Halifax coach reinstated, Hall resigns

Halifax have reinstated head coach Matt Calland while Football Director Martin Hall has resigned following an internal investigation.

The Halifax board were investigating the circumstances surrounding the appearance of Michael Ostick in the fourth round Challenge Cup tie against Swinton, after he had already played for Rochdale in round three.

The error resulted in Halifax’s expulsion from the competition but Calland is now back on board with the club after being invited to return to full duties with immediate effect.

A statement on the club’s website said: “(The) investigation has shown that the breakdown in the club’s procedures arose as a consequence of the absence of the Football Director Martin Hall at material times both relating to the signing and playing of the Player concerned and a failure to ensure that compliance was properly managed in his absence by others.

“This conclusion is acknowledged by Martin Hall who has tendered his resignation which has been accepted.”

Club chairman Michael Steele added: “Martin Hall joined the Club when its fortunes, on and off the field, were at a low ebb. Since then, on a playing level, there has been consistent performance in the upper end of the Co-operative Championship, and under his coaching and that of his nominated successor, Matt Calland, a style of attacking Rugby which has been a delight to watch. He will be missed.”

Halifax play Barrow at The Shay on Sunday in a repeat of last season’s Championship Grand Final.