LEAGUE MATCH OFFER

OLD BOY

ALL CHANGE AT UMBRO

BSP NEWS

'It's coming together as best it can at the moment', Daish told the Reporter. 'I'm getting inundated with advisors and agents trying to place players, so it's about keeping your nerve and waiting for the right ones to come around. We're currently in ongoing talks with some players that possibly people will know and who are maybe a little bit more accustomed to the Blue Square Premier. There are still a lot of players out there that are unattached and the window is open for another month'. The new recruits join captain Darius Charles, Lance Cronin, Steven Springett and Michael West at the club".

According to the Oxford Mail "Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas says he is still waiting to find out the terms of Dean Whitehead's transfer from Sunderland to Stoke City to discover how much Oxford could be entitled to from their sell-on clause. The initial £3m fee for the transfer could rise to £5m, it's reported, and this is believed to depend partly on appearances. United are due 25 per cent of the fee, minus the £325,000 they sold him for in 2004".

Stephen Vaughan yesterday issued a statement to the Chester Chronicle: “On May 26, 2009, Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd completed the purchase of Chester City Football Club Ltd via a CVA for £290,000 which gave creditors 15p in the pound. Each creditor then had 28 days to appeal the decision and the HM Revenue and Customs appealed. On Tuesday of this week, through a judge’s discretion, the CVA was revoked because of the connected creditor.

This doesn’t affect the sale and purchase agreement between Chester City Football Club Ltd in administration and Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd, the new owners. It is a setback because it has resulted in the FA membership not being transferred from old company to new, so we’re working together with our administrators to have our membership accepted.

That has had an adverse effect on the pre-season games, losing the income streams that we forecasted in our cash-flow projections, and we’ve had to arrange a number of training sessions and 11-a-side games behind closed doors. So we are now waiting to get acceptance of our FA membership and we are still looking forward to the first game of the season at Grays Athletic on August 8, but unfortunately that will be the first time the fans will see the new team in action.

Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd purchased the club on May 26, 2009 and are the owners of Chester City. The FA may find it fitting to penalise us further but we await the outcome of their decision. The following questions from the FA need answering satisfactorily to enable us to get our membership:

We have to convene a board meeting with professional advisers to amend the articles of association to satisfy the criteria of FA rule 12, and we’ve had to give them assurances that Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd fully agree to comply with whatever is necessary for FA membership to be transferred".

The Chronicle adds that "Soho Square officials must now decide whether to grant the new company behind the Blues the required affiliation that would allow them to resume playing and take their place in the Blue Square Premier – despite not having a CVA in place. If they do not, the club faces the very real threat of closure. Last night there were no clues as to whether City would be given a last-minute reprieve...

Meanwhile, Conference chiefs meet on Monday for a board meeting in which Chester’s plight will be high on the agenda. Dennis Strudwick, general manager of the Conference, told The Chronicle last night: 'The matter is being dealt with in tandem by the Conference and the FA. We haven’t set a deadline but an outcome is a matter of urgency as there are only 10 days before the start of the season. We are seeking information and once we’ve received that information we hope it will enable us to facilitate Chester City in the league next season'... City must therefore hope that, like Leeds United two years ago, they are granted an FA Licence even though they do not have a CVA in place. Leeds, however, were hit with a 15-point deduction and Chester, who will already start the season on minus 10, would be likely to receive a similar punishment or worse. As an unaffiliated club, the Blues have not been able to play pre-season friendlies... The visit to Blue Square North club Droylsden on Saturday (3pm) could yet go ahead though. The fixture is in memory of Neil ‘Tony’ Downes from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who was killed in Afghanistan. As an exceptional circumstance, the FA may allow the friendly to take place. Chester boss Mick Wadsworth, meanwhile, has agreed a deal for experienced striker Glynn Hurst".

And the Liverpool Daily Post adds that "Stephen Vaughan was upbeat last night about the Conference club’s chances of obtaining the vital affiliation to the Football Association.... 'We have had a number of discussions with officials from the FA who have been extremely helpful... We will provide all this information in the next 48 hours and hopefully we will then be granted our affiliation' said Vaughan. He continued: 'We have also received a letter from the chief executive of the Conference, who requires various assurances by August 3. Naturally we will send the details that are requested, and give the assurances that are needed'"."

200% explains why HM Revenue & Customs objected to the CVA. "What, then, were HMRC objecting to? Insolvency laws relating to Company Voluntary Arrangements are pretty specific, and HMRC lost their legal status as a preferred creditor several years ago. The amount believed to be owed by Chester City to HMRC was in the region of £1m. It’s a sizeable amount of money, and under normal circumstances it might have given HMRC a blocking vote against any proposed CVA (any creditor owed more than 25% of the total amount of money to be included in the CVA can block the approval of the arrangement). In the case of Chester City, however, there were £4m of other debts to be taken into account. The HMRC could vote, but they didn’t have a blocking vote in the case of the Chester City CVA. The arrangement was agreed at a creditors’ meeting on June 11th... The 1986 Insolvency Act only allows two specific grounds for the revoking of a CVA - either the CVA unfairly prejudices the interests of a creditor or shareholder, or there has been some material irregularity at the shareholders’ or creditors’ meeting. The judge’s verdict, therefore, was a damning indictment of whatever has been going on at Chester over the last few months or so".

NL Daily says that "Ian Roper insists it was manager Mark Cooper's ambition that convinced him to join Kettering Town. The 32-year-old central defender completed his move to the Elgood's Arena from new league rivals Luton Town... Roper, who made over 300 appearances for Walsall, and last season performed for new league rivals Luton Town, was Cooper's preferred choice to replace Guy Branston at the heart of the Poppies' backline. And Roper revealed 'I had another year's option at Luton but I spoke to the manager here last week and he sold the club to me and I am glad to have signed now', he said".

"Tamworth assistant manager Darron Gee is hopeful the club's injury crisis will clear up in time for the Conference Premier curtain-raiser at Stevenage Borough" reports This is Tamworth. "The Lambs' 16-man squad has been ravaged by a series of injuries in the past week – which forced the club to postpone their pre-season friendly at Chasetown on Tuesday night... He believes some injuries should clear up... [but] Dominic Langdon (broken foot) and Gavin Hurren (knee) appear to be long term injuries. Others in the walking wounded – Richard Tait and Jake Sheridan – are hoping to resume training shortly... 'It's just something that we have to cope with. The board made it clear to us, given the current climate, what our budget would be at the start of the close season... What we have had to do is spend our budget as wisely as we can and have gone for quality rather than quantity. In an ideal world you would have a 20 man squad but we are not in a position to do that'", said the assistant manager.

Meanwhile "Tamworth's home clash with Wrexham on August 11 has been postponed due to international call-ups. The move comes after Wrexham's Neil Taylor, Chris Maxwell and Marc Williams were called into the Wales under-21 squad for their clash with Hungary on August 12. Wrexham would also have been without Silvio Spann, who has been called into the Trinidad squad. The match will now be played on Tuesday, August 25".

NEW NON-LEAGUE SITE

YOUTH CUP

CHALMERS NOT JOINING

HARVEY LEAVING FGR?

McGREGOR JOINS NOMADS

'Mark’s appointment comes after the club were made aware of his desire to move into coaching and management and he was taking the crucial decision of his future in the game', says a statement from the Nomads. 'Altrincham FC were extremely positive in supporting Mark’s move and we are extremely grateful for their co-operation'...

Meanwhile, moving in the opposite direction is former TNS defender Rob Williams, who has completed his move to the Robins".

AUSSIES AND MAN. UTD AT MOSS LANE

It's a big night on Tuesday for Altrincham Football Club with V.I.P guests on and off the pitch. Members of the Australian cricket squad, currently involved in a titanic struggle with England for the Ashes, will be attending the Robins' final pre-season fixture against Manchester United.

Above: Australian cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting are seen here with Geoff Goodwin in August 2005 during the epic 2005 Ashes Tour when the Australians visited Altrincham. The picture was taken by Gavin Rathbone in the Altrincham boardroom and the trophy shown is the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Altrincham Chairman, Geoff Goodwin, is currently driving the Australian cricket team throughout their tour as his Go Goodwins coach company has a long-term contract with the England and Wales Cricket Board. Goodwin said 'We've been very fortunate as the game against Manchester United falls between the two Test matches at Edgbaston and Headingley. I'll be driving our brand new Van Hool Astron luxury coach over from Leeds on Tuesday afternoon and we're hoping that most of the squad will be on board'.

Two people who will definitely be attending are captain Ricky Ponting and team manager Steve Bernard. 'I've been friends with Ricky and Steve for a number of years now and they have always taken a keen interest in Altrincham's fortunes. They have recently become shareholders as well, as I have donated 500 of my shares to each of them', said the Robins' Chairman who is going into his eighth season at the Moss Lane helm.

On the pitch, Manchester United have promised to send a strong team to Moss Lane. Vice-Chairman, Grahame Rowley, explained that 'Manchester United Reserves have been playing their home games at Moss Lane since last November and they requested that we improve our dressing-room facilities during the close season, in return for which they would send a strong team for this game. There is a match at Old Trafford against Valencia on Wednesday and we won't know the United squad until Monday but, with the array of talent that they have at their disposal, we are confident that there will be some high profile names included'. The game kicks off at 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday August 4th".

Altrincham FC season ticket holders are admitted free. Otherwise admission prices are £7 (£2 concessionaries).

UMBRO TOURNAMENT

GOAL SPONSORSHIP

TASC invite all supporters to join the goal sponsorship scheme. We are happy to have any arrangement, whether to sponsor for every goal the team score, every clean sheet the team have, every goal an individual player scores, or even every penalty that Stuart Coburn (or any other keeper!) makes.

As previously, we will be updating you during the season of how much your sponsorship has cost you and we propose that the money should, as before be paid in a couple of instalments.

As last season, the names of the goal sponsors and the amount that they have sponsored will be published in the programme, and, at the end of the season, a framed photograph of an image of your choice will be sent out to you.

