Home’s comforts suit Danny

Photo: Vincent Brown

BACK WHERE IT BEGAN: Danny Philliskirk (left) struts his stuff for Athletic.

DANNY Philliskirk finally has the perfect chance to make his mark - putting an end to bad luck and broken promises to land a two-year contract with his home-town club.

And the forward (22) - son of Athletic academy manager Tony Philliskirk - impressed his way into a contract entirely on his own merit.

A summer spent on trial at Doncaster turned sour, but home is now very much where the heart is for a player who was once named as a substitute for Chelsea in the Champions’ League.

“It couldn’t have worked out better than it did,” said dad Tony, who took a back seat when it came to bringing his son back to Boundary Park, seven years after his move to Stamford Bridge as a 15 year old.

“He loves it here and the dynamics of the group are great for him. He is really enjoying the day-to-day work,” said Tony. “He seems settled - which after Doncaster can’t have been easy.”

The Oldham deal puts a happy ending on a trial spell at Doncaster that went awry, with a promised contract that didn’t arrive.

“I am particularly proud of Danny after what he has put up with from Rovers,” Tony said. “He was promised a deal every week for six weeks and he turned down contract offers from other clubs. Thankfully things turned out for the best - he is better off here.”

Philliskirk was signed by Sheffield United after four years at Chelsea. After being given a first-team place by Micky Adams, a change of management saw his opportunities limited.