PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk has pulled off a major coup in retaining the services of forward John Owen for their forthcoming tier three campaign.

A high impact player, who can change a game with one show of skill, the experienced Owen played for Port last season on loan from Cefn Druids.

The forward has now signed for next season, and he could have a significant effect on Port’s ambitions to make a quick return to the second tier.

Though an injury reduced his appearances towards the latter stages of the 2019/20 campaign, he was the leading scorer with 9 goals in 18 starts.

“I’m really excited that John has committed to the club for the coming season,” confirmed the Port manager.

“John has a wealth of experience, and as a player there aren’t many better around, he will be the catalyst for us to build around as we look to gain promotion at the first time asking.

“John understands the vision and ambition that the Club has going forward, and he wants to be part of helping us back to more successful times.

“I have no doubts at all that he will be the pinnacle of achieving that on the field for us, and I’m extremely pleased with securing his signature.

“It hasn’t been easy as John will always attract offers from elsewhere, and I suspect that won’t stop just because we have signed him, but that is football and when you have the quality that he has it is to be expected.

“What is important now is that John is a Porthmadog player, and we both can’t wait to get the season going.”

Marcus joins Porthmadog

PORTHMADOG boss Craig Papirnyk has added another familiar name to his squad, with the addition of talented youngster Marcus Banks.

The 18 year-old midfield player joins from Pwllheli, where he impressed Papirnyk during his short spell at the Welsh Alliance club.

“I’m delighted that he has signed for us,” said Papirnyk. “He is a cousin to Josh Banks, and nephew to Chris Banks, who are both no strangers to Port supporters.

“Marcus will follow in the line of quality Banks family members who have represented the club so well, and he is definitely full of talent and a very exciting player, who the supporters should look forward to watching.

“I was able to play alongside Marcus during my short time at Pwllheli last season, and to say that he impressed me is an understatement.

“I realised quickly how good he was, and as a young player he plays with a lot of maturity. He is technically excellent and able to receive the ball comfortably; he has great vision and his potential is very exciting indeed. I am looking forward to helping him develop with the quality that we have in the squad.”

Papirnyk has also continued the process of squad building by re-signing Jack Davies, who made two substitute appearances for the club in the 2018/19 season.

“Jack is a left-sided player, who returns to the club, he has been with me at Port before as a younger man,” said the Porthmadog manager.

“He has been in America, but due to the situation with Covid, he will not be returning this year. Jack has now joined us, and he will bring strength and another option on the left side of the field.

“He’s a powerful player who has a wonderful left foot, and will be a welcome addition to the squad.”

Meanwhile Porthmadog Reserves’ squad continues to take shape, with four more of last season’s squad retained.

Last season’s top scorer, Rhodri Jones, has signed, as has creative midfielder Adam Griffiths and former academy player Celt Jones, signing for a second season.

A player who could play a part at first team level as well as giving good support to the Reserves is last season’s captain Sol Kempster. Sol made an impressive Cymru North debut last season against promoted Flint Town United.