Eight new signings on the North Wales football scene

Mike Sharples (to Ruthin Town)

Experienced and accomplished defender, aged 36, comes out of retirement and is back at one of his former clubs.
Mike’s impressive CV includes 22 Cymru Premier League appearances – 20 for Rhyl FC and two with Connah’s Quay Nomads. He also had a spell at Bala under Colin Caton.
The central-defender was part of the strong Denbigh Town side who were the first team outside the Cymru Premier to reach the Welsh Premier League Cup Final in 2016.
Inevitably, he attracted the attention of other clubs and joined Rhyl of the Welsh Premier the following season.
His previous clubs include Ruthin Town, Llandyrnog United, Denbigh, Rhyl, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Bala Town, Rhos Aelwyd, Conwy Borough and Porthmadog.
Ruthin chief Caton said: “Mike has shown great leadership qualities in training. He has Welsh Premier League experience and, as a local lad, it’s great to have him back at the club. He will add real physical presence to the squad.”

Kurtis Pearson (to Ruthin Town)

Joins Ruthin after a spell with City of Liverpool in the North West Counties League.
Outstanding central midfielder with previous North Wales football experience at Prestatyn Town, Porthmadog and latest club Ruthin.
Aged 26, Pearson spent the 2022-23 season and half the following campaign at Prestatyn in the Cymru North, making 49 appearances before joining Ruthin in January 2024.
Played in 11 games for Town up to the end of the season, scoring in a 2-1 victory at Gresford Athletic.
After a very brief return to Prestatyn at the start of 2024-25, Pearson moved to Porthmadog of Ardal North West, making 15 appearances before committing to City of Liverpool.
Ruthin manager Colin Caton said: “Kurtis is a top-quality central midfielder. He had spells at Porthmadog, Prestatyn, and a short stint at Ruthin a few seasons ago.
“He will stand out in the coming weeks, excellent out of possession and a great passer in possession.”

Joe Ephraim (Dolgellau to Corwen)

Ephraim returns to Corwen after a brief spell at Dolgellau AA, where he scored three goals in four matches.
The 31-year-old has also had previous stints at Dolgellau and Bala Town.
Ephraim first joined Corwen at the start of 2023-24, making 21 appearances and netting four goals and being a key member of that season’s North East Wales League Division 1 title-winning squad.
Remained at War Memorial Park before making that short reunion with Dolgellau earlier this season.

Ryan Rogers (to Ruthin Town)

Rogers is reunited with Ruthin manager Colin Caton, who signed him in 2023-24 when he was in charge at Cymru Premier club Bala.
An attacking player, the 26-year-old featured in 14 Cymru Premier matches for the Lakesiders, scoring in a 2-1 win over Colwyn Bay. He also netted twice on his sole appearance for the Development side.
The forward has played in the English pyramid for Sandbach United, Northwich Victoria, Glossop North End and Macclesfield FC, as well as Gretna in Scotland.
Caton said: “I signed Ryan at Bala and he was very good in the Welsh Prem. He’s a very fast forward and a great attacking option to have. He offered to come in and help us out — and it was something I couldn’t turn down.”

Noah Sumner (Hawarden Rangers to Ruthin Town)

Ruthin welcomes back young talent Sumner after a loan stint at Hawarden Rangers of Tier 4.
Started the campaign at the Memorial Playing Fields, but impressed in his five first team games for Hawarden, netting a hat-trick in a 5-0 victory at Chirk. He also had previous rewarding spells at the Flintshire club.
The 19-year-old has also represented Mold Alexandra, Brickfield Rangers and Connah’s Quay Nomads first team, making a handful of brief ppearances, and Under-18s.
Town boss Colin Caton is very impressed with the young talent.
He said: “Noah has really impressed in training and is now pushing for a starting place. He has a big future in the game and has been excellent over the last few weeks.”

Jordan Russell (to Llysfaen)

Back at the Bananabeu where he last appeared for Llysfaen in 2022-23.
Skilful player who made his comeback as a substitute in the recent game against Prestatyn Sports and showed plenty of promise.
Joint-manager Gaz Dentith said: “Delighted to welcome Jord back at Llysfaen. Jord returns after having a couple of years away and there is no doubt the silky skills and fancy footwork will add something special.
“Jord appeared for us on Saturday getting some valued minutes under his belt and you can already see glimpses of his old self. We look forward to what Jord can bring to the table.”

Jak Taylor (to Llysfaen)

Steps up to the first team after progressing well with the Llysfaen Under-16 side.
Llysfaen joint-manager Gaz Dentith: “Jak has trained really well over the past couple of weeks for a young lad who hasn’t had much experience at senior football he didn’t look out of place. Jak’s footballing brain is exceptional, his constant talking to team-mates and his determination to win the ball is superb.
“It’s without saying that Jak will add to the strength and depth of the squad. we look forward to seeing him progress and flourish at the Bananabeau.”

Tyler Warburton (to Llysfaen)

Recent acquisition for the North Wales Coast East Division One club.
The 17-year-old has already made two substitute appearances for Llysfaen since signing last month.
Warburton has developed his talents through the Mochdre junior and development sides.
Llysfaen joint-manager Gaz Sorfleet: “We’re delighted to get Tyler on board who has family links to the club. Tyler has come through the Mochdre system, having played for their Development side.
“Comfortable playing at centre half and midfield, Tyler came on for his debut in the Llandyrnog game and got stuck in looking to make an impression. He’s training hard and looking to take his chance when it comes.”