Striker Kayne McLaggon is heading home to Barry.
The former Southampton and Bristol Rovers player has signed for newly-promoted Welsh Premier League club Barry Town United.
McLaggon, 26, has left Merthyr Town after four seasons at Penydarren Park, scoring more than 80 goals in 179 appearances.
He has agreed a two-year deal with Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield and says: “The club have a vision and as a Barry boy I am excited to be a part of it.”
The 2017-18 season will see McLaggon pull on a Barry Town shirt for the first time in 12 years, having left as a 14-year old to join Southampton’s Academy.
Former Wales under-19 international McLaggon says: “I’d like to thank the players, staff and supporters at Merthyr Town for the past four years. We have shared some great memories together.
“However, the opportunity to play for my hometown club in their first year back in our country’s national league was too good an offer to turn down.
“Gavin and the club have a vision and as a Barry boy, I am excited to be a part of it.
“I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad in July for pre-season training and getting ready for life in the Welsh Premier League.”
McLaggon went to Barry Comprehensive School before moving to Southampton to take up an apprenticeship. He signed professional forms on his 17th birthday, made his Championship debut against Plymouth Argyle on Boxing Day 2008 and scored his first of his two Saints goals in a 2-2 draw at Norwich City.
Manchester United visited Southampton for an FA Cup tie in the same season when McLaggon featured in a 3-0 defeat against a team which included Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.
Now the ex-Eastbourne, Salisbury and Martyrs man is linking up with Barry and manager Chesterfield says: “He is a player I have wanted to work with for some time and I am delighted to finally have him with us.
“Kayne signing adds real dynamism to our front line and further builds on the signing of exciting young winger Sam Jones.
“I’m hoping to further reinforce other parts of the team in the coming weeks and I’m excited by how the squad is shaping up.”
Teenager Jones was Barry’s first signing of the summer. The 19-year-old joined Barry from Welsh League Cambrian & Clydach where he was a key player in their team who made it to the final of the FAW Youth Cup.
