BANGOR City have made some positive steps to give them a cutting-edge next season with the signings of Robbie Parry and Marc Evans.

The Citizens’ enjoyed a fine second half to the JD Cymru North season that eventually ended with a fifth-place finish when the Football Association of Wales curtailed their remaining fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite their gradual progression as the campaign wore on, one notable thing that held them back was their lack of conviction in front of goal. They dominated possession in the majority of contests they took part in. But were found wanting in the final third.

This is something new manager Hugo Colace seems keen to address if his first two signings are any indication. Both Parry and Evans have a tremendous pedigree across the region and are no strangers to success in the second tier.

Evans provided the firepower that steered Llandudno to the Huws Gray Alliance title and promotion to the JD Cymru Premier in recent years, and his track record in New Zealand with Melville United saw him become the club’s record goalscorer in double-quick time.

He spent last season with Gwalchmai in Lock Stock Welsh Alliance Division Two, which had an element of home comforts to it and Evans is to be commended for helping his hometown team establish themselves in the fourth tier following promotion. He will now be tasked with improving City’s fortunes in front of goal. And there is nothing to suggest he is not more than capable of shouldering such a responsibility.

The JD Cymru North has increased in quality since the last time Evans thrived at this level, so he will need to up his game in order to make his time with the club profitable.

Parry needs no introduction to the Citizens’ faithful having turned out for them during their impressive time at the top of the pyramid. He seems to have been around forever despite his age, but hs is still a proven performer at this level and represents a player who can make things happen where it counts.

The wide player was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing season at Llandudno last season, and in addition to his creativity at the business end of the pitch, Parry is also adept of making a significant impression from dead-ball situations.

Bringing in players from the region has been at a premium for Bangor last season., Their continental stars performed well overall. But there is no substitute for an experience of the domestic game.

This is why Evans and Parry could be the catalyst behind the club’s rise back to prominence. And it would be a surprise if they were not right in the thick of things next time around.