Defender lands at top-flight club after Wigan Athletic transfer exit
Connah's Quay have begun their summer transfer business under John Disney (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
Alex Hughes has secured a move to the Welsh top flight following his summer departure from EFL League One side Wigan Athletic.
The right-back has been confirmed as Connah’s Quay Nomads’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following Friday’s announcement of Iwan Murray, who has also returned to Wales.
Hughes began his career in Connah’s Quay’s academy system, joining their under-eight’s team before leaving more than a decade ago to join Wigan Athletic. During his time at the DW Stadium, he completed a two-year scholarship programme and later signed professional terms with the club.
The defender made his senior debut this season in the EFL Trophy, coming off the bench in a 2-0 defeat to Salford City in September. During his time at Wigan, he featured for Wales at age-grade level from U12’s onwards.
From Wigan Athletic back to Connah’s Quay – the reaction
Returning to the club where he began his footballing journey, Hughes spoke of his excitement at making the switch to the Nomads.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Hughes said: “As soon as I knew that Connah’s Quay were interested, I couldn’t wait to speak to the manager.
“Playing for Connah’s Quay, where I grew up and still live, is a huge honour, and I will give my best to bring success to the club where it all started.”
First-team manager John Disney believes Hughes has the attributes to make a positive impact at the club, while also highlighting the significance of bringing a local player back to the Nomads.
“Alex is someone who has been on our radar for a while now at the club,” said Disney.
“Alex is a really good athlete and technical footballer who comes with a real hunger to do well in a first-team environment, and with him being a local lad, I know how much the club means to him.
“We are looking forward to working with Alex and welcome him back to the club.”
Connah’s Quay’s first transfer signing
Iwan Murray became the first arrival at the Essity Stadium this summer, completing a move from Chester.
The midfielder leaves the Deva Stadium after two spells with the club, the second beginning in 2022 following a prolific stint with Runcorn Linnets.
Murray made 173 appearances for Chester, making him the club’s fourth-highest appearance maker since its reformation. During the 2024-25 campaign, he featured 32 times, contributing one goal and three assists.
After completing his move to the Nomads, Murray said: “I’m really happy sign for Connah’s Quay Nomads. I was ready for a new challenge, and I’m excited for the season ahead, starting with the European campaign in just a few weeks time.
“I’m looking forward to working to make my mark in a new league, and I know I’m joining a strong team that had a really good last season. I’m looking forward to getting going and showing what I can do!”
Murray attracted interest from a number of clubs following his departure from Chester, but Connah’s Quay moved quickly to secure his signature, with the prospect of European football playing a key role in his decision to join the Nomads.
A native of Bodelwyddan, Murray came through the academy ranks at Rhyl and made a senior appearance for the club before embarking on a career in the English non-league system. The midfielder has since established himself as one of Chester’s most consistent performers, amassing 173 appearances across two spells at the Deva Stadium.
Speaking about the signing, manager John Disney said: “We as a club are delighted to secure the services of Iwan – he is a player who started off in the Welsh system before going on and having a really good career in the English system.
“As soon as I spoke to Iwan it was clear how driven he is and is a player that will certainly suit our playing style with his work rate and versatility.
“I know that once Iwan had discussions with Chester that a number of clubs were keen to speak to him and we jumped at the opportunity and from minute one it was obvious how much he wanted to come back to Wales and play European football.”
Four players find home with Cymru Premier rivals
Connah’s Quay have strengthened their squad for the upcoming campaign following a number of departures from the club during the summer transfer window.
Four of those outgoing players have remained in the Cymru Premier, with Callum Bratley, Dan Roberts, Declan Poole and Jack Kenny all joining Colwyn Bay. Kenny is the most recent of the quartet to complete the move.
Poole, who was offered a new contract by the Nomads, has opted to move on for a second spell away from the club. The two-time Cymru Premier winner made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals. He departs with over 200 top-flight appearances to his name and will reunite with former Nomads teammate Mike Wilde, who is now manager at Colwyn Bay.
Defender Roberts leaves after four seasons with the Nomads, during which he made 72 Cymru Premier appearances. The 26-year-old featured 21 times in the league last season, scoring once in a win over Bala Town.
Bratley also departs after four years at the club, having made 86 Cymru Premier appearances. The midfielder enjoyed a strong final campaign, finding the net against both Caernarfon Town and Penybont.
Kenny made 13 appearances last season, scoring three goals, including two in a derby win over Flint Town United. The 34-year-old brings significant experience to Colwyn Bay, with 173 Cymru Premier appearances and 52 goals to his name.
