Penybont Sign Tyler Walker in Strong Summer of Recruitment
Penybont have signed former Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, and Portsmouth striker Tyler Walker ahead of the 2026-27 Cymru Premier season. The 30-year-old joins after leaving Barrow following the club’s relegation from League Two last season and was included in the squad for Penybont’s opening league fixture against champions The New Saints. He came on as a substitute, as the Bont held the reigning champions to a goalless draw at the Dragon Bet Stadium.
What happened?
Walker brings significant EFL experience, having come through Nottingham Forest’s academy before enjoying spells with Mansfield Town, Lincoln City, Coventry City, Portsmouth, and Barrow. Coventry City was where he made the most appearances of his career, turning out more than 70 times for the Sky Blues while contributing 12 goals and three assists. His most prolific spell, however, came at Mansfield Town, where he scored 26 goals in 52 appearances. He also impressed during his time at Lincoln City, finding the net 16 times in 42 matches.
Why it matters for Penybont
He also has a notable footballing pedigree. His father, former England defender Des Walker, won 59 caps between 1988 and 1993 and represented Nottingham Forest, Sampdoria, and Sheffield Wednesday during a distinguished playing career. He was also part of the Forest side that reached the 1991 FA Cup final. Walker’s younger brother, Lewis, has also played professionally, featuring for Queens Park Rangers and Italian clubs Como and Carpi, alongside spells in non-league football with Aldershot Town, Woking, and Braintree Town.
What comes next?
Walker is the latest addition to Penybont’s squad as they continue to strengthen ahead of the new Cymru Premier campaign. Rhys Griffiths has refreshed his squad this summer, with Kane Owen and Clayton Green departing. In their place, he has brought in a host of players with Football League and National League experience. Liam Shephard has arrived from Newport County, while Tom Mehew, Max Melbourne, and Ryan Hill have joined from Chippenham Town, Gateshead, and Aldershot respectively. Marinho Manga made his league debut, earning a starting place after joining from Cymru South side Cardiff Draconians. Ethan Vaughan was also named in the starting XI following his return to the league after a spell with Chippenham Town. Melbourne and Hill also featured from the start. Academy graduates Jacob Villacorta and Jamie Mashlan were included among the substitutes.
Penybont currently sit 9th in the Cymru Premier table, with 1 point from 1 game, and are 2 points behind leaders Cardiff MET. Their next fixture is against Cardiff MET away on 2026-10-30.
With the new season just around the corner, Penybont fans will be eager to see how Walker and the rest of the squad perform. The team will be looking to build on their strong summer of recruitment and make a push for the top of the table.
