A round-up of the latest Welsh Premier League transfer dealings…
The New Saints have confirmed their fourth signing in the space of a week with the news that versatile defender Kane Lewis joins the club following his release from Liverpool.
The 20-year-old is the latest to arrive through the door at Park Hall as the club look to complete their transfer activity well in advance of their European preparations, and I understand the Saints are close to finalising two further additions.
Lewis, who can play at in central defence or at right back says he is looking forward to playing in the club’s Champion League qualifiers this summer: “I am very pleased to have finally put pen to paper with this amazing club and to see what the future holds. I’m looking forward to the Champions League qualifiers and being a part of an ongoing trophy-winning club. I can’t wait to get started.”
Lewis originally joined Liverpool from Brentford’s academy before signing a two-year professional deal under Jurgen Klopp. He follows Josh Hmami, Joash Nembhard and Danny Redmond, who have all recently put pen to paper for the WPL champions.
“It’s a very good signing for the football club, a versatile defender with excellent pedigree even at such a young age. Comfortable in possession and will give us lots of options at the back,” said manager Scott Ruscoe.
Recently departed Saints defender defender Steve Saunders has returned to Scotland with newly promoted SPL club Livingston. Saunders was out of contract at Park Hall ending a successful two-year spell with the club.
Nomads sign Wilson
Attacking left-back Laurence Wilson has completed a move to Connah’s Quay, ending a two-year spell with Bangor City.
A veteran of over 300 Football League appearances, the 31-year-old is the second Bangor defender to switch to the Deeside Stadium following the recent arrival of Danny Holmes.
Connah’s Quay’s defence already has something of a new look about it with Mike Pearson and Kai Edwards (both Llandudno) and full-back Sean Smith leaving the club.
Nomads boss Andy Morrison has already recruited experienced midfielder Michael Parker and highly-rated 21-year-old Noah Edwards from Prestatyn Town.
Meanwhile, the Nomads have also announced that goalkeeper John Danby has agreed terms on a new year-one deal, and the former Chester City stopper believes the club can continue to close the gap on The New Saints.
“I’m really pleased to have signed for another year. It’s been a great season and I feel like we’ve moved forwards again. Having spoken to the gaffer, it was a no-brainer to sign again – he’s always looking to improve on and off the field and I think that reflects in his teams and the results he gets,” he said.
“On a personal note, I’m always looking to improve and having goalkeeping coach, Neil Ebbrell at the club is a major factor for me – the main aim will be to close the gap and really push TNS in the league and hopefully that’s something we can do this season.”
WPL transfer wire
Andy Burns, Tamworth > Bala Town … Steve Saunders, The New Saints > Livingston … Steve Thomas, Holywell > Llandudno … Anthony Miley, Bangor City > Bala Town… Dan Westwood, free agent > Llandudno … Lee Trundle, Llanelli > Haverfordwest … Damian Ketley, Prestatyn > Llandudno … Josh Hmami, Accrington > TNS … Joash Nembhard, Staines Town > TNS … Michael Parker, Prestatyn > Connah’s Quay … Noah Edwards, Prestatyn > Connah’s Quay … Shaun Pearson, Holywell > Llandudno … Zyaac Edwards, Prestatyn > Llandudno … Zebb Edwards, Prestatyn > Llandudno … Connell Rawlinson, TNS > Port Vale …