Former Buxton defender follows Town boss McGrath to The Shay

The 23-year-old, from Huddersfield, played under Halifax manager John McGrath at Buxton last season, and is believed to have signed a two-year deal at The Shay.

Bardell can play at centre-half or right-back, and started his junior career at Huddersfield Town before moving on to Manchester City and then Derby County in 2019.

He captained the Derby under 18’s side before signing his first professional contract in 2021 and having this extended to 2025 as he progressed to the under 21’s side.

He made a couple of first team appearances for the Rams in the FA Cup before going out on an extended loan at AFC Fylde where he made 27 starts in the National League during the 2024-25 season, and was a team-mate of Halifax midfielder Will Hugill.

Bardell won the players’ player of the season award at Buxton last year, scoring three goals in 38 league games.