Rhyl have been handed an early boost in their bid to return to the Welsh Premier League after confirming the return of legendary defender James Brewerton.
The 37-year-old, who comes out of retirement, is expected to captain the Lilywhites over the coming campaign – their first in the Huws Gray Alliance since 2013 – and is set to wear the number five shirt.
After graduating from Rhyl’s academy set-up, Brewerton enjoyed spells at Conwy United and Llandudno, before eventually breaking into the first team at Belle Vue during the 1999-2000 season.
He soon became an integral part of the squad, making 183 appearances in the Welsh Premier League, playing a big part in the club’s 2004 treble-winning season.
In 2008 he moved to fierce rivals Bangor City, where he won the league once again during an impressive seven-season spell.
NEW SIGNING for 17/18
James Brewerton returns to the club for the coming season
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— Rhyl Football Club (@rhylfc) May 28, 2017
He left the Citizens by mutual consent in December 2014, and soon rejoined Rhyl, but other commitments limited his appearances and he eventually chose to join the club’s coaching staff.
He made a brief return to the field last season, before seemingly hanging up his boots for good in November.
However, boss Niall McGuinness has managed to tempt the veteran out of retirement once again.
He told the club’s official website: “James is a complete winner with huge experience and he will be a massive player for us in order to seek to return to the Welsh Premier League. James is a leader and it was quite clear to see this once we had lost him from our side last season due to work commitments.”
Brewerton himself added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead, the hunger to be out on the pitch never goes away and that’s where I feel I can offer the most for Rhyl.
“Rhyl is a massive club and needs to be back in the Welsh Premier League. Niall has a young squad and I feel my experience over the years can help bring them along. We need to get back to winning games of football and competing at the top.”
Image Credit: Flickr
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