For sponsors of last season, Jon Stack informs me that he will have the framed photos ready to send out, or collect shortly. If anyone is interested in renewing their sponsorship for this season. Please send me an e-mail and I will add you to the list.

Thanks, Steve.

RECYCLE YOUR PHONE FOR ALTY

For the new season, TASC are relaunching the mobile phone recycling scheme. Our target for this year is to raise the same amount as last year. We raised over £804.87 from 131 phones last year. As last year, please hand your old mobiles in to any member of the TASC committee, or to the boxes in the bar or shop, or to the club's offices during normal office hours on any working day.

SATURDAY'S GAME

YANKEE

BSP NEWS

"On the 26th May 2009, Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd completed the purchase of Chester City Football Club for £290,000 via the exit from a CVA. On the 28th July 2009 the High Court judge ruled in favour of HMRC by the way of the judges' discretion to revoke the CVA. Although acknowledged that this is a major setback for Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd and has cost the football club valued revenue by not allowing our pre-season fixtures to be played, it has no effect on the purchase of Chester City Football Club by Chester City Football Club 2004. Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd are now working with Refresh Recovery Limited to have the membership transferred from 'old co' to 'new co' by the football Association. On this basis, Chester City Football Club 2004 Ltd have arranged behind closed doors training sessions games with other football clubs.

We can only apologise to our fans on the fact that there will be no home fixtures for them to attend until the 11th August 2009, Chester City v Gateshead. Further penalties may be imposed by the Football Conference who, unlike the Football League, do not have a policy rule of exceptional circumstances, but do tend to mirror-image the FA. The forthcoming fixture against Droylsden FC may still take place. This fixture is in the memory of Neil 'Tony' Downes from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards who was sadly killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on saturday 9th June 2007. As exceptional circumstances the FA is considering the fixture to take place".

More news comes from the Liverpool Daily Post which reports that "Chester City have been thrown into further turmoil, after a high court judge ruled in favour of HM Revenue & Customs' objection to the club’s recent CVA. The judgement effectively means that Chester are in limbo, and must now go cap in hand to the Football Association to try and get them to affiliate a new controlling company of the Deva Stadium outfit.

The FA had previously refused to accept City’s application for affiliation, stating that they were awaiting outstanding paperwork and the outcome of yesterday’s court ruling... The state that City find themselves in, is similar to that of Leeds United a few seasons ago. The Yorkshire club, after much haggling, were eventually granted affiliation, however they started that season on minus 15 points.

Chester’s new boss Mick Wadsworth has had to prepare his players for the new campaign without the luxury of playing friendly matches... This latest set back in a Manchester Court could well mean the end of the club in its current form, Chester’s fate now lies firmly in the hands of the Football Association".

News of our opening-day of the season opponents comes from the Football Conference says that "Liam Daish, manager of Ebbsfleet United, has confirmed the signing of five players ahead of the new season. Following members raising over £12,000, forward Ricky Shakes rejoins Ebbsfleet and in addition, Daish has signed four players who have all been on trial at the club - Jordan Collins (left-back), James Lindie (centre forward), Ishmael Welsh (left-wing) and Jamie Forshaw (right midfield/forward). The five players have each been given contracts for the 2009/10 season. Daish continues to negotiate with several other trialists...as well as with Dean Pooley, who was with the Fleet last season, and is hopeful of news of more signings within the next seven days".

In a friendly at Vauxhall Motors "On a night when manager Dean Saunders said he more interested in the defence getting 45 minutes together, he was certainly given plenty of food for thought" report Wrexham. There was a shock in store for the visitors as early as the very first minute, when Chris Noone chased as long ball and was obstructed by Chris Maxwell on the edge of his box, with the keeper conceding his second penalty in as many games. [Ex-Alty] midfielder Chris Lane stepped forward to send Maxi the wrong way, sending the local youths jumping for joy behind that goal". Wrexham eventually won 5-3.

The Football Conference announces that:

"The new version of the Football Conference website came on line on 1st July... The following are the three key points we wish to stress in its operation:

"Kidderminster Harriers have completed a deal to sign former Cheltenham Town captain John Finnigan on a two-year contract, as of August 1st. The experienced campaigner, 33, has made more than 400 career appearances... Wakefield-born Finnigan started his professional career with Lincoln City in 1997 where he featured regularly for more than four seasons... Since 2002 he's been one of Cheltenham's most influential and popular players with a hustle and bustle, all-action approach from central midfield".

The Conference also says that "Chesterfield have signed striker Drew Talbot on a two-year deal after he negotiated his release from Luton Town".

Meanwhile "Rotherham United came from behind to beat York City 3-2 at the KitKat Crescent. New signings Tom Pope and [ex-Alty man] Kevin Ellison both found the net for the Millers, cancelling out Andy Ferrell's opener in the second half, which was followed by an Andy McWilliams own goal and a close range effort by Ellison to secure a comfortable win".

The BBC confirms previous reports that "Salisbury coach Tommy Widdrington will take control of the first team this season with manager Nick Holmes becoming general manager... whilst Holmes works on a takeover of the club. Widdrington, who joined the club in 2005 as a player, told BBC Wiltshire... 'I will have the decision on picking [the players], that's the only difference from last season. It's a natural progression for myself. Nick's probably been forced into it because of the situation at the football club, but I class me and Nick as a team', he added. Widdrington also revealed that six of the players on trial at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium have signed on to start the season at Salisbury. Sean Clohessy, Jamie Turley, Danny Spence, Stuart Andersen, Ryan O'Hara and Bradley Grey have all agreed short-term deals, with a view to extended contracts when the protracted takeover of the club is finally completed".

"Courtney Pitt has been offered a fresh chance by new manager Martin Ling as he made his debut at the Cambridge United helm in last night’s 1-0 home defeat to a Liverpool XI" reports the Cambridge News. "The winger was put on the transfer list by former boss Gary Brabin... But Pitt was thrown on for the second half by Ling... and the new manager said he felt the U’s longest-serving player could remain an important part of the squad. Ling said: 'To me, in central areas of midfield we’re okay, but in wide areas we’re one short... There’s a talent there. It’s my job to get the talent out'".

On Wednesday on Tyneside, The Chronicle told us that "Gateshead will clinch the signing of former Ireland under-19 striker Darren Forsyth ahead of tonight’s pre-season friendly against Hartlepool United at the International Stadium... The 21-year-old, who has League of Ireland experience at Shelbourne and Bray Wanderers, will sign a one-year deal with an extra year’s option. Gateshead boss Ian Bogie is delighted to capture Forsyth, whose two Ireland caps were against Portugal and Ukraine. Bogie said: 'Forsyth paid his own flight over from Dublin in an attempt to secure a contract at Gateshead, and after what we’ve seen we’re delighted to give him one... He is 6ft 2in, has a good touch for a big man and knows where the goal is'.

Gateshead now have a three-pronged attack, with Graeme Armstrong and summer signing Steven Richardson already at the club – but Bogie is keen to make it four... Gateshead have also signed former Magpie Neale McDermott, the son of former Newcastle, Liverpool and England midfielder, and United backroom boy, Terry McDermott. McDermott junior, 24, has been playing in Belgium after spells at Fulham and Carlisle United... 'McDermott is a central midfielder who will give us something different', added Bogie. 'He gained Football League experience on loan at both Swindon Town and Darlington and has a good engine'. Gateshead will complete a hat-trick of signings, with left-back Phil Cave returning to the club on a permanent basis following a spell at Scottish outfit Livingston".

According to The Comet Stevenage "Boro boss Graham Westley admitted losing Mitchell Cole to an ankle injury is a 'body blow'... It is not yet known how long Cole will be out for but he was taken to hospital after being stretchered off during Boro's 2-0 defeat against Peterborough United at The Lamex Stadium on Tuesday evening. With Andy Drury also still sidelined, Westley said his creative resources are being severely tested ahead of the big kick-off against Tamworth on August 8 although it is up to the rest of the Boro squad to find a way to cope without them".

Yesterday AFC Wimbledon boss "Terry Brown announced that Calum Willock will not be joining the club. 'I went through our position with Erik Samuelson this morning to look at the finances of the deal. Understandably, Calum is keen to sort out a club for the entire season and at this stage we were unable to offer him the security and commitment he was looking for'".

NEW NUMBERS

ROBBIE JOINS

AUSSIES RETURN TO MOSS LANE

Geoff has also announced that he has donated 500 shares in the Altrincham Football Club to Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting and manager Steve Barnard. Geoff, who is currently driving the luxury coach carrying the touring Australian cricketers to their matches on England, has long been a close friend of the two Aussies, as well as forging strong links with the rest of their squad.

In addition, a Cricket Dinner has also been arranged at the Cresta Court Hotel in Altrincham on August 31st at which Steve Barnard and guests from the touring party are expected to be in attendance. Tickets are £45 and can be purchased via Altrincham FC (928-1045) or by e-mailing Alty vice-chairman Grahame Rowley.

As Tuesday's Manchester Evening News reports Geoff's firm "has secured funding for a new luxury coach to transport the Australian squad during this summer's tour... Go Goodwins secured funding from Yorkshire Bank to buy the Van Hool Astron, which has 38 leather seats, satellite TV, a kitchen and tables. Geoff said, 'We have been working with the England and Wales Cricket Board for almost 10 years now and this vehicle will enable us to continue offering the very best levels of quality and service that our customers expect'. After the Ashes, the coach will be used by other international cricket teams touring the UK.

Ian Walkden of Yorkshire Bank's Manchester Centre said, ' We have enjoyed a longstanding business relationship with Go Goodwins and the company continues to be a successful and highly professional transport operator'. Geoff has been at the helm of Go Goodwins for 30 years. It is family-owned and its roots go back five generations".

GAVIN'S LENS

Gavin, in conjunction with TASC's Peter Foster, is currently working on a new Altrincham FC calendar, details of which will appear here shortly.

NEXT VISITORS

Meanwhile, the Brewers boss is running the rule over former Derby County full-back Richard Jackson. The 29-year-old defender, who was released by Hereford United at the end of last season, is currently trying to work his way back to fitness by training with Albion... Marc Edworthy, another former Derby player, is also training with Albion and has featured in most of their pre-season games. Both players are comfortable at right-back, where Peschisolido might be looking to provide competition for Andy Corbett".

