Penybont playmaker makes a quick return to Football League after a six-month stint
James Waite of Penybont in action. Penybont v The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier at Bryntirion Park on the 11th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
James Waite has made a return to the professional game by joining Newport County from Penybont.
Waite, who only joined the Bont six months ago, has joined the League Two outfit on an 18-month deal which will keep him at Rodney Parade until the summer of 2023.
Before arriving in the Cymru Premier, he played for Weston-super-mare and League of Ireland side Waterford.
The 22-year-old played 22 times for Rhys Griffiths’ side, scoring ten goals, as well as an assist, scoring braces twice against the Cefn Druids as well as one against Aberystwyth.
He reunites with first-team manager James Rowberry, who coached him during his time in the academy of Cardiff City.
“I’ve known James since he was 13 when I worked with him at Cardiff for eight years, said manager Rowberry on the official club website.
“He’s a local lad who knows what it means to play for our club. He’ll add value and excitement to our attacking areas of the pitch. I’m delighted to welcome James to our club.
“He has been involved in 14 goals this year for Penybont and he is a very attack-minded player. He is small but he is so tenacious.
“He is from the area and that is a big thing for me, he is a local lad and knows what it means to play for Newport.
“James didn’t get the chances at Cardiff but I think our style of play will suit him – he is an exciting signing for us and will get better and better with time.”
He becomes the second Welsh domestic player in a year to join the Exiles as also have former Connah’s Quay Nomads defender Priestley Farquharson in their ranks.
In response to Waite’s departure, the Penybont have signed central midfielder Kai Whitmore from Ammanford.
The 20-year-old has played thirteen times this season for the Cymru South outfit, scoring three goals as well as an assist.
