The Northern League outfit beat off stiff competition to complete the shock capture of the former Hartlepool United front man, who has played – and scored – in the Champions League.

Williams – a Wales B – is still only 32, but retired from the professional game during the summer after a season at Wrexham.

He had a host of non-league clubs chasing him after he returned to North East England, which he now classes as home after more than five years playing for Hartlepool.

But Roofing sneaked up on the rails to seal his signature ahead of bigger clubs such as Conference North sides Blyth Spartans and Gateshead.

The deal was set up by former Newcastle United defender Wes Saunders, who has joined Roofing as assistant manager to boss Richie McLoughlin.

Saunders is a long-time friend and advisor to Williams, having signed him from Welsh football when he was manager of Torquay, and has persuaded him to drop down to Division Two of the Northern League.

McLoughlin is delighted to get such a top-quality player who, just a couple of seasons ago, was playing in the League One play-offs for Hartlepool.

He said: "Eifion is a tremendous signing for us. He picked up a few knocks at Wrexham when he was there, and has just decided to step away from the pro game.

"There were a load of clubs chasing him, but he knows Wes and just wants to play football as a hobby now. He looks really sharp, and is obviously a very good player."

Bangor-born Williams began his career with Welsh side Barry Town, where he scored more than 200 goals – including one in a Champions league qualifier against Dynamo Kiev – before a £70,000 move to Torquay in 1999.

After 24 league goals in 83 starts, he signed for Pools for £30,000, and quickly became a fans' favourite at the Victoria Ground, bagging 56 strikes in 239 appearances in either a midfield or strike role.

Williams moved back to Wales when he joined Wrexham on a free transfer last summer, but the move didn't work out as the Racecourse Ground side struggled, losing their Football League status after relegation to the Conference.

His move to Roofing shows McLoughlin's determination to get back in the Northern League top flight after relegation last season.

As well as welcoming back a number of players from his squad who had that great FA Vase run a few seasons back – including keeper Gary Hoggeth and striker Craig Nelson from injury – McLoughlin has swooped to sign 21-year-old winger Kevin Davison, who had a spell at Scottish side Hamilton last season after being released by Sunderland.

Davison is the cousin of fellow Roofing forward Craig Tate, whose father Dave has joined Saunders on the coaching staff at the club.

McLoughlin added: "Wes used to play for me, before he went off to manage Torquay.

"I asked him if he could come and take a session this summer, and he's now come on board full time, as has Dave.

"They'll be doing the bulk of the coaching, but I'm still the manager."