Defender’s next club confirmed after Swansea City transfer exit

Haverfordwest County have strengthened their squad with the signing of former Swansea City defender Ben Phillips following his summer departure from the club.

The Bluebirds continue to build their squad ahead of the 2026/27 Cymru Premier season as they transition to a hybrid model, with players joining on full-time contracts and training throughout the week.

Phillips becomes the latest player to commit to the new structure at Bridge Meadow, following several summer signings as well as several academy graduates.

Departing Swansea City defender heads to Cymru Premier

Phillips was one of eight players released by the Swans this summer, and he is now the third of those to secure a move to the Cymru Leagues. Mitchell Bates and Isaac Dudding have also found new clubs in the Welsh domestic game with Briton Ferry Llansawel and Pontardawe Town.

Phillips, 18, is a four-time Wales Under-19 international and a previous teammate of Cardiff City’s Ronan Kpakio, who is now a full international. He most recently featured for the national side in October 2025 and played alongside several members of the Wales squad competing at the 2026 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in North Wales.

A centre-back by trade, the player is also capable of playing in midfield and featured for both their Under-18 and Under-21 sides. Phillips comes from Pembrokeshire and continues the club’s trend of utilising talent from the area.

Speaking to the official club website after signing for the West Wales outfit, the young Welsh defender said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the club.

“Moving back home, the ground is only 15 minutes from home, which is ideal for me, and I can’t wait to get started.

“With the hybrid model, I just love being out on the pitch every day, so that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come here.”

Welcoming the arrival of the young goalkeeper, manager Tony Pennock believes the club has secured a player with an excellent foundation and plenty of potential to develop in senior football.

Commenting on his latest signing, Pennock said: “Ben joins our club with glowing references from so many people I respect.

“He has had a long period at Swansea City, and now looks forward to being involved in senior football for the first time.

“It’s obvious to see the grounding he has had at the Swans. Being an under-19 Wales international shows the pedigree he has, and continuing to train full-time will aid his development.

“We all welcome Ben home to Pembrokeshire and are excited to see him in a Bluebirds shirt.”

Haverfordwest’s summer transfer business

Haverfordwest have now made five signings ahead of the new season, with former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur defender Jordan Hackett the first to arrive at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

He has since been joined by experienced Cymru Premier duo Clayton Green and Lewis Rees, who signed from Penybont and Cardiff Met respectively, while goalkeeper Lucas Myers arrived in west Wales following the expiry of his contract with Swindon Town.

Green says the club’s ambition and commitment to moving to a full-time model played a key role in his decision to join the Bluebirds.

“I’m looking forward to getting going now,” he told the club’s official website.

“I’ve had a nice break, and I’m looking forward to getting training and then starting the games coming up soon.

“It’s an ambitious club who are looking forward, and looking to do the right things moving forward.

“I think everyone’s trying to challenge TNS for the league, and I think the only way to do that is for more teams to start going full-time.

“So taking steps in the right direction is exciting for the club and for the whole league.”