Lots of activity at Caernarfon Town

It’s all happening at Caernarfon Town.

More ins and outs than a current England cricket batting line up.

But a summer shuffle often works wonders and the general feeling emerging from The Oval is one of optimism and anticipation.

It was only four weeks ago that the Canaries missed out on a first European venture after losing 5-3 to Newtown in the Euro Play-Off Final.

Despite the fact they lost that thrilling encounter at home, the disappointment for the fans was mixed with also a feeling of excitement that the club had edged that close to competing in Europe.

Much has occurred since that May 29 season-closer on the transfer front for Huw Griffiths’ men.

Those who have left The Oval are:

Joe Williams
Jack Kenny
Michael Parker
Telor Williams
Gaz Edwards

Those who have arrived at The Oval:

Dion Donohue
Rob Hughes
Daniel Gosset

Those who have stayed at The Oval:

Sion Bradley
Darren Thomas
Mike Hayes
Ryan Williams
Gruff John
Cai Jones

News is still awaited on whether other some members of last season’s squad are staying on.

Some may be on contracts, but Grassroots North Wales does not know any such details on a number of players.

What we do know is Sion Bradley, Darren Thomas, Mike Hayes, Ryan Williams, Gruff John and Cai Jones have all signed new deals in recent months.

Jake Bickerstaff and Max Cleworth, two players who arrived at Caernarfon on loan from Wrexham in March and made a major impact at The Oval, remain under contract at the Racecourse club for 2021-22.

NEW FACES – DANIEL GOSSET

The story of Daniel Gosset and his courageous comeback to Cymru Premier football is well-known.

In August 2019, Daniel received the devastating news that what he initially thought was a typical football injury was in fact a type of blood cancer known as Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Six months of chemotherapy followed. During his treatment, a morale-boosting visit to meet the Wales men’s squad was arranged. And in January 2020 he was given the all-clear.

In June 2020, he was told further good news that the break in his femur had completely healed and received the go-ahead to restart training.

At the same time, his club Bala Town were thrilled to announce Daniel would be staying with them for the 2020/21 season.

Town’s 3-1 win at Cefn Druids in March 2021 saw midfielder Daniel make his first appearance for the club in more than 18 months following his battle with illness when he came on as an 81st minute substitute.

The 26-year-old from Y Felinheli began his career with Oldham Athletic, making two Football League appearances before a spell on loan with Stockport County.

He made his Welsh Premier League debut for Rhyl in 2014-15 and later had a stint at full-time club The New Saints before signing for Bangor City in June 2016.

Daniel had two successful seasons at Nantporth, his industrious passing game fitting the team’s style of play, and he helped the club reach the Europa League and played against Danish side Lyngby in 2017.

He moved to Bala Town in 2018, and also had a loan stint at Cefn Druids.

Daniel has represented Wales at C level and made his international debut in March 2018 against a strong England side.

Now Caernarfon Town becomes his sixth Cymru Premier club.

FAREWELL – JOE WILLIAMS

Few Caernarfon Town players over the years can match the popularity of Joe Williams.

There was genuine sadness around The Oval this week when Joe, 32, announced he is leaving the club he has served so well for six seasons.

He won two Cymru Alliance League titles with the Cofis – in 2015-16 and 2017-18 – and spent three campaigns with the club in the Cymru Premier.

Previously with Glan Conwy, Conwy Borough and Llandudno, he was signed for Caernarfon by Iwan Williams in 2015.

He made 35 first team appearances in a 2015-16 season which saw Town roar to a Cymru Alliance League title and Huws Gray Cup double.

Unfortunately, the Canaries were refused permission to elevate to the Cymru Premier due to a licensing issue.

The following season, Joe remained on board as the Ovalites enjoyed back-to-back league cup successes.

And in 2017-18 came a second Cymru Alliance championship triumph in three seasons.

Joe featured in 32 matches – celebrating his third career Cymru Alliance title – and this time Town made no mistake as they secured a return to the top flight for the first time since 2009.

Caernarfon’s first three seasons back in the Cymru Premier saw them achieve three consecutive top six finishes with the experienced Joe proving as steady a performer as ever.

Joe made more than 180 appearances for the Canaries. He will be remembered as a true Caernarfon Town legend.