Howard headlines Lido's new arrivals

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Published on Wednesday, 20 June 2012 20:10

AFAN Lido manager Paul Reid has made his first signings of the summer since taking over the reins from Andy Dyer at the Marston's Stadium.

In come new boys Michael Howard, Chris Hartland, Matthew Thompson and Paul Evans.

Most high-profile of the new arrivals is 33-year-old defender Michael Howard, who made 222 Football League appearances for Swansea City after starting-out as a junior with Liverpool and Tranmere Rovers.

Howard then spent six years at Morecambe and had a short loan spell at Oxford United before his release from the Shrimps in May 2009, joining Llanelli two months later. 

After a season at Stebonheath Park, he was released and joined Aberystwyth Town in July 2010. Prior to his release from Park Avenue at the end of last season Howard had completed 54 (+7) appearances in the Welsh Premier.

Striker Hartland is a product of the Newport County/Hartridge High School youth system who played seven times for the Welsh Under-18 Schools. 

He signed a one-year contract in July 2008 after impressing new manager Dean Holdsworth in pre-season, but later left to join Cinderford Town, before arriving at Newtown in June 2010. 

After eight months at Latham Park, Hartland left for Goytre United in early 2011, before joining Port Talbot Town in August.

Thompson is a former Swansea City youth team captain who joined Llanelli in November 2006 from Garw FC, transferring to Port Talbot in September 2007, and scoring four goals from his 47 (+54) domestic league appearances.

Evans was captain and top scored with 19 goals when Welsh Leaguers Bryntirion Athletic won the title a year ago. 

Goalkeeper Chris Curtis, striker Mark Jones, and youngsters Sam Hodge, Alex Gammond and Adam Llewellyn have all re-signed from last season's squad.

Manager Reid is also speaking to five former Lido players with a view to bringing them back to the club.