GRAHAM Holroyd has insisted he is happy with what he achieved during his second spell at Halifax - despite another controversial exit from his hometown club.
Fax told Holroyd a fortnight ago they were withdrawing from long-running negotiations over a new deal for 2009, with the 32 year old stand off subsequently joining National League Two outfit Swinton on a two year contract.
Speaking on the eve of fly
ing to Australia with the Ireland World Cup squad, Holroyd hinted he was frustrated by the background to his departure, although he said "there were no bridges burned" with either coach Matt Calland or director of football Martin Hall.
"I was happy with what I achieved with Halifax," said Holroyd, who rejoined Fax from Doncaster in the summer of 2007 almost a decade after jumping ship for the first time and went on to break Tuss Griffith's 50 year old goals in a season record this year.
"A lot of people thought Martin was mad when he brought me back, but I broke the record and I won the Supporters' Player of the Year title.
"For me, those were great achievements after how a lot of people seemed to see me before I came back.
"I had a great time but I had to find a new club and I am excited about going to Swinton, even though it's a bigger challenge for me than when I came back to Halifax.
"They finished third from bottom in National Two last season but I am looking forward to getting started there.
"I have a few friends there in Marty Moana and my brother in law, Dean Gorton, so I am not taking on something unknown."
Before he turns his attention to the Lions though, Holroyd has the small matter of a World Cup campaign, joining two other former Siddal amateurs - captain Scott Grix and utility player Liam Finn - in Andy Kelly's final selection.
"To be playing in a World Cup in Australia at this stage of my career is fantastic for me," enthused Holroyd, who could start at number six when Ireland kick off their tournament on October 27.
"We're in a tough group, with Tonga and Samoa, and people are probably writing us off a bit.
"But we believe we can make the semi finals.
"We've taken a couple of knocks this week with Brett White from Melbourne and Shannon McDonnell from Wests pulling out with injury, but it's a strong squad and we'll go well.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
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