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Trethomas Bluebirds have made their first signing ahead of their debut season in the second tier of Welsh football.

The Bluebirds, who last season won promotion to the Cymru South, have announced the signing of goalkeeper Cameron Clarke.

The 27-year-old, who is from Bedwas, will “fight every week” for the opportunity to wear the number one shirt, but knows he is up against stiff opposition in the shape of last season’s golden glove winner Harry Irving.

Clarke has played for a host of clubs across his career, including Barry Town, Abergavenny Town, and most recently, Goytre AFC.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer after the move, he said: “I met with manager Mark Dunford, and having attended a couple of training sessions I’ve been really impressed with the set-up.

“We’ve all been hearing about Trethomas lately – they’re a club going places. It helps that I’m a local lad too so I know the area and am close to friends and family.”

After an outstanding title-winning season in which they lost just two league games, the Bluebirds are preparing for their first season in the Cymru South, just one division below the Cymru Premier.

Asked about the inevitable battle between himself and Irving, Clarke said: “I’ve had competition before at other clubs and I always feel like it makes me a better player.

“I’ll fight every week for the chance to be number one and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I can’t wait to get started.”

Clarke went on to say that everyone has been very welcoming and friendly at the club, and was also high on praise for manager Dunford and his coaching staff.

Speaking about Clarke, Dunford said: “When the opportunity to bring Cameron into the club arose we didn’t need to chat it through for long.

“Moving into the Cymru South it was on our agenda to bring in another goalkeeper to strengthen that department and work with Harry Irving and our goalkeeping coach Gareth Williams.

“Cameron is an excellent goalkeeper and fits the profile of player, and person, that we bring to this football club. Welcome Cameron.”