FC Halifax Town uncertain on defender Ben Futcher’s position

NEIL ASPIN is planning for a future without Ben Futcher as FC Halifax Town go into their final friendly at North Ferriby this afternoon.

The Shay chief thought he had the experienced 31-year-old defender for the entire Blue Square Bet North campaign after signing him on loan from Bury.

But Futcher is back in Lancashire following the departure of manager Richie Barker to League I rivals Crawley.

Already part-time development coach at Gigg Lane, he’s been made assistant to caretaker boss Peter Shirtliff, who is keen to land the job full-time.

While Halifax chase a sixth win in seven pre-season games at Ferriby, Futcher will be in the dug-out for Bury’s Capital One Cup tie at home to Middlesbrough.

"It’s pointless preparing as if he’ll be back, because we don’t know what will happen," said Aspin, whose side kick-off at Bishop’s Stortford in seven days’ time.