Connah’s Quay defender Farquharson heads to Newport County

Priestley Farquharson had a tremendous first season at Nomads. Picture: Nik Mesney, NCM Media

Every time a Football League club signs a Cymru Premier player it reflects well on our national league.

The latest to have a shot at the bigger time is Priestley Farquharson, who joined Newport County from reigning Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads yesterday for an undisclosed fee.

He has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Rodney Parade.

The central defender originally landed with the Nomads in January 2019 from Hayes and Yeading of the Southern League Premier Division South and had a trial with Belgian club KV Oostende last summer.

Farquharson has previously played for Bishop’s Stortford, Hitchin and Billericay.

He made his debut for Nomads in a 6-2 victory over Caernarfon Town in February 2019.

The 23-year-old went on to make 49 competitive starts for the Deesiders as well as eight substitute appearances.

In his time at Deeside Stadium, Priestley found the net on five occasions, won the JD Cymru Premier title and Nathaniel MG Cup whilst also picking up the JD Cymru Young Player of the Season award for the 2019/20 campaign.

Newport County currently sit fifth in League Two having won 11 of their 23 games so far this season and were unluckily knocked out of the FA Cup third round by Premier League side Brighton on penalties in early January.

On his move, Connah’s Quay manager Andy Morrison said “Priestley deserves it, he’s worked incredibly hard. He’s been patient and I always promised him that he would develop under us.

“I was a centre-half myself so I know the qualities that are needed and he’s improved vastly since he came in. He’s turned into a man and he’s an outstanding human being and I’m delighted for him.”