By Jack Cousin
New Halifax Town boss Jamie Fullarton has made a good start to his career at the Shay Stadium picking up 12 points from an available 18.
Fullarton has overseen wins against Hartlepool United, Woking and Dagenham & Redbridge as well as points against Eastleigh, Guiseley and Solihull Moors taking the Shaymen from 20th to 15th in the National League table and seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Halifax Town fan John Bradley said: “With Jamie Fullarton coming in it’s been fantastic. The guy has got pedigree having coached at Premier League level with Crystal Palace then in the Championship with Nottingham Forest.”
He added: “He’s changed the mentality of the squad and the style of play. We play on the deck now with creative midfielders getting on the ball. He’s brought in a couple of lads from his contacts at Premier League level as well as players from under 18 and under 21 squads.”
Fullarton moved to Spain after his playing career and set up his own academy, running teams from under-8 to under-19 level. He’s since had spells as a coach at Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest. He’s had one previous management job at Notts County in 2016.
Bradley continued: “He’s very astute tactically. Some of the players in their interviews have been talking about the fact that he watches games beforehand and analyses them. The way he approaches and prepares for games is different and you can tell that from the way the players set out.”
Halifax started the season well and sat 2nd in the league after a victory at Leyton Orient back in September. They went winless during the months of October, November and January which cost Billy Heath his job.
Town fan Lewis Walsh said: “Heath’s stubbornness cost him his job. He might have been unlucky with injuries and suspensions but his unwillingness to change formations and tactics is what cost him. Fullarton has been the opposite and shown a willingness to change and adapt his tactics depending on how a game is going.”