The new JD Cymru Leagues campaign is edging ever closer – with the first and second round Nathaniel MG Cup draws confirmed this week – so keep up to date with the latest news below.
JD Cymru Premier
Haverfordwest County defender Lee Jenkins has become the latest player to make the switch from JD Cymru Leagues to the English Football League, putting pen to paper with Newport County. The 23-year-old follows in the footsteps of Priestley Farquharson, Will Evans, Nathan Wood and Kai Whitmore who have also moved to Rodney Parade from the top-flight in recent years.
It has been a busy week off the pitch at Caernarfon Town, who have confirmed that they will be playing their home fixtures at Llandudno’s Go Goodwins Stadium while renovation works take place at The Oval in preparation for the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Manager Richard Davies has also added to his coaching staff with the appointment of former Aberystwyth Town and Llandudno assistant boss Guy Handscombe.
There has also been high praise for Davies this week from Champions League winner and former Brazil international Dante, following their time together on the FAW’s UEFA Pro Licence course. “We are like a family,” Dante explained to BBC Sport Wales. “We learn together, we do everything together. Richard is passionate. I was amazed to see the emotion he speaks with, and I think every coach needs this emotion inside.”
Harry Franklin says he is relishing the opportunity to play under former team-mate John Disney having rejoined Connah’s Quay for an undisclosed fee from Northern Irish side Crusaders.
Franklin departed the Nomads last summer and said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to Connah’s Quay and can’t wait to get started – I really enjoyed my time at Crusaders but being closer to home was a big draw in coming back and after speaking to Dis I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of again and I’m really excited for the upcoming season!”
The New Saints have continued to add to their squad with the double signing of goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd from QPR and Liverpool midfielder Dominic Corness. Shepperd, a former Cymru Under-21 goalkeeper, is a product of Swansea City’s academy, while Corness had a brief loan spell at Gillingham in EFL League Two last season.
Briton Ferry Llansawel kicked off their summer transfer business with no fewer than five new arrivals announced on Tuesday. Aberystwyth Town stalwart Jonathan Evans has made the switch to the Reds along with Sam Snaith, Marley Bishop-Wisdom, Dan Jefferies and Connor Smith.
JD Cymru North
Newtown have unveiled a new third shirt to celebrate their 150th anniversary which will go on sale on Saturday 5 July, while the Robins have also been actively engaging with local schools to celebrate the club’s history and status within the community.
Buckley Town manager Asa Hamilton is confident new signing Oli Blayney can make a big impact at The Globe this coming season having beaten a host of clubs to sign the former TNS and Airbus youngster.
“I’m over the moon to get Oli on board,” Hamilton said. “Having spoken a bit last season, three or four of the top clubs in the Cymru North were after him and I’m chuffed that he chose us. He’s a great kid and he started his football life in our junior section, he’s a Buckley lad through and through and I’m delighted to get him on board. He’s great in tight areas, he creates goals, he scores goals and he might just be the piece of the jigsaw we were missing last season. I’ve put a lot of pressure on him because I think he can be exceptional and one of the contenders for Player of the Season.”
TNS product Luke Johnston becomes Denbigh Town’s fourth new arrival of the summer whilst Ruthin Town have announced they have completed the signing of Joel Giblin from Colwyn Bay. Will Cooke and Tom Salisbury have also been added to Dave Evans’ side.
Former Connah’s Quay Nomads and Flint Town United veteran goalkeeper John Danby has agreed terms with Holywell Town, while elsewhere in Flintshire, 18-year-old Harry Cartwright has secured a loan move to Mold Alexandra from Flint Town United until the end of 2025.
JD Cymru South
Louis Bradford has thanked Aberystwyth Town after announcing his departure following five years with the club, while midfielder Ben Guest and defender Kosta Mario have become the Seasiders’ latest new recruits. Guest featured for Newtown last season whilst Mario arrives from the English lower league system.
Carmarthen Town’s summer business has began with the signings of Alex Giardelli – who won the JD Cymru South title with Llanelli Town last summer – and former Cardiff Met and Pontypridd United defender Joe Evans.
Cardiff Draconians have secured the services of goalkeeper Harry Noaks, Dom Anderson, Myles Corson and Luke Evans as they prepare for life in the second tier.
Promising striker Tai Watts and Morgan Andrews have been unveiled as Afan’s Lido’s latest new signings. Andrews featured in the JD Cymru South for Penrhiwceiber Rangers last season whilst Watts arrives from Penygraig.
