Big Old Gold boost as manager O’Leary completes double swoop
CARMARTHEN Town have added two more players to their ranks as Kris O’Leary plots a quick return to the top flight of Welsh club football.
Town’s manager has signed Curtis Watkins and Kieran Howard as the Old Gold continue their preparations for the new JD Cymru South campaign.
They become the third and fourth arrivals at Richmond Park this summer following the captures of Antonio Facciuto and Tom Dyson.
Their signings will be a big boost to manager O’Leary, whose side were relegated on a points-per-game basis after the JD Cymru Premier season was cut short because of the coronavirus emergency.
Midfielder Howard returns for his second spell at Carmarthen having featured for the club eight years ago. The 29-year-old has also played for Penybont and Haverfordwest.
He said: “I am very happy to be joining Carmarthen Town.
“I had some great times there many years ago and I hope to have some more this time around.
“I am really looking forward to the season ahead.”
Watkins was with Cardiff City before moving to Barry Town United. The 24-year-old central defender said: “I am delighted to be joining.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the lads, working hard and hopefully getting the club back to the Welsh Premier League.”
And another boost for the club has come in the form of Lee Surman agreeing to stay on for another season.
The defender is one of the most experienced members of the squad and O’Leary will be delighted to keep him on board.
“I’m happy to have everything sorted and I am looking forward to getting started and getting the club back to where it belongs,” said Surman.
“We have to use the relegation as a positive for the club to regroup and go back up with a view to challenging, not just surviving. “That comes with a plan and philosophy. “I’m looking forward to getting back to Richmond Park and righting a few wrongs.”