Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the return of striker Jamie Reed to Park Avenue. The 33-year-old Cymru Premier veteran returns to The Seasiders for a third spell, having first joined in 2007 under Brian Coyne and again in 2015 under Ian Hughes.

One of the Cymru Premier’s most prolific strikers over the past 15 years, Jamie first joined Aber from Wrexham where he had progressed through the youth ranks. Joining Aber on loan at age 20, Jamie made an immediate and unforgettable impression on his home debut, hitting TNS for three in a 5-1 win at Park Avenue, on his way to finding the net 9 times in 20 appearances. A move to Rhyl followed where he won the 2008/09 Cymru Premier title before a move to Bangor City, winning the 2010 Welsh Cup and 2010/11 title, scoring 18 times, led by ex-Aber manager Nev Powell.

Jamie was then one of the original three musketeers from the Cymru Premier to ply his trade in Australia, playing for Dandenong Thunder with Aber greats Luke Sherbon and Geoff Kellaway in 2010, later representing South Melbourne. Jamie will now link up once more with Geoff for a fourth time for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

A very successful spell in English football saw Jamie play twice at Wembley with York City, winning the FA Trophy and Football League Playoff Final, as well as time with Chester and Cambridge United.

Returning to the Welsh pyramid in 2014, Jamie joined perennial league winners TNS, from whom he joined Aber for a second loan spell in 2015. History almost repeated itself for Jamie, as a 38 minute brace vs Rhyl gave him the chance to make it two hattricks in two home debuts, only for an impressive save from to-be-Seasider Terry McCormick denying him another treble in front of the Green Army.

Spells with several Cymru Premier teams followed, with Jamie representing Llandudno, Bangor City for a second time, Newtown and Cefn Druids before becoming available for a third stint at Park Avenue, though his first on a permanent basis.

Upon his arrival, Jamie told us:

"My family and I have always felt welcome and we have fond memories from my previous times at Aber, so it was an easy decision to come back."

Asked about his favourite moments in Black & Green:

"The hat-trick on my debut against TNS is the one that sticks out the most, of course. In both spells I’ve done well so hopefully I can score some goals and help the team climb the table. It’s so tight in the league at the moment and with the current situation anyone can beat anyone so it’s about taking our opportunities. Hopefully my experience can help the younger lads who, from what I have seen, have a lot of quality."

Croeso nol i Goedlan y Parc / Welcome back to Park Avenue, Reedy!

Aberystwyth Town’s 2020/21 season will recommence with an away trip to The Oval before four home fixtures out of five heading into the split on Friday 2nd of April vs Cefn Druids.

Town currently sit in 12th position (10 pts) but with just 2 pts separating the bottom 4 sides and 8th place Cardiff Met (16 pts) having played a game more, there is all still to play for in the JD Cymru Premier.

A poor run of form in December saw Aber make five additions in January, as Jon Owen, Ian Kearney, Harri Horwood, Dan Cockerline, and Harry Franklin joined the club, with a final addition being announced tomorrow evening – a Green Army favourite over two spells, famous for his home debuts. We’ll let you figure that one out…

Remaining 2020/21 Fixtures

MARCH
Saturday 6th Caernarfon Town (Away) 2:30pm KO
Tuesday 9th HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY (Home) 7:45pm KO
Saturday 13th Barry Town (Away) 2:30pm KO
Saturday 20th NEWTOWN (Home) 2:30pm KO
Saturday 27th PENYBONT (Home) 7:45pm KO 

APRIL
Friday 2nd CEFN DRUIDS (Home) 5:00pm KO 
 
PHASE 2
Saturday 10th Matchday 23
Tuesday 13th Matchday 24
Saturday 17th Matchday 25
​Tuesday 20th Matchday 26
​Tuesday 27th Matchday 27

MAY
Saturday 1st Matchday 28
​Tuesday 4th Matchday 29
​Tuesday 11th Matchday 30
Saturday 15th Matchday 31
Saturday 22nd Matchday 32
Tues/Wed 25th/26th UEFA Europa League Play Off Semi Final
Saturday 29th UEFA Europa League Play Off Final

The Academy players of Aberystwyth Town were treated to two Q&As with professional footballers over the last week, as former ATFC academy stars Alex Samuel and Rhys Norrington-Davies kindly took to Zoom to share their experiences with the youngsters.

