Bangor City have gone into signings overdrive tonight as they confirmed the signings of Andy Jones, Lee Owens, Phil Baker and Yalany Baio
They join Anthony Stephens, who arrived at Nantporth from Bala Town two days ago.
Colwyn Bay skipper Sam Barnes, Jake Phillips, Les Davies, Robbie Parry and Tom Field had already signed forms with the Citizens, as they aim for an immediate return back to the JD Welsh Premier League, at the first time of asking.
Baker had spent ten years of service with The New Saints, as he reunites with Craig Harrison. He spent last season at non-league sides Marine and Warrington Town.
Craig Harrison said to BangorCityFC.co.uk on the addition of Baker: “He is a fantastic passer of the ball with a great range both short and long and is as good as I’ve seen playing long diagonal passes.
He has won everything there is to win in Welsh football.”
Also joining the club is utility man Andy Jones, who played as both a centre-back and centre-forward for Airbus UK Broughton and Newtown.
He has also played in the English pyramid system for AFC Telford United, Bromsgrove Rovers, Hednesford Town and Shrewsbury Town.
“AJ was the Captain of very successful Airbus and Newtown teams,” said Harrison upon the signing of Jones.
He is equally at home at the heart of the defence as well as a playing as a central striker. He is a leader on and off the pitch and will be invaluable in the dressing room environment.”
Right-back Lee Owens is another new addition at Bangor City. He has previous experience with Airbus UK Broughton and Bala Town, as well as a short spell with the Citizens beforehand.
“Lee is a player I have admired for a long time and has been one of the best right backs in the WPL for the last four to five years”. said Harrison, on the addition of Owens.
He has a very good character, aggressive and extremely tenacious in the challenge.
Very good going forward as an offensive fullback and loves to get up and down the line. Lee is a proper winner who we are delighted to have here!”
During his maiden season with the club, Stephens made 35 appearances and found the back of the net on two occasions. As a result of his performances, he was shortlisted for the Welsh Premier League Young Player of the Year.
The former Wrexham man featured some 29 times in his second term, as the Lakesiders won the Welsh Cup for the very first time. However, Stephens was ruled out for the rest of the season just last November after an operation on his knee and now has made the move to recently relegated Bangor.
Harrison told the Daily Post, “It’s fantastic to have Stevo on board. He is a massive signing and someone who is a top young player with almost 100 Welsh Premier League games under his belt and Europa League experience.
He has great ability, is very good defensively and can also bomb forward. He also has a great left foot which will give us balance.
“He is a very good communicator, a leader and organises. He can play left back, left midfield, central midfield and his natural position of left back.
“Stevo gives us great flexibility which is high up on my list when players come to Bangor City.”
Returning to the club is Yalany Baio, who returns to Bangor after a spell with Gibraltar United. He was part of the Citizens side which qualified for the Europa League in the 2016/2017 season. Baio had previously played for the youth sides of Liverpool and Sporting Lisbon.
On the signing of Baio, manager Craig Harrison said: “I remember him well from my TNS days where he was excellent in a very close Welsh Cup game going to extra time.
Great enthusiasm, energy, good physicality in a challenge and very determined with a great attitude. I’m looking forward to working with him”.
(Featured Image: Naomi Jones of Bala Town FC)
Eric Hall
Winning the Cymru Alliance is one thing. Obtaining a licence to compete in the Welsh Premier League while the Vaughans are at the club is something else completely.