Cymru South transfer round-up: Carmarthen Town , Cambrian United and Newport City strengthen
YSTRAD MYNACH, WALES - 22ND AUGUST 2025: Lewis Reed of Afan Lido celebrates scoring his sides second goal. Trethomas Bluebirds v Afan Lido in the JD Cymru South at the Centre For Sporting Excellence on the 22nd August 2025. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Cymru South clubs have been busy in the January transfer window, with almost two weeks having passed since it opened.
Teams battling for the three promotion places, which would secure a place in the expanded JD Cymru Premier, have begun strengthening their squads in search of an added edge for the second half of the season.
League leaders Cambrian United, who sit eight points clear at the top, have already been active in the market. Liam Williams’ side have added to their squad while also allowing players to move on, as they continue their pursuit of the league title.
Trethomas Bluebirds make double signing
Trethomas Bluebirds have confirmed a double transfer swoop with the arrivals of Aaron Jones and Osian Rees.
Aaron Jones joins the Bluebirds as a free agent, adding valuable experience following spells with Cefn Cribwr, Afan Lido, Briton Ferry Llansawel and Trefelin BGC.
The 24-year-old was a regular first-choice goalkeeper at Ynys Park last season, playing a key role in a fourth-place finish, keeping five clean sheets in 24 league appearances.
Osian Rees arrives from JD Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met and made his Trethomas debut in Friday night’s 3–1 defeat to Trefelin.
Cardiff Draconians sign quartet
Cardiff Draconians moved quickly to strengthen their squad with three signings in one day, bringing in Craig Wilcox, Jack Cooper and Oliver Wylie, with Haben Samson signing a few days later.
Craig Wilcox arrives with Cymru South experience, having made nine league appearances this season. He has previously played for Baglan Dragons, Cefn Cribwr and Cambrian United.
Jack Cooper joins from league leaders Cambrian United. The 19-year-old has featured five times this season and previously came through the Swansea City academy, playing alongside Barry Town United’s Ben Margetson.
Jack Cooper of Cardiff Dracs ahead of kick off.
Cardiff Draconians v Cambrian United in the JD Cymru South at Lydstep Park on the 10th January 2026. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Oliver Wylie completes the trio, signing from Pentyrch Rangers. The 25-year-old defender made nine appearances in the South Wales Premier League, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
“I’m a very big fan of Craig and have been for several years,” said Baah. His experience will be invaluable this half of the season.”
Baah added, “This boy is some talent (Jack Cooper). As a manager, I love working with young players who have the potential to play at the very top, and Jack is one of those players.”
“I’m really looking forward to working with Oliver. A captain mindset and a defender who knows where the goal is. Another real talent who deserves his chance at this level.”
Samson returns to the club after leaving Trethomas Bluebirds, whom he joined earlier this season from the Dracs. The 22-year-old scored two goals in 11 Cymru South appearances this season, finding the net against Cwmbran Celtic and Ynyshir Albions.
He previously featured for Nana Baah’s side last season, making six appearances and scoring twice. Samson has also represented Caerau Ely in the Cymru South and JD Cymru Premier outfit Cardiff Met.
Newport City sign Briton Ferry Llansawel forward
Ellis Sage has arrived at Newport Stadium from Briton Ferry Llansawel.
The 19-year-old attacker brings Cymru South experience, having made 20 appearances for Taffs Well, and could feature against Caerau Ely. Sage made 16 Cymru Premier appearances for Briton Ferry this season and scored in the JD Welsh Cup against Trethomas Bluebirds.
Newport City currently sit ten points off the top three and will be hoping they can bridge the gap between themselves and Ammanford.
Afan Lido have announced two new signings
Defender Matthew Richards joins on loan from JD Cymru Premier side Cardiff Met, adding to Lido’s existing Met connections through Ben Haines and Brandon Roberts.
Winger Tyler Jackson arrives from Bristol Manor Farm. Jackson has prior Cymru South experience with Llantwit Major, Pontypridd United and Carmarthen Town.
Cambrian United sign Bonthron as Ynyshir Albions snap up Facey
Cambrian United have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of experienced striker Alex Bonthron.
The 32-year-old joins from JD Cymru Premier side Llanelli Town, where he made 11 appearances and scored in the Nathaniel MG Cup. Bonthron last featured in early October but brings a proven record at this level.
In his last full Cymru South season, he was prolific for Cwmbran Celtic, scoring 30 goals and providing 10 assists in 28 matches.
Alex Bonthron of Cambrian United in action.
Cardiff Draconians v Cambrian United in the JD Cymru South at Lydstep Park on the 10th January 2026. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Departing the club is Dion Facey, who follows in the footsteps of several Cambrian United academy players, by making the move to their nearby rivals.
The 19-year-old defender featured three times for Cambrian’s first team this season, with most of his minutes coming at development level. Facey made his Ynyshir debut on Saturday, playing the full match in a 2–0 defeat to Ammanford.
Prolific striker joins Carmarthen Town
Carmarthen Town have confirmed the signing of Lewis Reed following his departure from Afan Lido in November.
The 24-year-old forward scored six goals in 11 league appearances for Lido this season. Before that, Reed enjoyed a prolific spell with Ammanford, netting 43 goals in 59 league games.
