BALA Town manager Colin Caton has unveiled his third signing of the January transfer window, with the return of midfielder Rob Pearson to Maes Tegid.

The 27 year-old has returned to the club for the second phase of the campaign, after spending 18 months in New Zealand.

Pearson left the Lakesiders in March 2016 to sign for ASB Premiership side Tasman United, having made 59 Welsh Premier starts for the Lakesiders, as well as appearing in the Europa League for Bala against FC Differdange of Luxembourg.

Pearson won the Players’ Player and Manager’s Player of the Year awards at the end of the 2014/15 season, and his return will be a massive boost to the Lakesiders going into the second half of the season.

“Rob informed me in early December that he was coming home from New Zealand, so it was something that we couldn’t turn down,” commented the Bala boss.

“I rate Rob as one of the best midfielders that’s ever played for Bala Town. We only have three recognised central midfielders at the club after Anthony Stephens got injured, so he will add competition to that area as we play with a midfield three.”

Bala’s first two signings of the January transfer window were John Disney and Lewis Short, both joining from Northern Premier League leaders Altrincham.

Meanwhile Caton also confirmed that Will Bell has left Maes Tegid to join Rhyl.

The defender has spent two spells at Maes Tegid, the first in 2014 on a season long loan from Morecambe, before making the move permanent in 2015. He then spent a loan spell at Colwyn Bay, before signing for Aberystwyth Town in 2016.

He returned to Bala in January 2017, and made 41 appearances for them in total.