Haverfordwest AFC chairman Rob Edwards has spoken of his delight that the club has been awarded a Tier One domestic licence to play in the JD Cymru Premier League next season.

The Bluebirds won their independent appeal, after being the only current Cymru Premier club to initally have been refused a licence.

They had already been awarded an Uefa club licence for next season and Tony Pennock's side have a chance of qualifying for European compeition via the play-offs having topped the JD Cymru Premier Conference this season.

"We're delighted with the outcome of our appeal, resulting in the club being granted a Tier One Licence, in addition to the UEFA Licence it was awarded earlier this month," said Mr Edwards.

"We were surprised and disappointed to not be awarded a Tier One Licence in the first instance.

"Contrary to comments made accusing the club of poor planning, sleepwalking into this situation, or not being aware of the licensing requirements, we were in communication with the Football Association of Wales over a number of months detailing our legal situation, and outlining various options to meet the required criteria.

"Even with broken seats removed for the purposes of safety, we still met the required number of covered seats. However, with those seats removed we did not meet the minimum stadium capacity of 1,500 – which includes safe standing.

"Unfortunately, despite discussing workable solutions, this did not result in us being granted a Tier 1 Licence in the first instance, but we have now satisfied the FAW Licensing Board and remain a JD Cymru Premier side.

"I was disappointed by a number of negative comments on social media regarding the club’s operations, but I hope this outcome will appease any concerns about our ability to run the club effectively.

"The minor works required have already started, and will be completed over the coming weeks."

Mr Edwards added: "I would like to thank Georgina Nicholas (chief executive), Julie Legrice (club secretary), Tony Pennock (first team manager) and Tim Burgin (stadium safety expert), along with Neil Humphreys and Philip Nicholas, and my Board for their hard work and support over the last few weeks to ensure we could satisfy the Licensing Appeals Body.

"I am also very grateful for the numerous messages from fans and partners offering their support, and to the players for not allowing the off-field noise to affect their on-field performances, which have been very good over the last few months."

The chairman said the legal case regarding the early dilapidation of the stand is one that he had inherited, and is ongoing, adding: "I am not in a position to provide any further information at this point, other than we are doing all we can to ensure a quick and favourable outcome.

"We can now put this situation behind us and look forward to what will be an exciting play-off competition, as we give ourselves a real chance of competing in Europe next season and continue to push this wonderful club forward."

Last weekend, Haverfordwest County brought the curtain down on their home campaign for 2022-23 with a 1-1 draw against Aberystwyth Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, a result which extended the Bluebirds’ unbeaten run on home turf to nine matches.

Tony Pennock’s men bring their regular season to a close on Saturday when they travel to the Hollingsworth Group Stadium to take on Airbus UK Broughton, hoping to continue their good run of form as they prepare for the play-offs in a few weeks' time.