Five signings bring Gresford Athletic new year boost!

Dave Evans has made five additions to his Gresford Athletic squad. Picture: FAW

Gresford Athletic are building towards a strong end to the 2025-26 season by adding five new faces to their Cymru North squad.

Currently third -bottom of the Tier 2 league, the Colliers’ performances under recently-appointed manager Dave Evans have been much improved of late.

Athletic narrowly lost 2-1 at leaders Airbus on Friday after taking the lead, and before that took seven points out of a possible nine with wins over Denbigh Town and Penrhyncoch, plus a draw with Brickfield Rangers.

Evans has signed the the following five players:

Jake Morris (The New Saints)

Joining from Cymru Premier champions The New Saints, Jake brings professional standards and elite technical ability to the midfield. Ready to make an impact!

The 19-year-old has progressed through the TNS system, playing for the Under-14s, U15s and U16s before building up senior experience with the reserves and development sides.

Scored for the Saints’ first team in a 5-1 Nathaniel MG Cup win over Flint Town United at the start of 2024-25. Also played against Airbus and Connah’s Quay Nomads in the same competition this season and featured in the first team squad for a number of Cymru Premier matches.

Sam Baker (Airbus UK)

Arriving from Airbus, Sam brings vital Cymru North experience and a massive work rate. A versatile addition to the squad.

Aged 21, Sam started out in the Wingmakers’ development and reserve sides before making his first team debut as a sub at Pontypridd United at the start of 2022-23. Featured in six Cymru Premier games for Airbus that season.

Since 2023-24, he has made 62 Cymru North appearances for the Wingmakers, scoring 17 goals.

Reagan Nicholas (Bala Town/Wrexham Academy)

Formerly of BalaTown and Wrexham AFC Academy, Reagan adds pace and creativity to the attack. One to watch!

Has already appeared in two first team games for Gresford.

Scored a hat-trick for Bala Town Under-21s this season and was included in some Lakesiders Cymru Premier matchday squads.

Caelan McGovern (Holywell Town)

Caelan brings a huge physical presence and a winning mentality to the group.

Has made 16 first team appearances for Holywell, all as a substitute, and impressed for the development side, netting a hat-trick in a cup tie versus Denbigh Town last season.

Ryan Taylor (Parklands FC)

Latest goalkeeper to join the Colliers. Ryan joins from Widnes-based Parklands FC of the Cheshire League, bringing top-tier shot-stopping and distribution.

MANAGER’S VERDICT

Dave Evans says: “From elite academy pedigree to proven Cymru North experience, these additions bring hunger, quality and competition to the group. The hard work starts now!”