OLD BOYS

"In the Arthur Clancy Memorial game at the Tameside Stadium, hosts Curzon Ashton edged out neighbours Ashton United 2-1. Curzon's goalscorers were James Ogoo and Chris Curley [ex-Alty youth], while Pat McFadden [ex-Alty first-team] replied for the visitors" reports NL Daily.

TASC GOLF DAY RAISES £110!

The first TASC Golf Day took place on Friday at Mobberley Golf Club and, despite a couple of short sharp showers, we were generally fortunate with the weather. An individual competition using the Stableford Points System produced the following top three, each of whom received a shield & Golf related gift.

The event raised £110 for Altrincham Football Club and TASC would like to thank Eric Robinson (Mobberley Golf Club Captain and Altrincham F.C. Vice President) and Gary Donnison (Mobberley Golf Club Professional) for their help in organising the event and providing the prizes.

CHESHIRE NEWS

Rushe’s original proposal for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) with creditors, to repay part of the club’s debt, offered a dividend of 25p in the pound over five years. Three quarters in value of those owed cash must support the plan for Vics to survive in their present form. The company – Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Ltd – has been in administration since the beginning of May.

The Guardian has asked for an update from finance experts Refresh Recovery Ltd – currently the legal owners of the club – but so far nobody from the Skelmersdale-based firm has replied. Every creditor will be entitled to vote on Rushe’s higher dividend offer, although the Guardian understands that none were against his original proposal. That means a deal with the tax man is pivotal... If the improved terms of his CVA are accepted, Rushe will buy the club back using a new company. That in turn will free him to complete a £1.3m deal, agreed earlier this year, to become the next owner of the club’s Victoria Stadium home".

BSP NEWS

On the 8th July 2009 in the High court of Justice, Chancellery Division in Manchester, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) filed an application challenging the approval of the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) which was originally approved at a meeting of creditors held on the 11th June, 2009. At a hearing held in the Manchester High Court and concluded today His Honour Judge Pelling QC ruled in favour of the application by HMRC in respect of a debt owed by Chester City Football Club Ltd to a connected creditor and revoked the approval of the CVA. Martin Shaw of Refresh Recovery Ltd, and the administrator in this matter stated that the decision by the Court, on the application of HMRC, is a setback to the new owners of the club. However, we are actively talking with the Football Association in relation to the impact that this decision will have upon the transfer of the membership to the FA. The new owners and I are working with the Football Association to ensure that the club can commence playing matches when the new season starts on the 8th August, 2009. Further communications will follow when appropriate. For further information please contact Refresh Recovery Ltd, Martin Shaw/Bill Brandon on 01695711200 or Turner Parkinson Solicitors’ Will Jones on 016 1833 1212.

A Chester supporter on the Football Forum explains that the above, "Translated into English means that the result of the court hearing is that the CVA has been overturned. The club will therefore re-enter administration. By the rules that means we should be relegated from the BSP as per Appendix E, however it remains to be seen whether, if the club even survives the administration, with the season now only days away we may be given a huge additional points deduction and allowed to play out the season on the basis that they can't arrange for us to be entered into another league at this late stage. Whatever happens this is a truly dark day in the history of our club".

"Prospect Estates Holdings have recently agreed to reduce their shareholding in Crawley Town Football Club in exchange for an investment into the club. This has resulted in helping secure the future of the club in these difficult times. We would like to emphasise Prospect Estates Holdings have not received any of these extra funds and Tom Scott, despite ill health, continues to support the club and we thank him for his generosity. It is no secret the current owners inherited significant bad debts and problems from the previous owners and it has been a constant struggle to overcome these. We realise we still face difficult times ahead like all businesses and individuals. However, we continue to work hard to put Crawley Town Football Club on a secure financial footing going forward.

The shareholders now are: B. Winfield, Prospect Estates Holdings Limited, J. Duly, WTS Limited with no one party holding a controlling interest".

According to the Daily Post "Gareth Taylor is set to lead the line for Wrexham this evening [Tuesday] when they continue their pre-season build up at neighbours Vauxhall Motors. The veteran striker has fully recovered from the virus that kept him away from training last week, as have midfielders Steve Abbott and Simon Brown... Only Marc Williams, who was 21 yesterday, and captain Ashley Westwood are a cause for concern with foot and shin problems respectively, but the Dragons' boss said yesterday: 'Marc seems to be recovering, while Ashley is seeing a specialist today'...

Former Senegal striker Lamine Sakho, who was signed last Thursday subject to a successful medical, was in for training for the first time yesterday, and Saunders [added]'We’ve got a Portuguese goalkeeper on trial and I’ve got a couple in the pipeline with just one or two places in the squad that need to be filled'".

from the Cambridge News we learn that "Histon have received a five-figure financial boost ahead of the new Blue Square Premier campaign. Suffolk-based company Omar Homes will sponsor the backs of the Stutes' home and away shirts for the next two years. The deal will earn Histon £60,000 and chairman Gareth Baldwin thinks the cash injection can help them maintain their ambition of pushing for promotion to the Football League.

Omar Homes is headed by Histon director Paul Pleszko, while Tony Roach, who joined the club's board recently, is also part of the business. Baldwin said: 'For a club of our size to attract a company of the size of Omar Homes - albeit through one of our directors - is very, very exciting... Getting this revenue gives us the confidence to go and compete with the bigger clubs in this league'. Plans are already in place to install toilets at the away end of the Glass World Stadium, while other stadium improvements are in the pipeline".

Luton Today says that "Energetic striker Drew Talbot could yet play a part in Luton Town's Blue Square Premier campaign according to boss Mick Harford. A contractual clause, meaning the Hatters would have to pay Talbot a sizeable amount more a week if he played one more senior game for the club, limited his chances at Kenilworth Road last season and eventually saw him farmed out on loan to League Two rivals Chesterfield.

With the Spireites failing to follow up their initial interest over a permanent move, the flame-haired forward has impressed for the Hatters during their pre-season preparations. And Harford was full of praise for the hard-working 23-year-old frontman, saying: 'In my opinion he has never been out of the picture. He has looked sharp and looks very bright'... Talbot has struggled in front of goal for the Hatters, hitting just five goals in 63 appearances, but his tireless industry and non-stop running have created plenty of chances for his team-mates and endeared him to the Kenilworth Road faithful".

SQUAD PHOTO 2009-10

The Altrincham FC squad photo was taken tonight in pouring rain at Moss Lane. Mark McGregor is not on the photo as he is expected to sign for a Welsh Premier club tomorrow. Goalkeeper Russell Saunders signed for Altrincham FC tonight; the former Wigan Athletic youngster has impressed greatly in pre-season.

Back row: Robbie Williams, Aaron Chalmers, James Smith, Matty Crowell, Russell Saunders, Stuart Coburn, Richard Acton, Greg Young, Dale Johnson, Danny Heffernan, Michael Welch. Middle row: Danny Heathcote and Charles Heathcote (kitmen), Nicky Clee, Shaun Densmore, Chris Denham, Tom Kearney, Matt Doughty, Anthony Danylyk, Ian Senior (goalkeeping coach), Sean Riley (physio). Front row: Derek Wilshaw (club secretary), Colin Little, Geoff Goodwin (chairman), Graham Heathcote (manager), Robbie Lawton (captain), Ken McKenna (assistant manager), Grahame Rowley (vice-chairman), Chris Senior, George Heslop (company secretary & youth team manager).

OLD BOYS

Alty Youth players (l. to. r.) Stelvio Rocha and Alfred Kunabie are seen, right, in action against Congleton Town on Sunday.

NL Daily reports that "Veteran Bury Town and former Cambridge United, Northwich Victoria, Altrincham, Stevenage Borough and AFC Sudbury goalkeeper Dean Greygoose has decided to hang up his gloves after twenty-seven years in the game. The 44-year-old shot-stopper who joined the Zamaretto League Division One Midlands club in 2006, will remain at Ram Meadow as goalkeeping coach and will combine this with a joint-manager role for Ridgeons League side Team Bury alongside Neil Reader.

Greygoose said: 'I just felt that enough was enough. I have loved my time as a player at Bury, but after suffering from a long knee injury last season I just felt the time was right to start my management career'. Greygoose added that he had been offered deals from other clubs but that he had always been keen to stay at Ram Meadow... Born in Thetford, Greygoose enjoyed an impressive football league career. After making his break at Cambridge, Greygoose went on to have spells at Leyton Orient, Crystal Palace and Crewe Alexandra as a professional. The custodian made eighty-seven appearances for arch rivals AFC Sudbury, before joining Bury from Soham Town Rangers three years ago" adds the Bury Free Press.

NL Daily also says that "The lack of pre-season goals may be of some concern to Buxton’s management team but every player is looking fit with re-signed Kieran Lugsden once again catching the eye".

"A goalkeeper, who was jailed for blackmailing a Premier League footballer over sexual images, has been signed by a Lancashire team. Ashley Timms, who used to play for Manchester City's youth team, made his debut for Bacup Borough FC on Saturday. The 23-year-old was jailed in August last year for making unwarranted demands with menaces on his victim. He threatened to publish a video of his victim having sex with a 19-year-old woman if he was not paid £15,000. Mr Timms has now secured a place with the North West Counties Premier Division club... Bacup FC manager Brent Peters said: 'I am highly delighted to have secured the services of Ashley Timms, who is a top quality goalkeeper. Unfortunately he did make a mistake in his life and for that mistake he did pay the price. His past is his past, it is important now that we all look to the future, I am confident the lad will become a top quality Football League keeper'.

Timms played with Manchester City's under-19 side and had spells at Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley". He also played for all three Altrincham teams (youth, reserves and first-team), in the space of ten days in 2003.

