Newtown AFC have added to their transfer business in this summer transfer window after the signings of Leon Clowes and Jay Denny.
The Robins have lost a number of players since the 2016/2017 reached its end but Chris Hughes has worked hard to replace those that have departted Latham Park.
Clowes signs having already played in the Welsh Premier League whilst newboy Denny joins the Welsh pyramid system for the first time.
The 25 year-old defender, who played for both Bangor City and Airbus UK last season, has made almost 100 appearance in the top flight of Welsh football. The former Wrexham youth could be seen as a suitable replacement for the departure of club-captain Shane Sutton who spent almost a decade at the club.
The six foot tall centre-back has previously played for the Wales U17 team and has had English Vanarama National League experience with Wrexham.
Denny was a January transfer target for Newtown and Chris Hughes but the midfielder saw out the season with Halesowen Town as the club were in a relegation battle.
Speaking to the Newtown official website, manager Chris Hughes stressed the importance of bringing experience into the squad.
“Leon is a good signing for us, he is big and strong and brings experience to the squad. He has been a key man in Bangor’s side over the last few years, and has proven pedigree in the league.”
“His signing, along with Sam, brings competition for places at the back, and we are pleased that we have got the deal over the line.”
Denny, a former Stoke City academy product was born in the United States of America and made appearances for the U17 and U20 sides.
Over the years, he has tallied a number of appearances up in the Non League of English football, most notably his 109 appearances for Hednesford Town between 2010- 2012 and the 105 appearances he made for Solihull Moors from 2012-2015.
The 31 year-old was recently captain of Halesowen Town after joining the club back in 2015 for his third spell at The Grove.
Manager Chris Hughes spoke to the Newtown official website and was key to speak about having experience in the centre of the park.
“We’ve been looking at Jay for a while, he brings real quality and experience in the centre of the field and that is something we’ve been targeting.
“He slotted in really well in training on Saturday, and he is someone who we feel can improve the squad.”
The player himself also took time out to speak to Newtown Town AFC TV and said personally knowing Assistant Manager Callum McKenzie was a part of him joining the club.
I’m very pleased to be here, and looking forward to a new challenge and a new league. It has been good meeting all the lads and getting the first session done.
“Obviously I played in the English league and played over 100 games for Solihull, Hednesford and Halesowen. “I spoke to Chris again, and I work with Callum so that is how it came about.”
Both players have already settled in with the club, taking part in their pre-season training, alongside fellow new recruits Jamie Reed, James Murphy, Nick Rushton and Sam Litchfield.
(Featured Image: David Luther Thomas)
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