PHOTO:
Haverfordwest County newcomers with Wayne Jones: John Roberts, Scott James, Ryan Batley and Alex Gammond
Haverfordwest County’s preparations for their forthcoming return to the Welsh Premier League has been boosted by the signing of four newcomers to the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium, and the return of a former player who has moved back from Pembrokeshire League football as their fifth definite signing so far.Scott James is a big lad at 6’4” and 15 stone and his role will be to keep the ball out of the net as goalkeeper. He was under contract at Carmarthen Town but former Bluebird, Lee Idzi, was first choice there so played on loan at Caerau Ely last season and helped them to the Welsh League title. He was also on Newport County’s books at one time and is known for his command of his box and shot-stopping.
Alex Gammond is six feet tall and just 21 years of age and was previously an aggressive midfielder with Afan Lido, playing over 40 matches in the Welsh Premier. Alex played against the Bluebirds last season and was shown a red card after two minutes.
“I must have made an impression on the manager because he has brought me to the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium,” chuckled Alex!
An unusual statistic about Alex is that he was sponsored at Afan Lido by a group of Queen of the South supporters who palled up with some Lido fans at a match – and the same group of Scottish football fans have already agreed to be his sponsor with Haverfordwest County and hope to visit the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium some time in the season!
John Roberts is 22, small but a very quick striker who scored over 50 goals last season for Team Swansea in the Swansea Senior League, and helped them win the West Wales Cup. John is in his last few weeks of his medical studies at Swansea University before he graduates as a doctor – and hoping to create a real buzz up front.
Ryan Batley is also 22 and a strong-tackling full back who also likes to push forward at every chance. He is renowned for his long-throw ins that can cause problems for opposing defences near their areas. Ryan also played for Afan Lido and more recently Aberystwyth Town in the Welsh Premier League – and played in the Welsh Universities’ team at the same time as John Roberts.
Jack Christopher was once a proven goalscorer with the Bluebirds but moved to play in defence with Tenby but is now back in harness at the Bridge Meadow.
Team manager Wayne Jones told us,
“I am very pleased with the calibre of signings we have made and there are still a couple of trialists we are looking at and a couple of possible signings of players with proven Welsh Premier experience.”
David Hughes, the Club chairman and commercial director added:
“We are pleased with the turn-out at pre-season training – there seems to be a good hwyl amongst the players and coaches. Some players look really fit despite the break and we are eager to build a squad that will compete well and hope that people in Pembrokeshire will support our banner, which says, “Haverfordwest County - YOUR club in the heart of OUR community!”