The 25-year-old frontman scored on his debut as the Shaymen knocked League Two Cambridge United out of the FA Cup in November 2004.

And he went on to net six times in 15 appearances, 10 of which were from the bench, before being told he could leave.

He was one of Jim Vince's first signings for FC Halifax Town and is raring to go after bagging 20 goals last season in spells at Ilkeston and Buxton.

"In the last couple of years I have been enjoying my football and I did quite well last season," said Ross, who was hit hard by the decision to release him three years ago.

"I was a bit down when I left Halifax, but I knew I had to bounce back.

"Hopefully I can bring last season's form here with me.

"It is a different club to the one I left, but the foundations are here for it to be massive.

"Most of the backroom staff are still here and there is the structure. It is just a matter of starting again.

"The lads all look fit enough, we look ready and we are raring to go. We just want to get the club back to where it should be."

Ross added that he was never concerned by the old adage that you should never go back as he jumped at the chance to join Vince at the Shay.

"I had two years left on my contract at Buxton," he said. "Over the summer I spoke to the manager there and we decided that the best thing was for me to leave the club.

"As soon as I knew Halifax were interested, I was straight here."

"It is a very decent standard," he said. "I played a few seasons ago in this league with Bradford Park Avenue and there were some good teams.

"I played against Jim Vince's Witton side last season and I like his style of football and the fans deserve a footballing team.

"He will definitely bring that to Halifax."

Town's Unibond League Division One rivals Warrington Town started their pre-season with a 1-0 with at League of Wales outfit NEWI Cefn Druids
But Chorley were unable to start their summer campaign with a win as they went down 3-2 at home to Northwich Victoria at Victory Park.

FC Halifax Town will start their pre-season campaign earlier than expected after agreeing to travel to Tamworth next Saturday (3pm).
The Lambs had been scheduled to play against Leicester City next weekend, but the League One side postponed the game.
Town have stepped in a short notice and as a show of thanks, Tamworth director Steve Greaves has arranged, through his company Premier Travel, to provide free travel for Jim Vince's squad. Admission prices for the game are £6 adults and £3 concessions.