Cymru South transfers: Caerau Ely sign five including ex-Cardiff City starlet and Wales C international
Lewis Harling has represented Wales. (Pic by Nik Mesney/FAW)
The transfer window continues to gather pace across the Cymru South, with several clubs making significant additions as preparations intensify for the 2026/27 campaign.
Caerau Ely remain one of the busiest sides in the division, while Afan Lido, Llanelli Town, Treowen Stars and Baglan Dragons have all added further quality to their squads.
Caerau Ely sign ex-Cardiff City starlet and Wales C international
Caerau Ely began their recruitment by signing midfielder Owen Bancroft following his departure from Newport City.
The versatile 30-year-old has previously represented Llanelli Town and Goytre (Gwent), bringing further experience to the midfield ahead of the new campaign.
One of Caerau Ely’s standout additions is experienced midfielder Lewis Harling.
The 34-year-old arrives from Carmarthen Town, boasting more than 300 Cymru Premier appearances and over 360 senior appearances across Welsh football.
Harling, who also represented Wales C in 2022, featured 22 times for Carmarthen Town last season and adds invaluable leadership to the squad.
Defender Harvey Sing also joined Caerau Ely, becoming their third signing of the summer.
Sing brings considerable Cymru South experience, having made 90 appearances in the division across spells with Newport City and Taffs Well. Last season, he featured 17 times, registering two assists.
Midfielder Adam Coomer, meanwhile, has returned to Caerau Ely after helping Caerphilly Athletic secure promotion to the Cymru South, winning the Ardal South East title.
The former Cardiff City academy player previously featured for Caerau Ely during the 2023/24 campaign, making 13 league appearances and scoring against Abergavenny Town before moving to Caerphilly Athletic.
Coomer developed alongside players including Cian Ashford, James Crole and Gabriele Biancheri during his time in Cardiff City’s academy, while also sharing the pitch with Cymru Premier talents Jac Clay, Lewys Ware and Kyle Kenniford.
Caerau Ely continued their impressive recruitment by completing the signing of experienced striker Josh Graham.
Graham arrives with extensive Cymru South experience after previous spells with Newport City, Barry Town United and STM Sports. He was also part of Barry Town United’s title-winning side during the 2022/23 Cymru South campaign, adding valuable winning experience to the squad.
Afan Lido continue ambitious recruitment
Afan Lido have also enjoyed another productive spell in the transfer market, following the earlier arrivals of Alex Giardelli, Jamie Baker, Sean Cronin, and Dan Lewis.
The Port Talbot club completed a triple signing by bringing in midfielder Jack Pascoe from Caerau Ely, alongside Morgan Evans from Llanelli Town, and Briton Ferry Llansawel’s Rio Dyer.
Pascoe adds further Cymru South experience after his spell with Caerau Ely, while Evans arrives after progressing through Newport County’s academy before featuring regularly for Llanelli Town last season.
Dyer spent the past two seasons with Ferry, making 53 appearances, scoring three goals, and registering two assists. A former Hull City and Swansea City academy player, Dyer returns to the Cymru South after previously contributing four assists during the 2022/23 campaign.
Alongside their arrivals, Afan Lido also confirmed the departure of long-serving defender Jackson Hall, who leaves after three spells with the club and remains one of the most respected figures in their recent history.
Llanelli Town strengthen attack
Llanelli Town have added further attacking quality with the signing of Calum Salter from Ynyshir Albions.
Salter becomes the Reds’ third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Kieran Dawe and Miles John.
The forward impressed in the Cymru South last season, recording seven goals and five assists for Ynyshir Albions.
Meanwhile, Osian Dillon and Lee Bevan have both returned to Stebonheath Park.
Dillon returns to Welsh football after a spell in Australia, with Cwmamman United his last club in Wales. The 25-year-old has also previously represented Ammanford.
Experienced defender Bevan is also back at the club following a stint with Mumbles Rangers in the West Wales Premier League. The 38-year-old showed no signs of slowing down last season, making 21 league appearances while contributing four goals and four assists.
Baglan Dragons add experienced goalkeeper
Baglan Dragons have completed the signing of goalkeeper Cameron Clarke, their third addition of the transfer window.
Clarke arrives following spells with Treowen Stars and Pontypridd United and brings further experience from previous clubs, including Trethomas Bluebirds, Barry Town United, Abergavenny Town and Cambrian United.
He follows Toby Jones and Cameron McKnight through the door as Baglan continue strengthening ahead of the new season.
Treowen Stars respond with double signing
Treowen Stars have strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Isaac Powell and Shaun Gardiner.
Goalkeeper Gardiner returns to Bush Park after leaving Llantwit Major, having previously made six appearances for Treowen during a short spell last season.
Midfielder Powell arrives from recently relegated Cwmbran Celtic after Treowen revived their long-standing interest in the 25-year-old.
Powell brings over 100 Cymru South appearances and contributed two goals and five assists in 26 league matches last season, providing another experienced option in midfield.
