Sixty Super Signings on the North Wales football scene

May 05, 2023

The transfer action hots up as the 2017/18 season gets ever closer

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You've had 20, 40 and last time there was 25. However, on this occasion the Daily Post sport update of the latest signings in North Wales football covers no less than 60 transfers.

And stay tuned - there are surely plenty more to come.

Note: These signings features are never presented in an order of merit. In other words, No60 is as important as No1, although we do try to usually put an eye-catcher at the top - and that is certainly the case with Neil Ashton.

Liverpool-born defender, aged 32, who made more than 200 appearances for Wrexham between 2011-15.

Played in the Football League for Shrewsbury Town and Macclesfield and also had short spells at Tranmere Rovers and Chester.

After leaving Wrexham, Ashton joined Barrow and last season played for Southport.

Quality signing by Huw Griffiths.

Class capture by Huws Gray Alliance newcomers Junction.

Goalkeeper, aged 20, who has represented Flintshire Primary Schools and Chester FC Colts as well as being named in the Wales Under-16 training squad.

Has previously played for Airbus in the Welsh Premier and Caernarfon Town in the HGA.

Attacking midfielder promoted from the academy at Airbus UK Broughton to the first team squad in 2012.

Joined Prestatyn Town in August 2014, was signed by Caernarfon Town in January 2016 and returned to Welsh Premier with Rhyl six months later.

Played well for Lilywhites in their relegation season last term and now returns to Prestatyn, where his twin Noah and younger brother Zebb also play, and where elder sibling Kai was a former player.

One of the most prolific goalscorers Anglesey football has ever produced has joined his hometown club.

Thomas signs for Gwynedd League newcomers Holyhead Town from Trearddur Bay United.

The 26-year-old has scored more than 350 goals in his senior career including a remarkable 112 in one season back in 2010/11 when playing for Trearddur Bay in the Anglesey League.

He has also been a lethal hitman for Morawelon, Holyhead Hotspur and Gaerwen.

Great signing by Holywell manager Johnny Haseldin.

A Welsh semi-professional international, Pearson won the Cymru Alliance title with Llangefni Town in 2009/10.

Pearson, who was with Oldham Athletic as a schoolboy, moved to Conference club Barrow in summer 2010, and has since had stints at Colwyn Bay, Llandudno and Airbus, as well as playing in Australia.

Promoted Rhostyllen's quest for further glory has been boosted by the acquisition of striker Williams from Penley.

A proven goal-getter at Welsh National League Division One level, Rhostyllen see Williams as a versatile attacking option they know can bring a lot to the team.

Central midfielder of proven quality, formerly with Conwy and Llandudno before joining the Rwsters.

Highly-rated Jones becomes part of Bodedern's quest to make a big impression in Welsh Alliance Division Two.

Boded manager Ricky Williams says: "I've watched Myles a fair few times for his previous club Trearddur Bay, and he`s a player that can unlock defences with ease on his day. A really clever footballer who will fit in with us at Boded."

New Seasiders signing Edwards has already played in the WPL with Connah's Quay, TNS, Cefn Druids, Bala Town, and most recently Airbus UK, so brings a wealth of experience with him.

The 23-year-old has made more than 100 combined appearances in the top-flight.

Llandudno manager Alan Morgan said: "I’ve been after Ryan the last couple of years so I’m glad he decided to put pen to paper with us.

"He's caused us problems the past couple of seasons, so he’ll hopefully cause problems for our opposition out in the wide positions moving forward."

Former Wrexham first-team defender who joined Bangor City in 2014 and played two and a half seasons with the Citizens before returning to former club Airbus in January 2017.

Now joins Newtown, a club which has seen a lot of comings and goings this summer.

Liverpool-born striker Bowen, 26, played for Skelmersdale United, Cammell Laird and Shepparton United in Australia before joining Barrow in June 2013.

He was loaned to Warrington Town, a move which was made permanent in November, before signing for Rhyl in June 2014.