Current Wycombe Wanderers striker Alex, who scored 8 goals in 13 appearances for the Seasiders first team between 2011-12, spent nearly two hours with the players last Tuesday evening discussing his career so far. He talked about his time playing in the Aberystwyth Junior League and the importance of enjoying football at a young age, before going through his move to Swansea, loan moves to Greenock Morton and Newport, a permanent move to Stevenage followed by joining his current club Wycombe Wanderers.

Alex took the time to give some excellent advice to the current Academy hopefuls, highlighting how important it is to “never give up” and emphasising that work rate and determination are crucial to success. He also talked about the importance of education, being a good person and being humble.

The youngsters were then given the opportunity to ask their own questions and they quizzed Alex on subjects such as his favourite player growing up (Adebayo Akinfenwa who he now plays alongside!) and who inspired him to play (watching ATFC at Park Avenue!). Alex was then kind enough to show the youngsters his winners medal from the 2020 League One Play-Off Final, which was won at Wembley Stadium, before encouraging them again to “never give up on your dreams”.

Rhys Norrington-Davies then joined the Academy on Monday night and talked to the players about making his International debut against Bulgaria last October. He gave an insight into what goes on in an international camp in the days leading up to matchday, playing alongside world class players such as Gareth Bale and playing for Ryan Giggs – his favourite player growing up.

Rhys then reflected on his time playing Junior Football in Ceredigion for Bow Street and Aberystwyth Town Academy, which he loved, before moving on to how he signed for Sheffield United before spending time out on loan at Barrow, Rochdale, Luton and his current move to Stoke City. He offered some good advice to the youngsters on the call – advising them to “be patient and learn the game”.

As with Alex, the players then had the chance to quiz Rhys and he answered questions on topics such as the best stadium he has played at (Old Trafford - for Rochdale - where he walked out alongside Paul Pogba) and his most memorable moment, which was of course making his full debut for Wales. Rhys then explained how it was his Grandad who first inspired him to play football and how he still watches all his games to this day, before giving an honest assessment of his recent red card and how he will learn from it.

Academy Manager Tony Bates commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions with Alex and Rhys. Both players spoke eloquently and candidly about life as a professional footballer and I am sure that the Academy players who logged on to the zoom meeting will have learnt a lot about the ups and downs of their football careers. The sessions were expertly coordinated by our Head of Coaching Gavin Allen. My hope is that our players will take a special interest in the careers of the two players and that we may repeat the idea in the future.”

Aberystwyth Town would like to thank both Alex and Rhys for giving up their time to kindly share their experiences. Our players found the talks to be both educational and inspirational and we would like to wish both players the very best for the rest of their respective seasons and their future careers.

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the deadline day acquisition of talented midfielder Harry Franklin from Evesham United of the Southern League Division One South, pending international clearance. Also experienced in a deeper central role, the 21-year-old joins the Seasiders for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

Born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, Harry plied his trade from youth to senior level with Hereford FC of the National League North where he spent time on loan at Merthyr Town. Departing the Bulls in 2018, a season and a half at Redditch United followed before Harry joined county rivals Evesham United in October 2019. Having quickly impressed at Jubilee Stadium, The Robins put Harry on contract terms in February 2020 as he went on to make 22 appearances, scoring thrice before season curtailment in March 2020. With 13 appearances and a further three goals this season, Harry now makes the switch to Park Avenue and the JD Cymru Premier.

Assistant Manager Antonio Corbisiero commented: “Harry is a very exciting talent who can play a number of positions, predominantly in midfield. He’s a great athlete and a fantastic passer of the ball with a keen eye for goal who’s excited to challenge himself at this level. We look forward to seeing him at Park Avenue – welcome Harry!”.

Croeso i Geredigion ac i Gymru, Harry!

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the arrival of striker Dan Cockerline from FC United of Manchester of the Northern Premier League.

