MIKE FONDOP-TALOM has signed a two year deal at Wrexham after deciding to take a break from studying to try and make a career as a full-time footballer.

The 24-year-old striker, who becomes manager Sam Ricketts' second new signing of the summer, finished last season at National League rivals Halifax Town..

Since moving to England from his native Cameroon, Fondop-Talom combined playing football with gaining a first class honours degree in actuarial sciences, which applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance and finance.

But Fondop-Talom has turned down the chance to study for a masters degree in favour of football.

"I came to England for studies five years ago and I got a degree in actuarial science," said Fondop-Talom, who played for the likes of Whitehawk, Stanway Rovers, Billericay, Oxford City before joining Halifax on loan from Guiseley in February.

"It wasn't easy because during that period, especially the last year, I was playing for Oxford City and had to travel all the way from Colchester to Oxford.

"After getting my degree I would have continued with my masters but I thought to myself, football is my passion.

"If I don't do it now I might regret it later so let's give it a go and see what happens.

"I have got my degree so I have got a back-up plan because you never know with football.

"But I won''t play football till I am 50 and after football, I am looking forward to getting back into studies."

Fondop-Talom enjoyed a successful end to last season, scoring four goals in the final nine games to help Halifax pull away from the relegation zone.

There some key winning goals in that spell and Fondop-Talom is looking to pick up where he left off with Wrexham and mount a promotion challenge with his new club.

"I played 12 games and scored four goals for Halifax," said Fondop-Talom, who will wear the number nine shirt at Wrexham. "Important ones as well.

"I scored against Dagenham and Sutton, it was good, it really helped me to finish the season on a high and Halifax climb away from the relegation zone.

"It will be a different ambition this season. I want to be in a team that is promoted.

"I know I have got a big responsibility with the number I am carrying but you have to have thick skin to play football."

A number of clubs were interested in Fondop-Talom and although he was keen on a move to the Football League, he is focussed on getting there with Wrexham.

"I am delighted to sign for Wrexham," added Fondop-Talom. "There were some Football League clubs and it was a waiting game at the start.

"They wanted me to come on trial, and there were also teams in this division.

"I said to my agent I want to play in the league and after talking with Sam Ricketts, he let me know about the ambition of the club and going for promotion.

"I thought to myself 'this is a good opportunity' so next season I hoping to play for Wrexham in the league."