RADCLIFFE Borough striker Raul Correia made a "dream" deadline-day move to Blackpool for an undisclosed fee, writes Rachael Warham.

The 21-year-old front man completed a successful trial period at Bloomfield Road before signing an 18-month contract.

Correia was one of only a handful of non-league players to make the step up to the Football League during the January transfer window, going up four levels in the football pyramid.

“This move is a dream come true – it’s just the start for me," said Correia.

“I want to thank (Boro manager) Bill (Prendergast) for making me the player I am today.

“Working with Radcliffe has been a great experience. Bill has a great philosophy. It’s a great club, with a great manager and staff.”

Prendergast put the striker's move down to hard work and believes he set a good example for Boro's players to follow.

"Raul’s move to Blackpool shows my other players what can be done if you’re prepared to put in the hard work," he said.

“Our philosophy of positive, front-foot football gives our players the culture they need to succeed in football.

“We teach our players that if they’re willing to think long-term and put in the time and effort they will succeed.”

The Boro boss revealed that it could have all been so different for Corriea, but he stuck by the striker during a barren spell in front of goal and he came through it.

“It’s important to stick to the development of a player," he added.

“People told me I should drop him when the goals dried up, but he gave more to the team than goals.

“He was prepared to do the dirty work and I stuck with him.”

According to the boss, money made from the sale of their front-man will be put directly back into the club to cover running costs and no new signings would be made.

“We go with youth and develop that, it’s what’s always worked for us,” he said.

Despite developing a number of good young players this season, Boro have struggled to turn their promise into points.

They remain 18th in Evo-Stik First Division North after last Saturday's match at home to Colwyn Bay was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Boro host second-bottom Goole on Saturday before travelling to league leaders Lancaster City on Tuesday night.

Prendergast will hope they can recover from the departure of Correia to start hauling themselves up the table.

But he will be leaving no stone unturned in his bid to unearth the next crop of young talent.

The manager will be scouting throughout February and holding trials in March.

He has urged anyone who thinks they have the required talent and work ethic to get in touch with the club or contact him directly by emailing him at coach.bill@hotmail.co.uk