Llandudno star makes move to 5th tier of Italian football

Llandudno goalkeeper Cameron Darling has left the club to join Italian outfit Nuova Florida.

The 21-year-old departs Maesdu Park having made nine appearances for Dudno this season. He kept one clean sheet in the Cymru North against Penrhyncoch but was then an unused substitute for their last three matches.

Darling only joined Llandudno as a player this summer. He joined them as a goalkeeping coach in January, as he recovered from a long-term injury.

Llandudno's Cameron Darling at the JD Cymru North fixture between Llandudno and Llanidloes Town at the OPS Wind Arena, Llandudno. 3rd of February, Llandudno, Wales — Cameron Darling was part of the coaching staff at Llandudno under Jordan Hadaway before becoming a player. (Image: Nik Mesney/FAW)

Llandudno boss’ reaction

Reacting to the news of losing his goalkeeper, manager Jordan Hadaway said to the official club website: “I wish nothing but the best to Cam, when an opportunity like that comes along I’d want him to go and explore it. He will always be welcome back at the club.”

Darling’s other clubs include Buckley Town, Colwyn Bay, and the Connah’s Quay. He began his career with the Nomads but left Deeside with no first-team appearances.

Buckley signed Darling in 2021/22, and he made 16 appearances for them. The performances from that campaign saw him called up to represent the Cymru North in the Regions Cup, but Rob Dascalu was preferred ahead of him.

Cameron Darling before the International Friendly match between Cymru North and The Republic Of Ireland prior to the UEFA Regions Cup at The Four Crosses Stadium, Colwyn Bay — Cameron Darling was part of the Cymru North squad that competed in the UEFA Regions Cup. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)

Darling’s new surroundings at Nuova Florida

He was snapped up by Colwyn Bay the following season. With the Seagulls, Darling had to settle for a place as a substitute and was limited to 11 appearances with them, though he kept six clean sheets in that time.

Nuova Florida play in the Eccellenza, the fifth tier of Italian football. They were relegated from Serie D last season after losing 3-2 after extra time to Latte Dolce in the play-offs in May last season.

Darling’s new club recently signed Souleymane Coulibaly, who previously played for Newport County as well as Peterborough United, and Kilmarnock.

Darling’s move to Italy comes after Oscar Raisbeck made an interesting transfer from Cardiff Dracs to German outfit KSV Hessen Kassel. Raisbeck was playing in the Ardal South West for the club in the North of Cardiff, and now he’s playing in the Verbandsliga Hessen-Nord, the sixth tier of German football.

(Featured Image: Nik Mesney/FAW)