Happy Hali-days for top gun Alli

By Jon Couch

MILLENIC ALLI says he aims to join a long list of Halifax Town heroes to become a hit higher up the ladder after completing a move to Exeter City.

The Shaymen boast an impressive record of producing players who head into the EFL, with strike pair Jamie Vardy and Lee Gregory among those who have gone onto have successful careers away from the Shay. Now frontman Alli hopes to add his name to that illustrious list after joining the League One Grecians on a two-and-a-half year deal. “This just goes to show Halifax is a great club and they do well to improve players and give you lots of minutes,” the 23-year-old said.

“Having spoken to the manager [Gary Caldwell], we have the same plan and I am looking forward to making magical things happen.”

Irishman Alli spent his youth career at Bury FC before making his fi rst senior move to South Shields. After a season in the north-east, he moved to Ashton United and then Stockport County a year later.

While with the Hatters, Alli went on loan to Chorley where he helped the Magpies reach the National League North playoffs before joining Halifax in July 2022. In all, Alli has scored 16 goals across his two seasons for Chris Millington’s side – helping them lift the FA Trophy at Wembley last May –including seven in 21 matches this season.

On making his fi rst foray into the Football League, Alli said: “It feels fantastic to be here, I’ve been waiting a long time as it’s been a good few days to get this done. “It’s good to know the manager believes in me and play under someone who has the faith in me.

I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the step up to the league, and showing everyone what I can do. “League One has always been a tough league but I’ll be trying my best and work- ing hard.”

PRODUCTION LINE: Millenic Alli and, insets, Jamie Vardy, top, and Lee Gregory, below

PICTURE: Darren Murphy