One of the finest goal scorers in North Wales football has become the latest signing for tier 3 Ardal North East club Penycae.
Nicky Williams, 32, has been a prolific net-finder wherever he has played.
Last season, he had bagged 34 goals for Chirk Town in the North East Wales League Premier Division before the Taverners resigned with just weeks of the campaign remaining.
Nicky first truly made his mark back in 2011-12 when he was top scorer for an FC Cefn side which won the Welsh National League Premier Division title.
Next came a move to Acrefair in 2012-13 before joining then reigning Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier champions Chirk AAA the following season, helping them reach the FAW Trophy Final.
The 2014-15 season brought an exciting new chapter for Nicky when he put pen to paper for newly-formed Cefn Albion.
The team won four trophies, including the North East Wales League title, and Williams amassed 59 goals in all competitions.
More success followed in 2015-16 as Williams was in the Albion squad which scooped the WNL Division One title at the first attempt.
Williams returned to Chirk AAA in 2016-17 and enjoyed more glory as the WNL Premier outfit beat Penlan Club 2-1 in the FAW Trophy Final.
In 2017-18, Williams joined new side Plas Madoc, bagging in excess of 50 goals as the Wrexham team were crowned North East Wales League champions. He scored TEN goals in one match.
Just like he had done previously with Cefn, Williams made it back-to-back titles with Plas as they finished top of WNL Division One in 2018-19.
Nicky remained with Madoc during the curtailed 2019-20 season before the club disbanded.
In 2020-21, he signed for FC Queenâs Park, but the campaign never got started due to Covid-19.
Then came last seasonâs experience with Chirk Town which produced a sour ending.
Penycae becomes the eighth club of Nickyâs career.
Stunning capture for fifth-tier club NFA as they land a player who has featured in Europe and the Welsh Premier, as well as winning the Cymru Alliance League title.
Tom Kemp spent last season in tier 4 with Prestatyn Sports, but before that truly hit the heights in the Welsh pyramid.
A very versatile defender who can play in either the full-back role or in the centre of defence if required, Kemp was with Everton as a youngster before signing for Prestatyn Town in 2012.
He went on to make the bench for both of Townâs 2013-14 Europa League first qualifying round games against Latviaâs Liepajas Metalurgs, which the Welsh Premier side won on penalties.
Kemp then twice came on as a substitute for Rhys Owen in the second qualifying round tie against HNK Rijeka of Croatia, which Town lost 8-0 on aggregate.
In 2016-17, Kemp was part of the Prestatyn Town squad which lifted the Cymru Alliance championship.
He represented the Seasiders in the Welsh Premier before switching to Flint Town United in 2018-19.
Kemp celebrated promotion to the Welsh Premier with the Cae-y-Castell club the following campaign.
He made 74 first team appearances in all for Flint before deciding to join Sports in June 2021.
Goalkeeper Williams joins Llay from fellow tier 3 club Brickfield.
Welfare reports their new stopper is performing well in pre-season.
Attacking player who netted 10 goals in 20 league appearances for Rhostyllen last term.
Llay management are confident Swords will add pace, flair and energy (and, dare we say, a cutting edge?) to the team.
Made his mark for the Wingmakersâ reserve side and development squad last season.
Now aiming to command a regular place in tier 3 club Llayâs first team. Centre-back who is the son of current Airbus manager and former Leeds United and Rochdale midfielder Steve OâShaughnessy.
Joins the Welly from Brymbo, having also worn the colours of Chirk AAA last season.
Experienced player who will add a touch of class and composure to the Llay midfield.
Full-back who arrives at The Ring from fellow tier 3 outfit Rhostyllen.
Llay were impressed with his performances against them last season so wanted him on their side this term.
Jones was one of the stand-out players in tier 3 last season so Llay see his capture as a real coup.
