Aberystwyth Town have strengthened their squad by signing former QPR goalkeeper La’Trell Jones on a free transfer after an injury forced the club into the market.
The Cymru South promotion hopefuls moved quickly to secure the teenager’s services after loan goalkeeper Kelland Absalom suffered an injury, leaving manager Craig Williams and the coaching staff searching for reinforcements between the sticks.
NEWPORT, WALES - 31ST JANUARY 2026:
Aberystwyth Town goalkeeper Reece Thompson in action.
Newport City v Aberystwyth Town in the JD Cymru South at Newport Stadium on the 31st January 2026
Reece Thompson has played the most minutes for a goalkeeper at Aberystwyth Town this term. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
Injury Forces Aberystwyth Town Goalkeeper Change
Absalom had only recently returned to Park Avenue from Cardiff Met in January and made one appearance during his second spell at the club. The shot-stopper kept a clean sheet against Baglan Dragons, but his injury has now opened the door for a new arrival.
Reece Thompson has played the most minutes between the sticks for Aberystwyth Town this season, featuring in 13 matches across all competitions. The 21-year-old goalkeeper has kept four clean sheets during that run, providing stability at the back during key stretches of the campaign.
Oliver Edwards and Tomos Wyn Evans have both featured in the squad this season. Of the two, Wyn Evans has seen more game time since joining from Llandudno Junction. He has kept four clean sheets in eight appearances and most recently featured against Treowen Stars.
Edwards, meanwhile, is the goalkeeper for the Development team. He made a brief senior appearance in the defeat to Cambrian United at the end of November and has also been named as an unused substitute on four occasions, including the recent victory over Treowen.
A general view of QPR's Loftus Road.
La’Trell Jones played for the academy team at QPR. (Image: Randy110912/Wikimedia Commons)
Who is La’Trell Jones?
La’Trell Jones began his football journey in the academy system at Aston Villa, gaining valuable experience in a professional environment before stepping into the English non-league scene with Mickleover Sports.
His performances earned him an opportunity to return to the professional ranks when Queens Park Rangers (QPR) brought him in. The young goalkeeper spent two years at the West London club, featuring for their Under-18 side and continuing his development in a highly competitive academy setup.
Now, Jones makes the move to Park Avenue as Aberystwyth Town pushes for promotion in the Cymru South, where they hope to make an immediate return to the top-flight.
La’Trell Jones Reacts to Aberystwyth Town Move
Speaking to the club’s official website, the teenage goalkeeper expressed his excitement about joining the Seasiders.
“I’m delighted to be here at this amazing club.
“My first impressions are that it’s very well structured and determined, and we’ve got a clear goal of promotion that everyone is working towards.
Everyone has been great so far and I’m really happy to be here.”
Craig Williams Welcomes La’Trell Jones to Park Avenue
Manager Craig Williams welcomed the arrival of the young shot-stopper, praising both his background and personality following the goalkeeper’s move to Mid Wales.
Speaking about the signing, Williams said:
“I’m pleased to welcome La’Trell to Aberystwyth Town. He’s a young goalkeeper with a really good background at both Aston Villa and QPR.
He’s a bright character, full of energy, and has fitted in well already with the group. I’m looking forward to seeing the contribution he can make for us as the season goes on. Welcome La’Trell!”
Aberystwyth were due to face Cwmbran Celtic, but that fixture was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. They are next in action on February 24 when they travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Ammanford in what could prove to be a decisive encounter.
Aber currently sit one point ahead of Ammanford in the table, knowing that victory would create further breathing space in the race for promotion to the top tier of Welsh football.
However, the situation remains finely balanced. Caerau Ely could leapfrog Aberystwyth should the Young Guns secure victory over Carmarthen Town this afternoon.
Caerau are playing their second consecutive home match at Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed Campus, a scheduling decision designed to help avoid fixture congestion and ensure games are fulfilled amid challenging weather conditions.