Former Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale star joins top-flight club
The New Saints' transfer business is well and truly underway (Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW)
Former Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale forward Jesurun Uchegbulam has joined Cymru Premier champions The New Saints.
The 23-year-old arrives at the Welsh champions from National League side Chelmsford City after a spell with Buxton.
Uchegbulam has been on the radar of TNS head coach Craig Harrison for several years, dating back to Harrison’s time at Connah’s Quay. A move failed to materialise then, with the winger opting to join Chesterfield, but Harrison has now secured his signature.
Speaking after completing the move, Uchegbulam said to the official club website: “I’m absolutely delighted to be joining The New Saints.
“The club has a fantastic record in Welsh football and in European competitions, and I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the team.”
Career at Chesterfield, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, and more!
The New Saints are acquiring a player with an intriguing footballing background. As a youngster, Uchegbulam spent time on the books of AC Milan and also had a trial with Everton.
Primarily a left-sided winger, he is equally comfortable operating on the right flank or through the middle as a striker, offering valuable versatility across the forward line.
Uchegbulam’s senior career began in 2017 with Stockport Town before he worked his way through the non-league ranks with Mossley and Matlock Town.
His breakthrough came in 2022 when he earned a move to Chesterfield. During his time with the Spireites, he made 38 appearances and scored two goals before joining Rochdale for an undisclosed fee. He went on to feature 30 times for Dale before moving to Oldham Athletic.
At Boundary Park, his form began to flourish, contributing three goals and two assists in 33 appearances. While contracted to Oldham, he also spent time on loan at Eastleigh before returning to help the Latics secure promotion back to the Football League.
Following his departure from Oldham, Uchegbulam joined Eastbourne Borough before moving to Chelmsford City in November 2024. He then spent the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Buxton, where his performances caught the attention of the Cymru Premier champions.
Transfer plans at The New Saints
Head coach Craig Harrison believes Uchegbulam’s pace, power and versatility will add another dimension to his attacking options.
Harrison said, “I’ve known Jes for a long time. I first spotted him when he was around 18 or 19 during my time at Connah’s Quay, and even managed to get him in for a friendly, where he was exceptional.
“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the deal over the line at the time as he signed for Chesterfield, but he brings directness, power and pace, as well as the ability to play across a number of attacking positions, which we’re really pleased with.”
The club are expected to announce at least more signings at Park Hall this week in what is a busy period.
Rhys Hughes became the club’s first arrival of the summer transfer window, before Brad Young completed a return to Oswestry, signing from league rivals Caernarfon Town for an undisclosed fee.
The club are yet to announce their retained list, with several first-team players out on loan from last season, including Josh Lock, Sion Bradley, and Zack Clarke at Caernarfon Town.
Manager Craig Harrison has confirmed to BBC Sport Shropshire that a further striker and two defenders are set to join the squad ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign.
TNS have already returned to training and are looking to strengthen their squad before their first competitive fixture, scheduled for 7–8 July 2026.
