Football Season Guide

Halifax enjoyed a brilliant first season in the top-flight of non-league football as they exceeded all expectations and made it to the play-offs. They were eventually edged by the winners, Cambridge, but it was a season that will be remembered fondly by the fans as one in which the Shaymen really arrived back in the football map after a number of years of struggle in the lower divisions. That last campaign continued the trend of almost constant progress that the Yorkshire club has enjoyed over the recent years and the aim of Neil Aspin will be to continue that progress in the upcoming season. However, that may well prove an obstacle too big and Halifax may have to settle for just consolidation in mid-table. The main reason for that is the loss of probably the best striker in the division in Lee Gregory. He was absolutely superb in leading the line and getting over 25 goals last season and a move to the Football League looked inevitable for some time. He joined Millwall and Aspin will hope that the new strikers signed over the summer, Ross Dyer and Scott Boden, will manage to fill the gap left and bring the goals. Dyer struggled at Mansfield last season but has a good record at this level while Boden comes back off a very good season at Macclesfield. There was good business done in other areas of the squad too as Steve Williams and Kevin Roberth provide real depth in defence. The squad looks quite competitive and varied at the moment and Halifax will be certainly well clear of any relegation trouble. However, getting in the mix for promotion again will be really a major ask for this side.