Rhyl Scoop to Sign Welsh International Roberts

Rhyl have completed the major signing of former Wales International striker Neil Roberts. The Wrexham-born frontman was the Dragons' skipper last season, but he was released by Brian Little following their relegation to the Blue Square Conference. He became a free agent when his contract expired and the Lilywhites President Peter Parry and his Head Coach Alan Bickerstaff have pulled off an excellent coup for the club.

The hotshot returned to his hometown club for a second spell last year after a seven-year absence from the Racecourse. He made his Football League debut for Wrexham in 1996/97 season, with one appearance from the substitute bench. He then bagged 22 goals in his next three seasons, which led to a big money switch to Wigan Athletic in the 1999/2000 season. Roberts spent six seasons with the Latics, which included 3 (+3) appearances for Hull City on loan.

He joined Bradford City in 2004/05, but only featured three times, scoring one goal before he arrived at Doncaster Rovers in the same season. He was a prominent player for Rovers that year and played 34 times, scoring six goals. He made 17 (+15) appearances in the 2005/06 season, but the goals dried up and he only scored two during that campaign.

He then went Full Circle in the Football League and ended up back at Wrexham last year, where Brian Carey immediately appointed him Club Captain. He played 18 (+2) times for the Dragons in their disastrous season, scoring four goals, mainly from midfield.

The signing of such a quality player is just the start of taking the club to the next level.

Managing director Dave Milner said,

"Rhyl FC are delighted to have secured Neil's signature ahead of several English league Clubs. Neil is 29 years of age and will be in his prime during his three years with us. This signing signals the club's intentions loud and clear with other quality signings to be made in the near future."

Club president Peter Parry added, "The signing of such a quality player is just the start of taking the club to the next level."

His acquisition is a great tonic for the Lilywhites fans who have endured a number of changes in the close season. It is also good for the League as a player of Roberts' calibre will certainly enhance the standard and publicity of the Competition. At still under thirty years of age, he has a lot to offer the club and his arrival will ensure that Rhyl challenge hard for honours in the 2008/09 season.