Novira Cymru Leagues latest: Dan John’s new chapter begins as Barry turn to a familiar name

All of the latest news from across the Novira Cymru Leagues as clubs preseason friendlies continue ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Novira Cymru Premier

New Trefelin signing Dan John wants to carry his Novira Cymru South form into the Novira Cymru Premier after completing a move from Cardiff Met. The 20-year-old striker featured on loan at Ammanford last season, where he was named Cymru South Young Player of the Year after netting 19 goals.

“I’m determined to push on, develop and show what I can do at the Cymru Premier level,” he said.

“I spoke to Andy Hill at length and could see how ambitious the club is and their desire to keep pushing forward on and off the field. I will have my own individual goal target, which I will keep to myself for now, but my main focus will be to help the team and ensure they get established in this league as quickly as possible.”

Trefelin boss Andy Hill believes John is a perfect fit for his newly-promoted side:

“Dan brings pace, athleticism and a real eye for goal, while his aggressive work off the ball and willingness to press make him an ideal fit for the way we want to play.

“He fits the player profile we’ve worked hard to build at the club – young, hungry, ambitious and eager to improve.”

Penybont have re-signed goalkeeper Dan Higgs for a successive season on loan from Cardiff City as part of a trio of signings. The 18-year-old recently signed his first professional contract with the Bluebirds and made six Novira Cymru Premier appearances last season.

Experienced Newport County right-back Liam Shephard also signed in what is proving to be a busy summer for Rhys Griffiths’ side, while former Chippenham Town, Pontypridd United and Solihull Moors player Ethan Vaughan also arrives.

Young left-back Isaac Godwin has returned to The New Saints after leaving Shrewsbury Town. The former Saints academy product originally joined the Shrews at under-16 level before signing his first professional contract in 2025.

“Isaac’s got history with the football club, but then Shrewsbury took him on where, unfortunately, he picked up a bit of an injury and didn’t get his second or third-year pro contract,” explained Saints manager Craig Harrison.

“He’s come in and trained with us and done really well. He’s a left-footed defender with huge potential – he might not be quite ready now but he’s certainly one for the future, without a shadow of doubt.”

Ammanford have moved for experienced midfielder Elliot Scotcher. The 32-year-old made 14 Novira Cymru Premier appearances for Haverfordwest County last season.

“He brings invaluable knowledge and experience for our journey in the top flight,” said a club statement.

Barry Town United have secured the signing of ex-Mangotsfield, Torquay and Dorchester striker Jadyn Crosbie.

“I can’t wait to get started and play in front of the fans. I have met all the boys and I can already tell this season will be special,” he said.

The Linnets have also announced the signings of Elliot Duncan, who has previously featured in the Cymru Premier for Connah’s Quay and Haverfordwest County, and former Cardiff City and Llanelli Town youngster James Lester.

Elsewhere, Zimbabwean international Alec Mudimu continues his journey in Welsh football having joined Holywell Town, while Flint Town United have swooped for experienced Northern Premier League full-back Ben Woods and Belgian-born forward Tunde Owolabi.

NOVIRA CYMRU NORTH

Pacey winger Jardel Lima and former Caernarfon Town, Flint Town United and Aberystwyth Town man Calum Huxley are among those named on Brickfield Rangers’ retained list as the club embarks on its 50th-anniversary campaign.

Denbigh Town’s busy summer continues with Tom Smith becoming their sixth new arrival. The midfielder arrives from Gresford Town much to the delight of manager Dewi Llion.

“Tom’s a really good midfielder who has continued to progress year on year. He was exceptional at both tier-three level and the Cymru North, and fits the profile of the players we’re looking to bring in.”

Penrhyncoch have confirmed Iestyn Duggan, Elian Evans and Zac Davies have all been retained, while the Roosters have also announced the return of midfielder Owain Evans following a brief spell at Aberystwyth last season. Cynan Edwards has joined Llanfairfechan Town from Mold Alexandra.

NOVIRA CYMRU SOUTH

Trethomas Bluebirds hit the headlines last week after making the unlikely signing of former Cardiff City, Newcastle United and Sunderland star Michael Chopra.

Chopra, 42, now resides in the Netherlands and is looking forward to featuring in the upcoming season.

“It feels like fate that I’m back as a Bluebird again. It’ll be a great opportunity for the club to use my name and get more people involved,” he said.

Former professional Derek Brazil, who previously played for Trethomas, introduced Chopra to chairman Dave Evans.

“He put me on the phone to the chairman and it all started from there.

“I believe you’ve got to earn the right to play. Even though I’ve played at the highest level, I’m no different to the players they’ve got now.”

Llanelli Town have signed former Swansea City academy product Jack Cooper, who moves to Stebonheath following spells with Cambrian United and Cardiff Draconians.

Keane Whitmore has also agreed terms with the Reds after featuring for Carmarthen Town last season.

Newport City have bolstered their ranks with Llanelli Town forward Rio Booth, Evesham United goalkeeper Alexander Harris and Goytre AFC defender Ellis Quaterly.

Meanwhile, Ynyshir Albions have signed Kai Crossley from Cambrian United, Cardiff Draconians have completed the signing of 20-year-old midfielder Tom McCallum, and young shot stopper Scott Williams has put pen to paper with Pontardawe Town following his departure from Chippenham Town.