Manager Michael Gadie said: âI have been interested in signing Ozzie for a good while now, he offers us that little bit of magic in the middle and is capable of unlocking defences with his vision.â
A clinical finisher with a great eye for goal. He is a very intelligent footballer who always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
Since he was last at Llay he has worked on his fitness and is now a physical presence. Signing from Gresford Athletic, where he clocked up a number of appearances in the Cymru North last season.
Box to box midfielder who works tirelessly from the first whistle to the last.
His ability to break up opposition play and start an attack will prove pivotal this year.
Matt signs from Gresford Athletic where he captained the reserves to their league title last season.
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Returns to the club he had been part of since its reformation in 2017 before signing for newly-named Gronant this summer.
However, this outstanding player is now back with Town, where he won the Vale of Clwyd and Conwy Premier League title in 2019-20. New manager John âBarneyâ Barnes persuaded him to be part of the revamp at Rhuddlan.
Exciting, attacking player rejoins Rhuddlan after a short spell away from the club.
Quick, skillful and a proven goal-scorer, Bellham has played a key role in Townâs successful return to football over the past five years and is now raring to go under new manager Barney.
Big defender is reunited with Barney at Rhuddlan, the pair having worked together at Prestatyn Town last season.
A commanding centre half, Ben has served at Blackpool, Billinge and Prestatyn, as well as having a spell in the USA.
Top performer with great leadership skills and will be a big player for Rhuddlan.
Another who was at Prestatyn when Barney was part of the management team there last season.
Experienced striker whose other clubs include Burscough Richmond and City Of Liverpool.
With a proven eye for a goal, he will be a great inspiration to the younger players in the squad,
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Forward with plenty of pace and aggression who rejoins from Llandudno Albion.
Was a big player for Rhyl and District Sunday League quadruple winners FC Mally last season.
Other ex-clubs include Conwy Borough and Llandudno Junction.
Left-sided defender who can play either centre back or left back.
Liam lands at Phoenix from Glan Conwy, where he won honours and was always a solid performer.
Striker who did not play last season due to injury. His last club was Llandudno Albion.
Peter is a tall, hard-working forward who was top-scorer for Albion in 2018-19.
He also had a spell with Llandudno during their time in the Welsh Premier.
Another to fly from the Glan Conwy nest and make a new home at Pen.
Right-back who brings plenty of class and solidity to that position.
Forward with proven goal-scoring ability who began last season at CPD Y Rhyl 1879 before moving to Albion.
Prior to that he was with Glan Conwy.
Lee was a prominent net-finder for the Llandudno Junction team that finished runners-up in the Welsh Alliance League in 2016-17 and secured promotion to the Cymru Alliance for the first time.
Ellis is now back with Phoenix for a second spell.
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Central midfielder who targeted a move to Llandyrnog for a chance to play regular first team football.
Dyrny manager Jimmy McNally says the youngster has impressed during training.
âHeâs young and keen, and has already stated heâd like to be more successful at the club than his step dad, David Davies, so heâs certainly raring to go!â
Llandyrnog lad who is another to follow in his fatherâs footsteps by moving to Cae Nant.
United manager Jimmy McNally said: âIâve known Jac for years, he attended the mini football sessions in the village as a child, and has become a sturdy, hard-working centre back. Jac has had a solid summer league season this year for the village, and is growing in confidence each week, and Iâm sure heâll carry on his development here with us.â
Central midfielder joins Llandyrnog from tier 5 side Henllan.
Jimmy McNally: âPleased to get this one over the line, Steffan impressed me when I watched him last season, and we made a move for him, but he felt he should finish the season with Henllan to aid his development. Steff has it in his locker to be a big player for us this season.â
Another centre-midfield operator who returns to Llandyrnog.
Jimmy McNally: âIâm happy to see Matty back in Dyrny blue after a couple of seasons away from the club, most recently at Llanelwy (now Gronant) as club captain. Matty is no stranger to me and the club, and knows what I expect from anyone representing Llandyrnog United.â
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Left-sided player who is very tidy on the ball, reads the game well and has a quality left foot.
