Chance call did job for Jagielka

The deal was set in motion by Jagielka, who was finding it increasingly hard to combine running his own plumbing business in Shrewsbury with travelling to Droylsden for training and matches.

"I've played in the Conference (Blue Square Premier) and won it with Accrington Stanley, and it's quite a demanding league," he said.

"I was full-time then and only part-time now, and it would probably have been too much for me to do all the travelling.

"I found it hard last year after a day of work, and every game was like an away game for me with having to travel to Droylsden.

"I just woke up one day and thought I'd chance my arm and give Rob Smith a ring for a chat," he added.

"I'd set my heart on finding somewhere closer."

Despite his personal reasons for the move, Jagielka remains fiercely ambitious for more success, having won the Conference National with Accrington in 2006 and now the Conference North with Droylsden.

"The first aim is to keep as far away as possible from the bottom end of the table, but you never know - I've won two consecutive titles, it would be great to make it a hat-trick," he added.

Jagielka was a popular figure in his six years at Shrewsbury Town, where he was mainly a right winger.

But he has since become established as a central midfielder following his surprise switch to Sheffield United in November 2003.

"When I went up to Sheffield United I played for Stuart McCall in the reserves and he pushed me into centre midfield and it suited me," said Jagielka.

"I really enjoy it. You're more in the game, and you're not relying on the rest of the team as you are when you're out wide."

By Chris Hudson