Former Chelsea and Fulham prospect joins Europa Conference League outfit
HAVERFORDWEST, WALES - 11 DECEMBER 2021: General view during the JD Cymru Premier league fixture between Haverfordwest County A.F.C & Bala Town F.C, Bridge Meadow Stadium, December 11th, 2021, Haverfordwest, Wales (Pic By John Smith/FAW
Haverfordwest County have recruited two new players ahead of their Europa Conference League campaign.
The Bluebirds have signed up Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Tyrese Owen for the 2023/24 campaign. Both players had been playing in the non-league of England last season but will now look forward to joining the West Wales side for the upcoming season after both penning one-year deals.
Taylor-Crossdale was at Metropolitan Police last year, having also been at Weymouth and Gloucester City, Hendon. The 23-year-old was previously on the books of Chelsea and Fulham and was an FA Youth Cup winner, as well as a two-time Under-18 winner with the Blues.
The former QPR trialist has already had experience of playing in Europe having scored two goals in six appearances in the UEFA Youth League. He made one senior appearance for Fulham in August 2019 and was a former teammate of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Reiss Nelson, and Japhet Tanganga.
“We’re extremely pleased to get Martell signed,” said first-team manager Tony Pennock on the official club website.
“We had talks this time last season, however, it didn’t quite work out for one reason or another, but we managed to work things out this time around.
“He’s a player who has a fantastic record right the way through the England age groups, but for one reason or another had lost his way slightly in recent years.
“We’re hoping we can kickstart his career again with us, and allow him to show the potential he certainly has.”
Midfielder Tyrese Owen is also heading to the Bridge Meadow, having spent time with Slough Town last year. The 23-year-old made 33 appearances for Kingstonian and got 10 goals last season before signing dual terms with the National League South outfit.
His other clubs include Hemel Hempstead, Haringey Borough, and Carshalton Athletic, and in December 2022 he was a reported transfer target for Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday.
Pennock added: “His path into football was slightly different, he didn’t come through an academy system as such. But, he has spent time out in Sweden, which speaks volumes of his attitude and commitment.
“Height is an area we aren’t particularly blessed in, so Tyrese will certainly help the team out in that regard.
“Having lost some experience this summer, it was important we went some way to rectifying this, and Tyrese coming in will help to do just that.”
