JD Cymru Leagues latest: TNS break transfer record as Holywell Town stalwart retires

All of the latest news from across the JD Cymru Leagues as clubs ramp up their preparations for the new season.

JD Cymru Premier

The New Saints have announced they have broken their club transfer record to sign Northern Irish striker Ben Wilson. The 23-year-old joins Craig Harrison’s side from Scottish second tier side Airdrieonians, where he scored 17 goals in all competitions last season. Club chairman Mike Harris believes their latest acquisition “shows that the JD Cymru Premier is becoming a significant league”.

News on and off the pitch at Bala Town, where midfielder Nathan Burke has put pen to paper on an extension that will see him remain at Maes Tegid until 2027. Meanwhile, experienced Cymru Premier striker John Owen has become the club’s first new signing of the summer window. The Lakesiders have also appointed Nick Jones as their new U21 head coach.

Caernarfon Town have continued their summer squad building by adding Dominic Smith to their squad. The 29-year-old defender started all 32 league matches for the Robins last season.

Barry Town United have posted a heartfelt thank you to long-serving club secretary David Cole, who has left his role at 36 years’ service to the Jenner Park side.

JD Cymru North

Rhyl 1879 have announced highly-rated striker Dylan Proctor will now be remaining at the Hops & Barley Community Stadium, after the club initially reported they had been unable to agree terms to on a new deal with the 21-year-old. Proctor scored 28 goals in just 24 games as the Lilywhites claimed the Ardal North West title last season.

Penrhyncoch have also given fans a lift ahead of the forthcoming campaign with news that club captain Tom Evans will be returning, whilst energetic midfielder Owain Evans has also been retained following an impressive debut season for the Roosters.  

Holywell Town captain Danny Andrews has called time on his playing career at the age of 38. Andrews captained the Wellmen to the 2023/24 JD Cymru South title and departs having made 139 appearances and scored 58 goals for the club.  Meanwhile, Ruthin Town have announced their long-serving midfielder Gwion Owen has left the club after making more than 250 appearances.

Former Airbus UK Broughton defender Owen Payne says that Denbigh Town’s facilities and future plans are what enticed him to put pen to paper for the club, whilst the Reds have also confirmed that prolific striker Matthew Worrall has moved back to Central Park after spells at Gresford Athletic, Llay Miners Welfare and Lex XI last season.

Another player returning back to his former stomping ground is ex-Llandudno captain Shaun Pearson, who returns to the club looking to realise their JD Cymru Premier ambitions, having made the switch from Holywell Town.

JD Cymru South

Aberystwyth Town manager Callum McKenzie has praised the patience of young goalkeeper Sebastian Osment after it was announced he will play a part in the club’s rebuild this coming season.

The 21-year-old had found first-team opportunities restricted since arriving last summer, but McKenzie says he is now ready and fully deserving of an opportunity to establish himself as the club’s first-choice stopper. The club have also added 17-year-old goalkeeper Tomos Wyn Evans, whilst attacking midfielder and former Shrewsbury Town scholar Ethan O’Toole also arrives.  

Cambrian United continue to add to their impressive squad with RCT-products Jarrad Wright, Taylor Jones, Ashley Evans and Kieran Lewis all joining the club.  Llantwit Major have announced title-winning captain Cullen Kinsella is returning to the club from Trefelin.  

Newcomers Treowen Stars and Cardiff Draconians have bolstered their squads, with Drew Banner making the switch to Bush Park while Jon McMenemy and Dan Bowen have joined the Dracs.