The 30-year-old defender left Maesydre for Gap Connah’s Quay in the summer but made only two appearances on Deeside before moving on to West Cheshire side Blacon.

However Welshpool’s initial attempts to recruit Dowridge have been criticised by Gap Connah’s Quay, with the Deeside club accusing Welshpool of attempting to bend the rules.

However the English FA this week judged in Dowridge’s favour and have permitted the transfer to be completed.

Dowridge made 86 appearances in three seasons at Maesydre and general manager Graham Breeze welcomed his return.

“Paul is a popular lad at Maesydre and he will go straight into the squad for the Welsh Cup match at Airbus.

“He spent three good years at Maesydre and he joins us in the middle of an early season injury crisis.”

Geraint Windsor could miss the season with cruciate ligament damage, with Alex Kevan and Craig Wilkinson also facing lay-offs.

Breeze also hit back at Connah’s Quay’s accusations and said: “The lad had wanted to play local league football in Cheshire but when his personal circumstances changed he contacted the club to ask whether he could rejoin us ahead of the close of the transfer window.

“We are delighted the FA ruling supported the player and we hope to draw a line under this now.”

Meanwhile TNS have also completed a transfer coup by bringing winger Craig Williams to Park Hall from Welsh Premier champions Llanelli.

The 23-year-old signed on deadline day after two previous bids had been rebuffed by Llanelli.

Coach Mike Davies was thrilled with the capture and insists the signing will provide TNS with a new and exciting attacking option.

“He will provide us with width that we had previously been lacking and has already shown what a good player he is with a goal on his debut,” he said.

However former England under 16s international midfielder Steve Beck has left to join Droylsden.