The 36-year-old former Wrexham favourite has joined the Lillies on a one-year deal, playing under Allan Bickerstaff, his former assistant at The Airfield.

Owen admitted that the time was right to prolong his playing career at the highest level possible.

"It was the right deal at the right time, he declared. "At this stage of my career I just want to focus on playing football and to be approached by a club like Rhyl is very flattering. With working full time and being manager it was difficult and this has come along and provided a new challenge.

Having lost what Owen described as the spine of his team during the summer – Danny Desormeaux, James McIntosh and John Davies have all departed – the Connah's Quay born and bred midfielder was influenced by recent events at Rhyl.

"The signing of Neil Roberts is obviously a massive bonus for the club," said Owen.

"Neil's signing shows they are going in the right direction and Allan being in charge played a major role in my move. To play under him and relax from the pressures of managing will benefit me greatly.

"Management is something I may take up again in two or three years and I will continue to learn under Allan and take my badges."

Owen's assistant at Airbus - Craig Harrison - will continue to look after the playing staff until a permanent replacement is found.

Harrison, who highlighted his surprise at the Owen move admitted the role as manager interests him.

"It was a shock but that's football, he said.

"I want the job and would feel very disappointed if I wasn't given it. We played well last season and undoubtedly I had an input in to how the team played.

"It would be an easy transition for me and the club, but we will wait and see."

Airbus chairman Mickey Maynard insisted that the club hoped to install a new manager as quickly as possible.

"We have started the ball rolling after rumours of Gareth leaving began to circulate.

"Plan B and C are in place and two teams of two are interested in the position of manager.

"Something will hopefully be decided by the end of the week."

Meanwhile, having watched both Gap Connah's Quay and Airbus become managerless during the summer break, Newi Cefn Druids have been going about their business quietly.

Having signed former TNS striker Nicky Ward and retained all but three of their 2007/08 squad, joint player manager Waynne Phillips is delighted with the stability at the club.

"It is great to have tied up the bulk of the squad for the new season, not only for playing reasons but also the fact that alot of them have re-signed for less money than last season.

"I know for a fact that some of them had offers for higher amounts of money, but to see them all willing and ready to play for myself and Lee (Jones) is refreshing."

When asked about rumours surrounding the signature of an unnamed League Two player, the former Wrexham midfielder was quick to quash the speculation.

"It's the first I have heard of it!, explained Phillips. "I would be delighted if it was true but there is nothing in relation to that.

"We have a number of trialists, some released by Wrexham at the end of last season and the door is open for anyone that we have spoken to.

"Some are keen to keep their options open whilst some have simply wanted too much money and unfortunately money talks."