But the Moffett has challenged the disgruntled clubs to come up with an alternative proposition.

Gwent rivals Vale and Newport have been in successful talks to merge next season for European and Celtic competitions, despite being at loggerheads last season that even saw Newport owner Tony Brown prevented from entering Eugene Cross Park for a match. In a similar move, Bridgend and Neath have also provisionally agreed to unite.

The benefactors met yesterday, but Russell heard enough to convince him that the clubs are incapable of agreeing anything.

Russell claims Llanelli benefactor Huw Evans said he will not 'allow' Bridgend and Neath to merge and would also try to block any plans for Vale and Newport to join together for the competitions they have earmarked next season.