Penybont make triple swoop and Connah’s Quay recruit two
Chris Venables of Bala Town lifts the Nathaniel MG Cup. Bala Town v Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Nathaniel MG Cup Final at The Rock on the 28th January 2023.
Cymru Premier outfit Penybont have completed the triple swoop of Chris Venables, Dan Griffiths, and Gabriel Kircough.
The Bont are preparing for their first European campaign and have made two new additions, as well as a returning player.
Five-time Cymru Premier Golden Boot winner Venables fronts up Penybont’s business. The 37-year-old leaves Bala Town after seven seasons. He made 228 appearances, registering 13 goals and 19 assists, with a Welsh Cup win, and five European campaigns.
In a parting statement, Venables said: “Nothing lasts forever….but the memories will. Thank you to everyone at @balatownfc for an amazing 7 seasons, proud to have represented the club and honoured to have been captain. friends for life. Cheers.”
Dan Griffiths rejoins after several seasons in the English system. He had a loan spell at the SDM Glass Stadium in 2019/20 and got six goals in 25 matches. He’s been with Chippenham Town, Chester, and Evesham most recently.
Teenager Gabriel Kircough has also penned terms with Rhys Griffiths’ side. The 19-year-old got six goals and four assists in 32 games for Pontardawe Town last season.
Bont lost Kai Whitmore to Haverfordwest County last month, and it was announced last week that Sam Snaith would be joining Barry Town United. Nathan Wood has also departed, and there is speculation linking him with a move to TNS or the Football League.
Connah’s Quay – who are the only Welsh-seeded team in the Europa Conference League draw in 10 days time – meanwhile have made two new additions in the last week. Eddie Clarke and Joe Faux have joined fellow new arrivals Noah Edwards and Ryan Stratulis at the Essity Stadium.
Faux reunites with his Caernarfon Town teammate Edwards, whilst Clarke joins Neil Gibson for a third time, having worked together at Flint Town United and Tranmere Rovers.
“Eddie is someone who has huge amount of potential,” said Gibson. He is someone who has Football League experience and is young enough and hungry enough to go back into full-time football.
“Eddie fits the bill of the type of player we are looking for in that he is young, looking to do well and looking to improve – is quick and athletic, and is very much at the right age for us to work with him and benefit from his abilities.”
