The New Saints have re-signed former academy product Rui Clarke-Phillips as the Cymru Premier transfer window enters its final week. Head coach Craig Harrison confirmed the 18-year-old's return after a pre-season trial, adding to a flurry of squad activity on Tuesday.
Clarke-Phillips, who recently left Tranmere Rovers, is eligible to occupy an under-19 space on the bench. Harrison explained the move, saying, "Rui left Tranmere not so long ago, and we’d had really good reports on him, so he was unlucky not to get a contract there." This signing comes as TNS sit second in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Barry Town with a record of four wins and one draw from five games.
The New Saints were also active in sending young players out on loan to gain experience. The club loaned 18-year-old midfielder Brodie Summers to Gornal Athletic for a six-month spell. They also sent 19-year-old left-back Issac Godwin, a summer signing from Shrewsbury Town, to Bangor City 1876.
Across the Novira Cymru Leagues, other clubs were busy. Josh Williams, a 22-year-old midfielder, returned to the Cymru Premier with Colwyn Bay on loan from Tranmere Rovers until January 2027. Williams has been recovering from an ACL injury that kept him out since last year. Cardiff Met signed 19-year-old centre-back Jack Hooper on a long-term loan from Bristol City, with a club statement noting, "We’ve been tracking Jack for some time and have been really impressed with the development he’s made at Bristol City."
The return of Clarke-Phillips provides Harrison with additional flexibility, particularly for cup competitions and managing the fixture schedule. TNS have been formidable this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding just once for a +12 goal difference. Their recent form reads WWWWD.
Other notable moves in the leagues saw goalkeeper La'Trell Jones join Bala Town after a spell with Aberystwyth Town. Pontypridd United signed 22-year-old forward Jack Bevan from Llantwit Major; he scored 15 goals in 27 Novira Cymru South appearances last season and will wear the number 29 shirt.
Harrison's immediate focus will be integrating Clarke-Phillips and managing his loaned players' development. The squad's strong start, built on a tight defense and potent attack, sets a high standard. Their next challenge is a home fixture against GAP Connah S Quay FC, who are currently third in the table, on October 31st. Fans can find details for that match and others on our fixtures schedule.
The final week of the transfer window has seen strategic moves aimed at maintaining a title challenge. With the squad now taking shape, the focus shifts fully to on-field performance as TNS look to close the two-point gap at the top of the Cymru Premier.