Tref offers a great dead-ball delivery which will boost the Amateursâ attacking threat from set-pieces and crosses into the box.
This 29-year-old is also well-known for his work on the management team of Adran North champions Llandudno Ladies.
Has shown fantastic commitment and work-rate in training as well as a keenness to be involved with the ongoing building process of the club.
Calum has excellent desire and determination to improve and learn all the time. He can play in a number of positions, has a superb delivery and great ball control.
Kyle will initially serve as a stand-in goalkeeper for last seasonâs regular gloves man Tristan Jones, who is away working in the early weeks of the campaign.
Kyle is a commanding presence, a good shot stopper and very good on the ball as he can also play as a striker.
Over the season the Amateurs believe Kyle will be a big part of the squad in goal and also outfield.
Seager has joined the Amateurs from Penrhyn Bay.
He is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions and will always give his best. Jamieâs commitment is second to none and he will give 100% effort week in week out.
Ben is a vocal and commanding defender who is very good with the ball.
He trains and plays with a lot of desire and determination. His character and the energy that he brings to the club is a spark for everyone.
Ben has been working extremely hard to gain fitness and the Amateurs management cannot wait for him to get to full throttle and be a big part of the squad this season.
Collins has worked really hard in pre-season and impressed the management team and fellow squad members.
Jay is a speedy full-back who can also play further upfield. He has fitted in nicely in Caer Clwydâs friendlies so far.
After working hard and impressing the management team in pre-season, Thomas has committed to Caer Clwyd for the upcoming campaign. He is a versatile player with a great touch, a good passing range and isnât afraid to shoot.
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A 20-year-old midfielder or winger, Owen has previously played for Airbus Academy, Llandudno Academy and Conwy Borough Reserves.
An agile, quick-footed forward thinking player, he has strong positional sense and will pick the ball up in those dangerous pockets of space.
Formerly with Rhuddlan Town and Rhyl FC Academy, this 20-year-old is a pacy forward who is not shy about running at defences.
He has a powerful left foot, which All Stars manager Robert Cunnah hopes will cause teams problems this season.
David had taken a few seasons away from football, with all the lockdowns a major factor, but is now focused fully on finding his best form.
Kieran is a strong passer of the ball, and is confident when in possession. He is versatile and can offer cover in many positions.
Formerly with Prestatyn Academy and an ex-university football player, Kieran has been away from 11-a-side football for a few years now, and has been regularly playing 5 and 6-a-side.
Promising 18-year-old winger or midfielder who joins the Greens from Kinmel Bay,
Josh has quick footwork and good movement out wide.
He has spent much of his playing career with Kinmel Bay, coming up through the youth levels and making his way into menâs football with the reserves.
Josh is mainly a wide player, but can also offer cover in the midfield if called upon.
Another signing from Kinmel Bay, Dillan is a 21-year-old defender who can operate at centre-back or full-back.
Last season he was heavily involved in the Kinmel reserves set up and spent time in the first team squad.
Dillan is composed on the ball, which is perfect for playing out from the back. He is strong in the air, and hopefully can add some goals from set pieces.
Ebin is a pacy winger with potential to pose difficulties for the full-backs he will be facing this season.
Efficient on the ball, this 22-year-old has no qualms about running at the opposition.
Ebin is a very fit individual and this will slot perfectly into All Starsâ pressing style for the upcoming season. He can also operate as a centre forward.
Former clubs: Rhyl Panthers and Carlisle Spartans.
Full-back or centre-back, aged 21, whose previous teams include Prestatyn Academy, Pentre FC, Rhuddlan Town and Prestatyn Youth.
Logan is an enthusiastic young talent who never stops running. His work during All Stars training sessions has been fantastic and he has really impressed the coaches.
Defensive work excellent and work-rate unstinting.
