⁠Cymru Premier: Player switches club for ‘substantial’ transfer fee as ex-Celtic and Burnley starlet joins

A major transfer has been completed in the Cymru Premier, with a player moving for what has been described as a “substantial” fee.

Noah Edwards has returned to Caernarfon Town from Connah’s Quay Nomads, marking a homecoming for the experienced defender ahead of the Canaries’ UEFA Conference League campaign.

The 30-year-old enjoyed two separate spells with the Nomads after joining the Flintshire club from Caernarfon in 2023. He will now head back to The Oval as Richard Davies’ side prepares for European competition.

Connah’s Quay explain their decision to sell

Edwards leaves the Nomads having made more than 100 competitive appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals and helping them lift the Welsh Cup in 2024.

During the 2024/25 campaign, he featured 31 times across all competitions, contributing five assists and three goals as Connah’s Quay secured a second-place finish in the Cymru Premier.

His departure comes at the same time as that of his brother, Kai Edwards, whose contract was not renewed by the club. The midfielder’s next destination is yet to be confirmed.

Explaining the decision to sell Edwards, Connah’s Quay manager John Disney said: “Noah was not a player that we wanted to leave the club and was a key part of our plans going forwards, but due to the substantial nature of the fee, we took into consideration Noah’s best interests after he made it clear he wanted to make the move.”

Disney also paid tribute to Edwards’ contribution during his time at the club.

“Noah has been great for me since I took over as Head Coach, and I can only thank him for his efforts during my time, both playing alongside him and whilst managing the team.”

Cymru Premier experience in abundance for Caernarfon signing

Caernarfon are bringing back a player with more than a decade of experience in the Cymru Premier.

Having also spent time with Prestatyn Town, Edwards has represented Connah’s Quay Nomads in European competition and was part of the Caernarfon side managed by Sean Eardley during his previous spell at The Oval.

Across his Cymru Premier career, Edwards has made just under 250 appearances, recording 19 goals and 20 assists. However, his value extends far beyond those statistics, with the versatile defender renowned for his leadership, consistency and all-round contributions on the pitch.

Edwards is also a Wales C international, having featured in the national side’s most recent fixture — a 1-0 victory over England C in Llanelli, secured by a goal from Sion Bradley.

“I’m really excited to be back,” said Edwards when asked about how he felt after making his return. 

“There are still a few lads that I’ve played with in the past: Daz (Darren Thomas, Brads (Sion Bradley), Danny Gosset, and Paulo. 

“There are new players I’m excited to play with.”

Connah’s Quay sign ex-Celtic and Burnley starlet

To help fill the void left by Edwards’ departure, Connah’s Quay have turned to Scotland, signing midfielder Frankie Deane.

The 21-year-old arrives from Edinburgh City and is no stranger to the Nomads, having faced the Welsh side in the Scottish Challenge Cup during his time with the League Two club.

Deane began his career with Celtic, featuring for the club’s B team in the Lowland League, before earning a move to EFL Championship side Burnley in 2022. After a year with the Clarets, he joined Edinburgh City, where he continued his development in senior football. He has also represented the Republic of Ireland at the Under-19 level.

First Team Manager John Disney said:

“I am delighted to welcome Frankie to the club. He is a wonderful technical footballer with a fantastic background in the game, representing Ireland at youth level and coming through the systems at Celtic and Burnley respectively.

“Frankie will add real quality to our midfield and, after a few setbacks recently, is coming here with a hunger to kick on in the game. We think he will flourish at Connah’s Quay.”