Callum Bateman and Louis Gerrard front up Llanelli’s quadruple signing
Callum Bateman of Goytre in action. Briton Ferry Llansawel v Goytre United in the JD Cymru South at Old Road on the 13th August 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Llanelli Town made a move for four new players on Deadline Day including Goytre United duo Callum Bateman and Louis Gerrard.
The Port Talbot pair, alongside Morgan Weaver from Penybont and Travis James from Pontardawe Town joined the club before Tuesday’s deadline.
Following the departures of midfielder Ross Jones to Britton Ferry Llansawel and striker Lewis Reed who joined Port Talbot Town the day before the closure of the transfer window, the ‘Reds’ acted quickly to add new faces to the squad.
Before any of the arrivals were announced, the two departed players were posted on social media by Llanelli. Ross Jones’ departure was announced on Monday afternoon, in a short social media statement posted by the club, they said: “The club would like to wish midfielder Ross Jones all the best as he leaves the club today! Good luck at Britton Ferry”.
Lewis Reed’s departure was announced just after midday on Tuesday. Once again the club released a social media post, they said: “We can now officially announce Lewis Reed left the club a few weeks back. We wish him the best as he joins Port Talbot Town AFC! Hope you bounce back Lewis.”
The first of the deadline day arrivals saw Calum Bateman join from Goytre United. The 25-year-old striker has already scored seven goals in eight appearances in the league this season. Bateman also featured for STM Sports back in the 2019/20 season where he scored 11 goals.
“I can’t wait to get started with such an ambitious club,” said Bateman.
“I look forward to working with the boys and seeing what we can achieve together. Let’s go” said Bateman upon his arrival at Llanelli Town.
The second of the deadline day arrivals saw Louis Gerrard also join from Goytre United. The 28-year-old, formerly of Aberystwyth Town and Barry Town seemingly signs as a direct replacement for the departed Jones.
In a statement posted on Llanelli’s Twitter feed, Gerrard said: “Llanelli is a huge club and after speaking to Leggy and hearing about his plans it was a no-brainer to join!”.
The penultimate arrival on Tuesday night was young centre back Morgan Weaver who joined on loan from Cymru Premier side Penybont.
The 18-year-old has already featured once for Llanelli as he scored in their emphatic 6-0 victory away at Port Talbot on Saturday.
In a short statement released on social media, they said: “Morgan is a talented centre back who already got on the scoresheet for us Saturday!”.
The fourth and final arrival on deadline day was Travis James. The centre back joined the Reds from Pontardawe Town. In a short social media statement, the club said: “Travis plays center back and provides great squad depth in defence!”.
Following the new additions at the club, manager Andy Legg expressed his delight about his new signings. In a short quote posted on social media, Legg said: “I am delighted that these outstanding players have decided to be a part of my team, especially seeing that other quality clubs showed interest in them”.
