Calland leaves Halifax

Northern Rail Cup finalists Halifax have parted company with head coach Matt Calland by mutual consent.

The club confirmed the move late on Friday night, less than 48 hours ahead of their Championship clash against York City Knights at The Shay.

It means that Calland’s last act as Halifax boss was the agonising last minute defeat to Leigh Centurions in the Northern Rail Cup final last Sunday.

A statement read: “Matt’s period as coach has been one of the most successful in the Club’s history and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Shay in the future.

“We would like to wish Matt all the best in his future and for his great services to the Club.

“The Club’s now excited to work hard for the remainder of the 2011 season, and its planning for 2012.”

Calland’s assistant Damian Ball will take charge of team affairs for the York game, while the club finds out on Tuesday if it has been successful in its application for a Super League licence from 2012.