Coaching Opportunity key to Roberts Signing
Neil Roberts has today revealed to the BBC that the opportunity to begin his coaching career was a key factor in his signing for Principality Welsh Premier League side, Rhyl.
The 30-year-old striker who agreed terms with the Lilywhites yesterday said,
"I have spoken to a number of Football League clubs, but decided this is the right move for me and my family."
The Wrexham-born forward explained that he opted to join the former Principality Welsh Premier champions as it had the option to begin a coaching career.
I have spoken to a number of Football League clubs, but decided this is the right move for me and my family
"I'm looking to further my career in the coaching side of things," revealed Roberts to the BBC.
"And going to Rhyl will give me the opportunity to do that as well as continuing to play football."
Roberts is Rhyl's first new signing since Alan Bickerstaffe was installed as Senior Coach at Belle Vue and is looking forward to a new challenge.
"I feel very positive about the future and the beginning of a new chapter in my life," added Roberts.
Roberts won the last of his four Wales caps against Norway in 2004 when he replaced Rob Earnshaw in the 70th minute during Mark Hughes' reign as Manager. The game was played at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo,
He is the latest senior Wales International to come into the League and joins Llanelli's trio of Matthew Jones, Andy Legg and Jason Bowen, NEWI Cefn Druids' Lee Jones and Aberystwyth Town's Christian Edwards, whilst Neath had Clayton Blackmore on their books last year, although his future at the Gnoll is still undecided for next season.
Roberts is unable to make his debut on Saturday in the Intertoto Cup as he is not registered for Europe as yet, but he will train with the side for the first time on Thursday night and should be in attendance at Belle Vue on Saturday as the Lilywhites look to claw back a four-goal deficit against Eircom League leaders, Bohemians.
There are some remaining tickets for Saturday's Intertoto Cup tie against Bohemians available, only from the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.
If you are unable to get your tickets personally, you can pay with credit/debit card by phoning the theatre direct on 01745 330000.
