Six of the latest transfers in North Wales football
Meilir Williams (Porthmadog to CPD Llanuwchllyn)
Great signing for Llanuwchllyn – an experienced striker with a very good goals ratio.
The 26-year-old Williams has turned out for Bala Town, Penrhyndeudraeth, Blaenau Amateurs, Conwy Borough and Porthmadog in his senior career.
In 2018-19, he was Welsh Alliance Division One top-scorer with 28 goals for Penrhyndeudraeth. In total, he netted more than 100 goals in less than 90 matches with the Maes-y-Parc club.
One of his career highlights was winning the Mawddach Cup with Penrhyn in 2015-16.
The Cockles defeated Glantraeth 4-1 in the final, goals shared between Sion Bradley (2), now with Caernarfon Town, Meilir and legendary former Welsh Premier striker Paul Roberts.
Meilir was also part of the Cymru North squad in the UEFA Regions Cup in 2021-22.
He joined Conwy Borough in 2020 before returning to Porthmadog last season, where he was top scorer for the Cymru North club.
Shaheen Daniel Ahmed (Penmaenmawr Phoenix to Bow FC)
Centre half with many years experience of North Wales Coast football.
“Twinny” has won several honours in a career which has included stops at Conwy, Llandudno Reserves, Llandudno Junction, Glan Conwy, Llanrwst United, Llandudno Albion and Penmaenmawr Phoenix.
He has won titles in every Saturday North Wales League except the Cymru Alliance/North and Cymru Premier.
Twinny also won three quadruples with Llandudno Junction Sunday League side FC Mally.
Bow chairman James Benbow said of Twinny: “He is someone who we needed at Bow, a huge character in the dressing room and a huge presence on the pitch and is just what we wanted to boost our promotion chances this season.”
Speaking about his new challenge, Twinny said: “Looking forward to a fresh new challenge at Bow which is more of a local club to me. The club’s vision to fly through the leagues caught my attention.
“After seeing and hearing the plans for the immediate future, I was keen to be part of it and hopefully contribute to get some silverware to the club this year.
“Really excited to get going, especially after looking at the squad it’s currently rebuilding and assembling. Quality bunch of lads and bags of talent around the squad.”
Iolo Hughes (Conwy Borough to Bangor 1876)
Defender who has always played at a good level with the likes of Bangor City, Porthmadog, Glantraeth and Conwy Borough.
As a youngster, Hughes was registered with Bangor City for three seasons in the Welsh Premier, featuring in 19 matches in total.
Also had a loan spell during that period with Porthmadog, who he later joined on a permanent basis before a switch to Glantraeth.
In 2017-18, Iolo signed for Conwy Borough, whom he captained to the Welsh Alliance League title, FAW Trophy and Cookson Cup treble.
Had remained a Boro player until his recent move to Bangor 1876, who have just been promoted to Cymru North – a standard Hughes is very much used to.
1876 manager Michael Johnston said: “Iolo is an excellent player who has grown to be an ever-present in tier 2 and captained a great side. He’s a leader and a winner, which is exactly what we will need this year.”
Tom Wickerson (Prestatyn Sports to Meliden)
Midfielder Wickerson has arrived at The Mine following stints with Prestatyn Town, Kinmel Bay and Prestatyn Sports.
Meliden manager Woz Adam said: “Tom has been great in pre-season and I’m looking forward to seeing him play for Meliden.”
Aged 19 and an outstanding talent with Prestatyn Athletic in his schoolboy years. Tom scored nine goals in 21 league matches for Sports last season. He joined the club from Kinmel Bay at the start of 2022.
James Cairns (Meliden to CPD Y Rhyl 1879)
A determined, hard-working forward who can play anywhere across the front three or can adapt elsewhere, James has performed well for a number of clubs.
He once played at Prestatyn Town, where he won a youth cup among a team of future club greats, and Prestatyn Sports.
Last summer, the 30-year-old joined Holywell Town for a spell, but then returned to Meliden in October 2022, going on to score nine goals in 12 appearances. He was also top marksman for Meliden the season before.
In the world of music, James was a member of Cold Committee, a four-piece from Prestatyn and Rhyl, who made the news almost 10 years ago when they linked up with former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, who invited the youngsters to play a series of dates at his Pretty Green shops around the UK.
The band recorded an EP and became a popular act on the UK gig circuit.
James’ priority these days, though, is being in tune on the pitch.
James Stead (CPD Y Rhyl 1879 to NFA)
Having began his career at Rhyl, Stead moved to Prestatyn in 2014 and spent four years at Bastion Gardens, representing the club at Cymru Alliance and Welsh Premier League level.
He rejoined the Lilywhites in June 2018, but was back at Prestatyn at the start of 2019-20, scoring six goals as Town romped to the Cymru North league title.
Stead moved to Cymru Premier club Caernarfon Town in 2020, but last season joined CPD Y Rhyl 1879, for whom he made eight appearances.
Now the midfield ace is a new face with ambitious tier 4 North Wales Coast East Premier Division side NFA.