Premier status confirmed

11:55am Thursday 12th June 2008

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ALTY'S Blue Square Premier status has been confirmed beyond any doubt after Halifax Town's appeal against their expulsion was thrown out by the Football Association.

The Shaymen had been thrown out of the league at last week's Conference annual general meeting after failing to exit administration by the May 10 deadline.

But the club lodged an appeal to the FA against the decision, more in the hope they could reform in the Blue Square North than retain their Premier status.

Their expulsion was confirmed beyond any doubt, however, when the FA dismissed their appeal on Wednesday, meaning the highest level they will now be able to play at is the Unibond Division One North.

Halifax are still lumbered with more than £2million worth of debt and were unable to agree a deal with creditors over repayments.

The failure of their appeal means the Robins' plans for another year in non-league football's top flight will not be in vain.

Manager Graham Heathcote has already signed four new players and has several others in his sights as he aims to build a squad capable of competing in a predominantly full-time professional league.