FC Halifax Town were formed in 2008 when the club’s predecessor, Halifax Town AFC, was buried by huge tax debts after nearly a century of existence.  The old club had jogged along mostly in the third and fourth tiers until their demise.

The new club began life in the Northern Premier League Division One North (eighth tier) and climbed quickly, securing three promotions to reach the National League by 2013. They spent just one season back in the National League North in 2017, and have since been regular contenders, reaching the play-offs in three of the last four seasons.

The club are known as the Shaymen — they play at The Shay Stadium, a ground they share with the Halifax Panthers rugby league team.

Adam Lakeland took over at The Shay in June 2025, following his departure from National League North side King’s Lynn Town — ironically, after his side also suffered a play-off quarter-final defeat, just like Halifax.

Before his two seasons with the Linnets, Lakeland had built a strong non-league résumé, earning promotions with both Curzon Ashton and Farsley Celtic, and guiding Northwich Victoria to a Northern Premier League Division One North play-off final.

His longest managerial stint was a four-and-a-half-year spell in charge of Blackburn Rovers Women, which he credits as a formative period in his coaching career. Reflecting on that time, he once said:

“Managing Blackburn Rovers Women taught me a lot: how to build a competitive team on a bottom-two budget, how to plan training, deal with players, and find ways to win.”

Adequately, might be the word. Nudging the play-off places in the table, but realistically expecting that one of the leading six or seven teams will have to undergo a substantial fall in glory before the Shayman might take their place to enter into contention for an extended season. Ten victories from 24 games isn’t bad, although a goal difference of only +2 doesn’t hint at being certain promotion material. Losing 2-1 to struggling Truro City seems worthy of note, although conversely, Halifax’s ability to force a 1-1 draw with high-flying York (and to do likewise with Scunthorpe Utd) suggests that, when everything falls into place, they can go toe-to-toe with the big boys.

The Shaymen were most recently in Nailsworth in November 2024. A Kyle McAllister goal put the team ahead, but a late Halifax equaliser ensured a 1-1 draw – Rovers ninth consecutive unbeaten league game.

This season’s away fixture at The Shay, played in August 2025, was an edgy and closely fought game, but one in which Rovers ultimately came out victorious, with Yahya Bamba and Kairo Mitchell ensuring three points, with the final score of  2-1.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 12:30pm on matchdays and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 1:30pm.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 12:00pm.

Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 12:00pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.