JD Cymru Leagues latest: Flint add defensive steel as Afan Lido bolster squad

All of the latest news from across the JD Cymru Leagues as clubs step up preparations for 2026/27.

JD Cymru Premier

Flint Town United boss Lee Fowler believes new signing Harrison McGahey will be the ideal partner for centre-back Harry Owen, after it was announced the two-time JD Cymru Premier winner will put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Silkmen.

“Harrison is a massive coup for Flint Town with his experience in the Football League and being part of a winning machine at TNS. It’s one of the areas we wanted to improve. Harry Owen has led the back line as a senior professional, and taken on huge responsibility at such a young age. This signing will help not only the team, but also Harry’s development and will help him grow even further,” he said.

Former Connah’s Quay and Bala Town full-back Harry Dean and forward/midfielder Joe Malkin also both arrive at the Essity Stadium, along with Isaac Modi, who is perhaps best known for featuring in the Ballers League.

“He’s very humble, respectful and clearly a talented player. He can play many positions in wide areas, both in attack and defence, so this is key for us and for him. We sat down and made it very clear what it takes to be successful and what we expect from each other — we can give him a platform to showcase his talent. He has all the tools to be successful in this league; it’s all there for him to do so,” explained Fowler.

Goalkeeper Luke Martin has committed to Ammanford for the new season. Martin, who was an ever-present in the side’s promotion-winning season, said: “Last season was an amazing achievement and I’m looking forward to the challenge of competing in the Cymru Premier. It’s an exciting time for the club, and I’m grateful to be part of it.” Meanwhile, Charlie Davies, Gavin Jones, Thomas Johnston, and Luke Sylvester are also all returning.

Penybont have strengthened their squad with the double signing of attacking left-back Eduino Vaz from National League side Sutton United and centre-midfielder Ryan Hill from Aldershot. Both are expected to play a key role under manager Rhys Griffiths in the club’s forthcoming European campaign.

Harrison Bright has made the switch to Cambrian United. The former Newport County, Pontypridd United, Barry Town United, and Llanelli defender made 26 appearances in the JD Cymru South last season. Left-back Danny Birch, Kieran Lewis, and Josh Allen have also renewed terms with the JD Cymru Premier newcomers.

Full-back Kian Jenkins has departed Briton Ferry Llansawel for National League South side Torquay United after two seasons.

Haverfordwest County have completed the signing of Lucas Myers as they continue their transition to a hybrid-professional model. Tony Pennock says the 18-year-old, who came through the Swindon Town academy, will add depth to the Bluebirds’ goalkeeping department:

“Lucas trained with us in April and showed all the attributes we look for in a young footballer. He has already experienced a good level of senior football and shows an excellent level of maturity for someone so young. We look forward to seeing him continue his development at the club. Having three goalkeepers, two of which are full-time, adds excellent competition to our goalkeeping department.”

Wrexham academy product Jack Fisher has completed a move to Llandudno. A club statement said: “Jack’s a very good young goalkeeper who adds to the young keepers that we have got at the club. He has the drive and determination to do well in the game, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him develop here at Llandudno.”

Meanwhile, Colwyn Bay have swooped for promising goalkeeper Ryley Berry from Connah’s Quay Nomads. The 18-year-old made his Cymru Premier debut during the 25/26 campaign, and now joins Mike Wilde’s side for the 2026/27 season. Another goalkeeper departing the Nomads is Elliot Collins, who has made the switch to Holywell Town.

JD CYMRU NORTH

Buckley Town have completed the signing of highly-rated centre-back Tom Dougherty. The 21-year-old Airbus UK Broughton product caught the eye after impressing for Ruthin Town on loan last season.

“Tom arrives having built a formidable reputation through the Airbus Academy system, where his development and performances marked him out as one of the standout young defenders in the region. Tom is a modern, ball-playing centre-half who combines physical presence with real quality in possession. He’s comfortable stepping into midfield, loves to carry the ball out from the back and has the ability to dribble, turn and break lines in a way that gives his team a different dimension. Despite his age, Tom already brings valuable Tier 2 experience after being an ever-present out on loan last season,” said a club statement.

In a busy week at The Globe, centre-forward Josh Harris-James also arrives following a spell playing in Czechia, along with experienced midfielder Paul Johnson and brothers Billy and Reagan Nicholas.

