We’re delighted to announce the signing of vastly experienced striker David Ball, until the end of the season.
The 35-year-old has been without a club following his decision to leave Wellington Phoenix after a five-and-a-half-year spell with the New Zealand-based outfit, where he departed as a club legend.
During his time in the southern hemisphere, Ball became one of just 16 players to feature in over 100 A-League games for the side and managed 15 goals and 26 assists in all competitions, cementing his place in the Wellington history books.
A product of the Manchester City academy, the Whitefield-born forward last played in the English leagues during the 2018/19 season which he spent on loan at Bradford City from Rotherham United in League One. During this time, he found the back of the net on five occasions in a short stint.
Across his career, he has made over 500 appearances and scored north of 100 club goals, winning promotion on three occasions at Peterborough United, Rotherham United and Fleetwood Town. With the latter, Ball scored an eye-catching chip to secure a 1–1 draw with Preston North End at the Highbury Stadium which later saw him nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award; this made him only the second Englishman to be nominated for the award, after Wayne Rooney in 2011.
Our new number 16 has signed on for the final six games of the National League North season, and could make his Boro debut against Oxford City tomorrow afternoon, subject to international clearance.
David spoke to the media team after putting pen-to-paper at M26.
Ball, said: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to get started, Radcliffe is close to home for me and I’m a fan of the club, I’ve got family and friends who have supported Radcliffe for a long time and we’ve watched them rise through the leagues, so I know what it means.
I had a chat with Bernard and Jonno a long time ago to express my desire to play for them and I believe my experience and ability can add to the quality that’s already in this squad. I’m fit and ready to go and help the team put as many points on the board as we can for the remainder of the season!’
Welcome to the Neuven Stadium, David!
