Braddan Football Club will only field a combination side this season after discussions with the Isle of Man FA.

The Swans have been appealing for players to bolster their thread-bare squad for the last few weeks, but it hasn’t been enough to build one that is able to field two senior teams.

An FA statement released on Thursday morning said: ’Unfortunately because of a shortage of registered players, Braddan FC will only be in a position to field one team for the 2018-2019 season.

’After a number of discussions between Braddan committee members and the IoMFA’s league management committee, it was agreed that Braddan will play this season with a team in Canada Life Combination One. The club will also be allowed to enter the Ascot Hotel Junior Cup.

’It is hoped that the decision will allow Braddan time to increase their player numbers so they can enter two teams for the 2019-2020 season.

’Further to this decision, this will mean that Braddan will be relegated from the Canada Life Premier League and only one other team will be relegated to JCK Division Two at the end of this season.’

The Swans’ first team were due to begin their 2018-19 campaign with a home game against Laxey as the Manx league season kicks off on Saturday.

l FourFiveOne, your guide to the new Manx football season, inside this week’s Manx Independent - on sale now.