PORTHMADOG manager Craig Papirnyk has announced a further signing ahead of their Cymru Alliance curtain-raiser at Penrhyncoch on Saturday.

Dewi Thomas, who is a former Holyhead Hotspur and Amlwch Town player and can play in defence or midfield, is the latest player to join the Traeth outfit.

“He’s a talented player and at only 22 years old, he has a lot more to give after impressing during pre-season," said the Porthmadog manager.

“I have no doubt that he will improve with us, he’s athletic, strong and can play with composure. He’s fitted straight in with the squad and has impressed during his short time with us."

Papirnyk added: “Our squad has taken shape now and is looking very competitive all over the park, we will need this strength in depth if we are to push all the way this season.

“It’s exciting times and we are now fully focused on a difficult trip to face Penrhyncoch this weekend in the season opener. We have built good momentum, and I am very pleased with where we are at as a squad.

“We are all looking forward to the challenge and season ahead now."

Papirnyk has also announced the signing of Jay Gibbs. The talented midfielder joins from Llandudno Town and the Porthmadog boss expressed his thanks to Iwan Williams and Llandudno FC for their assistance.

“I am over the moon that Jay decided that Port would be his preferred choice to play his football this season," he said. “Jay recently left Llandudno and we realised straight away that we needed to contact him so I did.

"After a few conversations and inviting Jay down to train, things moved well with us. He played against Penrhyn at home and enjoyed the game, and how we do things here at Port and featured at Caernarfon.

“A player of Jay’s calibre naturally attracted lots of great offers, but I am thankful and made up to today announce that he will be joining us at Port.

“Jay has come in and immediately his quality has sent confidence through the entire squad.

"Jay is a winner and his ability and quality in the midfield makes him the best in this league, without a doubt and he’s the type of player we have been in need of at Port.

“He has everything you would look for in a central midfield player, his short and long game with both feet is a joy to watch.

"He can slow a game down and speed it up when needed, Jay has quality in abundance and his set pieces will be a real threat for us this season. He’s a fiery character because he’s a winner and that’s something you need in every team."

Meanwhile Meilir Williams will be joining CPD Penrhyndeudraeth on loan.

As with Jake Jones, manager Papirnyk felt that Williams needs to be playing regular football to aid his development. Last season, coming mainly off the bench, he scored 10 goals.

“Mei needs to be playing football, as any normal centre forward he needs games to get goals and his confidence up," said Papirynk.

"I wish him all the best, and I am sure we will see him return soon.”

Tom Taylor, who starred for the club on several occasions at the back last season, has also left because of the distance needed to travel to both games and training.

Another defender Dan Roberts is still suffering the knee problems which kept him out for long periods last season. He will however return to the squad once he has regained fitness.

Meanwhile Jake Jones will be joining Pwllheli on a loan basis.

“Jake needs to be playing regular football and with Pwllheli invited back in the Welsh Alliance League it is a good standard for him to continue to develop his football," said Papirnyk.

"Jake is an intelligent young man and agrees this is the best thing for him right now.

“Jake is a promising young talent who will gain valuable experience with Pwllheli, that experience will be vital to him and will help both the player and club in the long run."

Gareth Jones Evans is also joining his local club Pwllheli. A very talented midfielder whose career has been plagued by injury but has remained a very popular player at the Traeth.