Barry Town United: 19-goal star transfers to SPFL giants as Weston-super-Mare snap up ex-Bristol Rovers striker
Ieuan Owen delivered a sublime performance for Barry Town United. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)
Barry Town United have confirmed the departure of one of the Cymru Premier’s brightest young talents as last season’s Young Player of the Year leaves Jenner Park for the SPFL.
Barry have confirmed that 20-year-old forward Ieuan Owen has left the club to join Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock for an undisclosed fee, following the release clause in his contract being met.
Owen, who has recently been voted as the JD Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season, played a huge role in Barry’s previous campaign. The striker scored two crucial goals, which helped his side clinch the Nathaniel MG Cup – Barry’s first top-flight silverware in over two decades.
Barry Town thanked Owen for his services to the club with the statement shared to their club website;
“Whilst there is disappointment to see him move on, this transfer reflects the club’s continued commitment to developing young talent and supporting players when opportunities arise to progress into professional football.
Everyone at the club would like to thank Ieuan for everything he has given during his time here and wish him every success in the next stage of his career in the knowledge that Ieuan can always call Jenner Park, home.”
Owen Labels Move As ‘Biggest Career Achievement to Date’
Previously of Afan Lido and Penybonts Academy, Owen now embarks on a new challenge in the top flight of Scottish football with Kilmarnock who confirmed the signing of the youngster on Tuesday.
Speaking to Kilmarnocks ‘Killie TV’, Owen expressed how much the move means to him;
“I’m looking forward to being here at such a big, historic club, and I can’t wait to get going. The stadium is a lot bigger than what I’m used to! I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans and meeting the boys.
It’s the biggest achievement that I’ve had so far in my career. My parents and family are excited to come up to see me playing. It’s a dream come true.”
Owen Becomes Second Successive Young Player of the Year to Complete Scotland Switch
Owen follows in the footsteps of the 2024/25 Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season, Louis Lloyd, who completed a move from Caernarfon Town to join St Johnstone in July last year. The now 22-year-old featured 5 times in the Scottish Championship last season and scored on his full debut for the club in the Scottish Challenge Cup.
St Johnstone secured the Championship title last season and will play in the SPFL alongside Kilmarnock for the 2026/27 season. Both players will be hoping to face one another once again this time in front of the crowds at McDiarmid Park & Rugby Park respectively.
Barry Town Confirm Departure of Long Serving Forward
Barry Town will need to further explore their options in the transfer market this summer as the club also confirmed the departure of another forward.
Ollie Hulbert leaves Barry having made 107 appearances for the club, scoring 51 goals during his time at Jenner Park. Hulbert has joined National League South side Weston Super Mare AFC, where he links up with former teammates, including Emlyn Lewis, with whom he played alongside during a loan spell at Cardiff Met.
Following the announcement made by Weston Super Mare across their online channels, Hulbert spoke to the clubs website about the move;
“As soon as Scott (Rogers) got in contact, I knew it was something that I would be really into and that it was going to be the right move for me.
“The standard of football is really good, the stadium’s really good, the crowds that they’re attracting makes it seem like a really good place to play football”.
Weston-Super-Mare has become a club that has welcomed a number of Cymru Premier players over the years, emphasising the level of players that the Cymru leagues continue to produce year on year.
