COLWYN BAY have bolstered their squad in a major way this week with five new signings. Striker Llyr Morris, who was previously on loan from Bala Town, has now signed permanently, defender James Ellison has agreed to return to the club from Marine, while ex-Ruthin Town midfielder Gwion Owen has signed from Aberystwyth Town, central defender Kristian Platt has moved from Airbus UK Broughton along with young central midfielder Dan Edwards. Manager Craig Hogg commented: “I’m delighted to release this news. I feel the quintet of players we have agreed terms with will add to the squad we are building here, and that competition for places within it will be very high.
“Llyr Morris initially joined us on loan from Bala up to the end of May, for the season that ultimately never was, and I’m delighted he is now with us on a permanent basis. “His game time at Bala was limited, but that is not to say he didn’t benefit from the spell he had there with Colin Caton and his staff.”We’ve been impressed with his work since he reported back for training and well all now the goal scoring record he has at Tier 2 level.”
Llyr, who was Ruthin’s top goal scorer for a number of seasons before joining Bala, said: “I’ve had some really positive conversations with the manager and Director of Football Neil Coverley about their ambitions and the direction they want to take the club in – and I like what the plan is. “It is exciting to think we will be playing in front of big crowds with a good squad of players and we all can’t wait for the first game to get the ball rolling.”
Of the other signings, Craig Hogg reported: “Gwion Owen will be joining us via Aberystwyth Town and is very good news for the club. “His performances for Ruthin Town (in the season that was eventually curtailed) were rewarded with a move to the Cymru Premier League and that was no surprise, because in the game against us he really caught our attention.”I’m delighted we have been able to bring him in and welcome him to the club.
Fans of the Bay will know defender James Ellison well from his time he spent with us in our last season in English football. During that final campaign he played a key role within the young side we had at that time. “We are awaiting international clearance on him, but I’m happy that the Bay is seen as the right environment for James at this stage of his career and we hope he continues his growth here with us.” Ellison made 32 first team appearances for the Seagulls in the 2018/19 season before joining Marine for a thrilling FA Cup campaign – finally ended by Tottenham Hotspur.
The manager continued: “Kristian Platt is an excellent central defender and one who has had a stand out career in both the Welsh and English semi-pro game.
“Platty joins us from Airbus FC where he spent a number of years. His football abilities and experiences are qualities that will be very important to us as we go into another very competitive league campaign, and I’m really pleased to now have the opportunity to work with Kristian.
“Dan Edwards is a young central midfielder who was unattached. He has also impressed us a great deal and I’m really excited to be able to work with him. “Dan last played for Airbus FC and was part of the Salford City set up prior to that.” Craig added: “We welcome all five players to the club.”