Newman in midfield for 2017-18

“Once I heard (Ryan) was returning home... I was naturally keen to work with him” Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield

With 16 days until the Welsh Premier kicks off, the club is pleased to confirm the signing of 23-year old Ryan Newman, after impressing in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Newport County.

The central midfielder, who celebrates his 24th birthday this Sunday, arrives from Bovingdon and adds to a strong contingent of hometown players based at Jenner Park.

After spending his early footballing days at Barry Athletic, Ryan would wear the colours of both Manchester United and Bristol City as a youngster, before moving back across the Severn to Newport County in 2009-10.

A professional with the Exiles, Ryan would later turn out for Merthyr Town, Kingstonian and Hampton and Richmond Borough, as well as spending time on loan at fellow National League South side Hemel Hempstead.

Town manager Gavin Chesterfield commented "I'm excited to be working with Ryan - he's a player that I've admired from his time with Newport and Merthyr and once I heard he was returning home from London, I was naturally keen to work with him.

“Being a local lad, he's already close friends with many of our players and as such he's fitted into the changing room very well. I believe he'll add a different dimension to parts of our play and his signing further strengthens our squad".

Updated 09:15 - 2 Sep 2019 by Ashley Cox