Club legend Craig leaves The Oval, but three new faces join the Canaries

One of Caernarfon Town’s all-time legends has left The Oval today, but the club has brought in three new players to soften the blow.

Nathan Craig said goodbye after more than 200 appearances and a host of successes with the Canaries.

Arriving at the Welsh Premier club today were striker Asa Hamilton, left-back Jack Fleming and goalkeeper Tyler French.

The departure of Craig, 28, will be felt deeply by the Cofi Army, who regard him very much as one of their own.

The former Everton professional and Welsh Under 21 international, who grew up a stone’s throw away from The Oval, made his debut for the Cofis in 2012 before heading back to the professional game, and returned to the club in 2014.

Since then, Nathan has been an integral part of the club’s rise to the Cymru Premier League and captained the Cofis to the Cymru Alliance title in 2017/18.

In all, Nathan has made 201 first-team appearances for Caernarfon and scored 83 goals – a remarkable return for a left-back/wing-back.

He was top-scorer for the club on their return to the Cymru Premier in 2018-19.

Nathan has also been head of the club’s Football in the Community project since 2015.

The departing hero told the Caernarfon Town website today: “I’ve been thinking hard over the last few weeks about my place in the Caernarfon squad.

“It’s been a tough time to weigh everything up and the decision is not easy to make.

“Caernarfon Town has always been in my heart and I will always be a Caernarfon boy.

“I feel I’ve succeeded in everything I’ve done for Caernarfon and feel it’s time to move on for a new challenge.

“I understand that this may be a disappointment to many associated with the club and I cannot thank everyone enough for their support over the years, from the backroom staff, the players I have had the pleasure of playing with but especially to the Cofi Army. A very special group of people who have a special place in my heart.

“It has been a privilege to represent my local club over the years and to be captain. I am also delighted to have had the opportunity to be the Community Football Officer for the club, to develop the skills of the local children and to be privileged to see them succeed and grow in confidence.

“I wish Huw (Griffiths – manager), Fish (Richard Owain Davies – assistant manager) and everyone involved with the club all the best for the future.”

New faces

Asa Hamilton has enjoyed numerous seasons in the Welsh pyramid and has represented Airbus, Porthmadog, Guilsfield and Rhyl, scoring a healthy number of goals at Cymru North level.

He will add both experience and physical presence to the Canaries squad.

Jack Fleming, 21, was at Tranmere Rovers aged 12-18 and has since played for Skelmersdale and Northwich Victoria before spending last season at Burscough in the North West-Counties League.

The tough-tackling defender was on Huw Griffiths’ radar during his time at Cefn Druids, and the manager is delighted to have finally landed his man.

Promising keeper Tyler French, 23, was brought up in Blaenau Ffestiniog, whom he has played for, as well as Bala Town, Porthmadog, Holywell Town and Llangefni Town.

CAERNARFON TOWN – INS AND OUTS SUMMER 2020

INS
Josh Tibbetts
Mike Hayes
Cai Jones
Iddon Price
Cory Williams
Asa Hamilton
Jack Fleming
Tyler French

OUTS
Jamie Breese
Jamie Crowther
Mike Pearson
Alex Ramsay
Gareth Evans
Nathan Craig

RE-SIGNED
Darren Thomas
Joe Williams
Sam Jones
Telor Williams
Danny Brookwell
Gareth Edwards
Gruffydd John
Noah Edwards
Sion Bradley
Ryan Williams