WELSH international defender Steve Evans has returned to training along with the rest of the squad after a long-running contractual dispute with The New Saints.
But a ruling by an independent FAW tribunal in favour of Evans has serious implications for both clubs and players in Welsh football, according to managing director Mike Harris and the club's legal advisers.
The 32-year-old, who was capped seven times by his country during a two-year spell at Wrexham, was suspended by the Saints after his conviction for a public order offence in November and has not played football since.
The club attempted to find a compromise solution with Evans, who issued a statement apologising for his actions and verbally agreed to a revised deal before refusing to sign, and was then dismissed.
"The tribunal decision is a warning to clubs that the only action they can take if they feel a player is guilty of misconduct is summary dismissal," say the club's lawyers.
Managing director Mike Harris adds: "We stand by the action we took and would do the same again if we believed a player's conduct was unacceptable, but it is clear from this ruling that clubs should not attempt to be sympathetic and find a compromise solution, as they will live to regret it.
"We tried to find a way forward rather than terminate Steve's contract - it was an opportunity for him to make amends and continue his relationship with us.
"As a club we are strong on discipline and, as captain, we wanted Steve to set an example. We had to take disciplinary measures because we could not condone that sort of behaviour.
“But the FAW does not share our view on what behaviour is acceptable and have decided that the player was unfairly dismissed as the FAW players' contracts do not let you come to a compromise.
"We have drawn 'a line under the affair and, as Steve is still contracted to the club and is one of the best players in the Welsh Premier, he has been welcomed back into the fold." Harris concluded.
Photo: Evans celebrates a goal at Bangor early last season.