Pontypridd sign ex-Bristol Rovers midfielder as American midfielder joins Taffs Well
Vaughn Fowler of Cymru South in action against Jordan Carrington of Cymru North. Cymru South v Cymru North in the UEFA Regions Cup Playoff at Old Road on the 15th May 2022. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Pontypridd United have moved to sign former Bristol Rovers midfielder Eliot Richards ahead of the deadline of the summer transfer window.
The Dragons have been assembling a squad capable of competing in the Cymru Premier after their promotion last season.
Andrew Stokes’ side have so far suffered three defeats and a win in their opening four matches.
In a bid to keep their squad as strong as possible for Phase Two, they have signed Eliot Richards.
Richards started his career at the Football League club and spent five years at the Memorial Stadium, scoring 22 goals in 129 matches.
The 30-year-old has also played for Exeter City, Tranmere Rovers, and Cheltenham Town in the EFL, whilst also having a short spell in the States. He has most recently been playing for Merthyr Town, following a successful first spell.
Richards is not the only arrival with defender Joe Hunt joining last week. The 22-year-old made his debut in the win over Aberystwyth Town after joining from Briton Ferry Llansawel.
Hunt had played in five of the Reds’ matches this season and got a hat-trick and an assist against Pontardawe Town.
Hunt last season made 26 league appearances, scoring four goals.
The arrival of the one-time Wales Under-21 midfielder sees Vaughn Fowler depart for Cymru South outfit Taffs Well.
Fowler had plied his trade at the USW Sport Park for several years but will now bid to help out the Wellmen in the second tier.
The 27-year-old played for Pontypridd’s Reserves and Development teams this year but moved to Rhiw’r Ddar and made his debut on August 19, playing Well’s last three matches.
Before joining Craig Sampson’s men, he made 47 appearances in the Cymru South, scoring seven goals and earning two assists, which earned him a place in the select side in the UEFA Regions Cup.
Summer signing Harry Irving has departed, returning to Trethomas Bluebirds where he had been at last season.
Irving wasn’t named amongst the substitutes bench in their matches and has gone straight into the Bluebirds’ starting XI.
Pontypridd are still waiting to give Kieran Lewis his first start with the former Haverfordwest County midfielder still yet to make a match-day squad.
Christian Davies has also been given permission to join Ardal South East outfit Treowen Stars.
