Despite his team suffering relegation from the National League Northern Premier, Halifax FC Women manager Rob Mitchell remains upbeat but admits that a different approach will be needed going into next season.

Halifax will play in the fourth tier of women’s football next term and Mitchell said: “We’re moving into a slightly different model next season. In fact, it’s going to change quite a lot. It will give more people more opportunity to play in an elite environment.”

He was also quick to applaud those who have committed their futures to the club while acknowledging that some new faces are needed. “We’ve secured several of the players that have played this season, and it’ll give them that experience, build a bit of know-how and nous,” he said.

“It will give them an understanding of what it takes to win football matches and compete, and we’ve got to take that, but still add several players to give us the edge in what is a very competitive tier four league.

placeholder image — Halifax FC Women manager Rob Mitchell.

"There are teams that will be going for it, teams that have been there a while; it’s not easy. Testament to the players that have agreed to stay though as I feel they’re more than capable of playing tier three or above.”

Upon reflecting on some the calibre of familiar past and future opponents. Mitchell singled out a near neighbour as one to emulate, saying: “Teams like Huddersfield Town [who won the fourth tier this season] and they’ve been outstanding; strong, fit, work together and with a good system they’ve rightfully won it.

"Teams like Middlesbrough have had to take a step back and look what they’ve done this season [finishing fifth at tier three]. Loughborough have done it; teams go down, reset, took stock, learnt how to win again, and they’re back better now.”

Despite challenges on and off the field, he took pride at the status and grounding Halifax Women now have, adding: “This was our fifth year at this level, and I think it’s remarkable with the budget we’ve got and the teams we’ve faced. Now we’ve got unbelievable owners who are backing us all the way, and I don’t think it will take much for us to bounce back.

“Our remit is clear. Yes, we’ve gone down, but we’re going to bounce back next season. That’s not being arrogant the league is hard and we’re going to have to fight for every point, but that’s the aim.

"The aim and the outcome might be different, but we’re going to give everything to try bounce back and give the fans a team to be proud of and the town of Halifax to be proud of too in women’s football. Let’s see what the future holds.”