Defender Elliot Orton is raring to go after completing a move from Gresford Athletic to Denbigh Town. “I’ve trained with the lads and can see the quality in the squad already and walking around the ground, the pitch, the facilities and ambition of the place is something that really drew me to want to come here,” he said. He follows in the footsteps of winger Toby Gallagher-Keenan, who also makes the switch from Gresford, whilst young winger Hugh Holland arrives as the club’s third new arrival from Buckley Town.

Former Holywell Town and Flint Mountain defender Luka Graham has put pen to paper with Rhyl 1879.

Caersws have announced Neil Lewis has been appointed as new first-team manager and Brett McBride as assistant manager. Ashley Jones, Tom Edwards, Rhys Hesden, Ash Harries, and Max Williams have also all committed to the club.

Penrhyncoch have announced manager Gari Lewis and assistant Sion James will return for the new season, whilst goalkeeper Leigh Hamer-Jenkins has been retained for the upcoming campaign. Tomos Evans, Dion Phillips, Daniel Owen, Ifan Burrell, and Jake Jones are all departing.

Brickfield Rangers have promoted 17-year-old prospect Harvey O’Sullivan to their first-team squad for the new season along with CJ Richardson. Mold Alexandra have completed the signing of goalkeeper Jacob Roberts from the Nomads. Roberts, who spent last season on loan at St Asaph, said: “I’m really happy to be joining Mold after seeing the quality and momentum the lads had at the end of last season and the plans the club have going forward. I felt it was definitely the right place to come and further my development.”

JD CYMRU SOUTH

New Carmarthen Town manager Rhodri Thomas’ pre-season preparations have been boosted by the return of Lee Idzi and Liam Thomas.

“Carmarthen has been a huge part of my last 20 years in Welsh football. To have season 21 playing for a club that is close to my heart is special. I’m looking forward to a new season under new leadership and as always give my best week in week out to a high standard for the team and the new manager,” he said.

Pure Swansea’s plans for the upcoming season are beginning to take shape with the club announcing a trio of new signings. Danny Williams and Bradley Gibbings both join from Llanelli Town, whilst Noah Osborne returns from a spell with Carmarthen Town.

Ynyshir Albions have bolstered the back line with the signing of 19-year-old Cole Baker from Cambrian United and midfielder Isaac Powell from Cwmbran Celtic. Meanwhile, departing the Buns is Calum Salter. The young forward has joined Llanelli Town after scoring seven goals last season.

Llanelli have also announced Miles John will return for a second spell, whilst a club statement has confirmed Joe Hopkins, Alex Pennock, Joe Lloyd, Bradley Gibbings, Tristan Jenkins, Rio Booth, James Parry, Sam Parsons, and James Lester are amongst those to be departing Stebonheath.

Afan Lido have announced the signing of winger Rio Dyer from Briton Ferry Llansawel. Dyer made 22 JD Cymru Premier appearances last season. In a busy few days for the club, Lee Surman has also moved to sign Llanelli defenders Sean Cronin and Jamie Baker, Cardiff Draconians full-back Daniel Lewis, striker Alex Giardelli from Ammanford, and former Caerau Ely midfielder Jack Pascoe. Meanwhile, the Young Guns have completed the signing of attacking midfielder Owen Bancroft from Newport City.

It’s friends reunited at Aberystwyth Town as the club announced defender Harry Cottam and midfielder Gruff Sedgwick have both returned to the club from spells at Caersws and Newtown respectively. Meanwhile, experienced Cymru Leagues striker Aaron Williams has also put pen to paper with the Green and Blacks along with Caersws midfielder Dillon Browne.

Pontardawe Town have re-signed Rhys Dix for the upcoming season, despite the midfielder missing the entirety of last season through injury. Will Thomas and Steffan Jenkins will also extend their stays at Parc Ynysderw.

Elsewhere, newly-promoted Caerphilly Athletic have added experienced JD Cymru South midfielder Liam Reed to their squad. Cameron McKnight becomes Baglan Dragons’ second signing of the summer, joining from neighbours Goytre United. Goalkeeper Shaun Gardiner has returned to Treowen Stars following a brief spell with Llantwit Major last season, and Llantwit Major have signed full-back Ben Symons.