Jim Vince has barely four-and-a-half weeks to shape a side for the coming campaign following the demise of the old club.

But that has not prevented them from being installed as 7-4 shots to win the title and gain promotion at the first attempt.

Halifax's closest rivals are expected to come from the north east with Durham City second favourites at 9-4 and Newcastle Blue Star rated 7-2 chances.

Bamber Bridge, who provide the first competitive opposition for Vince's new-look side at the Shay on August 16, are also among the fancied teams at 15-2.

Trafford, Halifax's first opponents on the road on August 19 are joint favourites to go down with Radcliffe Borough and Salford City.

Boston United who, like Halifax Town, were relegated from the Conference set up, are 6-1 joint favourites to return as champions of Unibond League Premier Division along with promoted Bradford Park Avenue and Leigh.

Halifax have arranged a sixth pre-season friendly away to Guiseley on Thursday, August 7 (7.45pm).

Unibond League Division One North odds:

7-4 Halifax , 9-4 Durham City, 7-2 Newcastle Blue Star, 11-2 Garforth Town, Skelmersdale United, 7-1 Curzon Ashton, 15-2 Bamber Bridge, 10-1 Colwyn Bay, 12-1 Lancaster City, 14-1 Warrington Town, Ossett Albion, 16-1 Wakefield

20-1 Rossendale United, 25-1 Harrogate Railway Athletic, 28-1 Chorley, Clitheroe, 40-1 Woodley Sports, Mossley, 50-1 Radcliffe Borough, Trafford, Salford City