By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:56, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Whitehaven came close to recruiting influential Halifax record-breaker Graham Holroyd, it can be revealed.

Graham Holroyd

Fans’ forums have been buzzing for a week over the rumours of a major new signing in the pipeline at the Recre.

That potential big name recruit can now be named as Holroyd, who played a huge part in Fax finishing the league campaign in third place, behind full-timers Salford and Celtic.

He agreed terms with Haven at the end of last week but later had a change of heart, due in part, it is understood, to work considerations.

It is thought he will now take up a position with a League Two club, believed to be Swinton Lions.

The ex-Leeds Rhinos has long been one of the key National League playmakers and this year, at 32, he broke Fax’s goals-in-a-season record, which had stood for 50 years.

He finished the campaign as the National League’s second-leading points scorer, behind ex-Haven centre Mick Nanyn, and just ahead of new recruit Dan Russell, from League Two champs Gateshead.

Fax had been keen to retain the stand-off, and he was among their first group of players offered new contracts in July.

He was offered improved terms and an assistant coaching role at the Shay, but talks finally broke down last Friday night.

Haven’s attempt to sign Holroyd was a sign of their ambition for next term, but they are not left short of playmakers, with Russell, Carl Rudd and Gregg McNally all vying for prominent roles, while it is still unclear if veterans Leroy Joe and Tane Manihera will play on.