SCOTT Phelan has followed a well worn path from Valley Parade to the Shay with more than a passing similarity to one of his predecessors.
The Liverpool-born midfielder joined FC Halifax Town last month after a frustrating time over the close season, much like Tom Kearney a couple of years ago.
And now he is hoping to emulate his fellow former Everton trainee by establishing himself in the second side.
"I was disappointed to be released by Bradford in the summer," said 21-year-old Phelan .
"I thought that given a decent opportunity I could have done a good job for them.
"It wasn't to be, for whatever reason, and It is good to be back playing regular football again."
Phelan has started each of Town's last two midweek cup matches and came off the bench against Salford City and Nantwich.
But he admits it may take a few more games for him to reach peak match fitness.
""Last season was a bit stop start," he said. "The last 90 minutes I had was for Bradford City at Wycombe on the last day of last season.
"I never played for three and a half months.
"The last couple of games have been about getting minutes rather than performances and I just hope I get the chance to show what I can do here."
Phelan is a former England under 18 international and scored the winning goal for his country against Slovenia in April 2006.
He never played for Everton';s first team, but made 15 senior appearances for the Bantams last season.
But none of that meant anything to him as he waited for a club to come in for him during the summer.
"Being without a club in the summer was the worst thing that has ever happened to me," he said.
"Sitting at home on a Saturday watching Sky Sports news while everyone else is playing doesn't do you any good.
"I decided I needed to get match fit and I can feel myself getting stronger with each game. Once I am up there I know I can be a good player for this club."
Phelan had experience of the Shay from his time with the Bantams and knows what the expectations are at the club.
"I played against Tom Kearney last season for Bradford when Halifax were in the Conference," he said.
"This is a big club for this level and we just want top get out of this division as quickly as possible."
AFC Halifax player and FC Halifax Town fan Martin Bishop is running the Great North Run again this year, looking to beat his time of two hours 24 minutes from 12 months ago.
The 20-year-old from Sowertby Bridge is also seeking sponsorship which can be gioven at www.justgiving.com/martinbishop.
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