FC Halifax Town: It was good to be back, says Aspin

Neil Aspin was delighted with his reception from the Halifax fans on his return to The Shay last Saturday.
Actions from Halifax Town v Gateshead, at the Shay Stadium, Halifax. Neil Aspin and Jim HarveyActions from Halifax Town v Gateshead, at the Shay Stadium, Halifax. Neil Aspin and Jim Harvey
Actions from Halifax Town v Gateshead, at the Shay Stadium, Halifax. Neil Aspin and Jim Harvey

The Gateshead boss was given a warm welcome by the home supporters before the 0-0 draw in the FA Trophy.

Aspin said he always had a good rapport with the Shaymen faithful and appreciated the response he got from them.

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“It was very nice of the fans because when people go back, especially managers, to former clubs you expect to get a bit of grief,” he said.

“But when I was here, even when we struggled at the start of the season, the fans never got on my back.

“I think I had a good relationship with the supporters. I enjoyed being manager here.

“Some of my best times in football have definitely been at Halifax and I have a lot of good memories of this club.”

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Aspin said it was nice to see some old faces, including catching up with Town fan Adam Heslop, who has a muscular condition called Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome and is a regular at home and away games.

“I know a lot of people here and there’s a lot of people who I’ve developed a good relationship with over the years,” Aspin said.

“In that respect it was nice to come back.

“It was nice to see Adam Heslop before the game, who’s a special person to me.

“He’s been up to see me at Gateshead and I’ve got a soft spot for him and his family.

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“I made sure he had a Gateshead hat before the game but it’s not going to persuade him to support Gateshead.

“It was nice to see him, his family and some other people.

“If you go through the team at Halifax as well I’ve signed eight out of the 11 who started so I know what they’re capable of and it was nice to see them again.”

Aspin admitted it was a strange feeling to turn right towards the away dressing rooms when he walked back into The Shay rather than left.

“I think we did do that once this season so it wouldn’t have been the first time,” he added.

“It’s nice to come back. In football, time moves on and that’s in the past.

“You’ve got to get on with your future and Gateshead is my home town and I’m happy to be there.”