Released from Belle Vue in February 2016 due to personal circumstances, Bowen re-signed for Cammell Laird but returned to the WPL with Cefn Druids last season.

A tall, robust front-man, he has scored 12 goals from his 37 (+5) WPL appearances.

Rejoins the Huws Gray Alliance club after a spell working away in Liverpool.

Smith plays right side of a front three and can have a big influence on games.

Can only be a good addition for HGA Manager of the Season 2016/17 Steven Halliwell.

Centre-half who last season played with Anglesey League double trophy winners Llangoed and District. He was part of the very successful Llanfairpwll youth team and also had spells with Llandudno. This six foot plus defender is mature beyond his years.

Attacking player who turned out for Llanfairpwll last season and also plays for Llandudno Under-19s. A very quick player with an eye for goal.

Former Wrexham apprentice who played in the Welsh Premier League for Caernarfon Town, Rhyl and Llangefni Town before rejoining the Canaries in 2009/10.

Owen moved to Llanrug United in August 2012, and went on to make 169 appearances over five consecutive seasons at the club, scoring 48 goals. He was a proud member of the Llanrug side which won the 2013/14 FAW Trophy.

Experienced defender who moves to Vicarage Road via Saltney Town.

Talented young forward Thomas switches to Cae Nant from Denbigh Town.

Llandyrnog manager Ryan Harden said: "Andy is a player we identified early on as someone we were really keen to bring to the club so I'm delighted he has agreed to sign. We watched him a number of times for Denbigh last season and were always impressed by him.

"He's capable of playing in any of the forward positions and will be a great asset to the club. He's full of pace and energy, he's already had experience at a higher level and is hungry to do well in this league. He ticks all the boxes of the type of player we are looking to bring in this season."

Former Rwsters captain Orme returns to Parc Gwydir after a spell with Glan Conwy. Dead-ball specialist who took a year out from football last season due to new family commitments.

Riley, 21, had previous experience as a youth with Tranmere Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool before joining Llandudno in the summer of 2015, where he went on to make 20 (+20) Welsh Premier appearances, scoring four goals.

Joined Gap Connah's Quay in May 2015 but was loaned to Newtown in January 2017, a move which has now become permanent.

Has made over 100 Welsh Premier appearances, netting 37 goals.

Striker with former first-team experience at Wrexham.

Proven goalscorer with the likes of Talysarn Celts, Llanllyfni and Nantlle Vale now switches to Ffordd Padarn.

Another with a fine goalscoring record at previous clubs Talysarn Celts, Llanllyfni and Nantlle Vale.

A third addition to the Llanberis forward line. Hughes was formerly with Barmouth and Dyffryn, Nantlle Vale and Penrhyndeudraeth.

Defender/midfielder who has also played for Llandudno Junction and Glan Conwy in the past.

Former Llanberis and Llanrug United forward with a great goalscoring record at Welsh Alliance level.

Trearddur Bay joint-manager Chris Davies said: ‘’He's a strong powerful player with a great work ethic. He's been a great player for both Llanberis and Llanrug and I’m sure he will get the goals for us but as equally important he will create so much for others.’’

A 24 year old attacking midfielder who joins Cefn Albion for the 2017/18 season following a transfer from Penycae FC.

Jones is an exciting offensive player who naturally possesses a good level of pace and fitness that will bring an added energy into a dynamic young team.

Jones has experience playing at higher level having most noticeably represented both Cefn Druids and Penycae in the Huws Gray Alliance.

Central midfielder who will bring some real quality to that area of the park for ambitious Welsh Alliance Division Two club Pentraeth.

Williams signs from last season's Division One champions Glantraeth.

Former clubs include Shrewsbury Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra. He has also played in the USA for West Virginia Chaos and RedStorm the soccer team of the University of Rio Grande in Ohio.

