Newtown have been dealt a fresh transfer blow after it was announced leading goalscorer Jason Oswell has joined Stockport County.
Oswell was named as the Welsh Premier League’s Player of the Season last month and leaves Newtown after three successful years.
The 24-year old also claimed the league’s Golden Boot award following a career-best season which saw him score 22 WPL goals.
Stockport finished eighth in the Conference North last season and manager Jim Gannon has been impressed with Oswell’s playing style.
“Jason has the height and aerial strength to be a target man for getting up the pitch or attacking crosses, but he has a good turn of pace and very good mobility and athleticism for a big lad. The modern number nine has to have more than just a physical presence. He has to provide a platform to build attacks, craft to create and score around the box, and a penetrator from deep when required.
“Jason has matured well as a player over the last three years and the array of goals he has scored suggests he has sharpened a lot of those different attacking attributes. Whether he plays in a one or two-man central attack I feel he can operate effectively independently or with team mates in close support,” Gannon told the club’s official website.
Speculation had been rife over the future of the out of contract striker and news of his departure is the second major blow to Newtown this summer.
The Robins had already unexpectedly lost Shane Sutton in recent weeks and manager Chris Hughes now faces a difficult task in trying to replace both his captain and leading scorer.
Perhaps most frustratingly for the club is the fact that neither were able to command a transfer fee having been out of contract.
“It is disappointing to lose Jason, he has been a fantastic player for us in recent years, and his goals have been so valuable,” said Hughes.
“He will be a big miss for us, has been a fantastic for myself and the club, but expressed desire to return to the English system. We wish him all the best in his new venture.”
Newtown are expected to wrap up a deal soon which will seen striker Nick Rushton turn his loan move into a permanent one following his recent release from Connah’s Quay.
Rushton’s return on loan at Latham Park last January coincided with the club’s turnaround in form which saw them qualify for the Europa League play-offs.
Chris Hughes is also believed to be hopeful of closing in on another two deals as he looks to rebuild his squad.
The Robins confirmed last week that left-back Stefan Edwards and midfielder Ross Stephens have both been released.
