John McGrath speaks after leaving Buxton to become manager of Halifax

John McGrath speaks after leaving Buxton to become manager of FC Halifax Town, who recently saw Adam Lakeland leave for Morecambe.

The 46 year old has ended his stay at Buxton after two seasons in charge, guiding them to two finishes in the National League North playoff places, as well as reaching the FA Cup second round.

The Shaymen ended the 2025/26 season finishing 8th in the National League table, 11 points from the playoff places.

⚽️ ✍️ FIRST TEAM MANAGER |

A new era begins. 😍

We’re delighted to confirm the appointment of John McGrath as the new First Team Manager.

➡️ https://t.co/VOcfvz7OKN#Shaymen | LD pic.twitter.com/WxDk9y1TMv

— FC Halifax Town (@FCHTOnline) May 19, 2026

FC HALIFAX TOWN STATEMENT:

FC Halifax Town are delighted to confirm the appointment of John McGrath, as new first team manager.

McGrath joins following two successful seasons in charge at Buxton, where he led The Bucks to consecutive playoff finishes in the Enterprise National League North.

A playing career that spanned nearly two decades, and a managerial career now spanning one decade, McGrath brings a wealth of experience from both the EFL and various levels of non-league football. Having come through the academy at Belvedere he made the move to Aston Villa following a successful trial. Whilst on the books with Villa, he was capped at under 21 level with the Republic of Ireland, making his debut against Greece, and his first start against the Netherlands. McGrath was part of the Doncaster Rovers squad that won the Football League Third Division in 2004, the Weymouth side that won the Conference South in 2006, and the Burton Albion side that won the Conference Premier in 2009. McGrath made nearly 200 appearances in the football league.

In 2015, McGrath joined Mickleover Sports, a partnership that would last for nine years. Originally joining as a player, he made the switch to player-manager in April 2016. In 2024, McGrath made the jump to the National League North to take charge at Buxton FC.

In his first season in charge, the Bucks finished 7th, qualifying for the playoffs on goal difference. They lost in the quarter-finals away at Chester. Last season, Buxton improved with a 5th place finish, and were the league’s fifth top scorers, fifth best defence, and second best team away from home. The Bucks also went one step further in the playoffs, beating Scarborough Athletic 4-2 in the quarter-finals, before losing 1-0 away at South Shields in the semi-final.

CLUB STATEMENT | JOHN MCGRATHhttps://t.co/mFgXjEOZiR pic.twitter.com/CSEkChP2HR

— Buxton Football Club (@Buxton_FC) May 19, 2026

BUXTON STATEMENT:

Buxton FC can confirm that First Team Manager John McGrath has departed the club to pursue an opportunity higher up the football pyramid.

John leaves the Silverlands after two hugely successful seasons in charge.

Since taking the reins, John has overseen some memorable moments for the Bucks, helping the club transition to full-time football, guiding us to the Second Round of the FA Cup, and securing successive National League North play-off finishes.

Chairman David Hopkins said:

“On behalf of everyone connected with Buxton Football Club, I would like to place on record our sincere thanks to John and his assistant, Pablo, for everything they have achieved during their two years with us.

“While naturally we are disappointed to see them leave, this opportunity is a testament to their fantastic record here. As First Team Manager, John has represented this football club with tremendous professionalism and integrity, and he departs with our very best wishes for the future.”

John McGrath added:

“I’d like to thank everyone connected with Buxton FC for their incredible support during my time at the club. It has been a privilege to manage this football club and work with such a fantastic group of players, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

“This was not an easy decision, but I feel the time is right to take on a new challenge. I leave with many great memories and will always look back fondly and proudly on my time at the Silverlands.

“A special thank you to Chairman Dave Hopkins for his constant guidance throughout my tenure at Buxton FC.

“And finally, to the Railway End — thank you for making my two years at the club as enjoyable as they were. The support shown was tremendous, and for that I thank you.”

Everyone at Buxton FC wishes John every success in the next chapter of his career.

Buxton FC would also like to place on record our thanks to Pablo Mills, who follows John to his new club.

An update on the club’s managerial position will be provided as soon as possible.

– STATEMENT ENDS –

Here’s how fans reacted as John McGrath speaks after leaving Buxton to become manager of Halifax…

@AFCHalifax2006: Fits the recent profile of managerial appointments. Let’s hope he can keep our top players together, who incidentally are under contract. Recruit well and bring a couple of the Buxton lads with him.

@JacobHopki77411: Hope he does well for you he gave us Buxton fans 2 years of great memories great manager and good person

@shaymenfans: Get behind this man he is a perfect fit for us. Get season tickets announced, I want to part with my money & get on board the promotion train next stop league 2 🤔 Top manager perfect fit 😁. Should be a straight transition keep the heart of the squad we could do very well. John’s preferred formation is 4-3-2-1 👍🏼 Maybe 1 or 2 players may follow him. Luke Brennan — probably the headline player. Top scorer and top assist provider, very direct winger/forward and clearly one of McGrath’s key attacking threats. Tai Sodje — another big attacking contributor with 9 league goals. Looks like he really developed under McGrath. Connor Kirby — midfield engine type. Most appearances in the squad and seems central to how Buxton play. Max Bardell — consistent at the back and one of the most-used defenders in the side. Kieran Burton — physical centre-half, regular starter and one of the defensive leaders. Johnny Johnston — chipped in with goals and assists and sounds like an energetic forward McGrath trusted. Some really good fits here for players who might be potentially leaving us this summer 🤷🏻‍♂️

@Bobbins79: Welcome John McGrath version 2. Hopefully much improved on version 1 from the 90s

@AdamPro_Actor:
🎶 The way you lead,
The way you guide the Shaymen,
You’ve got the whole town dreaming again,
We’re on the piss,
We’re going up this year,
I love you Johnny, just the way you are! 🎶

@72jamesk: Good appointment did well at Buxton be interesting to see how he does with you guys..!

@SLedgard77841: Absolute scenes this. We’re well and truly on our way now. John McGraths barmy army. Welcome to the club John 💙🤍

@DanTakesOnFooty: A good appointment in my book. Done a fantastic job at Buxton and took them to the play offs. Halifax are going to need a big summer with Lakeland leaving and alot of their key players maybe on the way out but this is a huge positive to start that big summer! 👏🏻 #Shaymen #NationalLeague

@StephenRushton2: Welcome to The Shay, John 😁😁

@CarlTaylo17: A different class. Look after him. #UpTheBucks