Former Everton, Bolton and Newport County midfielder signs for Cymru Premier club

Caernarfon Town have strengthened their midfield with the signing of former Everton, Bolton Wanderers and Newport County midfielder Harry Charsley.

The 28-year-old has joined the Cymru Premier club as a free agent after most recently playing for Truro City. He had signed an 18-month contract with the Cornwall outfit, but was free to leave in the summer.

Charsley brings plenty of experience from the English Football League and National League, as well as international experience with the Republic of Ireland Under-21 side.

Everton graduate Harry Charsley brings more than 100 EFL appearances to Caernarfon

Charsley began his career at Everton, where he remained on the club’s books until 2020.

During his time with the Toffees, Charsley made more than 100 appearances for their Under-23 side, scoring 18 goals and providing five assists.

Most of those appearances came under David Unsworth, although he was also managed by former Everton players Francis Jeffers and Alan Stubbs during his time at the club.

Charsley made one senior appearance for Everton, coming on in a 3-0 Europa League win over Apollon Limassol in December 2017.

He subsequently built up significant experience in the EFL, making more than 100 appearances in League Two and scoring 14 goals, while also registering 12 assists.

Much of that experience came with Mansfield Town and Newport County, while he also had a spell with Bolton Wanderers.

The midfielder has also played in the National League, including for Oldham Athletic.

Former Ireland Under-21 international has plenty of experience

Charsley is a 15-time Republic of Ireland Under-21 international and scored twice for his country at that level.

He featured alongside several players who have gone on to establish themselves in the senior game, including former Cardiff City midfielder Callum O’Dowda, as well as Alan Browne and Josh Cullen.

His most recent club was Truro City, where he made 21 appearances last season.

Truro ultimately finished bottom of the National League and were relegated to the National League South.

When could Harry Charsley make his Caernarfon Town debut?

Charsley was able to join Caernarfon outside the transfer window because he was a free agent.

Players who are unattached to a club can be registered outside the normal transfer window, allowing Caernarfon to bring in the experienced midfielder.

He could make his home debut for the Cofi’s when they face Barry Town United in the Cymru Premier on Saturday, October 3.

Caernarfon currently sit fourth in the Cymru Premier, with the club looking to maintain their challenge near the top of the table.

Why has Harry Charsley joined Caernarfon Town?

Charsley arrives at Caernarfon as a free agent after leaving Truro City, but the club’s recent success and European adventure may have helped make the move possible.

Caernarfon lifted the Welsh Cup for the first time last season after beating Flint Town United in the final, securing a place in the UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds.

Their European campaign proved a tough one, with the Cofi’s suffering a 10-0 aggregate defeat to Estonian side FCI Levadia.

However, the financial boost from playing in Europe, combined with the prospect of continental football, has allowed Caernarfon to attract players they may not previously have been able to bring to The Oval.

One of their summer arrivals was Offrande Zanzala, who joined from National League North side Marine.

The 29-year-old has scored once in eight appearances so far and previously spent two years with Newport County between 2022 and 2024.

Zanzala and Charsley are now reunited in North Wales, having previously played together at Newport.

The pair shared the pitch on 18 occasions, meaning Charsley already has a familiar face in the Caernarfon dressing room as he begins the next chapter of his career.