Cymru North transfers: Pair depart Rhyl and Penrhyncoch

COLWYN BAY, WALES - 08 March 2026: Alex Swindell of Rhyl 1879 makes a save during the JD Welsh Cup Semi-Final between Rhyl 1879 and Caernarfon Town at The Blue Turtle Arena in Colwyn Bay

COLWYN BAY, WALES - 08 March 2026: Alex Swindell of Rhyl 1879 makes a save during the JD Welsh Cup Semi-Final between Rhyl 1879 and Caernarfon Town at The Blue Turtle Arena in Colwyn Bay (Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW)

The Cymru North transfers market is beginning to take shape as clubs across Wales prepare for next season, with both Rhyl 1879 and Penrhyncoch confirming important squad changes ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Rhyl 1879 Confirm Departure of Key Goalkeeper Alex Swindell

Rhyl 1879 have confirmed that goalkeeper Alex Swindell will leave the club this summer after opting to pursue a new challenge away from Belle Vue.

The club had hoped to retain the 24-year-old and even made an offer for him to stay, but Swindell has decided the time is right to move on. Rhyl expressed disappointment at his departure while also thanking him for his contributions during a strong season.

Swindell was a standout performer throughout the campaign, making 34 appearances and keeping five clean sheets as Rhyl enjoyed a memorable run to the Welsh Cup semi-finals. One of his most influential performances came in the quarter-final victory over Barry Town United, where he produced a series of key saves to help secure progression.

Having joined from Vauxhall Motors, Swindell quickly established himself as Rhyl’s first-choice goalkeeper. His consistency and shot-stopping ability made him one of the team’s most reliable players across the season.

His departure now leaves Rhyl with a significant gap to fill heading into the new Cymru North campaign, with the club expected to prioritise the search for a new number one goalkeeper.

Penrhyncoch lose attacker to Llanidloes

While Rhyl 1879 face a rebuild between the posts, Penrhyncoch must replace one of their forwards, after Ifan Burrell headed to Llanidloes Town.

Burrell joins the Daffs ahead of the new season after a solid campaign in the Cymru North, where he was a regular feature for Penrhyncoch. He made the switch as Llanidloes prepares for life in the Central Wales League South, stepping down two divisions in search of a fresh challenge and more regular opportunities.

The forward brings valuable experience at Cymru North level, having made 31 appearances across all competitions during the 2025/26 season, including 27 league matches. He ended his time at Penrhyncoch with an assist in his final league appearance, rounding off a consistent campaign.

Llanidloes Town have also been active in retaining key players, with Ethan Jones, Josh Jones, Alex Jones, and Lorne Scane all committing their futures to the club. Stability has also been maintained in the dugout, with manager Dafydd Carruthers remaining in charge and Dave Jarman returning as joint assistant manager.

After finishing ninth last season, Llanidloes will be hoping Burrell’s arrival adds attacking depth and helps them push further up the table in the campaign ahead.