ALTRINCHAM captain Steve Bushell has left Moss Lane to return to former club Halifax.

The 34-year-old midfielder had originally been expected to remain at Alty after making a verbal commitment to manager Graham Heathcote.

But when Halifax came in with the offer of a full-time professional contract, Bushell found it too good to refuse.

Heathcote told SAM Sport: "It's a massive blow for us because I don't think we've seen the best of Steve and I know what he's capable of.

"Sometimes the adjustment from full-time football to having to work as well as play can be difficult and I think that's what he found out.

"He's been offered a full-time deal at Halifax so I can completely understand him taking it."

Bushell only signed for Alty from Halifax last summer after a successful loan spell at Moss Lane the previous season.

But in a season disrupted by a string of injuries, he failed to recreate his best form for the Robins and endured a largely frustrating campaign.

His return to Halifax, however, will be greeted by jubilation at the Shay, where he remains a hugely popular character.

In his last spell with the club, Bushell made more than 120 appearances and captained the side.

His Alty career encompassed just 44 appearances, in which he scored one goal.