NEIL ASPIN has accused FC Halifax Town of a lack of loyalty after the axe fell for the first time in the National League – as Paul Cox's sudden resignation at Torquay United sparked speculation they may already have his replacement.
The Shaymen have sacked the manager who took the club from eighth in the Evo-Stik NPL North to Non-League's top tier, making nearly £1m in profit after discovering the likes of England international Jamie Vardy and Millwall's Lee Gregory in the process.
Cox, 43, quit Torquay on Friday morning after off-the-field matters couldn't be resolved. The Nottingham-based boss only returned to the game in June after eight months out of work.
Loyalty
Aspin has been in charge of Halifax since 2009 and he is responsible for the phoenix club's rise back up the Pyramid, winning promotion from Step 4 in his first season and taking the club to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier title before Conference North play-off success in 2013.
He was fired after one win in ten games but hit out at the decision saying the club's refusal to go full-time hampered any chance of progress into the Football League.
Already linked with the job is former Leeds United manager and ex-Halifax favourite Neil Redfearn and former Stockport County manager Ian Bogie. Gary Waddock, a Conference champion with Aldershot in 2008, is another rumoured.
But Aspin isn't happy after being given his P45 following six successful years at the Shay.
He told The NLP: “I would like to think I'm a loyal person. I have turned down the chance of jobs elsewhere during my time here, I have always given everything I have to Halifax and wasn't interested in looking elsewhere, but it appears loyalty only works one way.
“This is the first season when results have been poor, but we're only a few weeks in. You would expect after what we have achieved in my time here to be given longer to turn it around.
“Unfortunately due to a number of reasons we haven't been able to kick on. We're a part-time club with a budget considerably less than most others at this levels, with little in the way of training facilities progress hasn't been made.
“I have brought in well over three quarters of a million for players I have unearthed. We've had many here in my time and if those players wouldn't have left things could have been a lot different.
“I'm very proud of my record and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the future. I'm very keen to continue my career in management and I would like to get back in as soon as possible. I would like to thank my staff, the players and the supporters.”
Contribution
Bogie, the former Gateshead manager, says the situation is difficult for him – he is good friends with Aspin and the idea of taking his job is uncomfortable. He will mull over sending his CV in this weekend.
“Neil is a big mate, it's difficult,” said Bogie. “He's been a victim of his own success in a way. There will be a lot of managers in for the job that's for sure, I want to get back in but I will have to give proper consideration over the weekend before deciding.”
FC Halifax's statement read: “Neil Aspin was currently in his sixth season with the club. The decision was sadly and reluctantly taken following a prolonged period of indifferent results stretching back to February.
“That said, the club wishes to place on record sincere thanks to Neil for his contribution to the Club's great success over the last few seasons. We are sure he will be back in football very quickly.”
I would love to know what happened when Neil Aspin nearly joined Gateshead last summer.