Highly rated 22 year old striker. Much sought after Kendrick has been chased by a number of clubs during the summer which is hardly surprising having netted close on 30 goals for Penycae in the WNL Premier Division last term.

Caven has a great left foot and a calming presence on the ball. He can play full back, winger, centre-midfield or centre half.

Birkenhead-born defender Platt, 25, arrives from Stalybridge Celtic. He made his professional debut as a 17-year-old substitute for Shaun Kelly against Darlington on 3 May 2009 in Chester's final match in the Football League.

Prior to his debut, Platt had been linked to moves to Premier League clubs but, after Chester's relegation, he joined AFC Telford United in July 2014. He then had a spell with Bala Town, prior to joining Stalybridge.

Left midfielder, signed from Llandudno Junction but also played for St Asaph. Also with Mochdre Sports in the past.

Williams joins brother Dylan at Pentraeth. Dion has spent the last few seasons at Menai Bridge Tigers and was on the brink of signing for the club 18 months back but at the last minute decided to remain with the Tigers.

Dion is a very versatile player who can play on the wing or at full back. His experience in both positions will be vital for the club this season with a number of different systems being worked on during pre-season.

Tim Davies, who has been appointed director of football/assistant-manager to work alongside first-team boss Mat Parry, has been responsible for bringing both Williams brothers to Bryniau Field.

Midfielder signed from Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League Premier Division side Machno United, where he spent three seasons.

Prolific goal-getter who made the North East Wales FA squad which competed in the Uefa Regions Cup last season.

It's great news for Holywell that super striker Sam is back on board.

Jones began his senior career with the Halkyn Road club at the age of 16 and went on to play for Rhydymwyn, with whom he won the Welsh Alliance League in 2009/10, and Flint Town United before returning to the Wellmen in 2012/13.

In 2013/14, Jones was a key man in Holywell's record-breaking run to the Welsh Cup semi-final, when Town became the first-ever third-tier club to reach that stage of the competition. He netted 43 goals in 41 outings that season.

The following season Jones was banging them in right, left and centre again, notching 44 goals in all competitions as Holywell landed the Welsh Alliance League title, FAW Trophy and Mawddach Cup treble.

Jones then signed for Welsh Premier club Bangor City, but injuries prevented him ever making his debut. Now, after a break from the game, Holywell are hoping he picks up where he left off in 2015.

Ex-Connah's Quay Tigers midfielder who was out injured all last season but now aims to make his mark at Welsh National League Division One side Rhydymwyn.

One of four brothers to have played for the youth team at Airbus UK Broughton. Promoted to the first team squad with a pro contract in June 2016, but has left this summer to join brothers Noah and Zyaac at Prestatyn Town.

Zebb, 18, has featured in 11 WPL games for Airbus.

Prestatyn manager Neil Gibson said: "We have identified Zebb as a local player who can add something to our squad. He has had a couple of opportunities at Airbus over the last couple of years and performed well.

"We feel we can continue to improve him as a player and, hopefully, see him become a first team player in the not to distant future."

Owen joins Llanrwst from Llandudno U19's.

A right-winger, he was with Wrexham academy for a couple of years.

Defender who played for Cardiff Met Uni the year they were promoted to the Welsh Premier, but took a year out of football before committing himself to Welsh Alliance Division Two club Mochdre this season.

Promising young striker who scored a few goals at Llangefni Town last season.

Former Llandyrnog player Roberts has returned to the club after a season away with Denbigh Town. The 18 year old is also on the books of Bala Under-19s where he just won their player of the season award.

Dyrny manager Ryan Harden said: "I played with Liam at the back end of the 2016 season in his first year in men's football and was instantly impressed by him. He is very comfortable on the ball, nothing seems to phase him and he has a lovely range of passing with his left foot.

"He is equally comfortable at centre half or left back and has that much ability with the ball he could also easily play in midfield. He will fit in perfectly with the way I like my teams to play out from the back."

Pacy winger Ryan Jones has decided to transfer back to the Bay from Holyhead Hotspur.

