Merthyr Town sign Hughes as Oxford City add Crowther and Brackley Town bring back Lyttle

Merthyr Town have signed attacker Caleb Hughes.

The 23-year-old, who is Welsh and was born in Aberdare, was on trial with the Martyrs throughout pre-season and scored against Briton Ferry Llansawel and Forest Green Rovers.

He began at Cardiff, signing his first contract on his 17th birthday after progressing through their academy, where he played for the under-18s and under-21s. He had loan spells in the Cymru Premier with Haverfordwest County, then joined Yeovil Town after leaving Cardiff City at the end of 2023/24, though injuries limited his game time at Huish Park. Earlier this season he featured briefly for Cambrian United, leaving in September 2026.

Manager Paul Michael said: "Obviously our supporters would have seen Caleb in pre-season when he scored three goals. We could see his ability with the ball from minute one of his first session with us, but at that time we weren't able to structure the right kind of deal, and Caleb was still exploring full-time football options."

Hughes's registration has been accepted by the National League and the FAW, making him eligible for the trip to Radcliffe.

Oxford City have signed centre-half Archie Crowther permanently from Alvechurch. Brackley Town have brought back defender Tyler Lyttle on loan from Tamworth until January; he made 130 appearances and scored seven goals in his previous spell at St James Park. Hebburn Town have taken Coban Bird on an initial loan from Leeds United.

Two loans have ended early. Carlisle United recalled midfielder Jonah Lowes from Darlington, citing the terms of his loan agreement and two red cards in midweek; he made eight appearances for the Quakers. Fleetwood Town recalled Liam Roberts from Hereford.

Among the departures, midfielder Sonny Hilton has left Marine for Matlock Town in search of regular first-team football. The 25-year-old arrived in June 2026 from Southport, made nine league appearances and scored in a 4-1 win at King's Lynn Town in August. Defender Ben Beals has joined Whitby Town permanently from Spennymoor Town, Jack Kenny has left Chester for Avro on a permanent transfer, and Kian Harratt has left Worksop Town by mutual consent.