BILLY HEATH has left North Ferriby United to take over at FC Halifax Town just two weeks after guiding the Villagers into Non-League's top flight.
Ferriby beat AFC Fylde in the National League North promotion final but Heath will be remaining at Step 2 after agreeing to replace Jim Harvey at the Shay.
Harvey's final game in charge was Sunday's FA Trophy final victory over Grimsby Town but, as we revealed before the game, the Northern Irishman was told his contract would not be renewed.
He replaced Darren Kelly permanently in December but despite overseeing a drastic upturn in form, the Shaymen couldn't quite secure their National League status and were relegated on the final day of the season.
Despite being set to start next season a league above Halifax, the offer of taking over at the Shay was too good for Heath – an FA Trophy winner himself last year – to turn down.
Since taking over in October 2011, Heath has transformed the Villagers and put them firmly on the football map with their success at Wembley as well as two promotions.
He signed a new three-year deal with Ferriby before Christmas but the club will now have to search for a new boss to lead them into their first campaign in Non-League's top flight.
A North Ferriby statement read: “After another fantastic season for North Ferriby United culminating in promotion to the National League, the club has to announce that after five extremely successful years our manager Billy Heath and assistant (Bobby) Mark Carroll have decided to take up an offer with FC Halifax Town.
“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.”
