PHIL HUDSON is the new manager at Cymru North Llay Welfare.

Hudson, who has previously been the manager at Ruthin Town, makes the move from Denbigh Town to oversee Llay’s first season in tier two.

New boss Hudson told the club’s X site: “The opportunity to get back in the hot seat was too good to turn down.

“After a phone call and chat with (the) committee I was happy to accept the job and I can’t wait to meet the players and get started.”

Hudson replaced Mike Price in the hotseat.

A Llay statement said: “Earlier this week the club were made aware that Mike Price our manager had to make the decision to step away from the club due to work commitments not allowing him the time he wished he could give to the players.”

In further off-the-field news, Jordan Scott will take up the position of the first team’s head coach.

Llay Welfare have also been busy strengthening the playing squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

Former Airbus, Colwyn Bay and Gresford Athletic goalkeeper Mike Jones is a new addition, as is JJ King.

Cymru North rivals Mold Alex have also been boosting their ranks ahead of the new Cymru North season.

Defender Taylor Edwards has made the move to Alyn Park from Flint Mountain.

Edwards told the Mold X site: “Buzzing to have signed for the club, can’t wait to get started.

“Excited for the challenge ahead!”

He will be joined in the Mold squad by former Cefn Druids player Emmanuel Lawal, who has made the move from Prestatyn Town.

Meanwhile, Alex Smith has made the decision to depart Mold and sign for Cymru North rivals Gresford Athletic.

The defender becomes Gresford’s seventh new signing during the summer transfer window.

Smith began his career for Upton AA and he signed up with Mold Alex in the summer of 2021.

The 29-year-old made 35 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Mold to finish fourth in Cymru North and they also won two trophies.

It was Smith who opened the scoring in the Cymru North Cup final victory versus Llandudno.

Smith was named as the Mold managers’ player of the season for his performances and Gresford boss Eddie Maurice-Jones told the club’s website: “Alex is an excellent signing and has already demonstrated his potential.

“His football awareness and capabilities align perfectly with our playing style.

“He’s technically sound on the ball, intelligent and has a brilliant passing range.”

Assistant boss Jonathan Hill-Dunt added: “Alex really impressed last season with his style of play.

“He’s trained with us for a week or so and he has already shown that he will be a great addition to the squad, coming off the back of a successful season with a winning mentality.”

Another player making the move from Mold to Gresford is Joe Ormrod.

Maurice-Jones said: “Joe has been training really well over the past few weeks and has demonstrated promising signs.

“He has had an exceptional season with Mold Alexandra, consistently proving to be a formidable opponent.

“Joe is an honest player, who has already shown his strong work ethic and determination, both in and out of possession.”

Hill-Dunt added: “Joe has settled in really well.

“He’s a good, honest lad, who works hard and adds real competition to the squad, which is what we want.”