Newport County left with transfer decision after Cymru Premier loan spells

Three Newport County players have returned to Rodney Parade following the conclusion of their loan spells with Llanelli Town.

Jac Norris, Morgan Evans and Nelson Sanca all joined the Reds on six-month loan deals, with Newport now set to decide the next steps for the trio.

Beneficial experience for Newport County trio

Out of the three players, Jac Norris featured most prominently, making 20 appearances across all competitions. The midfielder scored twice during his loan spell, including a goal in Llanelli’s 1-1 draw with Caernarfon Town.

Forward Morgan Evans made a total of 17 appearances for Llanelli Town. However, his involvement became more limited towards the end of the loan period, often featuring from the bench or remaining an unused substitute.

Centre-back Nelson Sanca made 18 appearances during his time at Stebonheath Park and was part of a defence that kept clean sheets against Haverfordwest County in both the JD Cymru Premier and the JD Welsh Cup.

Sanca already had experience at Cymru Premier level, having played for Briton Ferry Llansawel last season. He was also named as an unused substitute for Newport County in their Carabao Cup fixture back in August, with attention now turning to whether he will be considered for first-team involvement.

Llanelli Town Thank Departing Loan Players

In a short statement posted on their Facebook, the Reds said:

“On behalf of the club, we would like to thank Jac Norris, Nelson Sanca and Morgan Evans for your efforts and professionalism — we wish you all the best for the future!”

Managerial Changes at Llanelli Town Following Lee John Exit

Llanelli Town parted ways with manager Lee John earlier this week, and the departure of several players will allow his successor to put their own stamp on the squad. Alex Bonthron is one of the contracted players to have already left the club, completing a move to Cambrian United.

A temporary manager has yet to be announced, with Llanelli back in action on Tuesday night when they host Barry Town United at Stebonheath Park. John’s assistant Dylan Blain also departed, and so whoever takes over will usher in a new era at the South West Wales club.

Blain and John joined the club in November 2021 following a successful spell at Goytre United and went on to guide the Reds to the Cymru South title last season.

However, they have endured a difficult start to life back in the JD Cymru Premier, with the club currently sitting bottom of the Welsh top flight.

Louis Caramella-Gerrard, a member of Llanelli Town’s title-winning squad last season, wished the departing manager well.

The now Trefelin BGC forward said: “Fair play, done a great job turning the club around. 

“Fans and people outside the club don’t see it but there was a huge culture change needed when they took over and that was equally as important as what they achieved on the pitch.”

The Reds are 13 points from safety, having accumulated just eight points so far, with their last league win coming at the end of September.