James Crole

James William Thomas Crole (born 22 February 2004) is a Welsh footballer who plays as a striker for club Newport County. He is a Wales youth international.

Club career Cardiff City Crole joined the Cardiff City academy from the Newport County academy at under-14 level. He signed his first professional contract with Cardiiff City for two years in June 2022.

In January 2023 Crole joined National League club Torquay United on loan for the remainder of the 2022-23 season.

On 27 February 2023, Crole made his senior debut for Cardiff City in the EFL Cup third round 5–2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers.

On 1 January 2024 Crole joined Scottish Championship club Queen's Park on loan for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. He made his debut for Queen's Park on 3 February 2024 in the 1-0 win against Inverness.

Crole departed Cardiff upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2023–24 season.

Penybont In July 2024, Crole joined Cymru Premier club Penybont. Crole was joint winner of the Cymru Premier Golden Boot award for the 2024–25 season, scoring 16 alongside Caernarfon Town's Louis Lloyd.

Newport County In January 2026, Crole joined EFL League Two club Newport County on a two-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut for the side on 17 January 2026 in a 3-2 league defeat to Gillingham. Crole scored his first Newport goal in the EFL League Two 2-1 win against Barnet on 14 March 2026.

International Crole was called up to the Wales under-19 squad in September 2022 for the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification matches against Hungary, Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar. He featured in all three matches, scoring two goals against Gibraltar.

Career statistics

Honours Individual

Cymru Premier Golden Boot: 2024–25