Newtown bring in experienced WPL striker Reed as four sign

Newtown have recruited experienced Premier League front-men Jamie Reed and Nick Rushton alongside two other signings. 

Jamie Reed who rejoined the Premier League back in 2015 when signing for The New Saints has played for a number of Premier League sides, with his last being Llandudno who he signed for back in January following his move from Bangor City.

Hughes believes that the signing of Reed is a sign of intent and his nack of goals at this level only adds to the Newtown front-line.

“We’re over the moon to get Jamie, we’ve been after him for a couple of years, he’s a proven goalscorer and that is just what we were looking for.”

“A lot of the time you are judged on your centre forwards, we’ve just lost a good striker, but now we’ve gained a good now and in Nick Rushton and Jamie, and the other lads we’ve got, we’ve got really good attacking options.”

With the departures of captain Shane Sutton and top goal scorer Jason Oswell, the Robins have worked hard in aiming to replace the gaps left by the departing duo.

Sutton’s replacement comes in the form of defender Sam Litchfield who arrives at Latham Park from Cymru Alliance side Guilsfield.

He was a long-term target for Hughes and Newtown have got their man. The 24 year-old was part of the Guilsfield side that finished fifth in the second tier of Welsh football.

Someone who could be playing alongside Reed in a newly-formed strike partnership is Nick Rushton who will remain with the club following a loan-spell from Connah’s Quay Nomads last season. He was vital for the Robins last season, scoring 8 goals in 11 league appearances as Newtown finished 7th in the Welsh Premier League.

Another attacking player who will arrive with Rushton and Reed is Airbus UK winger Jamie Murphy who will have another chance of playing in the Premier League following his former sides relegation to the Cymru Alliance.

The 20 year-old won the Young Player of the Season in the Welsh Premier League two years ago, highlighting his quality that he will bring to Chris Hughes’ side.

He scored four goals in 76 appearances for the Wingmakers before departing for the Robins.

Manager Chris Hughes who spoke to the Newtown website, summed up his signings and said he was delighted to keep Sutton at the club.

“He was one of our main targets after what he did for us last season, his goals played a huge part in getting us into the play-offs.

“Nick along with other signings gave the place a lift, and his performances in the second half of the season were exceptional.

“He fits in well here, he was well liked after his first loan spell and we’re delighted to have secured his signature for the coming season.”

(Featured Image: Graham Haines)