Bangor boss thrilled to capture Stephens
BANGOR City are building a squad looking strong enough to take the Huws Gray Alliance League by storm this season.
New Citizens manager Craig Harrison has already signed four players of proven Welsh Premier pedigree, as well an outstanding defender from the English pyramid system.
The latest acquisition is former Wrexham defender Anthony Stephens.
The 24 year-old began his career at the Racecourse before joining Prestatyn Town on a season-long loan in August 2012.
He won the Welsh Cup that season with the Seasiders.
After spending 2014/15 on loan at Colwyn Bay, he made a permanent move to Bala Town in June 2015. In 2016/17, he scooped another Welsh Cup winners’ medal, this time with the Lakesiders, for whom he made 60 league appearances before leaving Maes Tegid this summer.
City manager Harrison said: “It’s fantastic to have Stevo on board. He is a massive signing and someone who is a top young player with almost 100 Welsh Premier League games under his belt and Europa League experience.
“He has great ability, is very good defensively and can also bomb forward. He also has a great left foot which will give us balance.
“He is a very good communicator, a leader and organises. He can play left back, left midfield, central midfield and his natural position of left back.
“Stevo gives us great flexibility, which is high up on my list when players come to Bangor City.”
Also arriving at Nantporth is attacking midfielder Robbie Parry from The New Saints, where he spent two seasons. Parry also had two loan spells at Llandudno during his time at TNS.
The Welshman started his career with Wolves before moving onto Stoke City, where the wide man starred in the U21 side at the Britannia Stadium.
Harrison added: “Robbie clearly has very good quality and has spent a lot of his career at top clubs and represented his country up to U19 level.
“He is a very good lad who I know very well and am excited to work with him again as I feel I got the best out of him. Robbie scored nine goals in 21 games with me which is exceptional from a wide area.’
“He is extremely enthusiastic. He unfortunately didn’t play as much football as he should have last year, but he has the hunger and desire to earn his place in the team and the key thing for me is that he wants to be at the football club.”
Parry said: “I am looking forward to trying to getting this massive club back in to the Welsh Premier League and cannot wait to work with Craig again as I feel he got the best out of me.”
Central defender Sam Barnes another quality signing by Harrison.
Barnes previously played for Liverpool as a schoolboy before signing for Stockport County when they were in League One.
Barnes has also had spells at Marine, Glossop North End, Northwich Victoria before taking the captaincy at Colwyn Bay. Harrison said: “I’m really pleased to get Sam on board and looking forward to working with him.
“He is a good leader and an excellent character. He has been captain of Colwyn Bay for the last two years and numerous other clubs that he has been at.
“He is a strong central defender and has good experience and is just coming into the prime of his career at 26 years of age.”
Other signings made by Harrison since he took over include City legend Les Davies, back after spells at Connah’s Quay Nomads and Bala Town, and midfield ace Tom Field. is