North Wales football transfer focus: Another 12 of the latest moves
* Many thanks to all clubs for use of photographs
Cai Owen (Colwyn Bay to CPD Dinas Bangor 1876)
Started off at Swansea City before making his Welsh Premier debut as a 17-year-old substitute for Bangor City under Neville Powell in a 1-1 draw at Port Talbot on April 16, 2016.
Midfielder Owen had been outstanding for City’s Under-19 side that season and was well worth his opportunity.
Moved to Llandudno in 2018-19 but after a short spell at Maesdu Park switched to Rhyl on loan before soon making it a permanent arrangement at Belle Vue.
Owen signed for Colwyn Bay in January 2020, then had a stint with Cymru Premier Caernarfon Town in 2020-21, the Cymru North campaign having been cancelled due to Covid.
For the next four seasons he settled at Colwyn Bay, winning the Cymru North title in 2022-23 and making 26 Cymru Premier appearances in 2023-24. He played in 122 matches across all competitions for the club before deciding to join 1876.
John Danby (Flint Mountain to Holywell Town)
Veteran goalkeeper who spent the past two seasons with Cymru North outfit Flint Mountain but is best known for his time with Chester City in the Football League and later phoenix club Chester FC.
The 41-year-old also had spells with Kidderminster Harriers, Eastwood Town and Bradford Park Avenue before beginning a lengthy association with North Wales when he put pen to paper for Connah’s Quay Nomads in 2015-16.
He made 119 Welsh Premier appearances for Nomads, winning the Welsh Cup in 2017-18, then switched to Flint Town United in 2019-20, landing promotion to the top flight with the Silkmen.
A move to Flint Mountain came in 2022-23 and Danby was an Ardal North West title winner with Aden Shannon’s side in 2023-24.
Arron Querci (to Rhos United)
Well-travelled defender who returns to Rhos after having a short spell with the club last season.
Split the 2023-24 season between Abergele and Meliden, after being part of Bow’s debut 2022-23 campaign.
Has also represented Kinmel Bay and Rhyl Dragons in the past, brings plenty of tier 4 experience to the table.
Rhos manager Richard Hillier-Evans said: “Buzzing to get Querci over the line.
“A tall, commanding centre-back with Tier 4 experience — which is massive for us. He brings pace, power, and great feet for a CB, something we’ve really needed. I’m looking forward to seeing him back in red and black.”
Morgan Thomas-Sadler (Denbigh Town to Cefn Albion)
The quality of this signing suggests Albion really mean business in tier 3 Ardal North East in the coming season.
This 22-year-old defender has spent the last two seasons playing in the Cymru North for Llay Welfare and Denbigh Town.
However, he is no stranger to the Ardal Northern leagues having won the North West title and League Cup with Denbigh in 2022-23.
Thomas-Sadler made 27 first team appearances for Town across the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns, then turned out 20 times for Llay last term.
Corey Hughes (CPD Llannerchymedd to CPD Boded)
Promising 17-year-old who developed his talents through academies at Llandudno, Amlwch Town and Caernarfon Town.
He made two senior appearances for Amlwch before joining North Wales Coast West Premier Division side Llannerchymedd last season, playing in 32 games for the Cae Tan Parc club.
Ryan Cunningham (to Rhos United)
Central defensive midfielder whose former clubs include Flint Town United and Kinmel Bay.
Returns to football after a few years’ break.
Rhos manager Richard Hillier-Evans: “He’s a versatile player who likes to lead with his voice. He brings a wealth of experience from his time with Flint, Meliden and Kinmel Bay. As soon as I knew he wanted back in the game, it was a no-brainer to get him signed up.”
Andy Dunphy (Prestatyn Wanderers to Llysfaen)
Dunphy joins Llysfaen from Prestatyn Wanderers, where he spent the past two seasons apart from a short spell at Blue Bridge.
He has already been impressing the Llysfaen management team with his pace, skill and how well he is settling into the squad.
Andy said: “After only a few training sessions with Llysfaen, I could see the quality of the existing squad and what they’re looking to achieve.
“Hopefully I can add something to that and have a really successful season. I’m very much looking forward to playing for Llysfaen.”
Kit Margetson (Swansea City to Connah’s Quay Nomads – loan)
Cymru Premier club Nomads have announced the loan signing of 18-year-old Swansea City goalkeeper Kit Margetson for the 2025/26 season.
Kit is the younger brother of Barry Town United defender Ben Margetson and son of former Manchester City and Cardiff City goalkeeper, and current Wales and Swansea City head of goalkeeping, Martyn Margetson.
Kit has made a number of appearances for the Wales international age group teams, featuring for the U16, U17 and U19s and was a part of the squad who qualified for the UEFA European U17 Championships in 2023.
Cameron Ham (Prestatyn Wanderers to Blue Bridge)
Has impressed in a few friendlies for Bridge so far.
At his young age, Ham has bags of potential.
He said: “I can’t wait to get going for Blue Bridge this season. After speaking to Jordie and Ryan they clearly have a plan and I’m buzzing to be a part of it.”
Manager Jordie Baker: “I’m glad to get Cameron in for the forthcoming season. He has ample ability and I’m hoping I can coach the best bits out of him.
“Technically very good player with a hunger to succeed. He will be used throughout both our squads where he can flourish into a starter for the first team.”
Oli Wood (to Rhos United)
Full-back formerly with Colwyn Bay Reserves, Wood is returning to football after a spell out.
Rhos manager Richard Hillier-Evans: “I’m glad we’ve got Oli in. Even though he’s had a couple of years out of the game, he’s looked sharp in training. His passing range has been on point, and I can’t wait to see how he progresses with us this season.”
Michael Williams (to Blue Bridge)
Williams joins Blue Bridge this season after honing his craft at the now disbanded Rhyl Albion.
Has put in some impressive performances during pre-season and quickly shown his qualities on and off the pitch.
Mike said: “After Rhyl Albion sadly folded I needed to find a new place to call home on a Saturday and after speaking to Bamber about the players that were coming into the club. I had to come down to training to see for myself,
“Once I saw the vision that Jordie had for the club and how he wanted to play I knew this club would be my next home and I can’t wait to see what the season has in store.”
Manager Jordie Baker: “Really glad to get Mike on board. Played a couple of friendlies for us and he was exactly what I was looking for. Calm on the ball, composed and a popular figure in the squad. I’m sure he will be a great signing for us this season.”
Jake Nicholls (Chirk AAA to Cefn Albion)
Highly rated 18 year old keeper joins Cefn Albion.
A product of Cefn Druids and Bala Town academies, Jake joined Chirk AAA during the second half of last season and really impressed, producing a series of Man of the Match displays including one against Albion on the final day, which finished 1-0 to the Cefners.
Played in 13 first team matches for the Colliers, who were unfortunately relegated to Tier 4.