Newport County confirm transfer of Penybont star
Nathan Wood of Penybont celebrates scoring his sides second goal. Penybont v The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier at Bryntirion Park on the 8th April 2023.
Newport County have announced the signing of Nathan Wood following his departure from Penybont.
The 26-year-old is the third player in 18 months to make the move from the Cymru Premier following James Waite and Will Evans’ moves. Wood will reunite with Waite, who he played with alongside at Penybont, and Evans, who he will have trained with for Cymru C.
He made 38 appearances in all competitions last year for Rhys Griffiths’ side, getting 14 goals and seven assists. The tricky winger was named in the Cymru Premier Team of the Season along with his former club teammates Josh Yorwerth and Kane Owen.
It is understood that The New Saints held an interest in Wood, as well as Newport’s EFL League Two rivals Morecambe. He has put pen-to-paper on a two-year contract with Graham Coughlan’s side.
“I’ve been a fan of Newport for years,” said Wood to Newport’s official club website.
“I watched the club get promoted from the Conference to the Football League. I was at the first league game of the season, and I know how much it means to the fans and just how passionate they are. For me to be a part of that and have the opportunity to come here is a no brainer.”
Wood rejoins Newport, having been part of their academy system up until 2015. He joined Undy Athletic following his release and then moved on to Penybont after they were promoted to the Cymru Premier. He made 130 appearances in total for Penybont and got 36 goals and 23 assists in his four seasons at the club.
Newport are also waiting to hear back from Priestley Farquharson, who was at Connah’s Quay before making the move to Rodney Parade. Kiban Rai – who was at the academy of Brecon Corries and Cambrian & Clydach Vale, is also considered a first-team player.
Graham Coughlan added: “Nathan is very attack-minded and I believe he gives us something that we don’t currently have. He’ll add extra dimension to our offensive play. “
“It’s a great opportunity for him, coming from the Welsh Premier League. We’ve had a lot of success in players from the league previously at the football club.
“He was a standout performer in that division last season and it’s an opportunity he fully deserves. I am really looking forward to working with him.”