A towering 6’4” centre-forward, 24-year-old Dan progressed through the ranks as a scholar at Sheffield United, representing The Blades at U18 and U21 level as well as enjoying loan spells with Grantham, Marine, Matlock and Curzon Ashton.

Released in summer 2016, Dan spent a year at National League Barrow AFC before two seasons with National League North side Southport FC. A short stint Down Under with Adelaide Blue Eagles followed as Dan returned to the English pyramid with a very impressive season at AFC Liverpool, scoring 22 times and providing 9 assists in just 26 appearances. This earned Dan a move up three divisions, joining FC United of Manchester in June 2020. With three goals from six starts for The Reds before suspension, Dan joins the Seasiders hungry for more.

Having completed his move, Dan told atfc.org.uk: “I’m delighted to join the club and really looking forward to getting involved with the rest of the squad. The opportunity to challenge myself in the Cymru Premier is something that was really appetising and the opportunity to showcase what I am about as a player. I can’t wait to pull on the shirt when the time comes to kick off the season again and start climbing the table.”

First-team coach Bari Morgan commented: “As a management team, we are absolutely delighted to have secured Dan’s signature. Being 6’4”, Dan brings real presence and much-needed physicality to our squad. He’s quick, mobile, hard-working, and has a real eye for scoring goals.

We look forward to working with him and we’re excited for Dan to showcase his talents to the fans”.

Croeso i Goedlan y Parc / Welcome to Park Avenue, Dan! 

Aberystwyth Town are delighted to announce the return of academy product, Welsh Premier Development League champion and Welsh international Harri Horwood. The 20-year-old left-sided player returns to Park Avenue after spells with Cardiff Met University and Briton Ferry Llansawel.

A pacey and tenacious winger, who also has experience at left-back, Harri progressed through Town’s academy and was an integral part of the Black and Greens’ hugely successful double-winning U19 Development squad of 2017/18 that became the first squad in club history to win a national title. Lead by current 1st Team coach Bari Morgan, assistant Iwan Roberts and captained by Jack Rimmer, the youngsters beat The New Saints at Latham Park to claim their first of two consecutive titles, before lifting the Central Wales FA Youth Cup two weeks later thanks to a Mathew Jones hattrick against Rhayader FC.

As well as representing Town’s youth team, Harri featured for Penrhyncoch of the Cymru North, further aiding his development and progression to senior football. A regular under Town legend Gari Lewis, Harri’s tenure at Cae Baker was headlined by an away brace vs Ruthin Town, securing The Roosters’ league status in 17/18 despite a travelling squad of just 12 with several starters missing the game.

On the international stage, Harri has amassed 14 appearances in a Cymru shirt across schoolboys and academy level, including a 0-2 win to retain the John Coughlin Memorial Cup vs the Republic of Ireland where Harri netted the opening goal at Graun Park - a squad including fellow Seasiders Alex Pennock, Lee Jenkins and Liam Doherty.

In 2018, Harri made the move to the capital to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he spent a season with Met before joining Briton Ferry Llansawel for the 2019/20 season, playing alongside ex-Seasider and fan favourite Mark Jones before season curtailment in March 2020. Harri re-joined The Archers for 2020/21 season but will now reunite with old friends at Park Avenue.

Upon rejoining the Seasiders, Harri commented: “I’m ecstatic to be re-joining my hometown club after time away at university. This is the club I supported growing up and I have many great memories here, including making my first Cymru Premier appearance at 17, which was a huge personal achievement.

I’m looking forward to getting back to it with the boys, especially with several former U19s now part of the 1st Team set-up, such as Matty, Pens, Lee and Rimmer, so it’s a very exciting time for us all. Hopefully I can help the club achieve its short and long-term goals”.

First-team coach Bari Morgan said: “We’re very pleased to have Harri back at Park Avenue. He’s a player with a huge potential that he showed as part of our triumphant U19 squad a few years back. In his time away, Harri has been working hard and has developed his game and himself tremendously, so we look forward to working with him again”.

Croeso nol i Goedlan y Parc, Harri!