COLWYN Bay FC have officially begun the process of joining the Welsh pyramid system in time for next season.

The Seagulls confirmed that they have formally sent an application to the Football Association of Wales to make a dramatic return to the domestic game following a 30-year absence, which will apply competitive league and cup competitions for the 2019/2020 campaign.

Club chairman Bill Murray will be making a further statement “once the application process has been concluded”, with a decision on their specific league allocation set to be made on March 29.

The Bay hierarchy voted in favour of a switch from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One West, with an outcome of 91,600 votes for Wales and 55,624 to remain in England on what would be a greatly reduced budget.

The Pioneer understands that the club are hoping to be included in the new Tier Two, which is currently the Huws Gray Alliance but will be changed due to a significant restructure this summer.

Speaking after the vote, Murray said: "What I want most is to see this football club survive and I am pleased that a decision has been taken that I believe gives us the best chance of achieving that.

"The immediate task is to focus on seeing out the remainder of the Evostik West season, and then work starts in earnest on formulating a plan to take the club forward."

Seagulls’ manager Craig Hogg issued a rallying cry to supporters following the negative reaction to the move by some sections of the club’s fanbase.

Supporter Mike Thompson, who has followed the Bay for three decades, said: “The owner wants to take us into Welsh football, and we have had no choice.

“I would have been happy to stay English and put a load of local lads in, promote the reserves and see how we got on, worst case we get relegated but then we have time to think and rebuild.”