FC Halifax Town: No Longer a Banker
FC Halifax Town finished eighth last season, but the table made the gap to the play-offs look smaller than it really was. The Shaymen matched the previous campaign’s points total, scored 19 more goals and won more games, yet still ended two places lower. They finished 11 points behind seventh, with a goal difference of +3 compared with +30 above them. This was not a near miss so much as a season of improvement without a genuine play-off challenge.
The significance of eighth place becomes clearer in context. Halifax had reached the play-offs in each of the previous two seasons. Of the five 2024/25 top-seven sides still in the division, they were the only one not to return. Eighth place was hardly a disaster, but it did end the run.
There were still plenty of positives. Will Harris was the obvious one, scoring 22 league goals in his first season after arriving from Spennymoor Town and finishing fourth in the National League golden boot race. Halifax also developed a habit of sticking around in games, scoring 20 times after the 75th minute. Only four teams in the division managed more late goals.
But the Harris and Turner-Cooke situation now hangs heavily over the summer. Halifax insist both players were under contract and that the options were triggered correctly, but Harris has been unveiled by Hartlepool and Turner-Cooke has now joined Shrewsbury Town. The matter is understood to be with the FA’s legal team and the realistic question is whether Halifax receive compensation. That leaves new manager John McGrath dealing with the loss of two major players before he has even had the chance to work with them.
McGrath has stressed that he has “20 lads to take care of”, refusing to let the dispute dominate his first summer. Halifax showed resilience last season, but he must now replace two key men while shaping the squad around his own ideas.
From the dugout
Halifax’s dugout changed after only one season, with Adam Lakeland leaving for Morecambe. His departure underlined the club’s vulnerability: performing well does not prevent managers or players being tempted elsewhere.
His replacement is John McGrath, who arrives from Buxton after two impressive seasons in National League North. He led the Bucks to consecutive play-off finishes, including fifth place last season, and built a side known for energy, goals and competitiveness.
Manager Profile
McGrath has already outlined a clear model: fast attacking football, pace out wide, service into the centre-forward, an advanced number 10, full-backs joining attacks and centre-halves comfortable in possession. His intention to be visible in the community also addresses a fanbase frustrated by the distance between supporters and the club.
McGrath began his playing career at Aston Villa, making three Premier League appearances before spells with several EFL and non-league clubs. His longest and most significant period came at Burton Albion, where he spent more than five seasons and became an established part of the midfield.
After building his managerial experience at Mickleover, McGrath stepped up to Buxton in 2024. His side combined one of National League North’s stronger attacks with defensive stability and an impressive away record. The National League presents a bigger test, but his recent work suggests he can turn clear ideas into results.
Summer Mood
Among a vocal section of the support, apathy has hardened into open anger at The Shay.
Supporters have grown tired of chairman David Bosomworth’s silence, limited fan engagement and what they see as years of missed commercial opportunities. A small number have discussed ownership protests, contacting the Football Regulator or reducing their attendance. Those ideas have not developed into a broad campaign, but they demonstrate the deterioration in relations between parts of the fanbase and the club.
Adam Lakeland’s sudden departure, the confusion surrounding Jay Turner-Cooke and Will Harris, and continued uncertainty over The Shay have deepened that distrust. There is a fear that falling crowds and weakening goodwill are being accepted rather than addressed, with little confidence that the current ownership will change direction.
John McGrath has made a reasonably positive personal impression, but he inherits a young squad that supporters already fear lacks size, experience and attacking power. The 6–1 friendly defeat to Bradford City did little to lift the mood, although most recognise that little can be concluded this early.
There is still some hope, but it rests largely with McGrath and his players rather than the club’s leadership.
Squad
Halifax’s squad is young and still short of proven senior depth. Sam Johnson and Shaun Hobson anchor the defensive unit, while Will Hugill, Josh Hmami and Owen Bray provide a promising midfield core. The greater uncertainty lies further forward. Conor Carty has arrived to help replace Harris’s goals, with Zak Gilsenan adding creativity, but neither provides a guarantee of National League output.
The recruitment follows a clear profile. Mackenzie Maltby, Connor Douglas and Tayt Trusty add mobility, development potential and experience from below this level. It fits McGrath’s intended tempo, but Halifax still appear short of physical presence and another reliable source of goals.
Retained
- Sam Johnson | Goalkeeper | Age 33
- AJ Warburton | Forward | Age 20
- Dylan Crowe | Defence | Age 25
- Shaun Hobson | Defence | Age 28
- Thierry Latty-Fairweather | Defence | Age 23
- Cody Johnson | Midfield | Age 21
- Will Hugill | Midfield | Age 22
- Josh Hmami | Midfield | Age 26
- Owen Bray | Midfield | Age 23
- David Kawa | Forward | Age 22
Players in
- Mackenzie Maltby « Sheffield Wednesday | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 21
- Connor Douglas « Leeds United U21s | Free Transfer | Forward | Age 20
- Tayt Trusty « Eastbourne Borough | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 22
- Zak Gilsenan | Grimsby Town | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 23
- Conor Carty | Waterford FC | Free Transfer | Forward | Age 24
Players out
- Florent Hoti » Released | Midfield | Age 25
- Zak Emmerson » Leek Town | Free Transfer | Forward | Age 21
- Jack Jenkins » Spennymoor Town | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 24
- Nat Ford » Released | Goalkeeper | Age 21
- Sean Tarima » Released | Defence | Age 21
- Tom Pugh » Spalding United | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 25
- Max Wright » Released | Forward | Age 28
- Jo Cummings » Matlock Town | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 27
- Jevon Mills » Released | Defence | Age 22
- Will Smith » Morecambe FC | Free Transfer | Defence | Age 27
- Jamie Cooke » Hednesford Town | Free Transfer | Midfield | Age 24
- Adam Adetoro » Released | Defence | Age 23
- Angelo Cappello » Released | Forward | Age 24
- Will Harris » Hartlepool United | Transfer Under FA Investigation | Forward | Age 25
- Jay Turner-Cooke » Shrewsbury | Transfer Under FA Investigation | Midfield | Age 22
One to Watch
Mackenzie Maltby is less obvious than Conor Carty, but perhaps more revealing of John McGrath’s plans. The 21-year-old arrives from Sheffield Wednesday with academy pedigree and senior experience at Scarborough Athletic. His ability to handle the physical demands while remaining comfortable in possession fits the football McGrath wants to introduce. If Maltby adjusts quickly, he could become an important part of a reshaped defensive unit.
Bookies’ Odds
Halifax have drifted to 125/1 with most bookmakers, placing them firmly towards the bottom end of the National League market. The price is consistent with a side that has lost two of last season’s most influential players and still looks short of proven depth.
McGrath may improve them with time, but the market is clearly expecting regression rather than another play-off push. A lower mid-table finish looks more realistic than a season spent challenging near the top.
Prediction — 14th
McGrath gives Halifax a clear footballing plan, but the squad looks younger and less proven than last season’s. They should have enough to avoid serious danger, although another play-off challenge appears beyond them.
