=FLINT TOWN UNITED have pulled off one of the signings of the summer by enticing Michael Wilde to The Essity Stadium.

Last season’s Cymru Premier player of the season has swapped champions Connah’s Quay Nomads for Deeside neighbours, Flint heralding the club’s ambitious plans for the future.

Flint boss Neil Gibson, who worked with Wilde at Nomads, also has links with the former Chester and New Saints goal-machine from their coaching roles at Tranmere.

“I identified Michael as the man to lead us in our vision for the future,” said Gibson. “It’s been a long time in the process but once we knew Michael was out of contract, what better player could we look at than last year’s player of the season in the Welsh Premier.

“I’ve seen at first hand the high standards Michael Wilde sets - not only on the pitch but off it too. And we want that example to be followed by everyone in the dressing room.”

Wilde’s decision to drop down from playing a key role in the Nomads back-to-back title wins to signing for a side that finished in the bottom two last season will cause shockwaves throughout Welsh football.

But Gibson and chairman Darryl Williams have sold the vision for the future - which includes challenging for a place in European football - to Wilde and the 37-year-old striker is excited by the plans.

Wilde, who has been handed a three year deal, said: “I want people to know that this move is not a swansong for Michael Wilde.

“I can’t wait to get started. The whole project excites me and I know scoring goals is the first part of the project there are so many things I want to get involved in, including helping players in the academy and boosting the club’s presence in the community.

“I had a lot of offers as I was out of contract at Nomads where I had five fantastic years and I’ll never forget what Andy Morrison did for my career there.

“But there was a real freshness about Flint. I know Gibbo and Jonah (assistant manager Lee Jones) from my days at Tranmere and they want to play football the way I like to play.

“The Flint board and chairman Darryl Williams have given me this opportunity and while other offers were on the table, Flint Town really did tick all the boxes for me.”

Chairman Williams is ecstatic with his club’s stellar signing and said: “I am so impressed with Michael Wilde.

“We’ve signed last season’s top player in the Welsh Premier League and he is genuinely excited by the plans we have put to him.

“He believes in our vision and he trusts me and Gibbo in our mission to make Flint Town United a club that will be challenging at the top end of the table, and to bring European football to the club.

“Flint Town United have invested this season in the first team management, the playing staff and the pitch with a long term vision in mind.

“This marquee signing is more about the clubs long term vision rather than short term goals and we see Michael as a key part of this development of the club and the academy over the next three to five years.

“His vast experience, knowledge and values combined with the existing management of the club, first team and academy will be a tremendous asset.

“We believe Michael’s contribution on and in particular off the field will be invaluable to the success of this club.”