Aberystwyth make triple swoop as Kearney, Horwood and Cockerline join

Aberystwyth Town have announced the triple signing of defender Ian Kearney, winger Harri Horwood and striker Dan Cockerline.

Experienced central defender Kearney signs from City of Liverpool FC of the Northern Premier League Division One West. 

Kearney has previous experience of the Cymru Leagues and European competition, firstly with Airbus UK Broughton, captaining the side in the Welsh Cup Final, as the Wingmakers fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of The New Saints. 

The defender has also played for Connah’s Quay Nomads, where he also featured in the Europa League, making a total of eight appearances in the competition during his time at both clubs.

Speaking to the club website, Kearney said, “I’m delighted to have signed with Aber and now very much looking forward to meeting the lads and getting started. 

“From my initial discussion with the gaffer, I got a real positive feeling about the club and the opportunity we have.

“It was clear he wants to do things the right way and believes in the squad he has, so hopefully I can help build on that and support things going forward”.

Harri Horwood, 20, returns to Park Avenue after spells with Cardiff Metropolitan University and Briton Ferry Llansawel. 

A product of the Seasiders’ academy, Horwood also has international experience to call upon. 

The winger has made 14 appearances for Wales at schoolboy and academy level. 

Commenting on his return to the club, Horwood said, “I’m ecstatic to be re-joining my hometown club after time away at university. 

“This is the club I supported growing up and I have many great memories here, including making my first Cymru Premier appearance at 17, which was a huge personal achievement.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to it with the boys, especially with several former U19s now part of the first team set-up, such as Matty, Pens, Lee and Rimmer, so it’s a very exciting time for us all. 

“Hopefully I can help the club achieve its short and long-term goals.”

Striker Dan Cockerline joins the Seasiders from FC United of Manchester of the Northern Premier League.

The 6″4 centre-forward came through the ranks at Sheffield United and has experience of loan spells at the likes of Grantham, Marine, Matlock and Curzon Ashton.

Having been released by the Blades in 2016, Cockerline spent time with Barrow, Southport, Adelaide Blue Eagles and AFC Liverpool.

The towering striker told the club website, “I’m delighted to join the club and really looking forward to getting involved with the rest of the squad.

“The opportunity to challenge myself in the Cymru Premier is something that was really appetising and the opportunity to showcase what I am about as a player.

“I can’t wait to pull on the shirt when the time comes to kick off the season again and start climbing the table.”

(Featured Image: Colin Ewart)