All of the latest news from across the JD Cymru Leagues with less than a week to go until the summer transfer window officially opens.
JD Cymru Premier
A week away from the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round draw, JD Cymru Premier champions The New Saints have continued to bolster their squad. Former Chelsea academy and ex-England U19 international defender Dynel Simeu joins Craig Harrison’s squad, having played for Oldham Athletic last season.
“Strengthening our defensive options was a real priority this summer, and Dynel ticks every box. He’s a big, powerful defender with great pace and athleticism, and he’s very comfortable on the ball too,” said the Saints boss.
“I watched him closely at Oldham last season and was impressed—he has exactly the right blend of quality and experience, and at 24 he’s at a great age to come in and make an impact. He’s already settled in brilliantly.”
Also arriving at Park Hall is 20-year-old left-back Zach Nolan, who most recently featured for Ballymena United.
Flint Town United have unveiled their management structure ahead of the new season, with Lee Fowler resuming his role as first team manager and Steve Evans serving as his assistant. Meanwhile, Josh Jones, Ben Wynne and Jake Phillips are amongst those whose departures have been confirmed by the Silkmen.
“These three have played a huge part in everything we have achieved at the club: promotion, two successful seasons staying up, and reaching a Welsh Cup Final. We have shared so many great memories both on and off the football pitch, and I wish them all the very best for the future,” commented Fowler.
Alec Mudimu, Osebi Abadaki, Evan Smith, Darren Stephenson, Oliver Kilner, and Harry Cartwright will also not be returning to the club, whilst loanees Max Purvis, Jake Canavan and Ben Woollam return to their parent clubs.
“We’ll soon have plenty of positive news to share, so keep your eyes peeled. New kits, a new kit manufacturer and, most importantly, new signings,” added Fowler.
Tony Pennock says the opportunity to sign Cardiff Met striker Lewis Rees was too good to turn down. Rees becomes Haverfordwest County’s third arrival of the summer and follows in the footsteps of experienced midfielder Clayton Green, who made the switch from Penybont last week, and former England U19 international Jordan Hackett.
“When the opportunity to speak to Lewis became available, it was something I was keen to do,” explained Pennock. “Lewis has been a consistent member of a very good Met side for several seasons and we needed to add to our attacking options since losing Ben Fawcett, so Lewis is an excellent addition to that area in our squad.”
Holywell Town’s preparations for their return to the JD Cymru Premier have been boosted by the re-signing of vice-captain Jake Cooke, Tom Bibby and striker Mark Winslade. The club have also announced the signing of ex-Denbigh Town forward Owen Davies and young defender Casey Bedford.
Another Archer departing Cyncoed is long-serving defender Matt Chubb, who has agreed terms with Briton Ferry Llansawel. The Reds have also moved to sign Llanelli winger Tristan Jenkins.
Cambrian United have confirmed that JD Cymru South Player of the Season Liam Eason has inked terms ahead of the club’s debut season in the top flight. The Cam Army have also secured the services of Camillo Strinati, Jake Morris and Jay Woodford.
Elsewhere, Barry Town United have announced that they were unable to agree terms with key defender Ben Margetson, who has joined Merthyr Town.
JD Cymru North
Newtown have announced that they are looking for a new manager after it was confirmed Nathan Leonard has left the club by mutual agreement. The 40-year-old led the Robins to a fourth-place finish last season.
Bangor City 1876 captain Tomos Clarke has decided to move on after joining the Citizens ahead of the 2021/22 season. The central defender revealed on social media: “After five unbelievable seasons I’ve decided now is the right time to leave my club. One of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I feel it’s the right time for me to leave this incredible club that has given me so many memories and the opportunity to play for my local club.”
Meanwhile, the Citizens have announced that Declan McManus, Tommy Creamer and Cai Owen have all committed their futures to the club. McManus has carved out a reputation as one of the most clinical strikers in the JD Cymru North, while Creamer netted 14 goals for the club last season. Owen was voted as Supporters’ Player of the Season and chosen as the Manager’s Player of the Season.
Rhyl 1879 have completed the double signing of forward Max Moore and left-back Joe Ly, subject to clearance. Ruthin Town have announced that Colin Caton will remain as manager next season, whilst also announcing that Tom Roberts will captain the Colts ahead of the forthcoming campaign and that goalkeeper Dan Goldston will also be returning.
New boy Kieran Owens can’t wait to get going at Mold Alexandra. The attacking midfielder recently completed a switch to Alyn Park after featuring for Flint Mountain.
“I can’t wait to work with Barry Owen and the team and to help The Alex push on. There’s a real buzz around this club, and looking at their results at the business end of last season shows this club is going in the right direction,” he said.
The Alex have also confirmed that Harry Cartwright has joined on a permanent basis following his successful loan spell from Flint Town United last season, along with former Connah’s Quay Nomads and Aberystwyth Town striker Luca Hogan.
JD Cymru South
Carmarthen Town boss Rhodri Thomas hopes Mason Jones-Thomas can put his injuries behind him as the Old Gold look to rebuild.
Jones-Thomas and Tyler Aylward are amongst those to have been retained by the club for next season, and Thomas hopes both will have influential roles to play:
“Mason has had a tough couple of years with injuries, but we’re looking forward to seeing him fully fit and back to his best. We know the quality he brings to the squad, and we’re excited to see him make a big impact this season. Tyler is a vital part of what we’re trying to build and is a leader on and off the pitch. I’m really pleased that he’s committed for another season at the Old Gold.”
Pontypridd United have strengthened their defence with the arrival of former Caerau Ely and Cardiff Draconians centre-back Clayton Farrah. The Dracs, meanwhile, have confirmed that Dan Lewis has departed the club.
“It’s been a really fun three years. I want to thank everyone—committee, coaches, players. Honestly, it’s been a second family here and I do really appreciate everyone for making me feel so welcome,” he said.
Pontardawe Town have confirmed that academy products Ollie Nedza, Jenson Stone and Jesse Meacock have all been retained by the club following their promotion-winning season.
Caerphilly Athletic have started to piece together their squad ahead of their first season in the Ardal Leagues following the arrival of powerful forward Izaac Follon, whilst highly rated striker Iwan John has joined Merthyr Town. Elsewhere, Aberystwyth Town have confirmed that Jonathan Evans will return to the club, along with new goalkeeper Luke Evans, who arrives from Guilsfield.
Baglan Dragons have announced the signing of centre-forward Toby Jones from Carmarthen Town as their first new arrival of the summer, whilst Owen Williams, Jordan Pike, Andzejs Dubjaga, Tom Randall, and youngsters Osian Williams and Rohan Davies will all remain with the club next season.
JD Cymru Leagues season dates
The season dates for the 2026/27 campaign have been confirmed
