Jim Harvey disappointed after Billy Heath gets FC Halifax Town job

Former FC Halifax Town manager Jim Harvey admits he is '˜very disappointed' to have left the club after it was announced North Ferriby manager Billy Heath will be the new boss at The Shay.
I'M IN CHARGE: New FC Halifax Town boss Billy Heath. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.I'M IN CHARGE: New FC Halifax Town boss Billy Heath. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
I'M IN CHARGE: New FC Halifax Town boss Billy Heath. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Harvey guided Halifax to victory in the FA Trophy final at Wembley on Sunday, but will not have his contract renewed after it expired at the end of the season.

This club confirmed the departure of the 58-year-old and his assistant Tommy Miller in a statement this afternoon.

Harvey said: “I’m very disappointed I won’t be staying on.

Jim Harvey.Jim Harvey.
Jim Harvey.
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“It’s entirely down to the chairman but I would have thought the results I achieved would have been good enough for me to stay.

“All I can say is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working there.

“I’ve loved the job, loved the supporters - they’ve been brilliant to me.

“I’ve loved working with the boys - they were excellent.

Jim Harvey.Jim Harvey.
Jim Harvey.

“I got on really well with the chairman, and Bobby Ham and Stuart Peacock. I don’t have any bad feeling towards them.”

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Announcing the exit and Harvey and Miller, a statement read: “Halifax Town has decided not to renew manager Jim Harvey’s short term contract.

“It has not been possible to delay the announcement following the success on Sunday, due to the three-week extension to the playing season and the need to commence planning for the 2016-2017 campaign and player contract discussions.

“We admire the efforts of Jim and Tommy Miller in what has been a difficult season trying to avoid relegation and the outstanding success of winning the FA Trophy.

Our very best wishes go with Jim and Tommy.

“The club can confirm the appointment of Billy Heath and Mark Carroll on a two-year contract.

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After another fantastic season for North Ferriby United under the leadership of Billy and Mark culminating in promotion to The National League. They have also secured two promotions, two other top five finishes and were also FA Trophy winners last season.

Harvey says he doesn’t have anything else lined up and is happy to be ending his tenure on a high note after their Wembley win.

He added: “That was absolutely magnificent. Not many players or managers get the opportunity to win a cup at Wembley so I feel realy priveleged.

“I’m delighted for the boys and the club and to give the supporters a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.

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Harvey was only contracted until the end of the season at Halifax having taken over following the disatstrous short-lived campaign of Darren Kelly, who had replaced the sacked Neil Aspin.

Heath led North Ferriby to promotion to the National League last season and also won the FA Trophy at the club in his time in charge.

He took over at North Ferriby in October 2011 and was previously in charge at Bridlington Town, Frickley Athletic and Hall Road Rangers. He is a former player at North Ferriby as well as Lincoln United, Matlock and Alfreton.

A Ferriby statement said: “The club has experienced a fantastic few years with Billy and Bobby at the helm and the club would like to thank them for their tremendous work ethic and remarkable achievements during this period with North Ferriby United.

“North Ferriby United wish them every success in their new role at Halifax Town a well established West Yorkshire club steeped in football history.”