Full back or winger whose previous clubs include Rhos United, Betws-y-Coed, Llysfaen, Y Glannau and Llanelwy Athletic
Greens manager Robert Cunnah has been interested in signing Davies since last season and is delighted to finally get his man.
Cunnah said: âShaun is an experienced wide player, who will be an excellent addition to our team. He is strong on the ball and isnât afraid to run at his opponents.
âShaun has been well involved in the local football scene, playing for a number of strong clubs in the league over the years.
âHe spent most of last season with Betws, being one of the top performers in their side. He also spent a short period at Y Glannau.â
Taylor is an excellent young, upcoming talent, who has so much to offer.
A hard-working central midfielder, he can also play at centre back.
The youngster makes the step up to adults football from Cymru Dragons JFC.
Jake is a pacy winger who is expected to prove a great addition to the Dragons.
He has played for New Bell FC in Birmingham and started his footballing journey playing for West Brom Academy.
Lightning winger with a bagful of tricks, Hari is stepping up to adult football in a Dragons shirt.
A very exciting young signing, he is already a gifted player who is improving each week. Hari makes the move from Cymru JFC.
After a short spell with Kinmel Bay, young striker Sealey is back with the club where he has carved out quite a reputation as a shining talent in recent seasons.
A very skillful and attack-minded player with a great goals and assist record, Lewis also offers an unbelievable work rate which will fit in very well with the style Rhos wish to play this season.
Lewis said: âAfter only having a short amount of time at Kinmel Bay, I realised that I missed the club (Rhos).
âThere is a reason they say that there is no place like home and I canât wait to get back playing with the boys again.
âMy aim is to improve on last season and to keep growing as a player and I canât wait to put that Rhos shirt on and get back into my football again.â
After suffering a career-threatening injury which kept him out of action for four years, Bret has shown amazing mental and physical determination to get back playing and he has already impressed in front of goal for Rhos during pre-season.
Bret is a very versatile left-footer, with bags of energy, eye for goal and brilliant link up play, but not only that he has the tenacity to defend like his life depends on it.
On his return, Bret, who has been part of the management team at Rhos since his injury, said: âTo say Iâm buzzing to be back is an understatement. Itâs been a very hard 4 years without being able to play the game I love, but the group of lads at Rhos has definitely helped make the time go fast.
âSigning for Rhos this season was the easiest decision Iâve had to make. Theyâve all helped me and weâve turned from a group of friends into a family.
âIâve got a lot to work on myself to get up to the standard I want and know I can. We have a very competitive squad in the attacking position but that drives me even more to better myself and also help better my team mates.
âMy last season at Rhos before I ruptured and tore my ACL and meniscus I was able to get the golden boot and Iâm even more hungry to not only bring it home with me this season, but also try and help push Rhos into the position and direction we deserve.â
A new signing for Henllanâs senior side this season is 16 year old Billy Wilde.
Billy has come through the junior system at Henllan and has proven himself very handy in goal and in midfield.
He has decided to dedicate himself to Henllan for this season and is determined to prove himself in senior football.
Ifan has been a part of Henllan FC for years having played in a number of seasons for its junior teams.
He has now signed for the senior team and has proved himself to be a very strong full-back in pre-season so far.
Ifan said: âI signed in the hope of bettering the team somehow and I hope to help us achieve a good place in the league this season.â
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Eighteen-year-old joins Rhyl-based tier 5 club having spent 2 years as a scholar at Chester FC.
The youngster plays anywhere in the attacking line.
Great signing!
An energetic midfielder who has shone for Prestatyn Sports in recent times and was previously a youth player at Rhyl FC.
Attacking player, aged 18, with a great pedigree having had spells at Connahâs Quay Nomads and Prestatyn Town Academy.
Another 18-year-old prospect signs for NFA having had stints at Rhyl and Meliden last season.
A versatile player who can shine in a number of roles.
Left-footed 19-year-old talent who departs Llandudno to try his luck with ambitious NFA.
Davidson can play on either wing and joins his new club having had a good pedigree in Academy football.
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