Cambrian eyeing senior success next season as duo sign

Cambrian and Clydach boss Craig Hughes says the decision to bring utility man Liam Hutchinson back to the club has come as part of a greater push for success in the Welsh League.

Despite seeing the club’s youth team claim the Welsh Premier League Development League title and reach the final of the FAW Youth Cup, Hughes admits he was disappointed by the first team’s 11th-place finish in Division One.

And he is adamant that Hutchinson, who can play in midfield or defence, will inject some much-needed experience.

The 26-year-old rose through Cambrian’s youth system, before enjoying spells at local rivals Ton Pentre and Haverfordwest County, winning a Welsh Premier League medal at the latter in 2012.

Hughes is convinced Hutchinson’s return will have a positive effect on the senior side, as well as the next wave of exciting youngsters.

“The balance of the squad was all wrong last year, and signing players with a bit more experience is important.

“Liam knows what the club’s about and he’s been successful here. He’s strong and he’s just the right character with the right ability to improve the group.”

“We’ve got a few players coming in from the youth set-up, which is going to be a good learning process for them. Players like Liam will not only help the balance, but also increase competition for the shirt.”

Bringing through young players remains a key part of Cambrian’s philosophy, as evidenced by the arrival of former Newport County and Cardiff City midfielder Corey Shephard, who joins from Ton Pentre as a promising 19-year-old.

“Corey’s different to what we already have,” Hughes added.

“He’s got an old head on young shoulders. He’s tenacious, he wants to score goals, he’s gutsy and he’s already got a winning mentality.

“He’s the sort of player that we’ve brought in with a view to making him better and pushing him on to a higher level.”

The arrival of both players coincides with a return for former player Dane Williams, who take his place in the senior side’s coaching set-up for the new season.

(Featured Image: Ben Webster)