Former Ipswich Town, Crawley Town, and Peterborough United defender transfers to sixth-tier Welsh club
Josh Yorwerth has signed with Bettws, a club in the South Wales Premier League.(Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Former Ipswich Town, Crawley Town and Peterborough United defender Josh Yorwerth has left Llanelli Town to join a club further down the Welsh football pyramid.
The 31-year-old was at Llanelli, who played in Welsh football’s top tier, last season. However, following Llanelli’s relegation, Yorwerth has become one of several players to depart the club.
A product of Cardiff City’s academy, Yorwerth boasts EFL experience and has enjoyed a career that has taken him through both English and Welsh football.
His latest move sees him sign for Bettws, who compete in the South Wales Premier League Division One West, the sixth tier of the Welsh football system.
Josh Yorwerth’s career, including Ipswich Town and Peterborough United spells
Yorwerth began his career in Cardiff City’s academy and progressed to the club’s Under-21 side. During his time with the Bluebirds, he gained senior experience through a loan spell with Hereford United.
He later moved to Championship outfit Ipswich Town, where he made three first-team appearances, all in the EFL Cup. It was at Portman Road that he scored the first professional goal of his career.
While with the Tractor Boys, Yorwerth enjoyed a loan spell at Crawley Town, making 25 appearances and earning a permanent move to the Sussex club. After a brief loan stint with Merthyr Town, he returned to Crawley and went on to make 91 appearances in total for the Red Devils.
His performances attracted the attention of Peterborough United, who signed him for a reported six-figure fee. However, his time at London Road was short, with the defender making just three senior appearances for the Posh.
Time in Wales
Yorwerth returned to football in October 2022 when he signed for his hometown club, Penybont. He made 34 appearances for the Cymru Premier side and achieved a career milestone by featuring in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying matches.
He later joined Merthyr Town before returning to the Welsh football pyramid with Barry Town United, where he made 22 appearances.
Llanelli Town secured his signature last summer, but his spell with the Reds proved short-lived, with the experienced defender making just one appearance before departing following the club’s relegation from the Cymru Premier.
What to expect at Bettws?
A club statement announcing his arrival said: “Everyone at the club welcomes Josh and looks forward to seeing him in the Blue and White.”
Josh’s arrival comes during a period of significant transition at Bettws. The club endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign, finishing bottom of the South Wales Premier League Championship Division after collecting just 10 points from a possible 66.
Change has continued off the pitch, with chairman Andrew Owen stepping down at the end of April, bringing an end to his tenure at the club. Meanwhile, the management team has been strengthened with the addition of Kevin Llewellyn, who joins Gareth Darks and Dean Simons as Bettws look to rebuild and move forward ahead of the new season.
