Football: Rhyl FC sign winger Luke Holden

Jan 7 2009 By Dave Jones

WELSH Premier League leaders Rhyl have signed an exciting left-sided attacker to boost their title bid in 2009.

Luke Holden, 20, played for the Lilywhites’ rivals The New Saints in the 2007/08 season, netting six goals in 22 starts before being released in April last year, then having spells at Cammell Laird and Bradford Park Avenue.

A former Liverpool youth and Tranmere Rovers trainee, Holden’s transfer to Rhyl was confirmed on Monday.

"We’ve been chasing him for a little while and believe he will be a big asset to the club," said Lilies senior coach Allan Bickerstaff.

"He’s got experience of the Welsh Premier playing for TNS and being a left-sided player he will add some balance to the team.

"Being only 20, he is also one for the future and can learn from the experienced players we have here."

Bickerstaff revealed two other top quality players are expected to put pen to paper this week. One is thought to be a gifted young midfielder currently operating in the WPL.

Check the internet blog Lilywhites Online for latest news.

Meanwhile, Rhyl hope to return to action this Saturday in a humdinger top of the table clash at chief rivals and reigning champions Llanelli. The match kicks off at 5.30pm and will be shown live on S4C.

Peter Nicholas’s side will be out for revenge after suffering a 5-1 hammering at Belle Vue at the start of the season – Llanelli’s first loss to the Lilies in 11 matches.

Rhyl will be without goalkeeper Lee Kendall, who is suspended for three games after being found guilty of crowd incitement at the controversial league tussle at Bangor City last November 11. That means reserve keeper Paul Pritchard will be called upon unless Rhyl sign another custodian this week.

"It’s got all the makings of a great game," said Bickerstaff. "If we can get something there we can open up a gap and we’ll be going there to win, I don’t talk about going for draws.

"We were outstanding when we beat them back in August, but Peter (Nicholas) will have them fired up on Saturday. They’ve had some tremendous results since playing us and it’s a game we’re all looking forward to."

Rhyl have endured a frustrating start to 2009 with their New Year’s Day fixture at Prestatyn and Saturday’s home meeting with Caernarfon Town both called off due to frost.