Newtown make Cymru North move as four new signings arrive as forward departs
Callum Roberts is back with Newtown. (Pic by Craig Thomas/FAW)
Newtown have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Callum Roberts, Dean Bryan, Uniss Kargbo and Rian O’Riordan as they continue their Cymru North campaign.
The Robins have also confirmed the departure of Charley Edge, who has joined fellow third-tier side Brickfield Rangers.
The quartet arrive with a mixture of Cymru Premier and lower-league experience, with Roberts in particular bringing a wealth of top-flight football to Latham Park.
Owen reveals Newtown are still looking
Newtown boss Jay Owen has admitted the club are still looking for further additions despite being pleased with the business they have already completed.
The Robins have strengthened their squad with four new arrivals, but Owen says there could yet be more movement before the window closes.
He also pointed to the return of injured players as another potential boost to his squad.
He said to the club’s official media: “We’ve brought some lads in, so the squad is looking a bit better than what it did a couple of weeks ago.
“We’re still looking. With myself playing, it’s not ideal. There are still places for lads.
“Don’t forget, we’ve got lads out injured who are going to be back very soon. That’ll be like a new signing for us as well.
“If we don’t manage to get anyone else in, it’s absolutely fine. We’re really happy with who we’ve brought in.
“We’re always on the lookout.”
Callum Roberts returns for fourth Newtown spell
Roberts is back at Newtown for a fourth spell after spending last season with Bala Town.
The 27-year-old made four appearances for the Lakesiders, with his last outing coming in September 2025.
His return to Latham Park represents another chapter in a career which has seen him represent Newtown on three previous occasions.
Roberts initially joined the club on loan from Shrewsbury Town before later having a spell with Connah’s Quay Nomads. He returned to Newtown on a permanent basis in 2021.
While he has never played in the Cymru North, Roberts has established himself as a hugely experienced Cymru Premier player.
He has made 188 appearances in the top flight, registering seven goals and 21 assists.
The midfielder has also won the league title on three occasions, lifting the trophy once with The New Saints and twice during his time with Connah’s Quay.
Bryan arrives after productive Llay Welfare campaign
Newtown have also added 29-year-old Dean Bryan following his spell with Ardal North East outfit Llay Welfare.
Bryan enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign, featuring 26 times in the third tier and contributing five goals and an assist.
The new Robins man is no stranger to the Cymru North, having played for Llay Welfare during the 2024/25 season.
His experience of both the second and third tiers gives Newtown another option as they look to strengthen their squad.
Kargbo joins Newtown from Colwyn Bay
Uniss Kargbo has also made the move to Newtown, joining the Robins on loan from Colwyn Bay.
The 24-year-old made his debut in Newtown’s 4-0 victory over Llanuwchllyn.
Kargbo has not featured in Colwyn Bay’s Cymru Premier match-day squads so far this season, but he arrives with experience at the level.
He made 20 appearances for the Seagulls last campaign, while he previously turned out 29 times for Bala Town.
His arrival gives Newtown another player with Cymru Premier experience as they look to push on in the Cymru North.
O’Riordan makes quick switch to the Robins
Rian O’Riordan has also joined Newtown after a short spell with Gresford Athletic.
O’Riordan initially found himself on the bench for Ruthin Town against Holyhead Hotspur without making an appearance before moving on to Gresford Athletic.
He subsequently played three times for Gresford but has now switched to Latham Park.
The move has already paid dividends, with O’Riordan providing an assist on his Newtown debut.
The midfielder spent last season with Flint Mountain, now known as FC Mountain, making 25 appearances and scoring three goals while registering one assist.
Charley Edge leaves after recovering from serious injury
There is also movement in the opposite direction, with Charley Edge departing Newtown to join Brickfield Rangers.
Edge endured a difficult period after suffering a serious leg injury last summer, with the 29-year-old ruled out for the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign and requiring surgery.
He returned to action this season, making substitute appearances against Gresford Athletic and Penrhyncoch.
However, he has now been allowed to leave the Robins and will continue his career with Brickfield Rangers.
Edge leaves Newtown with a significant record at both Cymru North and Cymru Premier level.
He scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 53 Cymru North appearances, and made 75 Cymru Premier appearances, contributing four goals and nine assists.
The latest moves represent a significant reshaping of the Newtown squad, with the Robins adding four players with varying degrees of experience while allowing Edge to move on to Brickfield Rangers.
