Midfielder Jack Phillips has signed a short-term contract at Accrington Stanley – and linked up with his former school teacher!

Phillips, now 21, was in primary school when John Coleman was a teacher at St Aloysuis and the pair have linked up again at the Wham Stadium.

Phillips began his career at Blackburn Rovers before he moved onto Wigan when he was 16. He was released at the age of 20 and spent last season at non-league Prescot Cables while studying for a Sports Science degree.

Now he has a chance to re-build his career at Stanley admitting: “This is a big season for me.

“When I was released by Wigan I decided to concentrate on my education and have just completed the first year of my degree.

“I played for Prescot last season and scored around 11 goals, I am more of an attacking midfielder.

“I got a phone call to come on trial here in the summer but I have been troubled by a hip injury. Thankfully it’s cleared up and I am delighted to sign.”

Manager Coleman said: “He was a great player when he was at school. He is one for the future and could be a real find.”

Phillips is  not eligible for tomorrow’s clash at Morecambe but should be for Tuesday’s home game with Mansfield, subject to FA clearance.