Former Manchester City man posts goodbye message to club
CAERNARFON, WALES - 14 MAY 2022: Caernarfon's Laurence Bell scores a goal in extra time to make it 2-1 and celebrates during the JD Cymru Premier Play-Off Final fixture between Caernarfon Town & Flint Town United at The Oval Stadium, Caernarfon, Wales, 14th May, Wales, UK. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
Laurie Bell has given his thanks to Caernarfon Town after confirming he would depart the club at the end of the Cymru Premier season.
The 30-year-old is to move on from The Oval, after 18 months at the club, which has seen him involved in a play-off push, as well as a relegation battle. Bell, joined on a free transfer from Swedish club Orebro Syrianska in March 2022 and has played under both Huw Griffiths and his successor Richard Davies.
Caernarfon avoided relegation last week with a 3-2 win over Flint Town United, and Bell bowed out of the club, having scored in their defeat to Aberystwyth Town on the final day of the season. Bell scored the goal that won the Canaries the play-off final last season, qualifying for the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Announcing the decision, e tweeted: “Thanks for having me @CaernarfonTown. Loved my season and a half here and representing the @Cofiarmy. Off on a new adventure soon, so nice to finish off with a goal. Up the Cofis.”
The former Manchester City midfielder made 33 appearances in total for Caernarfon and scored three goals, with also one assist.
As for his next destination, he has described it as a ‘new adventure’, which could hint at a return to a move abroad. Bell has played in the USA for FC Tulsa, as well as for Swedish clubs BK Forward, Orebro Syrianska, and Karlsunds.
Caernarfon meanwhile have confirmed Richard Davies has been awarded the first-team manager job on a permanent basis. Davies was assistant to Iwan Williams, Sean Eardley, and most recently Huw Griffiths, but will now have the opportunity to manage the club himself.
Club chairman Paul Evans said: “Richard has been with us for a long time and we have all seen how impressively he has developed over the years.
“He is respected by everyone at the club as a coach and a person and the board’s decision to offer him the job was an easy one to make. Not only does he know all the first-team players well and knows what the league is all about but he is also in the unique position of having worked extensively with our excellent under 19’s side last season.
“As a club, it is important to us that our youngsters in the Academy not only see a pathway to the first team but are also given the opportunity to become integral members of the squad. This is something that Richard agrees with us on and we see him as the perfect fit for the job.”
