FC Halifax Town boss Neil Aspin identified experience as the key factor in the signing of Jon Challinor.
The 33-year-old moved to The Shay from Stamford Daniels on dual forms in the Shaymen’s first piece of business following the departure of Dan Gardner.
Challinor has spent the vast majority of his career in the Conference National, making over 320 appearances in the division for Aldershot, Exeter and Rushden & Diamonds amongst others.
His last stint in the division was a successful one, putting to bed a number of play-off heartaches to gain promotion to the Football League with York City in 2011 as the Minstermen did the double at Wembley, winning both the FA Trophy and the play-off final.
After making 19 appearances for York last year, Challinor went back to where he started at Stamford before the Shaymen offered him a return to the Conference, and Aspin revealed he was pleased to acquire his services.
“We’ve brought in players who have been playing in the Under 21’s but I’ve decided to bring in someone with more experience and Jon fits the bill. He has played a lot of football at this level and had success in this league with York, so I thought that it was better to get someone with a bit more experience than go and get another young player.
“He’s quite versatile too. He’s known for playing in midfield but when he got promoted with York he got moved to right-back. But it’s just as beneficial to get somebody in with his calibre and experience that is available.”
Challinor will be available for selection when the Shaymen travel to Wrexham this weekend, however the quartet of Tom Anderson, Archie Love, Joe Ironside and Sam Patterson won’t be available, having returned to their former clubs.
“Four of the lads have gone whilst we’re keeping Reece Gray a little longer. The situation is that if they’re not getting games then it is not benefitting their development. They’re basically coming out to gain experience and if they’re not playing games they’re probably better off going back to their clubs and I understand that.”
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