PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk says he is confident that he has found the right man to replace long-serving goalkeeper Richard Harvey next season.

Former Holyhead Hotspurs and Caernarfon Town goalkeeper Paul Pritchard has joined the Cymru Alliance club after Harvey retired from playing at the end of the last campaign.

“I’m really delighted to bring him to the club, he’s a well known and highly respected keeper,” said Papirnyk.

“Richard Harvey was for so long was our number one and I felt we would need to find experience as well as the quality needed to help push us forward after him.

“It is not an easy feat to come in and replace him, but Pritch has all the qualities needed in abundance.

“He’s been there and done it but, more importantly, he still has the hunger and drive to want more from his career, and after meeting him I knew he was the right person to come in for us.”

Papirnyk has also thanked Harvey for his services, having been an outstanding club servant over the last 12 years.

"He is rightly hailed as a Port legend for his commitment to the club," said Papirnyk.

"He has always given everything to the cause, and that has shown by the level he’s reached as a player, and it says a lot about his character to maintain it for such a long period of time.

“Rich has long been known as one of the best goal keepers to come out of the area, and has proved this year after year, by giving outstanding and consistent performances.

“I am extremely grateful to have been able to play alongside Rich and manage him as a player, his experience has helped me while in charge.

“Off the field he is also one of the nicest people I know and he will be missed in the dressing room.

“I would like to personally thank him for the years he’s given me, for all the hard work he puts in and the pain he has gone through to continue wearing the shirt. I can’t put in words my appreciation and respect."

Meanwhile the Porthmadog manager has also moved to further strengthen his squad bringing in Ryan Taylor, a talented young left sided player from Holyhead Hotspur.

“I’m delighted that Ryan has joined the club, he is an energetic left sided player who wants to succeed in football,” said Papirnyk. He’s a winner and will bring more strength down our left side of the field.

“Ryan performed very well against us last season for Holyhead and I’ve seen him play in the past for Bodedern and I’ve always rated him as a player. He’s a really exciting signing.”

He added: “Ryan has also travelled to New Zealand so he comes with quite a lot of playing experience and still at a young age. He’s a great lad and will fit in very well in our squad. His pace, energy and quality will be a real threat next season.”