Ex-Manchester United starlet and Shrewsbury forward amongst three new Flint signings
Flint Town United have been busy this week recruiting three new players for the upcoming 2022/23 Cymru Premier season including a former Man United player.
Former Football League par Larnell Cole and Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro were the first additions before being joined by Anthony Stephens.
Akpa Akpro reunites with new boss Lee Fowler after working together at Radcliffe, meanwhile, Cole was previously on the books of Manchester United born.
Manchester-born Cole started his career at Old Trafford and played in the same Under-21 team as Jesse Lingard and Everton defender Michael Keane.
After leaving the Red Devils, he moved to Fulham, making one senior appearance in between loan spells at MK Dons, Shrewsbury Town, and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He later moved on to Tranmere Rovers, playing there for two seasons before a drop into the English non-league with FC United of Manchester and later Radcliffe.
Reuniting with Cole is Akpa Akpro as the pair link up for a second time in their career after previously playing at Shrewsbury. Against Barnsley in September, Cole provided two assists for the French born forward to score.
The 37-year-old began his career in his native France, graduating from the youth academy of Toulouse to play three senior seasons in Ligue One, scoring four goals in 46 games after a brief loan spell at Brest.
A move to England then came in 2008, joining Grimsby Town where he spent two seasons. It later saw him move to Rochdale where he recorded his second-best spell with 12 goals in 83 games. He later had two seasons at Tranmere Rovers but was also loaned out to Bury.
In 2014 he joined Shrewsbury and became a regular figure and scored 16 goals in 95 matches. Akpa Apro moved on to Barnet and also had a loan at Yeovil Town before a brief spell at UAE outfit Masfut.
A short stint at Oldham happened before a move to Radcliffe where he was coached by Fowler.
Adding Cymru Premier experience is centre-back Anthony Stephens, joining from Bala Town.
The 28-year-old after six seasons at Maes Tegid in between a spell with Bangor City has sought a new challenge with the Silkmen.
Stephens made 135 appearances for the Lakesiders and was part of the side that won the Welsh Cup back in 2017.
As well as incomings, a few players have departed the Essity Stadium in recent weeks. Last summer’s signing Mike Wilde confirmed his departure on social media.
A short social media post said: “Huge thank you to everyone @FlintTownFC for a memorable season, supporters & staff.
“My time at Flint has come to an end, proud of the achievements made by us as players and the Management team. It’s been a pleasure! Special thanks to Chairman Darryl. Best of luck FTU.”
Fellow striker Conor Harwood has also departed, joining English non-league outfit City of Liverpool.
Harwood was a long-term target for the Merseyside-based club and leaves having scored eight goals in 53 league matches.
Goalkeeper Jon Rushton has returned to Connah’s Quay, whilst forward Jack Kenny has moved on to Ashton United.
Another striker Jack Higgins, who had a short spell with Flint last year with just 63 minutes of action, has joined Rhyl.
