Caernarfon Town make double swoop for Cymru Premier duo
Artak Grigoryan of FC Alashkert wins a header over Jay Owen of Connahs Quay. Connahs Quay v FC Alashkert in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round at Park Avenue on the 7th July 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Caernarfon Town have made a double swoop from their Cymru Premier rivals for Ben Wynne and James Owen.
Owen, revealed first joins from the Connah’s Quay Nomads, whilst Wynne has moved on from Aberystwyth Town.
The pair are the second bit of business in the summer transfer window after Joe Faux made his loan move permanent. Jakub Ojrzynski and Josh Bailey however returned to their respective parent clubs after their loan spells expired.
Owen, a midfielder, joins his hometown club after six years with the Nomads, winning two league titles, as well as a Welsh Cup and the Nathaniel MG Cup.
The 31-year-old made 144 competitive starts for his former club with 100 of those coming in the league.
Last season, his playing time was limited with just four appearances made with his last game coming in December.
Commenting on his move to The Oval, the midfielder said to the official club website: “I am delighted to have signed for my hometown club. Year on year Caernarfon have been improving so it’s great to be part of a progressive club.
“In any other season Caernarfon would have been in Europe after winning the play-offs so hopefully we can have another good season and go one further. Being a Caernarfon lad I know how much the club means to the fans and playing in front of them is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Joining Owen in the Gwynedd is the versatile Ben Wynne, who has moved on from Aberystwyth Town after a short spell after joining from Cefn Druids.
The 20-year-old can play as a central midfielder, as well as a striker or on the wing, and last season he made 28 appearances in the league, scoring three goals.
Upon making the move to Caernarfon, Wynne said: “I’m really excited for this new chapter to begin in my career. I’m looking forward to getting started and playing in front of the Cofi Army.”
First-team manager Huw Griffiths said on both signings: “I’ve worked with Jay in the past, at Chester, and he is someone I’ve tried to sign at my other clubs. He will be able to pass on his experience to the squad and will be my voice on the pitch, the same as Steve Evans did for us last year.
“This is a big move for Jay as he’ll be playing for his hometown club and will have a point to prove. I feel he’ll be able to give us that push towards Europe next season.”
“I’ve seen Ben play a few times and he’s a bit like Joe Faux. He’s quick and direct. He can play up front, as a ten, and on the wings so he gives us plenty of options. He’ll give us plenty of pace and will look to run behind the defence. He had a very good second half of the season for Aberystwyth and I’m excited to see how he develops with us.”
