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The latest transfer news from the National League North:
Chester add striker Emmerson on loan from Halifax
Chester have signed striker Zak Emmerson on loan from FC Halifax Town until the end of the season as they look to push towards the National League North play-off places.
The 21-year-old has EFL pedigree, becoming the second-youngest player in Football League history at Oldham in 2019, and has also had spells with Brighton, Blackpool and Eastbourne Borough. Emmerson scored four league goals for Halifax last season but has featured only once this term.
Spennymoor strengthen attack with Sunderland loanee Waters
Spennymoor Town have brought in young forward Jake Waters on a one-month loan from Sunderland. The 19-year-old has progressed through the ranks at the Stadium of Light and is described as a powerful, old-fashioned centre-forward.
Waters has been part of Sunderland’s Under-21 setup after prolific spells at youth level, with his development interrupted by injury last year. He is now back to full fitness and will be keen to make an immediate impact at The Brewery Field.
Merthyr land Luton forward Xavier-Jones on season-long loan
Merthyr Town have completed the loan signing of teenage attacker Tate Xavier-Jones from League One side Luton Town until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Scottish Championship side Airdrieonians, making 14 appearances. A product of Luton’s academy, Xavier-Jones scored heavily at U18 and U21 level last season and can operate as a striker or winger as Merthyr push for promotion.
Defender Jones leaves Chester and joins Connah’s Quay
Chester defender James Jones has left the club by mutual consent and quickly joined Cymru Premier side Connah’s Quay Nomads. The 28-year-old made 15 appearances for the Blues this season, scoring a late equaliser against Marine in November.
Jones brings significant non-league experience to the Nomads, having previously featured for Barrow and Altrincham, where he made more than 185 appearances. He links up again with manager John Disney, a former teammate.
Chester lose Wolves loanees Carson and Benjamin
Chester have confirmed that Hayden Carson and Lewys Benjamin have both been recalled by parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers. Defender Carson made 17 appearances after joining in August and played a key role in the club’s FA Cup run, starting every round through to the First Round Proper.
Goalkeeper Benjamin impressed during pre-season but saw his campaign disrupted by injury. The Blues thanked both players for their contributions and wished them well for the future.
Buxton bring in Derby defender Gill on short-term loan
Buxton have signed young defender Tristan Gill from Derby County on an initial one-month loan. Gill, who can play at left-back or left centre-back, stepped up into Derby’s Under-21 squad ahead of the 2025/26 season, having joined the club at Under-12 level.
The move gives Buxton extra defensive cover as they navigate a busy period in National League North, with the Rams youngster now gaining valuable senior experience.
Oxford City sign former Kidderminster defender Harper-Bailey
Oxford City have added physical presence to their back line with the signing of defender Aaron Harper-Bailey. The 6ft 4in left-footer joins after leaving League of Ireland side Drogheda United and returns to English football following spells with Rushall Olympic, West Bromwich Albion and Kidderminster Harriers.
Harper-Bailey, who played men’s football from a remarkably young age, links up with Ross Jenkins’ side ahead of his first taste of National League North action.