MANAGER Gari Lewis believes the capture of experienced duo Sion James and Antonio Corbisiero will strengthen Penrhyncoch both on and off the pitch as the club prepares for its return in the Huws Gray Cymru Alliance next season.

Aberystwyth Town stalwart James called time on the Black and Greens after 12 successive years, announcing his decision to join the Roosters at the same time as former Aber player and coach Corbisiero also arrived at Cae Baker.

After the experienced duo had completed their switch to Penrhyn, Lewis was naturally delighted to secure the seasoned campaigners.

“As well as their undoubted ability, they will also give us a couple of calm heads if we do go through a bad patch,” commented former Aberystwyth Town legend Lewis.

“They won’t panic, and to have two players like that on board will be great for the morale of the team.

“I know both players well, and the kind of characters they are.

“Sion’s my cousin, and it was always his plan to come back here to play for us at some stage. At 36, he felt that now was the right time.

“Since he’s been at Aberystwyth, Corbs has become a really good friend of mine, so I also understand and know his character and what he and Sion will offer us.

“Both had offers from other Welsh Premier clubs, but both wanted to come here, which is a real coup for us. They’ve already blended in well with the squad.

“We’ve got exciting young talent, but also needed to bring in experience and to have a bigger squad to meet the challenges ahead.”

Neither player will need any introduction to the Penrhyncoch management team that also includes former Aber players Bari Morgan and Aneurin Thomas.

James, 36, has been an almost constant presence for the Seasiders after short spells with Barry Town, Carmarthen Town, as well as his home village club Penrhyncoch.

All but four of his 330 full Welsh Premier League starting appearances have been made for the club, with 20 more from the bench.

He played for Aber in the 2009 and 2014 Welsh Cup finals, and also played against Derry City in the Uefa Europa League in 2014.

Corbisiero, 31, had spent time on loan at Newport County from Swansea City, who he joined as a YTS, during which time he made his Football League debut and was awarded a professional contract.

Released by manager Kenny Jackett in May 2005 and, subsequently, by Newport in September, he arrived in the Welsh Premier with full-timers Llanelli.

During more than 200 appearances for the Reds over seven seasons he won the Welsh Premier League title, the Welsh Cup and the League Cup, before signing for Aberystwyth in January 2013.

The midfielder also made a total of 296 (+12) WPL appearances, scoring 16 goals, and has also made 18 European appearances.

Meanwhile front runner Jonathan Evans has departed Penrhyn to return to Aberystwyth Town for his third spell with the Seasiders.

With Evans leaving, Lewis is looking to make another signing, and has lined up a forward/central midfielder who he hopes to bring in despite interest from rival clubs.

Having spent the last few weeks training, the Roosters will play their first friendly match at home against Port Talbot on Saturday.

• A statement from Aberystwyth Town FC thanked Sion James for his service by saying: “Everyone at the club would like to join its supporters in thanking Sion for the dedication and professionalism, giving tremendous service to the club over the past 12 seasons. We wish him the best of luck in his future career.

“Sion was the longest serving player at the club, and has been an integral part of the first team squad over a decade. Hugely popular with supporters, he was almost an ever present last season.”

Meanwhile James commented on his departure via Twitter, saying: “After 12 amazing years at Aberystwyth Town, I’ve decided to move on. Thank you to the players, the staff and fans for everything. Emotional, but so proud.”