Cymru South: Llanelli Town sign 17-goal striker as Afan Lido sign title-winning pair
Miles John is returning to Llanelli Town after two-years away. (Pic By John Smith/FAW)
The Cymru South continues to see a flurry of transfer activity, with Llanelli Town entering the market as they look to replace the raft of players who have departed the club.
The Reds return to the second tier after finishing bottom of the Cymru Premier. Having already seen several players leave Stebonheath Park in January, further departures have followed since relegation was confirmed. Danny Williams and Bradley Gibbings have both joined Pure Swansea, while several others have moved on to league rivals.
Here’s the latest transfer news from around the division.
Afan Lido swoop for quartet including Llanelli Town pair
Two members of Llanelli’s squad from last season, Sean Cronin and Jamie Baker, have both signed for Lido at the Marston Stadium.
Cronin joined Llanelli ahead of the 2022/23 season and quickly established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet. The defender went on to make more than 134 appearances in all competitions, playing a key role in the club’s Cymru South title-winning campaign and helping secure promotion back to the Cymru Premier.
Baker, an experienced centre-back, has also made the move. The 35-year-old made 14 appearances for the Reds last season and returns to work with coach Lee John after leaving the club in February 2025 to help Llanelli over the line in their title-winning campaign.
A third arrival comes in the form of Daniel Lewis, who joins from Cardiff Draconians. Lewis caught the eye of several clubs during his two-and-a-half-year spell with the Dracs and made 24 appearances across all competitions last season.
Topping off the weekend’s transfer business is the signing of Alex Giardelli, who joins from Ammanford. The 27-year-old finished the recent campaign with four goals in 28 appearances across all competitions, helping Ammanford secure promotion. He will reunite with Lee John, having previously been part of the club’s title-winning side in 2024/25.
Llanelli Town re-signs Wales Under-17 defender
Miles John is returning to Llanelli after spending last season with Goytre. He made 10 appearances for the Ardal South East side following his move from Cambrian United, where he featured in a Welsh Cup final.
A ten-time Wales Under-17 international, John brings a wealth of experience in the Cymru Leagues. He has made 114 appearances in tier two, registering four goals and nine assists, while also featuring in the Cymru Premier for Port Talbot Town and Aberystwyth Town. His former clubs include Haverfordwest County, Canterbury United and Newport City.
Joining him at Stebonheath Park is Keiran Dawe, who arrives from West Wales Premier League outfit Cwmamman United. The 25-year-old was a key figure for his former club and enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists in 28 league matches. He also contributed a further five goals and 11 assists across cup competitions.
Carmarthen Town midfielder heads to Caerphilly Athletic
Caerphilly Athletic have confirmed the signing of Liam Reed from Carmarthen Town, with the experienced midfielder becoming the club’s second summer addition following the arrival of Izaac Follon.
Reed brings extensive Cymru South experience, having previously played for Ton Pentre and Cambrian United before joining Carmarthen Town. He captained the Old Gold last season, making 27 appearances, scoring once and registering one assist.
With more than 150 Cymru South appearances to his name, Reed adds valuable experience to a Caerphilly side preparing for their first season at this level.
There have also been several departures from last season’s Ardal South West title-winning squad. Manager Richard Greaves has left to take charge of South Wales Premier League side Ely Rangers, where he has brought in Mark Walker. The 32-year-old featured only a handful of times last season.
One in, one out at Treowen Stars
Treowen Stars have announced the signing of midfielder Isaac Powell from Cwmbran Celtic, who were relegated from the Cymru South.
The centre-midfielder returned to Cwmbran in 2024 after joining from Hereford Lads. Last season, he made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing five assists, and also captained the side.
Goalkeeper Cameron Clarke has left Bush Park just six months after joining the club.
In a social media statement, he said: “Thanks to Treowen for the last six months. Sometimes things just aren’t meant to be.
“Wish them all the best for the future. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!”
The 29-year-old shot-stopper made 10 appearances for Treowen, keeping one clean sheet. Clarke had been Pontypridd’s first-choice goalkeeper earlier in the campaign, but following a managerial change, he was allowed to leave and was replaced by Mike Lewis.
It has also been confirmed that Jordan Needs has left the club, with his next destination now revealed as Ardal South West side Taffs Well, now managed by former Trethomas Bluebirds boss Mark Dunford.
Two more arrive at Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major have added two more players to their squad, signing one from Cefn Cribwr and another from Treharris Athletic Western.
Ben Symons follows Jack Tiesar to the club after making the move from Cefn Cribwr. The 27-year-old missed just three league games last season, registering four assists, and had been with Cribwr since 2021 following his spell at Afan Lido.
The second arrival is Daniel Martin, who joins from Treharris. The 21-year-old was playing in the South Wales Premier League and recorded three assists in seven appearances last season.