CHESHIRE NEWS

Three quarters in value of those owed cash must support the plan for Vics to survive in their present form. It is not known which way HM Revenue and Customs will vote. Rushe claims to have ploughed £325,000 of his own money into the club since taking control in December 2007. Former backer Nick Bone has done the same... The company – Northwich Victoria Football Club (2004) Ltd – has been in administration since the beginning of May. As a result the Football Conference has imposed a 10-points penalty... If the terms of his CVA are accepted, Rushe will buy the football club back using a new company. He will then be free to complete a £1.3m deal, agreed earlier this year, to become the next owner of the Victoria Stadium".

BSP NEWS

Born in East London, his playing career began with Exeter City as an apprentice and he made 109 league starts between 1984 and 1986 before a £25,000 move to Swindon, which was quickly followed by a £15,000 to Southend United where he spent five seasons, making 126 league starts and twice winning promotion from Division Four in 1987 and 1990... In 1991 a two-month spell at Mansfield was followed by a £15,000 return to Swindon, where he stayed for over five years and made 132 league starts, winning promotion to the Premier League via the Division One play-offs in 1993.

Another long stay followed at his next club, this time Leyton Orient, where he recorded another 152 league starts over four years. After a brief spell at Brighton in 2000, where he made eight appearances, he rejoined Orient later that year as a coach and worked with their youth and reserve teams until he was appointed manager in December 2003... Taking over a side second from bottom of the league on 27th September 2003, he turned around their fortunes... Ling successfully kept the club in League One... With limited funds, last season was tough and when the O's dropped into the relegation zone... and Ling and his assistant Dean Smith left the club by mutual consent. Since then Ling has been scouting for Hibernian and setting up a network of scouts for the Scottish Premier League side".

"Peterborough United have signed a second Crawley youngster in the space of a week with midfielder Romone McCrae agreeing a two-year deal. The 18-year-old - who never made a competitive start for Crawley - joins striker Danny Mills at London Road. Crawley boss Steve Evans told the club website: 'I can confirm that terms have been agreed for the transfer of young Romone McCrae. He is a fantastic talent and it is nothing less than I expected'" reports tha BBC.

"Luton have signed Portsmouth striker Callum Reynolds on loan until January. The Luton-born 19-year-old started his career with Rushden and Diamonds before Paul Hart took him to the Premier League South Coast side. Meanwhile, Harford is set to meet with striker Drew Talbot to see if he can persuade him to stay at Kenilworth Road" says the BBC.

Your Local Guardian says that "Allan McLeod admits his head is still spinning after the defender completed an amazing u-turn and returned to Tooting & Mitcham less than a month after quitting the club to join Grays Athletic... He said: 'To be perfectly honest I still don’t know exactly what happened. I went there, I had my discussions with them and I signed a contract and then nothing happened. The whole thing has been a bit of a shambles. I need people to be straight with me and Grays were anything but. I gave them time but then I just had enough of it. When I do not know what is going on behind the scenes then that is time for me to leave. They really mucked me about so I just went to see the bosses, shook them by the hand and said that is me out of here'...

From the Oxford Mail we learn that "Former chairman Nick Merry has stepped down as a director of Oxford United... for 'personal reasons'. It...leaves chairman Kelvin Thomas as the sole director. Thomas, though, has been stating for some time that he is looking at restructuring the board. It was Merry who, as part of the consortium Woodstock Partners Limited, and headed up by Ian Lenagan, which bought Oxford United for £1 from former chairman Firoz Kassam in March 2006... He played youth football for the club in the 1970s... Woodstock-born Merry made his money in the United States, running a now defunct Florida-based dental biotechnology company called MicroDenteX, as well as investing in gemstones in Guinea...

Merry, who is in Africa, stressed that he wasn't cutting his ties with Oxford United. 'I'm still very much connected because I own 50 per cent of the football club!' he said. 'I've just resigned as a director for personal reasons. My travels are becoming more excessive'".

MOSS LANE STEWARDS

YOUTH NEWS

The draw for the Umbro International Tournament in which Altrincham FC Youth take part has been made. Altrincham are in Youth B League B and their group stage fixtures are:

The NW Youth Alliance, in which Altrincham FC Youth play, announces that there are now three league divisions. Altrincham remain in the Premier Division, whose other members in 2009-10 will be:

COMBINING SPORTS

Another Alty man with West Yorkshire cricket credentials is Chris Senior, whilst manager Graham Heathcote also has cricketing skills, being involved with Urmston CC.

Also at Moss Lane on Saturday was Michael Welch, who is recovering from his ankle operation. Michael is still on crutches and it is hoped he will be fit to play again in the autumn.

BOLTON VIEW

ALTY T-SHIRTS

The T-shirts are priced at £13.99 each and be can be purchased here. All T-shirts ordered through this link will earn the club a 20% commission. This is also the case if you order non-Altrincham shirts using this link.

We are currently in the process of providing Cult Zeros with pictures of the 2009/10 squad and management team, although Colin Little and Dale Johnson T-shirts are already available to order. Samples of these T-shirts can be viewed in the TASC section of the Club Shop on matchdays, starting this weekend.

If you wish for any other past Altrincham player to be made available, please contact TASC Chairman Brian Flynn or Membership Secretary Anthony Wright and we will do our best to find a suitable image to use.

Remember you must type in or copy & paste the affiliate link - www.cultzeros.co.uk/default.asp?PARTNER=TASC - into your web browser for Altrincham Football Club to benefit from the 20% commission.

* Please note that TASC does not condone the use of abusive comments regarding players or the management.

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

Meanwhile, Eric Whalley, the new director of football at Chester City says of his club's current inability to play games because of an FA ban, "I promise it will be totally resolved this week".

At Salisbury City "Tommy Widdrington has taken control of team affairs...a move that has resulted in assistant manager Barry Blankley leaving the club. Blankley told the NL Paper that the reason was that "Tom and I don't get on... We don't like each other".

Hayes and Yeading United have signed Team Bath defender Sami el-Abd and Adam Green, a former Fulham youngster.

ALTRINCHAM 3 BOLTON WANDERERS XI 3

Right: Bolton keeper Lainton saves as, (l. to r.), Robbie Williams, Chris Senior (9) and Tom Kearney (6) are in attendance.

TRIALIST NEWS

BSP NEWS

However, the capture of Gash, favoured by a 94 per cent vote by the Ebbsfleet electronic following, brought to an end one of the longest pursuits of a player in the Minstermen’s recent history... Said a relieved manager, Martin Foyle: 'It’s been a saga, a real saga. It’s been one of the longest transfers I have ever been involved in and likely to be... I am so pleased because I really rate the lad. His hold-up play is excellent, he’s the right age and the most important thing is he wants to play for York City'...

It was back in June that it was first revealed City had tabled an £80,000 bid for Gash, defender Darius Charles and midfielder Neil Barrett. Only Barrett arrived after the joint cash offer for Gash and Charles stalled when centre-back Charles announced at the 11th hour he did not want to move north... An offer of £55,000 [for Gash alone] – some £30,000 up front followed by a second payment of £25,000 due on New Year’s Day, 2010 – was resubmitted to Ebbsfleet...

While money has not changed hands for defender Sangare, City boss Foyle was also delighted at getting the defender to sign terms. 'He’s another one for the future. He’s got a lot of strength and that’s going to be important once we get the new season underway'”.

OLD BOYS

TRAFFORD VIEWS

Above: it may not look like it from his relaxed look but Dale Johnson (10) has just put the ball in the net for Alty's second goal at Trafford.

Trafford FC have a report on the Alty game on Thursday. It says "Trafford were brought back down to earth with a bump on Thursday night when they were demolished 7-1 by Blue Square Conference aristocrats Altrincham at Shawe View. The gulf in class was evident from the outset as the Robins repeatedly tore holes in the home defence". This site's match report is here.

BSP NEWS

Confirmation comes from Ebbsfleet United that they "have received an offer of £55,000 for striker Michael Gash. The club who has made the offer wishes to remain anonymous until the vote is completed. The terms of the offer are as follows:

In addition, the sell on fee to Gash's previous club Cambridge City has been re-negotiated to 15%. This means that should the transfer be approved by members, £7,000 would go to Cambridge City, meaning the Fleet would gross £48,000. If in future Michael Gash is transferred by by the unnamed club, Cambridge City would receive 30% of the 20% that EUFC would receive from the sale.

Liam Daish commented, 'Weighing everything up, I think this is the right deal for Ebbsfleet United and Michael Gash. It will make a considerable difference to our playing budget and enable me to bring in a number of the players we've been looking at over the last few week. I have spoken to Michael and he has expressed a wish to move on'.

Club accountant Graeme Swift commented, 'Financially, this looks like a sound move for Ebbsfleet United. It will increase our net playing budget by £890 per week as well as free up the current wages of Michael Gash. It will certainly give Liam Daish more options'. Members will have until 18.00 on Friday July 24 to vote on the offer'". The Ebbsfleet Forum later confirmed the "Vote result on sale of Michael Gash to unnamed club:

"Dean Saunders, manager of Wrexham, has agreed a deal to sign former Oldham Athletic striker Matthew Wolfenden" reports NL Daily. "Wolfenden, who was 22 earlier this week, was told by Oldham on Tuesday that he was free to find a new club... Saunders was happy to hand him a one-year deal... Explained Saunders 'He works hard, has an eye for goal and will be a big asset... We have brought another forward in, but I am still looking for another. We still have five or six in mind despite the news about Andrew Mangan'" who was poised to become a target for the Dragons, reports the Evening Leader.

The BBC adds that "Wrexham are poised to strengthen their striking options... Ex-Leeds United frontman Lamine Sakho, 31, has agreed a one-year deal and the Senegal international is expected to sign on his return from France. Also expected to sign up for 12 months is Oldham Athletic striker Matty Wolfenden".

The BBC says that "Grays Athletic have signed experienced midfielder Richard Graham. The club have been forced to completely revamp their squad as manager Craig Edwards works with a vastly reduced budget. The 29-year-old was released by Dagenham and Redbridge at the end of last season after a loan spell with Kettering Town. Grays have also signed striker Charlie Taylor from Dulwich Hamlet and former AFC Wimbledon defender Shayne Mangodza".

