Five new faces on board as Caernarfon Town tune up for European adventure

Caernarfon Town have added five new signings to their squad as excitement builds over the club’s first venture into European competition.

The Canaries will take on Crusaders of Northern Ireland over two legs in the Uefa Conference League first qualifying round next month with the prize for the winner a meeting with Polish giants Legia Warsaw in the next stage.

Richard Davies’ side qualified for Europe for the first time in the club’s history when they defeated Penybont 3-1 in last month’s play-off final at the Carling Oval.

To help their quest for success in Europe, the Cymru Premier side have brought in Paulo Mendes, Matty Hill, Sam Downey, Matty Jones and Ryan Sears.

No doubt more signings could be on the way.

Here is a look at the new faces

Paulo Mendes
Born: July 8, 1993

Mendes returns to the Carling Oval, having first signed for Town during the summer of 2020 and he starred in the team that reached the final of the European play-offs.

Paulo left for Connah’s Quay in 2021 and was with Bala last season, but the midfielder is delighted to be back with the Cofis.

He said: “Unfortunately when I signed it was the pandemic (Covid) year, so we weren’t able to have the fans (Cofi Army) beside us, but that is over now and this year I’ll be able to see them in action playing for them. Hopefully it will be a great season and I’m here to help the team achieve great things.”

The 30-year-old Portuguese has featured in 165 Cymru Premier matches across five different clubs, scoring 23 goals.

Matty Hill
Born: April 26, 2001

Right-winger who can also play up front, Hill arrives at the Carling Oval after a spell with Colwyn Bay.

He played for Ruthin before moving to the Bay in 2022/23, where he scored 15 goals in 27 league matches as the Seagulls clinched the Cymru North title.

Hill, 23, netted five times in 27 Cymru Premier League matches last season and he is now looking forward to a new challenge with the Cofis.

He said: “I’m happy to have signed for such a great club. Playing in front of the Cofi Army every week will be special and us lads will be looking to give them something to cheer about. It will be an exciting year for everyone involved and hopefully I can help to push this team further.”

Sam Downey
Born: May 15, 1994

Downey has been at Colwyn Bay for the past four years, but now believes Caernarfon is the place for him.

The 30-year-old midfielder made 80 appearances for the Seagulls and was a member of their Cymru North title winning side in 2023. Prior to that he played for Rhyl, Denbigh Town and Llandudno.

Downey recently featured in Caernarfon’s pre-season friendly against Connah’s Quay Nomads and cannot wait to play in front of the Cofi Army:

“The team had an unbelievable season last year and it’s a really exciting time for everyone involved at the club. Looking forward to working with the management team and players as well as playing in front of the Cofi Army.”

Matty Jones
Born: July 14, 1999

Midfielder joins the Canaries from Newtown.

He started his career at Shrewsbury Town’s Academy before moving on to Aberystwyth Town in 2017, where he stayed for five years prior to signing for Newtown, where he won the club’s Goal of the Season last term.

Jones said: “As soon as I spoke to Fish (manager Richard Davies) and listened to what he’s trying to build at Caernarfon I was immediately on board. Being a part of Caernarfon’s first European experience will be so special.

“Playing in front of the Cofi Army every week and having them on my side is something I’m really looking forward to. I can’t wait to get started and see what else we can achieve this season.”

Ryan Sears
Born: December 30, 1998

Sears is a 25-year-old defender who played in 30 Cymru Premier matches for Newtown last season and grabbed five goals.

He came through the academy at Shrewsbury Town, where he made seven appearances in EFL League One.

Sears has also had spells at Telford, Grimsby and Newtown, where he was named their Supporters’ Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season.

Ryan also starred in last season’s Wales C victory over England and was named in the Cymru Premier League Team of the Year for 2023/24.

He said: “I’m really happy to have signed for Caernarfon, and I’d like to thank the manager for bringing me in on Town’s journey after their amazing season.

“I’m really excited for the upcoming campaign and I look forward to playing in front of the Cofi Army in our European adventure and throughout our domestic season.”