Romulus FC are celebrating a major transfer coup with the signing of Birmingham City legend and ex-Scotland international Paul Devlin.
Devlin has been persuaded to play a cameo role for the Roms in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League by boss Richard Evans and coach Dave Barnett.
Devlin, speaking to the official Roms website, said: "If I didn’t have anything on at the weekends I’d have never have given Saturday football up.
"I’ve known Richard and Dave a long time, especially Rich from my days at Tamworth when he was playing for Moor Green, so I said I would sign and help out. It’s very much a flexible agreement as I can’t commit to every match with coaching children and my lad playing football.
"I still love a game though, and I’ve kept myself pretty fit playing for mate’s teams and Brookvale in the in the over-35’s league as well as Blues old boys with Dave Barnett."
Former big name pros have claimed they are too often singled out for harsh treatment in Non-League but Devlin is looking forward to the challenge.
Devlin told his new club's website: “Historically, when I was coming through, the Northern Premier League was tough. I’ve not played in it for a long long time but there was always a bit more rough and tumble, though it is nothing I haven’t come across over the years."
The Roms endured tough tests in the Evo-stik NPL First Division South last term, but Devlin is convinced he can boost fortunes at Coles Lane come August's big kick off.
“The main thing Richard [Evans] said to me was about the side’s decision making and managing to close a game out – they were an honest side last season but maybe lacked experience. With the budget at Romulus they have done fantastically so hopefully I can go along and impart some experience.”
Evans said: “Paul’s mentality and knowing how to win a game will be good for our dressing room - he is of the same breed as Dave Barnett, they are both winners.
“It is nice to have an international playing for you and it shows our young players that we are a club who want to improve their game by working with the best, rather than just playing and training for the sake of it.”
Paul Devlin is interviewed in The Non-League Paper this Sunday. Go to the club's website for his full web interview plus all the latest Roms news.