"Oxford chairman Kelvin Thomas has said he is delighted after United landed at least £500,000 from Dean Whitehead's move from Sunderland to Stoke. United should land 25% of the £3m fee, which could rise to £5m, minus the fee which Sunderland paid the U's for the midfielder in 2004. Thomas said: 'No two ways about it, it will definitely be a windfall. It will help offset some of the losses we have planned on for this year and pay down some debt'. He added: 'We have made a big commitment to Chris [Wilder, manager] in regards to the players. I think it's not something we would throw into the playing budget because we think we have a big enough squad to compete for promotion'. United could be line for over £1m if Whitehead plays a sufficient amount of games and if Stoke achieve success in his spell there".

The Press says that "Trialists Luke Waterfall [an Alty loan player last season] and Andy Taylor have been jettisoned by York City manager Martin Foyle... Foyle has decided not to pursue his interest in either former Tranmere Rovers defender Waterfall or Grimsby striker Taylor...But trialist Jimmy Jackson will be remaining with the Minstermen for the time being. Foyle said: 'Two years ago, he had massive potential at Chesterfield'. The City boss said he was also edging towards an agreement with Djoumin Sangare, who was offered a contract earlier this week. 'It’s very close', Foyle declared".

Rushden & Diamonds "have signed Barnet striker Cliff Akurang on a season-long loan. The 28 year old striker started his career with Chesham United, later playing for Thurrock, Heybridge Swifts, Dagenham & Redbridge (in the season they won the Conference), Histon, Weymouth (on loan) and Barnet. Justin Edinburgh commented 'I tried to sign him when I first came to the club, he's been top of my list for a while now'".

SQUAD NUMBERS

1. Stuart COBURN, 2. James SMITH, 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 4. Mark McGREGOR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 6. Shaun DENSMORE, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 8. Matty CROWELL, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Chris DENHAM, 11. Nicky CLEE, 12. Tom KEARNEY, 14. Dale JOHNSON, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 18. Michael WELCH, 19. Chris SENIOR, 20. Danny HEFFERNAN, 23. Richard ACTON.

TRAFFORD 1 ALTRINCHAM 7

Colin Little nets the game's opening goal at Shawe View.

A first-half hat-trick by Dale Johnson set Altrincham on the way to a comfortable win at Shawe View against their UniBond First Division neighbours, Trafford FC.

CLUBCALL

Brian adds that what Robbie has been suffering from is "a medical condition that is now apparently quite prevalent amongst footballers and particularly Aussie Rules Football players!". In Saturday's programme for the Bolton game, Robbie writes, "I was glad to be back in action on Tuesday night at Northwich after missing Saturday's trip to Colwyn Bay because of an injection. I have been suffering with a condition called Osteitis Pubis which is inflammation of the pubic symphysis, the joint at the front of the pelvis between the two ends of the pubic bone". Buy your programme for more details!

ALTY T-SHIRTS

The T-shirts are priced at £13.99 each and be can be purchased here. All T-shirts ordered through this link will earn the club a 20% commission. This is also the case if you order non-Altrincham shirts using this link.

We are currently in the process of providing Cult Zeros with pictures of the 2009/10 squad and management team, although Colin Little and Dale Johnson T-shirts are already available to order. Samples of these T-shirts can be viewed in the TASC section of the Club Shop on matchdays, starting this weekend.

If you wish for any other past Altrincham player to be made available, please contact TASC Chairman Brian Flynn or Membership Secretary Anthony Wright and we will do our best to find a suitable image to use.

Remember you must type in or copy & paste the affiliate link - www.cultzeros.co.uk/default.asp?PARTNER=TASC - into your web browser for Altrincham Football Club to benefit from the 20% commission.

* Please note that TASC does not condone the use of abusive comments regarding players or the management team".

TAKE A HOLIDAY AND HELP THE CLUB!

Holidays from Belfast:

Holidays from Birmingham

Holidays from Bristol

Holidays from Cardiff

Holidays from Doncaster

Holidays from East Midlands

Holidays from Glasgow

Holidays from Humberside

Holidays from Leeds/Bradford

Holidays from London Gatwick

Holidays from Manchester

Holidays from Newcastle

Holidays from Stansted

(Prices inclusive of all extras apart from optional extras such as in-flight meals and extra luggage allowance. Prices are 'prices from' and are subject to availability and change. Prices are based on maximum occupancies. Holiday Club terms and conditions can be found in any Thomas Cook or Going Places store or at www.thomascooksport.com)

BSP NEWS

The Chester Chronicle tells us that "Jay Harris and David Mannix are facing the sack after the disgraced Chester City duo were yesterday found guilty of breaching betting rules by the FA. Harris has been banned for a year and fined £5,000 while Mannix has been handed a £4,000 fine and a 10-month ban for betting on Accrington Stanley to lose their League Two match with Bury on May 3, 2008. The midfielders, who signed two-year deals with the Blues last June, were registered with Accrington at the time...

Chester’s managing director Bob Gray said: 'They have to go and it is as simple as that as we cannot condone players betting on their own team to get beat[en]. We’re taking the right steps through our solicitors and they will get what they deserve. If it’s a sackable offence, we will sack them'. Former Accrington owner Eric Whalley, who this week joined Chester’s board, said: 'I am disgusted with the players. If you were a fan who had paid £15 to watch your team regularly and you found one of the players had bet on the team to lose, what would you think? It is disgusting'”

From NL Daily we read that "Paul Carden has committed his future to Cambridge United by agreeing a new three-year-contract as player-assistant manager. The 30-year-old has ended uncertainty over his future by extending his stay to June 2012, delighting chairman George Rolls. 'I think he will go on to be a great manager one day', said Rolls. 'I know it must have been a hard decision for him to stay once Gary Brabin had gone, but it shows the sort of person Paul is that he's a true professional and he's committed to the club and wants to do well here. This is a fantastic signing for us to tie him up for an extra two years. I think we've shown our commitment to Paul in giving him a three-year contract... We're over the moon tonight to have this wrapped up'...

Rolls added, 'All the players and the young pros learn from him and he's always set an example... I hope this is first of many long-term contracts that he signs with us'". Meanwhile United remain managerless.

"Oxford United have signed former Aldershot Town defender Rhys Day on a two-year deal. Day... was released at the end of the season and has been on trial with the U` s in Scotland... The 26-year-old said: 'Oxford United are a team that should be in League One at least... U's manager Chris Wilder was impressed by the former Mansfield Town player's attitude when he was offered a trial by United in Scotland. He said: 'For me to ring the boy up last Thursday afternoon, and for him to be up in Edinburgh 15 minutes after we were, says a lot about the lad'... Day joins James Constable, Adam Chapman, Dannie Bulman, Mark Creighton, Jack Midson, Marcus Kelly, Alfie Potter, Alex Rhodes, Ryan Clarke and Matt Green in joining the U's this summer".

NL Daily adds that "Kettering Town recorded another pre-season win as they beat a Peterborough United XI 2-1. A penalty by Jean-Paul Marna and a second from [ex-Alty loanee] James Jennings after Gareth Seddon had missed another spot-kick were enough to give the Poppies victory".

Crawley Town "can confirm that young prolific striker Danny Mills (18) has signed for Coca-Cola Championship Club Peterborough United. Posh have beaten off two further Championship clubs and Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers to land the young striker".

And from the Northants Evening Telegraph comes news that "Mark Cooper believes Patrick Noubissie is the sort of player who could make a difference for Kettering Town. The former Livingston and Hibernian midfielder completed 90 minutes for the Poppies in a 2-1 victory over a Peterborough United XI... Cooper, meanwhile, revealed midfielder Jamie Yates will join the club on an initial one-month deal".

The BBC confirms that "Histon have completed the signing of ex-Boston United striker Kieran Leabon. The former Ipswich Town apprentice, 20, has signed a one-year deal".

According to The Press "Foyle said he is hoping the on-off transfer saga with Ebbsfleet United striker Michael Gash will soon be resolved in the Minstermen’s favour... The City boss is still negotiating on the same terms which saw the club bid £50,000 for the front-man following the collapse of the twin deal involving defender Darius Charles... He said, 'It’s the same bid as two weeks ago. Ebbsfleet are taking their time and they have had to deal with Cambridge City over the percentage of the sell-on. I think it has been agreed. I haven’t heard anything else and hopefully it might go through'”.

This is Tamworth says that "Tamworth are running the rule over for Derby County youth player Tyrone Emery and ex-West Bromwich Albion striker Seb Lake-Gaskin".

The Northants Evening Telegraph reports that "Justin Edinburgh was left delighted with the second-half performance as Rushden & Diamonds fought out a draw with Nottingham Forest... Aaron O'Connor celebrated his home debut by scoring the equaliser just before half-time following a cross by on-loan Forest winger James Reid... Diamonds' boss Edinburgh said: "It was a real work-out... We've got options in certain areas which gives us a little bit of flexibility'... However, there was another issue for the Diamonds boss to deal with after Lee Tomlin was taken off seconds before the break. Edinburgh said: 'That will be dealt with in-house. But I wasn't happy with something which was said. That's as far as I will go. He certainly wasn't injured'. Trevor Benjamin and Nicky Nicolau were handed further trials while Forest midfielder Mark Byrne made his debut. Edinburgh also revealed a deal to sign a League Two striker is 'quite close' to a conclusion".

The Cherry Red Non-League Newsdesk Annual has merged with The Puma Non-League Club Directory. James Wright says, "I would like to stress to all our customers that this is certainly not the end of the road for my [Cherry Red] Annual – far from it! The Annual will be incorporated within the Directory almost in its entirety. I will be compiling all the statistical details for Steps 5-6, and for Step 7, minor leagues, Welsh leagues and miscellaneous cup competitions. The very popular format of the Newsdesk Annual will be largely retained. The new book will be available in mid-September".

