Cymru Premier: Wrexham defender finds new home as former Caernarfon Town man heads to non-league
Former Wrexham academy product Ryan Austin has left Holywell Town. (Pic by Sam Eaden/FAW)
A former Wrexham player has secured a move to the Cymru Premier following his departure from the club this summer.
Casey Bedford was among several players released by the Red Dragons at the end of the season and has now joined newly promoted Holywell Town ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The young defender was part of the Wrexham squad that travelled to North America last summer for a friendly against Canadian outfit Halifax Wanderers.
Bedford featured across both the club’s Under-21 and Under-18 sides after joining Wrexham as a scholar in 2024. He will now continue his development in the Welsh top flight with Holywell Town, who earned promotion to the Cymru Premier last season.
Holywell Town defender heads to English non-league
Another former Wrexham academy player has found a new club, with Ryan Austin joining Vauxhall Motors ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Austin spent last season with Holywell Town, making 25 appearances after recovering from a serious injury setback.
The defender began the campaign at Llandudno before making the switch to Holywell in September. He quickly established himself as a key figure in the side, starting the majority of their matches and playing an important role in the club’s successful promotion to the Cymru Premier.
Before his spells with Llandudno and Holywell, Austin gained experience in Welsh football during a loan spell with Caernarfon Town in the 2023/24 season.
Vauxhall Motors recently underwent a managerial change, with former Connah’s Quay Nomads defender Danny Holmes leaving the club. Holmes had signed a two-year contract but departed by mutual agreement after budget reductions meant the club could no longer match his ambitions.
“Ryan is a big, strong lad, he is a threat in both boxes and has good experience for such a young lad,” said Motors boss Chris Herbert.
“He is dominant and a leader on the pitch.”
Transfer business at Halkyn Road
Despite the transfer window not officially opening until June 15, there has already been plenty of activity at Holywell, both in terms of arrivals and departures.
Last season’s top scorer, Jamie Breese, has left the club to join Kerry. The move comes after Kerry were granted a reprieve following Flint Mountain’s demotion from the Cymru North to the fourth tier. Breese enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Holywell, scoring 24 goals and claiming both the Cymru North Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Alex Swindell has arrived from Rhyl 1879. Swindell enjoyed a solid season with the Lilywhites, keeping six clean sheets in 34 appearances. His arrival is expected to provide strong competition for current first-choice goalkeeper John Danby.
