BALA Town have unveiled Raul Correia as their new number nine as Colin Caton’s men step up preparations for their Europa League qualifying tie on 27 August.

Raul, who is Anglo-Portuguese, made the switch from Southport to the Lakesiders, after previously playing for clubs including Chorley, York, Barrow and Blackpool.

His most prolific season was in 2016/2017 when he netted some 11 goals in 22 games for Radcliffe Borough.

The 27 year-old is powerful and direct, with plenty of pace, and will strengthen Caton’s attacking options heading into the game against Valletta in Malta next week.

“We’ve chased Raul’s signature since he played against us in a pre-season friendly with Southport last season,” commented Caton.

“He’s a big strong boy, he’s quick, and it adds to our striking options, as we only have four strikers at the club and we need more really, to allow us to rotate the team over the course of the season.

“I’ve been a big admirer of Raul as I watched him play a lot for Southport last season, he’s a Manchester based lad, so he’ll be able to travel in with Lassa (Mendes), and they’re good friends as well.”

After starting his career with Cheadle Heath Nomads, he moved on to Radcliffe Borough, and joined Chorley in December 2015.

Following a spell at Trafford on a dual registration, he returned to Radcliffe Borough in August 2016, and impressed Football League clubs with his form. He signed for Blackpool for an undisclosed fee in January 2017, and then joined Guiseley on loan in July 2017, York City in January 2018 and then Southport in July 2019.

“He’s going to be a good signing, and a good asset to the Club,” added Bala manager Caton. “He adds to the strength and depth of the squad, and whichever striker stakes a claim over the season, Raul will add good competition for those places.

“He gives us other options and different dynamics of how we can play him in the team, he’s young, fit and athletic, and his aerial strength is good as well, so he’ll be fighting for his place with the other strikers at the Club.”

The Lakesiders, who took part in a behind closed doors practice game against League One club Shrewsbury Town last week, have made four other new additions to their squad during the summer.

Nathan Peate has joined from Cefn Druids, Alex Ramsey from Caernarfon Town, Will Evans from Cardiff Met and Llyr Morris from Ruthin Town, whilst there have also been several departures.

Mike Hayes and Josh Tibbetts have joined Caernarfon Town, Louis Robles has joined The New Saints, Nathan Burke has signed for FC United of Manchester, Stuart Jones for Airbus UK and Ashley Morris was released.