SUMMER FUN

THURSDAY'S GAME

Meanwhile, Trafford announced this week that "Trafford Football Club is delighted to announce that Old Trafford solicitors, ClearLaw, has become its main sponsor for the UniBond League season 2009/10. Founded in 1990 - originally as North Trafford - the Club will celebrate its 20th anniversary this season. In the past two years Trafford F.C. has gone from strength to strength to become the Vodkat League Division One Champions in 2008, and finished last season in style winning the UniBond League President's Cup for the second time, beating First Division South team, Quorn FC, 0-2 away. The UniBond League kicks-off on Saturday 15th August when Trafford are drawn to play Salford City at home under newly appointed manager, Garry Vaughan. A former player at the club, Vaughan made an impressive 305 appearances, scoring a record 89 goals for them during his seven year stint there in the 1990s".

VICS HAPPY AFTER ALTY GAME

The Guardian also confirms that "Mike Aspin has returned to Northwich Victoria. The teenage defender rejoined... after finishing the previous season at Farsley Celtic. 'The door was never closed for Michael', said Vics' boss Andy Preece. 'I’ve had to be patient about it because he was understandably wary after what had gone on at the end of last season'... Aspin, 19, tore up his Northwich contract in March after waiting too long to be paid... before jumping ship to the Throstle Nest... A brief spell in Thailand with Nahon Pathom followed".

Right, Alty warm up under a rainbow at Northwich on Tuesday evening.

OLD BOYS

BSP GAMES

The case against another Accrington player, Peter Cavanagh, will be heard at a later date. Williams, who remains at Accrington, was fined £3,500 with Mannix, who is now at Chester, given a £4,000 fine and Mangan, who is now at Forest Green Rovers, £2,000. The five players were all charged with betting on a victory for Bury in the game, which was Accrington's last game of the 2007/2008 season... In addition, Harris was fined £500 for betting on at least one other match after he had moved to Chester.

Nicholas Stewart QC, chairman of the independent FA regulatory commission, which carried out the investigation, said in a statement: 'The regulatory commission have serious concerns that the outcome of the match may have been fixed, although none of the players were charged with these offences'... Under FA rules, players, managers or coaching staff are prohibited from betting on the result or progress of any match or competition in which they are participating or have any direct or indirect influence over".

In response, NL Daily reports that "Forest Green Rovers have issued the following official statement in response to the press release from the Football Association concerning the outcome of their enquiries into allegations in connection with betting, attributed to the Accrington Stanley v Bury, League Two fixture played on 3rd May 2008. Whilst Forest Green Rovers FC currently hold the player registration for Andrew Mangan, the club were not aware of any such enquiries by the Football Association into this matter until some six months after the player originally signed for the club... Andrew Mangan is registered with the club and any matters between him and this club are private as in the case of any employee/employer relationship. Consequently all sections of the press and media are strongly advised that the name of Forest Green Rovers is not and never has been aligned to this enquiry, other than through his current player registration. Accordingly neither the player, any member of management or officials of the club will be making any further statement with regard to this matter".

From Luton Town we learn that "Hatters' fans will get a unique opportunity to help fund Mick Harford's sixth summer signing on Saturday when Peterborough United send a team to Kenilworth Road for a pre-season friendly. In a first for the club, the Town can confirm that all proceeds from the game with Posh will go towards the signing of centre-back Shane Blackett from the London Road outfit".

Meanwhile, "Martin Ling could have moved to the top of the list for the manager’s job at Cambridge United. The former Leyton Orient boss looks set to be shortlisted for the post... Chairman George Rolls admitted 'Martin Ling is an intelligent and highly thought-of manager. He’d be a front-runner. However, he has been a manager at a League One club which comes with different pitfalls to managing in the Conference in terms of budgets, wages and other factors. We need to look at the whole package, but he has been interviewed and did very well'. Rolls confirmed the board had interviewed Hampton & Richmond Borough boss Alan Devonshire on Monday, but said they would not be considering him further" reports NL Daily .

Rolls "also said talks had taken place with Alan Lewer, despite the former United assistant-manager stating that he had not been contacted by the club following his application. John Yems, who left his role as Exeter City number two last week, and Billy McEwan, whose managerial CV includes spells with Sheffield United, Rotherham, Darlington, York City and Mansfield Town, are also understood to have been interviewed. Rolls refused to comment on whether either man had been spoken to, but said the board still had three or four un-named candidates to meet over the next few days. He said: '"It’s also vital the board is unanimous on this one rather than a split vote'", reports Cambridge News

Alty's first opponents of the season won their latest friendly according to Kent Online which reports on "Ebbsfleet 3 Leyton Orient 2. Jamie Forshaw took the plaudits after his double strike saw Ebbsfleet spring a surprise against League 1 Leyton Orient... Forshaw’s second-half winner sealed a heart-warming display from Liam Daish’s side. Daish used 18 players in total but it was Forshaw who stole the show with an excellent performance down the right wing. Orient dominated early on against the Fleet’s 4-5-1 formation... Ebbsfleet’s team of rookies, which also included Cronin, Darius Charles and Dean Pooley, gained in confidence. Fleet boss Liam Daish said: 'The lads have all got a good appreciation of the game. They have decent backgrounds and their hunger and athleticism will hopefully be key factors for us. You can see that we can break very quickly and have a turn of pace'".

NORTHWICH VICTORIA 1 ALTRINCHAM 1

Above: The teams introduce themselves as the Vics' former Alty man Lee Elam chats in the foreground.

Match report here.

YANKEE

TOM'S MOVE

BLOW FOR BURTON

OLD BOYS

Colwyn Bay report that "Manager Neil Young is set to sign former Rotherham and Altrincham player Gary Scott. Last season Gary, 30 years-old, appeared for Witton Albion where he was voted “Players Player of the Season”. A versatile player, who is equally adept in either full-back or wide midfield positions, Gary began his career at Tranmere Rovers before joining Rotherham United for whom he made 23 first team appearances. Released in 1999 he had a season playing for Leigh RMI before finally settling down with Altrincham. He made almost 300 appearances for the Robins a figure that would have been significantly bettered but for a few spells out of match action due to various injuries.

Gary featured for Colwyn Bay in the recent friendly against Wrexham and impressed at left-back. Manager Neil Young commented 'Gary has a great deal of experience having played at Blue Square Premier level for a number of years'".

BSP NEWS

The recruitment continues at Kit Kat Crescent as the Football Conference reports that "York City have added defender Djoumin Sangare to their squad for the new season. The 25-year-old ex-Salisbury City centre back impressed manager Martin Foyle in the pre-season 2-0 defeat to Bradford City and has been offered a contract. The Frenchman will play in Tuesday's pre-season friendly at North Ferriby United with trialist striker Andrew Taylor. Foyle is still searching for a striker but is unsure whether Taylor will be his man".

"Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish says the club's owners are close to raising the £10,000 needed to re-sign midfielder Ricky Shakes and defender Dean Pooley" reports the BBC. "Daish appealed to members of website MyFootballClub to help re-build his squad, after budget cuts left him with three only full-time professionals. 'We've got a good fan base and that's something that you can work with', Daish told BBC Radio Kent... 'They're all owners, if you like directors, and being a director is part of keeping the club afloat and keeping us a budget that is not only sustainable but can compete as well'. Fleet accountant Graeme Swift estimated that a £10,000 injection would be needed (£230 a week) to give Daish boss a chance of re-signing the two players. Daish told the club's website: 'My concern is it's going to be hard to sign Ricky and Dean within our current weekly budget because it will leave us little to build the rest of the squad with'".

According to the Liverpool Daily Post "Chester City's impasse with the Football Association rumbled on last night, with the club’s chief executive Bob Gray still trying to find a resolution to the problems. City still haven’t had their “new company” status ratified by the FA and, as such, they have had to cancel tonight’s scheduled friendly match against a Liverpool XI and Saturday’s game at Telford United... Said Gray, 'All the relevant paperwork that was requested has been forwarded to the FA. Technically, we could play friendly matches and I am still hopeful that we will receive our affiliation very soon'. FA spokesman Mark Hooper said last night: 'My understanding is that we are still awaiting certain information'. Next week’s home match against Premier League newcomers Burnley is now under threat, and unless acceptance to the FA is forthcoming by the end of the week that game is also likely to be scrapped. Meanwhile, former Accrington Stanley owner Eric Whalley has been appointed as a director of City".

More comes from the Evening Leader which quotes also Chester director, Bob Gray. "He said: 'We would like to reassure fans that we’re working hard to rectify the administrative issue with the Football Association and will rearrange our pre-season friendlies as soon as possible. I worked late last night to ensure the FA received everything they had requested and the club has solicitors and the administrators working hard to try and resolve the situation. Postponing tonight’s scheduled home friendly with Liverpool has hit us in our pockets because that game would have helped provide funds for the club ahead of the start of the season. If we can save next week’s home friendly match against Burnley we will do, but the most important thing is to ensure everything is sorted out before we start our league season. I’ve been in constant contact with the FA and I’m confident we can clear up the situation before our game at Grays next month'...

The situation has frustrated Blues' boss, Mick Wadsworth, who was hoping to watch striker Glynn Hurst, and goalkeeper Andrew Murphy in pre-season action.He said: 'We’ve put a very good team together and our training has been going very well. We’ve all been enthused about the start of the season, but the fact that we’ve been unable to play any of our pre-season friendlies has cast a cloud on our preparations'... Wadsworth confirmed that trialist and centre back Mark Bower had yesterday agreed to join Darlington. He said: 'I sensed he felt guilty about leaving us but I told him that he had to think about himself and his family'".

"Mansfield Town are to cut parking at their Field Mill ground on match days by about 60 per cent" reports This is Nottingham. "They have opted not to pay landlord Keith Haslam to lease extra land this season to increase parking capacity, as they did last year. The decision has been taken because the club were losing money on the arrangement and there were safety concerns... It means that come the first game of the season, only pre-booked season ticket holders will be accommodated outside the ground. Other supporters must park elsewhere".

ALTY SIGN KEARNEY

Press release from Brian Flynn:

"Altrincham have signed Tom Kearney within 24 hours of the Liverpudlian agreeing a deal to terminate his contract with Wrexham. The 27 year-old midfielder joined the Welsh side a year ago from Halifax Town but, whilst he was a regular under Brian Little, he hardly featured once Dean Saunders took over at The Racecourse Ground.

