Newport City sign Briton Ferry, TNS and Pontypridd United forwards in hopes of late promotion push

It has been a busy month for Newport City with the Steelmen making six signings across the January window.

From the signings made, it is clear that Newport City were looking to strengthen their attacking options, having plenty of new forwards in the door.

The most notable of which comes in the way of Louis Phillips, on loan from TNS. Phillips, a left-footed winger, returns to Newport after leaving them twelve months before join the Cymru Premier champions. He netted four times in his first stint and will be hoping to add more goals to his Newport City account.

Another big swoop for City is the signing of former Briton Ferry winger Ellis Sage. Sage played 50 times under Andy Dyer, starring for Ferry when they beat TNS last season 3-1, where he scored and assisted. Despite only being 19, Sage brings a wealth of experience in Men’s football and had a breakout season in 2023/24 for Taffs Well in the Cymru South, ultimately earning himself a move to Briton Ferry.

Newport City have also welcomed striker Sam Johnson, signing from Pontypridd United. Johnson, who scored against City earlier in the season, will provide healthy competition for Kayne McLaggon, as he hopes to bring a different dynamic to their frontline. Johnson has scored 18 goals over the past 18 months in the league and will be hoping to bolster his fine form.

Someone who is returning to the Steelmen is goalkeeper Elliot Jones, who signs on the dotted line from Trethomas Bluebirds. Jones had a brief stint under Sam Houldsworth two years ago, where he made three appearances in the FAW Amateur Trophy, which City ended up winning. Jones has made 16 appearances this season and started for City against Aberystwyth last weekend.

• Cymru South transfer round-up: Carmarthen Town, Cambrian United and Newport City strengthen
  
  Finally, Newport announced they have signed dynamic young forward Oliver Bruton from Abergavenny Town. At 18 years of age, Bruton played in Merthyr Town’s academy, before playing first team football at Tredegar Town, before eventually joining Abergavenny. Bruton will add pace and power to Newport’s frontline, having already scored ten first-team goals in his career.
  
  As well as these signings, there have been some major departures for City, with captain Luke Cooper and experienced striker Nat Jarvis leaving, as well as Charlie Davies and Evan Cadwallader departing the Steelmen after just six months.
  
  Newport currently sit eighth in the table, ten points off that elusive top three, with ten games left of their season.