FC Halifax Town: Calderdale Council and Halifax MP welcome the prospect of Town fans returning to The Shay

Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered a glimmer of hope to FC Halifax Town fans earlier this week that they could return to The Shay before the end of the campaign when he announced up to 10,000 fans could be back in stadia by mid-May as part of the government’s plans for the country to move out of lockdown.

Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Coun Jenny Lynn, said: “We look forward to safely welcoming fans back to the Shay Stadium and will continue to follow Government guidance stating when and how this can happen.

“If all the Government tests are met and fans are allowed back into stadiums from 17 May 2021, it would be a great boost for both FC Halifax Town and the Halifax Panthers. Halifax Town fans could be allowed to attend their last home game of the season and hopefully a further play-off game and Panthers fans could first return to the stadium for their home game against Featherstone.

“We know fans are desperate to get back to sporting events and we’ve really missed the fantastic atmosphere created at the Shay. However, it’s important that this can be done safely and we’ll continue to carry out risk assessments and adhere to Government advice on capacity assessments when available.”

Halifax MP Holly Lynch said: “I know Halifax Town fans will be desperate to get back to The Shay so it is welcome news that they should be able to enjoy a match in May.

“I’d like to wish the club and its fans all the best for the rest of what has been a truly exceptional season. I’ve got everything crossed that Halifax can make the play offs to put themselves in with a chance of promotion and enable fans to attend an additional match.”