'I'm just sorry that it didn't work out better for me and the club, but I have enjoyed my time at Wrexham. Altrincham offered me a deal but I needed to sort out my Wrexham contract before signing. I've been coaching with the Everton F.C. Academy and I'm working towards my football qualifications, therefore playing part-time for Altrincham in the Blue Square Premier is a great move for me', said Kearney, who started his career at Goodison Park before moving to Bradford City for whom he made 54 appearances between 2002-6.

Kearney is the Robins' second signing within the last few days after winger Nicky Clee moved to Moss Lane from Blue Square North side Hyde United on Friday".

Tom is seen, in the adjacent photo, signing for the club with Altrincham FC Secretary, Derek Wilshaw.

TONIGHT'S GAME

The Northwich Guardian also has a match preview with the expected squads:

Ryan Brown (knee) and Lee Elam (groin) are more likely to figure at Curzon Ashton at the weekend. Opponents Alty are likely to be much-changed from the team that hammered Colwyn Bay 5-1 at the weekend. Captain Robbie Lawton is expected to shake off a groin injury to face Vics while Chris Denham, Shaun Densmore, Dale Johnson and Mark McGregor – all missing on Saturday – should play a part too. Matty Crowell will be a familiar face in the Robins’ midfield after leaving the Victoria Stadium at the end of last season, but former skipper Michael Welch is still recovering from ankle surgery.

NEXT GAMES

On Thursday night (23rd), Altrincham are away at Trafford FC (Shawe View, Flixton) in another friendly which kicks off at 7.45pm.

The first home friendly is this Saturday (25th, 3pm), when a Bolton Wanderers' XI are the visitors to Moss Lane. Admission is free to Altrincham FC season ticket holders and £7 for those paying at the turnstile (£2 for concessionaries).

BAY VIEW

The Bay then settled and had a strong purple patch. Hopley went close on two occasions. His first effort saw his goal bound header cleared out for a corner and his second effort only kept out by a fantastic one handed save from Altrincham’s Russell Saunders... With Colwyn Bay just about shading the first half, they were dealt a cruel blow on the stroke of half time, Colin Little's flicked a looping header into the far corner of the net... The game remained a close affair until the game approached the hour mark when Young started to introduce the trialists to the game... but just as it looked like Altrincham were starting to score for fun; Tom McGill was to get the home side on the score sheet as he headed home from a Colwyn Bay corner".

SHIRT SPONSORSHIPS

The cost of sponsoring a player of your choice is £150. For this, your name will appear in every match day programme against your chosen player and on the wall in the Sponsors' Lounge under the photograph of the player. At the end of the season you will receive the player's match-worn shirt, signed. A discount is applied if you would like more than one player. If you are interested please send a cheque to the club marked for Karen Rowley's attention. The club will update this list so that you are aware of which players have been taken – if you would like to check before choosing please give me a ring at the club (0161 928-1045) or send an e-mail.

YOUTHS' DIFFICULT TASK

Alty Youth's next match is on Sunday (2pm at Blessed Thomas Holford, Altrincham) when they take on Congleton Town's youth team.

BSP NEWS

The Liverpool Daily Post adds that "Chester City owner Stephen Vaughan last night set out to reassure supporters over the chaos that the club find themselves in, after the Football Association failed to sanction their membership. Fears have surfaced that City face the prospect of not being allowed to start the forthcoming Blue Square Premier League campaign.

The club, who came out of financial administration last month, have yet to receive ratification that the transfer of the old company to the new company has been accepted by the FA. However, Vaughan is confident that the procedural issues can be overcome... Vaughan said: 'The matter is now in the hands of our solicitors and the administrators and we are hopeful that things will be sorted out this week. If ratification of our FA membership drags on, then we will have to grin and bear it and play our friendly matches behind closed doors'.

City could not only lose revenue from tomorrow’s game against Liverpool, but also from next week’s home match against Premier League newcomers Burnley. An FA spokesman said: 'Any club that comes out of administration has to meet certain requirements. Chester have not been able to meet those requirements, so they are not in a position to play games'. If the impasse continues and Chester are forced to return to financial administration, they may have their 10-point penalty that has already been imposed, increased even further".

Rushden and Diamonds have "completed the signing of Nottingham Forest player Mark Byrne, on loan, initially until January. Mark Byrne is a 20-year-old midfielder; he has featured prominently for Nottingham Forest's reserves after graduating from their academy, earning his first team debut under manager Billy Davies. Mark had a loan spell at Burton Albion towards the end of last season".

"Strong striker Jason Bradley has today signed a one-year deal with Mansfield Town, making him David Holdsworth's 12th signing of the close season. The 20 year old has been on trial with us for a month... Bradley began his career at Sheffield Wednesday and was loaned out to Buxton during season 2007/08... He was quickly snapped up by Darlington... He told mansfieldtown.net 'I am a big, quick, strong and direct forward. I like to make it a torrid 90 minutes for opposing defenders and most importantly -get on the scoresheet'".

Kidderminster Harriers "announce that livewire winger Kyle Hadley has signed a one-year deal after impressing on trial. The 22 year-old has... impressed throughout the local non-league circuit since turning out for Oldhill Town... He was spotted by a scout for Stourbridge who wasted no time in signing him up... Beginning last season full of promise, he was rocked by injury after breaking his leg in one of the very first games of the campaign".

And "Mark Yates secured his second signing of the day with defender Duane Courtney penning a deal for next term at Aggborough Stadium. The highly-rated 24 year-old, who can play anywhere along the back-line, began his career at Youth level with Derby and Birmingham - but after failing to secure professional terms with the latter he joined up with AFC Telford to kick-start his career".

Barrow's "striker, Jason Walker, impressed Championship visitors, Doncaster Rovers, so much during Saturday's friendly that they have offered him a trial in a game on Tuesday night. Walker, who has just signed a two year contract at Holker Street, fashioned a couple of chances during the game and will be eager to impress to try and land a move three rungs up the pyramid. Barrow joint boss, Dave Bayliss, said 'We obviously would not want to stand in Jason's way if he wants to move to such an excellent club'. Any move would be subject to the clubs agreeing a fee for the Flookburgh-based popular striker".

The Guardian has an article by David Conn which says that "Wrexham fans have launched a petition for the Racecourse Ground to be protected by the local authority from being sold off without a replacement stadium being in place... In 2005, Wrexham's administrator, David Acland of Begbies Traynor, won a crucial battle to have the ground saved from the bulldozers and returned to the club. It had been transferred to the ownership of a property developer, Alex Hamilton, who had bought the club for £50,000 and was threatening very seriously to throw the club off the site and sell it for retail. Hamilton, and his then partner, Mark Guterman, bought into Wrexham to make money out of the land the ground stood on - and they even signed an agreement to that effect... Wrexham supporters campaigned passionately over three torrid years then and have not forgotten how close their club, formed in 1872, came to being put out of existence and its ground flattened. The petition, organised by the Red Passion website is part of their ongoing campaign to make sure proper protection is in place to prevent the same kind of scheme being tried again".

ALTY FC PATRONS

Many thanks to everyone who has joined the Patrons Scheme for this season - we already have in excess of 100 Patrons. The draw for hospitality at the Histon game on Tuesday 18th August will take place at our game against Burton Albion on August 1st. If you would like to be part of this draw and if you would like to become a Patron for the forthcoming season then please contact Grahame Rowley on 07720-606897 or by e-mail or send a cheque made payable to "Altrincham Football Club" and marked for the attention of Grahame Rowley to the club.

All proceeds from the Patrons scheme go towards the running of the Football Club over the close season - a time when money is tight.

Many Thanks

Grahame Rowley, Vice Chairman

FRIENDLIES

Right: Danny Heffernan has proved his versatility in pre-season, playing on the left-wing against Abbey Hey and at right-back against Colwyn Bay.

All holders of Altrincham FC season tickets for 2009-10 gain free admission to the pre-season friendlies at Moss Lane. Prices for those paying at the turnstiles will be

For Tuesday's match away at Northwich Victoria, the gate prices are £7 for adults, concessionaries pay £5, and under-16s will be admitted for £1 - and there could be quite a few familiar faces in the Northwich squad facing us. Northwich Vics announce that after their recent 0-3 defeat at home to a Manchester City XI, "Next up on Tuesday evening will be Cheshire rivals Altrincham, which is expected to a much closer encounter as the Vics squad starts to take shape". The website adds that manager "Andy Preece will feel the scoreline did not fairly reflect the performance when the Vics hosted a Man City reserve team. The Vics were never out played in the match, despite being 2-0 down at half time. Preece's young squad enjoyed plenty of possession and created a number of chances. The closest opportunity came when Jon Newby hit the cross bar from a 20-yard shot. But the young stars of Man City made the most of their chances and late-on made it 3-0".

The Vics' Supporters Trust says that "Northwich fell behind to two goals from set pieces against a youthful City side... [which] scored with headers from set pieces. Vics only response of note was from Wayne Riley, who again showed up well wide on the right, but his angled shot defeated both keeper and the post. For the second half Preece immediately introduced [Kyle] Clancy, Meadowcroft, Cadwallader and Connor for [James] Coates [ex-Alty trialist keeper], [Matt] Bailey [ex-Alty loanee], Herring and Winter respectively. And there was a marked improvement. Wayne Riley had a free kick turned over the bar and Jon Newby hit the post but they were unable to grab a goal that would have brought them back into the game. As it was Ball skilfully turned Horrocks [an Alty trialist last summer] to score a late but stylish third goal.

Team: 4-4-2: Coates (Clancy h/t) / Kerr, Bailey (Meadowcroft h/t), Grand, Horrocks / Riley (Bryan 60), Herring (Cadwallader h/t), Winter (Connor h/t), Burns (Farran 60) / Danks (Hanley 60), Newby /. Sub not used: [Rico] Richards [ex-Alty Youth]. Attend: abt. 270."