Jones has been a quality player over the last few years for Trearddur and the club considered it a big loss when he decided to sign elsewhere a few weeks ago.

Striker who joined Bangor City on-loan from Wrexham in August 2015, returning in November. Was then loaned to Cefn Druids in the summer of 2016 and later joined Porthmadog.

Still just 20, Williams could make a big impact at Gresford if he finds his best form.

Goalkeeper who was part of Albion's Welsh National League Division One title-winning squad of 2015/16, but last season joined Penycae.

Now back at Albion where he hopes to make waves in the Premier.

Last season, Davies grabbed a hat-trick as Llanfair United caused a Welsh Cup fourth round upset by beating Cefn Druids 4-1.

Now, the Ancients have signed the marksman who caused them such problems at Mount Field.

A product of the Shrewsbury Town academy, 23-year-old Davies joined Llanfair from Carno and went on to top score in his first season in the Huws Gray Alliance.

Goal-getter over the years with Aston Park now trying his luck with Rhydymwyn.

A very strong and powerful striker with an eye for goal - as he has proved for Beaumaris in recent seasons.

Pentraeth manager Mat Parry has been really impressed with the club's new striker. He said: "Danny has only been to two training sessions but we’ve already seen enough to know he’ll add quality to the squad.

"He's held the ball up really well in training and has brought the midfielders into our attacks really well. He's settled in with the lads already which is a great sign too."

Pierce is a versatile left sided player, and can occupy a left back or left wing role. He is well known to Flint coach Aden Shannon, who had him as a player at Conwy Borough during his stint as manager there.

Arriving at Cae-y-Castell from West Cheshire League side Chester Nomads, Pierce is well used to the Huws Gray Alliance, and according to Shannon, he possesses great quality on the ball.

Evans signs from Menai Bridge Tigers after just a couple of traning sessions with the Pentraeth squad.

Reports say the new recruit has been really impressive in the short time he has been with the club and has linked up really well with the other attackers.

Evans is a very quick and skilful player who has plenty of experience having played for Llanfairpwll, Gaerwen and Menai Bridge.

Defender Cavanagh began last season with Llanllyfni before moving to Bangor City, where he helped the reserves side win their Welsh Alliance division.

Beach has recently been posted to RAF Valley, and will bring some more quality to the Trearddur side.

The midfielder played at Wem Town FC in the West Midlands League last season and has also played at Haverfordwest CCFC and Hereford county, as well as the RAF Officers team.

Defender Harris played most of his football at Llandudno Albion before having a break to spend time with his young family. He has decided to start playing again this year and after his first training session opted to sign a form for Trearddur Bay.

Left-sided midfielder formerly with Connah's Quay Tigers of the North East Wales League.

New to the Green Army, Connolly has had over a two-year break from football due to a niggling injury. His previous clubs include Porthmadog, Colwyn Bay and Trearddur Bay.

Boded manager Ricky Williams tried signing him a few years back and is glad he has finally got his man.

Connolly began his football career with Port Vale and then moved to the Swedish League with Ornskoldsvik before returning to play in North Wales.

Formerly with Penycae in the Huws Gray Alliance, Dodd took a couple of seasons out before returning to play for North East Wales League side Hawkesbury Villa last term.

Now with his enthusiasm for the game rekindled, he aims to make his mark with NBV.

Another good addition to a Bay squad which is being revamped under new managers Chris Davies and Nathan Owen.

Midfielder whose former clubs include Aston Park Rangers.

Striker who has had time away from the game, but has experience playing for Llandudno Reserves.

Highly-rated 16-year-old striker who was being chased by a number of clubs but chose to commit himself to Albion.

Verburg will add real depth and competition in the centre of midfield at Pentraeth, and from his background at previous clubs could also cover at full-back if needed.

He has plenty of experience at this level having played for Llanfairpwll and Llannerchymedd in the Welsh Alliance.