COLWYN Bay have pulled off a coup with the signing of Craig Pritchard from Denbigh Town.

The highly coveted forward played a starring role for the Huws Gray Alliance side last term, guiding them to their highest ever league finish when they secured second spot behind eventual champions Caernarfon Town.

With the departure of Eddie Maurice-Jones to Rhyl, the Welsh futsal international was hotly linked with the Lilywhites before impressing Bay boss Alan Morgan considerably during a number of training sessions with the Evo-stik League side.

Assistant manager Craig Hogg, said: “It’s another positive signing for the club and one we feel will again improve the squad we have.

“Craig was a standout player for Denbigh last season and courted much attention from other clubs, so we are delighted he has joined us here at the Bay.

“He will certainly fit into our game model. His attitude has been excellent during week one of pre-season and with the quality and superb energy he possesses - we and he both believe that Colwyn Bay FC is right place for him to develop and improve further as a younger player at this stage of his career.”

The Seagulls kick-off their pre-season fixtures on Tuesday evening when they take on A Crewe Alexandra XI at the Four Crosses Construction Arena (7.45pm), and all five new signings are expected to feature in the contest.

Crewe could possibly give a first outing to new striker signing Alex Nicholls, who completed the move from Barnet last week. He has previously been with Walsall and Exeter.

Former Bolton Wanderers defender Nicky Hunt, who is on trial at Alex might also be involved after playing part of Crewe’s opening pre-season game at Nantwich Town on Saturday, which they won 1-0 with Jordan Bowery heading the only goal of the game.