Manager Aspin hits back over sacking by FC Halifax Town

The 50-year-old was sacked on Thursday morning after a poor start to the season that has left Halifax second bottom with just five points from ten games.

Halifax’s struggles are an overhang from last term, when from February onwards they won just one of their final 15 matches.

In a statement, Aspin has thanked the players, staff and supporters at The Shay but also claimed he was not shown the same loyalty by the club that he had shown when rejecting approaches from elsewhere.

He said: “I am very proud of my record in achieving three promotions and two play-off finishes in my six full seasons and moving the club forward from eighth position in the Evo-Stik North to topping the Conference National.

“Unfortunately, due to a number of factors it is a position we have been unable to maintain or kick on from.

“As a part-time team without proper training facilities and with a budget considerably less than many teams, we have done exceptionally well to reach the play-offs and secure a top 10 finish in the past two seasons.

“I am also proud of my record in unearthing players who have moved on to play at higher levels and who have generated a transfer profit in excess of £750,000.

“There is no doubt that if those players had not left the club then further progress could have been achieved.

“I still have a great hunger and desire to continue in football management and this was my first season of poor results and it would appear the loyalty I have shown in turning down other job offers only works one way.”

Halifax have put chief scout Gareth McClelland in temporary charge for the next two games, tomorrow’s visit of Southport is followed by Gateshead heading to west Yorkshire on Tuesday.

The end of Aspin’s reign came in the wake of Guiseley’s 2-1 victory over Halifax in midweek and the Lions will be looking to build on that tomorrow at Dover.