‘Shocked’ FC Halifax Town manager directs attack at National League clubs

‘Shocked’ FC Halifax Town manager Pete Wild directs an attack at various National League clubs, speaking out about it with The NLP.

The former English Football League boss is going into the 2021/22 campaign knowing his squad must again work hard to compete against clubs, some of which who are ‘throwing money around’.

He believes there is more money being spent by clubs in the National League than League Two this summer, having previously managed in that division.

Suggestions that the pandemic would re-align the finances of clubs appear to be wide of the mark in the view of Pete Wild also.

The top-flight season begins on the 21st of August with newly-relegated clubs Grimsby Town and Southend United dropping down.

Three teams will be relegated with only two promoted – one automatically and one through the six team play-off structure.

The Shaymen finished 10th in the 2020/21 season, just four points behind reaching Bromley who occupied the last playoff place.

Meanwhile, FC Halifax Town striker Jake Hyde has left the club to join fellow National League side Wrexham for an undisclosed fee, and defender Neill Byrne has signed for Hartlepool United.

⚽️ 📣 A MESSAGE FROM THE GAFFER |

“ I appreciate these kind of situations can make supporters apprehensive and sceptical “

👀

👇https://t.co/5ttTTvZ9f6 #fcht

(MB) pic.twitter.com/IcYAKKnsOI

— FC Halifax Town (@FCHTOnline) July 18, 2021

PETE WILD’S STATEMENT:

“I am writing to help you understand and allay any fears you may have regarding the sale and recruitment of players.

“As I have continually stressed over the last year we have developed a strict budget and playing structure which allows us to get every penny out of the playing budget. This is firmly driven by me and supported by the Chairman. This will at times see us lose or miss out on certain players, but allows us to maintain our budget and ensure harmony in the squad.

“Regarding the sale of the two players this week. I’m under no pressure to sell any player at this Club, however every player has a price, coupled with individual player circumstances.

“Both Neill and Jake have made it known to me during the summer that they would like to move on, for various reasons. When a player says that to me, then I have to work in the best interests of the football club and look to move them on. I’m sure you will agree with me, we only want players here who are committed to making this Club better, not with one eye elsewhere. Of course the financials have to be right and the appropriate figures have been achieved.

“In my eyes this was excellent business for the football club given the circumstances. The Chairman has always stated to me from day one that any money created from player sales will be reinvested into the playing budget. When you see the term ‘undisclosed fee’ that is normally the request of both clubs involved, not just one.

“As you would expect, we have already identified and are speaking to clubs and players who we wish to replace those who have left. The Chairman and I will continue to work on our targets and we will make these public as soon as we can.

“I appreciate that these kinds of situations can make supporters apprehensive and sceptical. With this, all sorts of rumours from people ‘in the know’ will materialise on social media platforms. In my two years at the Club, I have remained open and honest with the fans and today is no different, hence why I thought it was appropriate to deliver this message myself.

“I hope this mitigates your fears and I can assure you we all remain committed to producing the best squad possible for the new season. Something I am more than confident we will do for the third season in a row.

“I look forward to seeing you at our friendly games in the coming weeks, and showing off what will be another exciting squad for the 21/22 season.”

As the ‘shocked’ FC Halifax Town manager directs an attack at National League clubs, fans reacted over on social media…

@HtfcPatrick: Unbelievable. Will end in tears for some clubs. Spend within your means. Keep your club safe for the next generation. Chairmen and owners are caretakers.

@mrcrh11: Been like that for a while

@robesteva: Said exactly the same this week, certainly top half of NL versus bottom half of L2

@Brad_Smith73: Invest in youth and then give them the chance to flourish!

@Toshslim: Trying to get out of the league before the wage cap is introduced

@nickmadden91: Just bitter he doesn’t have any money to spend

ON THE STATEMENT

@_Evan_Jones_: I’m still behind the gaffer, got to remember we were 16th before he came in and he managed to pull us to a playoff position with a squad he assembled in a week before we started, without him frankly I’d see us down in National League North, I trust pete and everyone else should

@MartinL75279040: Can’t argue with honesty. Always remember Aspin saying ‘I don’t want anyone at the club that doesn’t want to be here’. Pete obviously following same philosophy

@CoachsHotline: Can’t really blame players for going and getting more money which i assume they will be doing. As long as we get the right money and it’s going back in to build the club up to a higher level that’s the main thing. The proof will be in the pudding i suppose.

@james16gannon: Great piece from Pete. Honesty, integrity and clarity as always. The National League is becoming highly competitive but I am sure that Halifax will have another really strong season due to the togetherness of the staff and team that will enter into the opening games.

@SHAYMANJECS: Very honest. If they don’t want to play for the club… cash out. Move on.

@SamualMykola: in PW we trust!

@jonmitch48: We are trying to sell season tickets on the back of selling our best players. A season of struggle and trouble ahead.

@RossHeslop91:
Frustrating? Yes
Concerning? Of Course
Do I still trust and back Pete, who has delivered 2 very strong seasons – 100%
We’ve got weeks until the season starts, if players don’t want to be here and we have decent fees for them, then that only helps build a stronger squad #FCHT

@WackaFax: If sn-Hyde wanted to leave he leaves. We make a few quid and someone else comes in .That’s Football. #inpetewetrust

@_SamCrossley: Great messaging from the gaffer, steadying the ship and engaging with the fan’s concerns. I trust PW to get the best results across the season for the club. #forzatheshaymen #fcht