JAY CATTON is looking forward to the new season, but Connah’s Quay Nomads’ technical director has also been reflecting on what he calls “one of most successful” campaigns for the club.

Nomads, who are preparing to tackle NK Bravo, of Slovenia, in the Europa Conference League later this month, finished as runners-up in the Cymru Premier League and they also stunned treble-chasing The New Saints to win the Welsh Cup.

Catton told the club’s website: “We have been very fortunate as a football club to enjoy some incredible times over the past decade and the 2023/2024 campaign was another one for the history books and one of most successful for the first team to date.

“Second in the league, UEFA Europa Conference League qualification and for only the second time in the club’s history, a JD Welsh Cup win in what was an incredible day at Newport County’s Rodney Parade, toppling league winners The New Saints against all odds.”

George Horan, Danny Holmes and Aeron Edwards were among the senior players who departed and Catton added: “Over the season... more academy/scholarship graduates played competitive minutes in the Cymru Premier than any other club including Aron Williams, Ben Nash, Dan Roberts, Josh Williams, Jordan Davies, Luca Hogan, Jack Burman, Lucas Gregson and Noah Sumner.”

It was Josh Williams who grabbed a stunning winner in the 2-1 Welsh Cup final triumph over the Saints and Catton said: “It was fitting that academy product Josh Williams scored the winner in what was one of the goals of the season. A fitting example towards the one club driven approach, togetherness and clear philosophy and style played across all ages and it was an incredible and inspiring goal for all our academy youngsters to look up to.

“An historic achievement by all players and staff led by first team manager Neil Gibson who has driven, led and overseen major change at first team level and beyond which will hopefully bring continued success for many years to come.

“A huge season of achievements across all sections of the football club, that everyone involved and or associated to the club must all take immense pride and enjoyment from.”

Looking ahead, Catton added: “2023/2024 is without a doubt a great season to look back on. But as always as a football club we are always striving for more progressions, challenges and further success across all sectors of the football club, as we move on together to prepare for the 2024/2025 season.”

Nomads have also brought in 28-year-old midfielder Ben Maher from Cymru Premier League rivals Caernarfon Town.

Maher started his career at Tranmere Rovers during Nomads boss Gibson’s time at the Wirral club.

Maher also went on to play for Gibson at Prestatyn Town and Flint Town United.