Three new recruits strengthen Prestatyn Town squad

Three new players have been signed for Prestatyn Town.

The Seasiders, third in Tier 3 Ardal North West, are looking to strengthen further in a bid to build a squad capable of pushing for promotion in the months ahead.

Two seasoned campaigners with higher level experience, plus a young talent on the North Wales scene have been brought on board.

The new faces are:

Sam Henry

Age 33, Henry is coming off the back of his most productive season in front of goal having netted 21 times for Ardal North West club Corwen last term.

The forward has been a target of Prestatyn manager Gareth Thomas for some time.

Thomas said: “We’re delighted to finally get Sam in after trying in the summer to bring him to the club.

“He’s scored goals wherever he’s been and will add some physical presence to our front line. He’s got a winning mentality and we look forward to working with him.”

Henry featured in a Europa League tie for the former Bangor City in summer 2017 against Lyngby of Denmark.

He made the bench for both legs and came onto the field after 73 minutes in the second game at Nantporth, which City lost 3-0 (4-0 on aggregate).

By January 2018, Henry had left Bangor after making a handful of Welsh Premier League appearances.

In a well-travelled career, he has also represented Blacon Thistle, Widnes, Runcorn Town, Blacon Youth, Penycae, Saltney Town, Brymbo, Upton AA and Flint Mountain.

Jason Akiotu

A former Crystal Palace academy player at U18 and U23 levels, Akiolu also represented Nigeria at U17 level.

More recently he has featured in the Irish League with Portadown as well as having spells at NPL outfits Hyde United and Farsley Celtic as well as Widnes, Clitheroe, 1874 Northwich and Vauxhall Motors.

A strong and committed full-back, he will bring a solid presence to the Prestatyn defence.

Seasiders boss Thomas said: “Jason has recently recovered from an injury and has been In training with us and will be a great addition.

“Having spent pre-season at Caernarfon and picking up a knock with the window shutting, this has allowed us to get him with us and we are delighted to get him on board.

“He can play anywhere down the left hand side and will improve the squad especially with us having lost a few players lately.”

Mackenzie Stark

Twenty-year-old defender who joins from Corwen having also played for Denbigh Town.

He can operate anywhere across the defence.

“Macca impressed against us earlier in the season in the Welsh Cup and I had previously watched him at Denbigh,” said Thomas. “So it was a no brainier to bring him to the club after being made aware of his availability.

“He adds great competition to the squad. We thank Corwen for their assistance in the process of the transfers and look forward to working with Mackenzie.”