Guilsfield sign ex-Newtown keeper

In a frantic night of transfer activity, Technogroup Welshpool goalkeeper Dave Jones (right) signed for arch rivals Guilsfield after The Lilywhites captured former Swansea and Fulham youngster Callum Hawthorne.

 

The activity started on Tuesday after Guilsfield boss Russell Cadwallader made an official approach for Jones and opened negotiations with the former Newtown No 1. In the meantime, Welshpool boss Chris Herbert immediately stepped up his search and as he unveiled Hawthorne last night, Cadwallader was toasting the capture of his target.

 

Both are expected to make their debuts for their respective new clubs on Saturday and both managers are delighted.

 

“Dave is a local lad which fits in with my criteria,” said Cadwallader. “We need competition for places across the park and that includes in goal because we have a lot of big matches approaching, including a league cup semi final. Dave is someone that would have been at the top of my list this summer so I have signed him three months early. It’s a great signing for the club.”

 

Meanwhile Herbert said Jones was a “Great lad” who “stuck by me when I took over and cleared everyone out”.

 

He added: “I can only wish the lad well and hope he does well at Guilsfield. He would be the first to admit that he has not really been on his game the last three or four games. I was signing Callum to give him a bit of competition for the No 1 shirt but if he has decided to move then I will back him and wish him the best.”