Haverfordwest County: Bluebirds make a quartet of signings

Haverfordwest County have completed four new signings ahead of the 2020-21 season.

Cameron Keetch and Cory Shephard join from their JD Cymru South outfit Cambrian & Clydach Vale.

Goalkeeper Wojciech Gajda has also made the switch from his native Poland, where he played for Stal Mielec in the second tier.

Alaric Jones makes the return to the Bridge Meadow after a season with Carmarthen Town.

After his departure was announced by Cambrian, Keetch – who has been with the Rhondda-based side since he was 13 – said: “It’s a sad day to be leaving but I’m looking forward to next chapter.

“I want to thank everyone involved within the club! I will be up to watch when I can! All the best for next season.”

Shephard, a creative midfielder, was Cambrian’s captain for the 2019-20 campaign and has won the club’s goal of the season award over the last three seasons.

Penning a similar departure message from the club, Shephard said: “I will miss you all.

“Thanks for the last few seasons! Been a pleasure. All the best for the upcoming season.”

Keetch and Shepard helped Cambrian & Clydach Vale to a fifth-placed finish last season [Image: Alan Reed] — Keetch and Shepard helped Cambrian & Clydach Vale to a fourth-placed finish last season [Image: Alan Reed]

Keetch and Shephard both featured in Cambrian’s run to the Nathaniel MG Cup final two seasons ago, eventually losing out to Cardiff Metropolitan.

The pair also helped the club secure a fourth-placed finish in the Cymru South table last term before the campaign was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Wojciech Gajda joins the West Walian side after spending the early days of his career in the New York Red Bulls academy, before earning a two-year contract with Scottish side Hearts.

His move is subject to international clearance and looks to be a direct replacement for Kelland Absalom who left the club for Merthyr Town earlier this week.

Right-back Alaric Jones, returns to Haverfordwest after a spell with Carmarthen Town.

The former Wales U18 international made five appearances for the Old Gold last season.

He’s an academy product of the Bluebirds having signed a contract with the club as a 16-year-old before moving to Carmarthen.

The news comes after the Football Association of Wales confirmed that they would be implementing promotion and relegation this season, ensuring that the Bluebirds will play in the Cymru Premier for the first time since 2016.

[Featured image: Callum Ellis and Will Cheshire]