Flint Town United sign former Stoke City winger and Iraq winger as Danny Holmes makes first move
Danny Holmes has made his first signing since being appointed Flint Town United manager. (Pic by Jamie Edwards/FAW)
Flint Town United have signed former Stoke City winger Ali Hayder as new manager, and Danny Holmes makes his first addition to the squad ahead of their Welsh Cup clash with Caernarfon Town.
The Cymru Premier side have secured the services of the Iraqi-born wide player, who joins from Iraqi club Al-Najaf after recently returning to the United Kingdom.
Hayder, who is also eligible to represent Sweden, spent three years on the books at Stoke City between 2019 and 2022 before going on to feature for a number of non-league clubs in England and continue his career in Iraq.
The signing represents Holmes’ first move since taking charge at the Essity Stadium, with Flint looking to strengthen their options as they continue their campaign.
Who is new Flint Town United signing Ali Hayder?
Hayder developed at Stoke City, where he made 48 appearances for the club’s Under-18 side, scoring eight goals during his time with the Potters.
Following his departure from Stoke, the winger went on to feature for Macclesfield, Nantwich Town and Prestwich Hayes before returning to Iraq to continue his playing career.
In July 2025, he signed for Al-Talaba before making another move in January 2026, joining Al-Najaf.
During his time with Najaf, Hayder made five appearances in the Iraq Super League, providing two assists.
He also has experience on the international stage, having earned 23 caps for Iraq at Under-23 level. His most recent appearance for the side came in March 2024.
Danny Holmes makes first signing after taking charge at Flint
Hayder is Holmes’ first signing since being appointed Flint Town United manager, with the new boss looking to put his mark on the squad.
Flint had made a positive start under Holmes before suffering their first defeat of his tenure last week, losing to Colwyn Bay.
The defeat also saw Holmes come up against a familiar face in Mike Wilde, his former Connah’s Quay Nomads teammate, who is now in charge of Colwyn Bay.
The addition of Hayder provides Flint with another attacking option as they look to build momentum in the Cymru Premier and make progress in the cup competitions.
When could Ali Hayder make his Flint Town United debut?
Hayder could make his first appearance for Flint when they take on Caernarfon Town in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, October 17.
The winger had recently returned to the UK following his spell in Iraq and had been looking for an opportunity to continue his career in the sixth tier of English football before securing his move to Flint.
The Welsh Cup tie offers him a potential opportunity to make an immediate impression as Holmes looks to strengthen his squad.
Supporters will also be able to watch the match for free through Cymru Football TV, provided they sign up for an account on the platform.
Cymru Football TV broadcasts matches from the Cymru Premier live, giving supporters the chance to follow the action throughout the season.
