With the new season only days away, Castletown MFC has pulled its first team out of the Canada Life Premier League because of a lack of players.

The southerners will now just field the one side in Combination One.

A statement from the Isle of Man Football Association released on Thursday afternoon said: ’The Isle of Man Football Association announce that unfortunately due to a shortage of registered players, Castletown FC will only be in a position to field one team for the 2019-20 football season.

’After an application to only enter a combination team and following a number of discussions with senior committee members of Castletown FC, the IoMFA has agreed that Castletown FC will be permitted to play this season with a combination team only in the Canada Life Combination One and also enter the Ascot Hotel Junior Cup.

’It is hoped that the decision will allow Castletown FC time to increase their numbers and encourage players to sign for the club, so they can enter two teams for the 2020-2021 season. It will also assist the club with their Football Foundation obligations.

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