I WAS surprised but nonetheless flattered this week to be credited with playing a small part in the career of one of the game's longest serving players writes Gordon Sharrock

Neil Redfearn was playing his 727th - and possibly last - Football League game for Halifax Town today.

It was a sad afternoon for the Shaymen, who have been relegated to the Conference; and player-manager Redfearn knows that, at 37, his 19-year league career may also be over.

But at least he has a good career to look back on, which might not have been the case had he not been talked out of quitting in his hot-headed teenage days with Wanderers.

"I had a problem at Bolton with the manager. I can't remember what it was about but it was obviously about playing.

"Rather than give in to what the club wanted me to do I was prepared to pack it all in and play park football. But I was convinced by Gordon Sharrock that it was the wrong road to take and, to be fair to him, he has been proved right."

Redfearn, who made his Wanderers' debut at Rotherham in February 1983, captained Barnsley to promotion to the Premiership in 1997. He also played key roles for Lincoln, Doncaster, Crystal Palace, Watford, Oldham, Charlton, Bradford and Wigan Athletic before joining at Halifax.