Welsh International Gareth Roberts Strengthens United

Skelmersdale United are overjoyed to announce the signing of hugely experienced defender and former Welsh international Gareth Roberts.

Gareth joins the club after a stint as a Coach/Asst Manager at fellow Evo-Stik North side Clitheroe last season and the 39 year-old will bring vast experience to Stormy Corner with over 500 professional appearances , scoring 18 goals.

Gareth started his career as a trainee at Liverpool FC and was part of the 1996 FA Youth Cup winning side that included the likes of Jamie Carragher and Michael Owen.

He moved on to Greek side Panionios under the charge of Reds legend Ronnie Whelan and made 15 league apps as well as playing in both legs of the 1999 Cup Winners Cup quarter finals. A return home to England saw Gareth join Tranmere Rovers on loan before securing a permanent deal.

A nine year stay at Prenton Park saw him make over 300 apps for the club while scoring 12 times. During his Rovers days he was part of the side that narrowly missed out in the 2000 League Cup Final to Leicester City.

He made his International debut for Wales against Finland in 2000 and went onto claim eight further caps before a final appearance against Slovenia in 2005. He left for Doncaster Rovers in 2006 where in his first season he won the Football League Trophy before going on to make close to 150 apps, scoring eight goals.

After leaving the Dons in 2010, he moved on to Derby County to make around 100 apps, scoring one goal across a three-year stay before short stints at Bury and Notts County. A single season stay at Chester saw him make 47 appearances but he was not retained by the club and went on to make 35 appearances for Stockport County.

Speaking to Gareth earlier on he said "I am looking forward to a new challenge and playing for Skem next season. Hoping that I can be a key part of what I believe will be a successful season."

United manager Alan Rogers expressed his delight in signing Gareth "I am delighted to bring a player of Gareth's calibre to the club.He comes to us to extend a fantastic career and will add so much experience and know how to the dressing room. He has a fantastic attitude for the younger lads to follow and brings a touch more quality to the team.

Updated 14:20 - 2 Sep 2019 by Kevin Panther