County hoping for another Cymru Premier diamond after signing up midfielder

NEWPORT County AFC are hoping that Kai Whitmore can be the next player to make the step up from the Cymru Premier to the Football League after signing the midfielder on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old has joined from Haverfordwest to become the Exiles’ fourth signing of the summer after left-back Anthony Glennon, right-back Joe Thomas and centre back Ciaran Brennan.

Whitmore bolsters a midfield that currently only features Bryn Morris, Aaron Wildig and youngster Jac Norris.

The midfielder played for Penybont in 2022/23 before heading to Haverfordwest last season, making 32 appearances and scoring four goals.

“I enjoyed the challenge in the Cymru Premier and I think the experience of playing in Europe, in big stadiums, will help me make the step up,” said the new man, who featured in UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers.

“I like to play as a number eight, box to box, and create things. First I need to get as fit as I can, get used to full-time training, and then hopefully play as many games as I can.”

CHANCE: County have signed midfielder Kai Whitmore, who caught the eye with Penybont and Haverfordwest in the Cymru Premier (Image: PA)

Whitmore becomes the latest player to try and make the step up from the Cymru Premier with County, who are hunting a new head coach after the departure of manager Graham Coughlan.

Hard-working forward Will Evans, who played for Cardiff Met and Bala, starred in his second campaign for the Exiles when scoring 25 goals last season.

Nathan Wood will be back with County in pre-season after spending the second half of 2023/24 on loan in Ireland with Cork following his arrival from Penybont.

James Waite, another who played for Penybont, left at the end of last season after 93 appearances for the Rodney Parade club.

Defender Priestley Farquharson got an opportunity after impressing for Connah's Quay Nomads and developed into a commanding figure at the back before moving to League Two rivals Walsall.

Summer signing Thomas also featured in Welsh club football, catching the eye with Cambrian & Clydach in the Cymru South to earn a spot with Swansea City's academy.

CHANCE: County new boy Kai Whitmore in action for Haverfordwest in Europe (Image: PA)

Whitmore played under former County goalkeeper Tony Pennock, who believes his former midfielder can make a mark in the EFL.

“Kai’s performances in Europe were excellent,’’ said the Haverfordwest boss, who played for County between 2005 and 2008.

“If he can replicate those European performances on a regular basis then he will certainly have the potential to make his mark as a League Two player.

“He is an extremely fit lad and carries the ball well up the pitch. Technically he is very good, and you can see why he was at Swansea as a youngster.

"He has continued his development at Ammanford, Penybont and, of course, with us here at Haverfordwest.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well and if he is able to take on board the information given to on at full-time level, then he is bound to improve again and take the next step."