What to expect from Cymru Premier clubs in the January transfer window

The January transfer window is now open to Cymru League clubs as they assemble their squads for the remainder of the season.

For some Cymru Premier sides, they will the remaining two games of Phase One and then the ten of Phase Two.

The European play-offs is also another situation to consider for clubs when conducting their business.

January can always be a difficult window to manoeuvre in. Teams rooted at the bottom of the table have to work harder to convince a player to turn around their season.

Clubs at the top can also be battling for the same player as they look for that one player who can make the difference. 

So what should we expect from this window? See the thoughts of Jordan Jones below. 

On the lookout

Penybont have already been in the transfer window with the additions of Ashley Evans and Ashley Morris.

Rhys Griffiths’ side have competed well in the division, despite their lack of experience at this level. 

Their problem has been in defence in that they’ve kept just two clean sheets this season. 

The addition of Morris is an interesting one, given Wilson was Penybont’s club captain before Morris made his debut against Caernarfon. 

Expect Griffiths with his contacts at this level to be busy in the market.

Aberystwyth Town have already lost Alex Boss and Tom Price this January. The Seasiders aren’t fully safe from a relegation battle yet so some recruitments will be needed to tide them over.

The club have stated that departed players will be replaced so business will be conducted at Park Avenue this campaign. 

Following a takeover in the middle of the season and a partnership with Portimonense, the Cefn Druids should be expected to make some movements this window.

Having lost Zimbabwe international Alec Mudimu, there is a gap which needs to be filled.

The Druids have an impressive scouting system over the past few seasons, unearthing some players who were unwanted elsewhere.

The additions of Jamie Reed and Steffan Edwards, however, may be an indication that this window is where the club adds experience in their pursuit of the play-offs. 

 One or two new faces

Kris O’Leary has opted to give opportunities to youth players, rather than making any imminent signings. This could be a sign that the Old Gold boss is prepared to work with what he’s got, opting to improve his current options rather than making any wholesale changes.

Carmarthen should do business as should any team embroiled in a relegation battle. 

With his former Swansea City connections, could he look to some youthful Swans to do the business this season? 

The immediate futures of George Ratcliffe and Sion Spence will be the first thing on the mind of Gavin Chesterfield.

Speaking at Christmas, the Barry manager gave a hint in how he’d work this month: “We probably need to bring in one or two reinforcements just to add something a bit different and some freshness.

“I’ve got some players that will be probably be moving out to be playing regular football. 

“Looking at the loan players the league has been really good for them and it’s been quite difficult to replicate.”

It looks like the Cardiff City duo could stay at the club but with Mike Lewis regaining his form over the festive period, it could make for an interesting battle at Jenner Park for the number one spot.

Whether Barry’s fringe players will move to the likes of Penybont or lower league sides remains to be seen.

They’ve had to deal with a handful of injuries, so reinforcements will be needed at Jenner Park this season as their route at Europe will likely be the play-offs. 

Once again, Newtown has proved to be the place for young talent near the Shropshire area to build their career.

Lifumpa Mwandwe has been a joy to watch since his loan arrival from Shrewsbury Town.

Jack Thorn – on loan from Wrexham – has made 11 appearances in his spell too. 

Discussions will be held with the parent clubs this month and the Robins could continue to utilise the loan market. 

Steve O’Shaughnessy in the summer added some experience in the form of Andy Owens and Jordan Evans, both of whom have appeared frequently for the Wingmakers.

One player who has burst onto the scene is academy product George Peers who has adapted to life in the Welsh top flight, despite his young age.

Airbus should do business given they’re in a relegation battle but shouldn’t make any wholesale changes. 

Don’t rock the boat

Scott Ruscoe is building somewhat of a youthful revolution at Park Hall. 

This squad has taken him into the new year top of the Cymru Premier, something The New Saints are used to.

Expect TNS to give some of their fringe players first-team opportunities but not much business at Park Hall. They could sign one or two but with the strength in their squad, they could go the transfer window without making any movements. 

Cardiff Metropolitan are restricted by their self imposed status of only recruiting students at the University.

However, if they could recruit, a striker would be a priority for them after losing Adam Roscrow in the summer.

Their hope of any movements will come from within by promoting from their Development and Reserve sides. Met can also fall back on BUCS Football, where they compete against the University of South Wales which boasts a number of Cymru League players, as well as Swansea University.

A few impressive performances in BUCS could see a promotion for a fringe Met player. 

Bala could have an outside chance for the Cymru Premier title. Second, in the league for scoring and holding the joint-best defence, Colin Caton has found a good balance in his side.

The return of summer recruit Jonny Spittle following his early-season injury has also added to Bala’s depth.

Bala’s movement depends on their ambitions this season. The Lakesiders have made a number of high-profile signings over the years but this squad should be enough to secure their target of European football.

Caernarfon Town have extended Ben Clark’s loan until the end of the season.

The Cofi’s haven’t made any wholesale changes to their squad since rejoining the Cymru Premier following a decade of exile.

Sean Eardley has instead developed his mainly second-tier players into strong top-flight players.

Signings he has made though have looked more towards youth which has seen him successfully develop talent. An example of this is Leo Smith who will be pushing for a Wales C call up at The Oval. 

Connah’s Quay are hot on the heels of The New Saints, despite a reduction in their playing staff.

Jamie Insall has become a big player to The Nomads after receiving a more prominent role since his arrival last year. The frontman is playing alongside Mike Wilde in a fruitful partnership. 

Connah’s Quay weren’t usually a team which scored frequently but they find themselves third in the scoring charts at the moment. 

In recent games, Connah’s Quay have named a number of academy players in their squad.

Given how this small squad has competed so far, the Nomads may make one or two additions just to add some depth but don’t be surprised to see this small squad to continue as they are. 

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)