CPD Y Rhyl 1879 manager Gareth Thomas is putting together a formidable squad ahead of their first season in a competitive setting.

The newly formed club earned a placed in the NWCFA (East) Tier 4 Premier Division after plans came together quickly following the decision to wind up Rhyl FC’s 141-year history due to financial issues.

Thomas was given the role earlier this summer and has already been busy securing a host of impressive signings, including Reece Fairhurst.

The outstanding defender turned out for the Lilywhites’ last season and also has top-flight experience at Prestatyn Town under Neil Gibson.

Thomas, said: “Reece was our number one target as we look to build a team that will be good enough to challenge for the new Tier 4 title.

“I’m delighted he has agreed to sign and has bought into the new project at the club and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

This is the latest in a series of impressive signing from Thomas, with official announcements set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Rhuddlan Town duo Jay Whitehouse and Mathew Beach have also agreed to make the move to Belle Vue, and experienced duo Tony Davies and Carl Lamb are others that will lend their support to the new club’s inaugural campaign.

Another notable signing is competitive defender Miles Todd, who spent the second half of Llannefydd, and former Connah’s Quay Nomads academy Owen Hallmark, a gifted young midfielder, will also be part of the set-up.

Goalkeeper Anton Sarnowski has worked with Thomas and will link-up with his former boss once again, with Denbigh Town duo Chris Bennett and Dan Lloyd also opted for a drop down in standard.

Derek Taylor is also set to join the club, and he is no stranger to Belle Vue having played for the Lilywhites under Gareth Owen.

Rounding off the signings are Jack Ford and Warren Adam, who will be taking on the role of player-coach after spending last season as part of Prestatyn Town’s JD Cymru North title-winning squad.

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 squad so far: Antoni Sarnowski, Chris Bennett, Dan Lloyd, Reece Fairhurst, Tony Davies, Miles Todd, Warren Adam, Mathew Beach, Owen Hallmark, Jack Ford, Carl Lamb, Derek Taylor, Jay Whitehouse.