A new chapter at the Shay will see the newly-named club compete in Division One North of the UniBond League next term following their expulsion from the Football Conference.

Gone are fixtures against the likes of Oxford, Torquay and Exeter – with Bamber Bridge, Clitheroe and Woodley Sports on the agenda instead.

Former boss Wilder has left the Shay to take up the position of assistant manager at Bury next to manager and former Halifax defender Alan Knill.

An emotional day all round is in store on Tuesday, July 22 when the pair bring their new side to the Shay for Halifax's first pre-season friendly under new boss Jim Vince – former manager at Witton Albion.

Wilder, 40, had six years at Halifax and experienced ups and downs, but admits he leaves the club with very fond memories.

The new Bury number two says he is saddened by Halifax's recent struggles but believes his old club have every chance of bouncing back.

"I think it's desperately disappointing what's happened, but they've got the right people running the club," said Wilder.

"The support for the club is also good and the only way the club can go is up.

"I'm sure that will happen. I wish them all the best and my time there was a huge part of my career.

"Six years is quite a long time, but I really enjoyed my time there.

"I hope they go forward as I really want them to do well."

Wilder and Halifax have gone their opposite ways as he has jumped up a division to League Two, while Halifax have dropped down three.

Bury begin with fixtures against Brentford, Chesterfield and Morecambe while Halifax start with Bamber Bridge at home followed by visits to Trafford and Lancaster City.

It's poles apart and Wilder must also learn a new role as assistant boss, but he is delighted with his appointment and relishing the challenge.

"On and off the park, it's a very different challenge and a different role," said Wilder. "I'm sure it will take me a bit of time to get used to it, but I'm sure I'll enjoy it."

Bury will be hoping for an outside tilt at a play-off spot and Halifax will want to make the first jump to getting back where they belong with promotion to the UniBond Premier.

After that, Blue Square North is all that lies between the Shaymen and their former home in the Conference, or Blue Square Premier.

Halifax have taken the first steps to getting back on track by appointing Vince as their new manager, but a host of players have left the club and Wilder knows promotion won't just happen overnight.

"I hope that happens, but to win any league, no matter what it is, you have got to have a decent team," said Wilder.

"It won't just happen and they'll have to put a decent team together, but let's hope they do and they win the division."

New boss Vince will need a recruitment overdrive as a whole team has left the club – the latest departure being striker Jon Shaw who has joined League Two side Rochdale. The England C international, who scored 20 goals for the Shaymen last year, has left the club after just one season.

He joined the club from Burton in August 2007 and made an instant impact on the first team.

Tom Kearney has also left the club to join Wrexham, Gareth Davies has joined Gainsborough Trinity and Mark Whitehouse has gone to Guiseley.

Matt Doughty is now at Altrincham while Jake Wright, Lewis Killeen and Danny Forrest have all left to join Conference club Crawley Town.

Ryan Toulson and Nicky Gray have moved to Harrogate Town with Adam Legzdins joining League One outfit Crewe Alexandra.

One recent arrival announced by Halifax is that of Nigel Jemson who joins the club as assistant manager.

Jemson, 38, enjoyed a playing career spanning 10 clubs including Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Preston North End, scoring 109 goals in 420 league appearances and was manager at UniBond Premier Division side Ilkeston Town last season.

Jemson joins new manager Vince, 41, himself a former player at Stoke City, Crewe Alexandra, Altrincham, Witton Albion and Winsford United.

Vince spent two-and-a-half years at Witton, guiding them to two second-placed finishes.