BARRY Town United have confirmed the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Ryan Newman, who becomes the club's latest addition this Summer to return to his hometown club.

Newman, who featured in Barry's friendly win over Newport last week, agreed terms following the game and bolsters the number of the club's playing staff to 18.

The central midfielder, who celebrated his 24th birthday last weekend, most recently turned out for Bovingdon and adds to a strong contingent of homegrown players at Jenner Park.

After coming through the ranks with Barry Athletic, Newman featured for both Manchester United and Bristol City youth sides before moving back across the Severn to Newport in 2009-10.

A professional with the Exiles, Ryan would later turn out for Merthyr, Kingstonian and Hampton and Richmond Borough, as well as spending time on loan at National League South side Hemel Hempstead.

Barry manager Gavin Chesterfield said: "I'm excited to be working with Ryan. He's a player that I've admired from his time with Newport and Merthyr and once I heard he was returning home from London, I was naturally keen to work with him.

"Being a local lad, he's already close friends with many of our players and as such he's fitted into the changing room very well. I believe he'll add a different dimension to parts of our play."

Defender and vice-captain Ryan Evans also agreed new terms with the club over the weekend, extending his stay into its seventh season.

With almost 150 appearances in Town colours, the former Player of the Season has three Welsh League championship trophies to his name and is set to continue a decorated stint that began back in 2011.

Meanwhile, former teammates Lee Baldock and Michael Hartley have both signed with Port Talbot Town, continuing the close relationship between the two clubs and their supporters.

After being put through their paces by the MOD St. Athan last weekend, Barry wrap up their pre-season programme this Saturday against neighbours Ely Rangers at Station Road, Wenvoe, in a 2.30pm kick-off.

The Town then begin their season against Aberystwyth Town at Jenner Park on Sunday, August 13, live on S4C.