix are Llandudno, who will be relegated from the top flight if they lose at Carmarthen Town during their next outing.

The decision will be met with anger by some sections of the footballing community throughout the region, but it will come as a massive boost to coastal sides that can now enjoy two landmark fixtures against the Seagulls next term.