FORMER Rhyl striker Steve Lewis confirmed he turned down a move to Prestatyn Town during the January transfer window.

The experienced forward enjoyed a standout career across the North Wales football scene, achieving success at prestigious clubs such as the Lilywhites, Bangor City, Llandudno, Caernarfon Town and Holywell Town before opting to stay locally this season and sign for Quarry Bank Old Boys in the Merseyside area.

He was offered an avenue back into the Welsh domestic game by the JD Cymru North champions, who are going into the upcoming campaign with a brand-new squad after almost every member of their title-winning squad departed for pastures new when Neil Gibson resigned from his post for a second time.

Speaking to the CPD Y Rhyl 1879 website, Lewis revealed he “almost” signed for the ambitious club, which would have been a significant boost to their hopes of defending their crown over a 15-game format.

He said: “I did nearly sign for a club close to Rhyl who play in red, but I decided against it, in the end, to stay a bit more local.”

Lewis also revealed during the interview that he used to “hate playing against” Prestatyn during their fierce rivalry games against Rhyl, who were wound-up last year after a storied 141-year history due to financial issues.

“I used to love getting stick off the fans, it got me up for the game and it made me play better,” added Lewis.

“I would have to say Lee Trundle was the most skilful player I ever played with, but Greg Strong did a lot for me when he was the manager and really got the best out of me.

“He’d let me play and do what I wanted on the pitch. Nev Powell was the same at Bangor, he just let me get on with it and play my own game.”

Lewis was part of the Rhyl squad that went unbeaten on their way to a championship win and the 33-year-old stated the upcoming lockdown almost swung his decision on a move to Prestatyn before eventually turning down the offer.