TRANSFER TRAIL: 7 more Rhydymwyn signings, new faces at Gresford, Y Glannau and Henllan
We have now passed the 350-mark in the amount of new signings we have covered since the start of pre-season.
Many thanks to all clubs for their photographs and information
RHYDYMWYN FC
Rhydymwyn manager Anthony Weaver had unveiled a new batch of signings ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Newly-promoted to North East Wales League Division 1, Rhyd are building a strong squad for the undoubted tough challenges ahead.
Kyle Harte (Connah’s Quay Town to Rhydymwyn)
Previously played for Rhydymwyn when they were a tier 3 Ardal North West side back in 2021-22.
Has been a Connah’s Quay Town player for the past three seasons, making 37 first team appearances and playing in 28 games for the reserve side Connah’s Quay Town XI, scoring 12 goals.
Rhydymwyn manager Anthony Weaver said this about a forward he knows very well: “Kyle’s a player I’ve worked with for years. I know the energy and quality he brings — and he’s ready to make an impact.”
Dan Cooper (Connah’s Quay Town to Rhydymwyn)
Goalkeeper who has spent the last four seasons with Connah’s Quay Town, making 81 first team appearances.
Won the treble of North East Wales League Championship Division title, Two Counties Cup and Mike Beech Memorial Trophy with Town in 2021-22, as well as the Premier Cup in 2022-23.
Helped Quay earn back-to-back runners-up finishes in the North East Wales Premier Division, the latter securing promotion to the tier 3 Ardal North West League last season
Anthony Weaver: “Getting Dan in was massive. I know what he can bring on and off the pitch — a huge signing.”
Harry Roberts (Brymbo to Rhydymwyn)
Forward previously with Brymbo, Gronant and Caerwys.
Was also at Rhydmwyn in 2021-22, mainly playing for the Development side, and represented the Rhyl Academy Under-16 team.
Kai Oldfield (to Rhydymwyn)
Defender who had spells with Gronant, Caerwys and New Brighton Villa before committing to Rhydymwyn for 2025-26.
Was also with Rhyd back in 2019-20 as a regular in the Welsh National League Premier Division.
Jack Smallman (Brymbo to Rhydymwyn)
Scored 13 goals for North East Wales Championship Division side Brymbo last season.
In 2022-23, netted 15 times in 13 matches for a Caerwys outfit unbeaten in the Championship, but having to be content with runners-up spot. Added another eight goals for Caerwys in 2023-24.
Experienced front man who has also played for Rhydymwyn in the past, mainly for the Development team.
Connor Gorman (Brymbo to Rhydymwyn)
Like team-mate Jack Smallman, spent last season with Brymbo, was at Caerwys the campaign before and is an ex-Rhydymwyn Development player.
Experienced defender relishing a return to Rhyd.
Alex Roberts (Conwy Borough to Rhydymwyn)
Plays as a winger, previously with Conwy Borough and Llandudno in the JD Cymru North.
Anthony Weaver: “Al played for me at Conwy. He’s a technically gifted player, and I know exactly what he’s capable of.”
PREVIOUS RHYDYMWYN SIGNINGS THIS SUMMER
Lee Jones
Attacking midfielder previously with Connah’s Quay Town and Mold Alexandra.
Liam Rogers
Full-back who has represented Rhydymwyn in the past as well as having spells with Saltney Town, Caerwys, New Brighton Villa and Mynydd Isa.
Joel Griffiths
Quality midfielder, composed on the ball. Ex-clubs include Connah’s Quay Town and Mold Alex, as well as Rhydymwyn.
Connor Whelan
A leader on and off the pitch. Centre-back who has been at Prestatyn Town and Conwy Borough in the past, plus Rhydymwyn.
Calum Simpson
Forward who has served Connah’s Quay Nomads and Llay Welfare in previous seasons.
William Weaver
Young, creative, attacking midfielder who has turned out for Aston Park Rangers, Caerwys and Buckley Town, as well as Rhydymwyn over the past four seasons.
Luke Farron
Ex-Hawarden Rangers and Airbus UK Broughton.
Wide player who constantly poses an attacking threat.
Will Leonard
Former Connah’s Quay Town midfielder who has also spent time with Rhydymwyn.
Josh Roberts (to Gresford Athletic)
Goalkeeper becomes Gresford first team’s seventh signing of the 2025/26 summer transfer window. Follows Jake Roberts, Mitchell Williams, Mark Winslade, Iwan Roberts, Dan Collins and Billy Nicholas as new faces at the Cymru North club.
Roberts began his career at Chirk Youth, also playing for The New Saints, Cefn Druids and Penycae as a youngster.
He signed for Chirk AAA in 2014, spending a year-and-a-half at the club, before joining Cefn Albion in January 2016.
The 31-year-old quickly became a key member of the Albion first team, earning his spot as the side’s number one, and went on to spend nine-and-a-half seasons at the club.
During the 2024/25 season, Roberts made 31 appearances for Albion, keeping seven clean sheets as the team finished in 11th place of the Lock Stock Ardal North East table.
He now joins Gresford Athletic and looks to provide valuable goalkeeping competition ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Daniel Calvert (Greenfield to CPD Y Glannau)
Midfielder who has spent the last 9 seasons at Greenfield following a spell with Mold, which means he brings a wealth of experience from playing in higher leagues.
Won the North East Wales League Premier Division title with Greenfield in 2021-22 and Welsh Alliance Division Two championship in 2015-16.
He has already become a valuable asset to Y Glannau, fitting in seamlessly with the squad and showing his incredible passing range in pre season games.
Matt Pleavin (Rhyl Albion to CPD Y Glannau)
Lands at Y Glannau from now disbanded Rhyl Albion, also having past spells at Prestatyn Town, Llangollen Town, Corwen, CPD Gronant, Ruthin Town and Gresford Athletic.
He’s already impressed in pre season for his new side, grabbing both goals and assists, and showing a real threat from wide positions. Adds real depth and quality to an already strong squad.
Francis Roberts (Rhyl Albion to CPD Henllan)
Began last season at Henllan, but decided to make the switch over to Rhyl Albion for the second half of the campaign.
Roberts has also had stints at Caer Clwyd, CPD Y Glannau and Llandyrnog United. He scored Caer Clwyd’s first-ever goal in a 3-3 draw with Llandudno Amateurs at the start of the 2021-22 season.
A strong presence in the middle of midfield with his tough tackling ability and vision to play a pass. He has really impressed so far in pre-season and Henllan hope he is able carry that form into the campaign ahead.
Keiran Kendrick (Rhyl Albion to CPD Henllan)
Striker who spent all of last season at Rhyl Albion and has had previous stints with St Asaph, Caer Clwyd, CPD Llansnanan, CPD Llannefydd and CPD Henllan.
Scored 18 goals in his debut season with North Wales Coast East Division One side CPD Caer Clwyd in 2021-22. He is a former manager of the club, which lasted just a little over two seasons.
Kendrick can play anywhere along the front line and has rapidly impressed in pre-season for Henllan with his leadership, quality and experience.