Halifax v Cheltenham: Incoming Shay boss Kelly looking up as he throws down gauntlet to Halifax

The Northern Irishman this week succeeded Neil Aspin at The Shay and he will make his bow in the dugout today at home to Cheltenham Town.

Kelly, sacked by Oldham Athletic last month after just nine days in charge, met his new players for the first time on Thursday night.

At that meeting, he outlined his vision to the players and is expecting a positive reaction this afternoon.

Kelly, who will also be joined by assistant Jim Harvey, said: “I have an opportunity that I am very thankful about.

“Just looking forward to getting stuck in against Cheltenham.

“I want to create a positive environment and get us up the league as quickly as possible.

“There have been a couple of promotions before and that is brilliant.

“But I am manager now and I have to be my own man,” added Kelly.

“And that is what I intend to do.”