Cymru Premier: Former Blackpool and Shrewsbury Town keeper transfers to Welsh top-flight club
Colwyn Bay have continued their summer transfer business with the signing of a former Blackpool and Shrewsbury Town Goalkeeper. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
A former Blackpool academy product who made upwards of 60 appearances in the EFL has been announced as the latest addition to the Cymru Premier.
Colwyn Bay have made another summer signing by adding a well-experienced goalkeeper to their squad ahead of the new campaign. 35-year-old Mark Halstead becomes the latest addition at the Seagulls – arriving at the club with a wealth of experience across the English pyramid.
Former Blackpool academy graduate adds an abundance of experience to Seagulls squad
A product of Blackpool’s academy, Halstead made five senior appearances for Blackpool, including an appearance in the Premier League. Following his departure from Bloomfield Road, the keeper then signed for Shrewsbury Town, where he spent three years, making 25 appearances.
Following a brief stint at Stockport County, the keeper then joined Morecambe, where he made 65 appearances for the then League Two side. After a three-year stint at the club, Halstead signed for Torquay United, where he went on to make 93 appearances across the National League & National League South.
The keeper remained at Torquay until the summer of 2024, when he then joined Widnes before signing for his most recent club, Radcliffe, a year later. Halstead now joins Colwyn Bay for his first taste of Welsh football.
The Seagulls have already been very busy in the transfer window so far, adding a wealth of Cymru Premier experience to the squad, having signed the likes of Adam Davies, Dan Roberts, Callum Bratley, Declan Poole and Jack Kenny.
Colwyn Bay finished in a very strong fourth position in their first season back in the top flight and will look to further improve on that finish within the newly revamped 16-team top flight.
Cardiff Met set for major summer overhaul
Cardiff Met confirmed yesterday that nine players will be departing the club ahead of the new campaign – including a long-serving defender.
Matt Chubb was a key figure for the Archers last season, recording the fourth most minutes across the entirety of the squad and made 154 appearances for the club. Former Newport County AFC midfielder Dixon Kabongo will also be departing the Cyncoed Campus stadium this summer.
The list of names that are departing Met this summer includes: Kelland Absalom, Tim Ap Sion, Jake Morris, Lewis Rees, Matt Richard and Sam Eager. Liam Walsh was also included within the list of departures; however, his next destination has already been confirmed.
Walsh will be returning to Aberystwyth Town for the 26/27 season, with the club having confirmed the signing three days ago. Speaking about the signing of Walsh, Aberystwyth manager Craig Williams said;
“I’m very pleased to be able to bring Liam back to the club. He’ll be no stranger to Aberystwyth Town fans, having played over 75 games for the club in recent seasons.
“Liam will bring quality and determination on the pitch, as well as real experience and leadership off it, and his signing is a huge boost for us as a group. Welcome back, Liam!”
The Archers will now have to prepare for the new top-flight campaign by turning their attention to the transfer market to bolster their squad for the newly revamped Cymru Premier.