Prior to that Vics lost 0-1 at home to Shrewsbury Town. In that game another ex-Alty trialist appeared; former Burnley man Kayne Handley was a used substitute for Northwich.

On Thursday (25th), Altrincham have a friendly away at Trafford FC. Last Saturday, Trafford won a friendly 8-2 at Flixton. Ashton (2), Eames, Williamson (2), Landregan, Butorins and former Alty reserve Scott Metcalfe scored the visitors' goals. Since our last visit to Shawe View, former Alty midfielder Ged Kielty has resigned the managership. The new boss is Garry Vaughan, who was one of the club's leading appearance-makers as a player. A former Altrincham player still at Shawe View at the end of last season was Simon Woodford, who now operates as a right-back, having been a winger whilst at Moss Lane.

ENJOY SOME HOSPITALITY AT MOSS LANE!

Please contact the club by e-mail or phone (928-1045) to arrange your sponsorship or place in the Sponsors' Lounge.

Courtesy of Sarah Rowley, the list of matchday sponsors booked in so far for 2009-10 is here.

SUNDAY GAME

The two beneficiary charities are the Sea Shell Trust and Leukaemia Research.

PETER'S WORK FOR ALTRINCHAM

Now Peter Hennerley, the grandson of one of the Chapel Street volunteers, has got the go-ahead from Trafford Council for a blue plaque to be erected. Peter says it will be a fitting tribute to men such as his grandfather Hugh, who served in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902, before signing up again with the Cheshire Regiment for the Great War. Peter, who is a member of the Bowdon branch of the British Legion and the Cheshire Regiment Association, said he could hardly wait for the plaque to be unveiled on September 13.

'I will be so chuffed - this is something I have wanted to do for a long time'... A roll of honour to the men was unveiled by the Earl of Stamford in 1919. That roll of honour was moved to Altrincham Town Hall when the street’s old chapel was demolished in 1960, 21 years after the street of tiny two-up and two-down houses was knocked down. Eight years ago, another plaque was sited on the side of the Grapes pub, now the Portofino restaurant, on Regent Road, and the blue plaque will be positioned above this... Peter has produced a booklet detailing the history of Chapel Street. He will be selling it at Sainsbury’s in Altrincham on Friday, July 24, 12 to 3pm; and Tesco in Altrincham on July 25, 12 to 3pm".

BSP NEWS

Blue Square betting expert Alan Alger has placed Altrincham 17th in his forecast of the BSP final standings for 2009-10. His tip for the title is Mansfield Town with his four relegation teams being Chester, Barrow, Grays and Gateshead.

OLD BOY

THE WEEK AHEAD

The pre-season then concludes with two more home matches:

Don't forget that 2009-10 Altrincham FC season ticket holders gain free admission to the Moss Lane friendlies. For details of prices and how to get yours, click here

SUPPORTING THE CLUB

Right: On Saturday, even the perimeter hoardings at Colwyn Bay matched the colours of the Altrincham supporters who brought their flags to Llanelian Road on Saturday and the hoardings displayed an appropriate motto for them, too.

In addition to buying a season ticket or paying at the turnstiles, there are many ways you can support the club through these difficult economic times. These include:

And there are numerous other ways to help, including...

If anyone has any queries about this scheme please e-mail Steve Foster or telephone Brian Flynn on 07860 561011.

Each of the Clubs from the Premiership, Championship, League One, League Two and Blue Square Premier will be given a random number from 1 to 116. For a £10 stake, you can chose or you will be allocated one of these numbers and this will determine your team in the competition.

The idea of the competition is for your team to accumulate exactly 21 goals by the END of any particular sequence of games. The winner will receive a £100 cash prize, the holder for the number of the second team to reach exactly 21 goals will receive £50 and the third-place prize will be £10.

If more than one team attains 21 goals on the same day, the team that scored their 21st goal earliest in their game will be awarded 1st prize. Goals are tallied up at the end of each match and the totals adjusted accordingly. If by the end of any particular game, your team's goals total exceeds 21, then you will "go bust" and be out of the Competition. Only league goals will count towards your total.

You are not restricted to one number, so increase your chance of winning by buying a second team!

If you are interested in participating, please contact the club by phone (928-1045) or e-mail, indicating your contact details and your chosen number for the attention of Sarah Rowley. Weekly updates will be posted here on the Club's website and forum

COLWYN BAY 1 ALTRINCHAM 5

Above: Chris Senior (no.10) tries a volley, as David Owens, left, and Greg Young look on. Below, right: Ben Muirhead.

A strong second-half performance, during which Altrincham made several substitutions, saw the Robins eventually run out comfortable winners at Llanelian Road.

Match report here.

ALTY FACE RIGOGLIOSO

Also included in the squad today is 30 year-old ex-Liverpool, Doncaster and Forest Green striker Adriano Rigolioso who played in the same youth team as Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher. Kick-off for today’s game at Llanelian Road is 3pm".

BAY PRICES

OLD BOYS

GETTING TO MOSS LANE

BSP NEWS

The FA's governance department has been in touch with the club to advise that they they are not currently an affiliated club, which means means they are unable to fulfil their arranged friendlies for this summer. But City managing director Rob Gray said the club are hopeful they can resume with their pre-season plans soon, 'Hopefully sooner rather than later we can rearrange our friendlies and carry on with the football we need to play. All the relevant paperwork today has been sent across to the rightful people so hopefully by Monday we'll have a clearer picture of how it stands and we'll move forward accordingly'".

More on this comes from the Chester Chronicle which says that "Chester City have been plunged into crisis once again after the FA refused to grant them a licence – forcing the last-minute cancellation of tomorrow’s friendly at Marine... But owner Stephen Vaughan is confident the matter will be settled before the start of the new season next month.... The Chester owner said: 'As far as we’re concerned, we’ve complied with every rule that’s been thrown at us. We feel that the FA are being very unfair on it'. The crisis means there is a major doubt over whether next Tuesday’s friendly with a Liverpool XI at the Deva Stadium will go ahead. In the worst-case scenario, the whole future of the club would be in jeopardy if the matter is not resolved by the start of the Blue Square Premier season on August 8. Mark Hooper, communications manager at the FA, explained: 'When clubs go into administration and transfer to a new owner, there are certain regulations every club has to meet to safeguard the financial integrity of the game. These regulations are outlined to the club and, to date, they (Chester City) haven’t met our rules. Some of the information we need has been supplied but not all of it. It is not us that’s the issue'".

Meanwhile, "Wrexham centre-half Ashley Westwood has signed for another season, but defender Darran Kempson is to leave" reports the BBC.

"Jim Harvey, manager of Blue Square Premier club Forest Green Rovers, has completed the transfer of Mike Fowler from league rivals Salisbury City" reports NL Daily.

Blue Square Football says that "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders has continued his summer rebuilding process with the signing of 26-year-old midfielder Hedi Taboubi. The Frenchman has joined the Dragons on a one-year deal... He spent last season with French outfit AC Arles and helped them top earn promotion to Ligue Two".

"York City have handed a trial to centre-back Luke Waterfall following his release by Tranmere Rovers. The 18-year-old defender will line up alongside fellow trialists Jimmy Jackson and Djoumin Sangare on Saturday for York's pre-season match against Bradford City at Kit Kat Crescent. Waterfall has some experience in the Blue Square Premier after spending some time in loan at Altrincham last season and also spent a week on trial at Oxford United recently. Meanwhile, Minstermen boss Martin Foyle has revealed that he is still looking to bring another striker after missing out on Ebbsfleet's Michael Gash. Foyle told The Press: 'I think the door was closed on Michael Gash the last time we spoke to Ebbsfleet, but discussions concerning Scott Rendell are not dead in the water just yet'".

"Barrow have today [Friday] finally been able to lodge the contract papers of England C International Left Back, Sean Newton. Newton, 20, made his International debut last season and is expected to be a regular in the side this campaign according to Barrow joint boss, Dave Bayliss. Barrow thought they had landed the young defender in May, but it has taken until today for the player to tie up his contractual loose ends with Droylsden, with whom he impressed last season. Meanwhile two more signings, in the shape of Adam Dugdale & Paul Rutherford, will take place tomorrow".

"Gateshead are unlikely to follow up their interest in former Premier League striker Trevor Benjamin due to concerns over the ex-Leicester City star's fitness. Benjamin, 30, played the first half of Gateshead's 1-0 pre-season friendly win at Dunston this week but was below par". Manager Ian Bogie said: "If Benjamin was 100% fit and free from injury there is no doubt he would be an asset, but unfortunately he is carrying a calf injury... and we are not currently in a position to offer him anything. However if he regains his fitness and we have not brought in a couple of strikers then we could revisit the situation".

Meanwhile, "Gateshead, who have pulled out of a bid to sign young Whitley Bay striker Lee Kerr after the coast club demanded a £5,000 fee, are now hoping to land long-term target Paul Connor. The experienced 30 year old, with Cheltenham Town last season, is still on trial at Lincoln City and will play for the Imps again on Monday against an Arsenal XI. The Tynesiders however are to re-sign their former left back Phil Cave after the Newcastle-born player achieved his release from troubled Scottish outfit Livingston. German midfielder Christoph Ascherl meanwhile will finally begin his trial period at Gateshead against Sunderland if his international clearance comes through".

CSC

Ties to be played midweek w/c 9th November.

ALTY SIGN CLEE

Nicky is a Yorkshire-based player, who is also an accomplished cricketer for Marsden CC near Huddersfield. He has played against Altrincham on a couple of occasions, including a game on October 2004 when his then club, Ashton United, hammered the Robins 6-2 in their one appearance in the Nationwide Conference Carthium Cup competition. Nicky had joined Ashton the previous close season, following the appointment at Hurst Cross of former Alty manager, Gerry Quinn who was, himself, Yorkshire-based. Prior to that, Nicky had played for Ossett Albion from the middle of the 2002/03 season, after joining from from local football in Huddersfield and he was also briefly at Wakefield & Emley.

In August 2004, the Altrincham FC website quoted a newspaper report that "Clee turned out for Wakefield and Emley, who remain in the UniBond Premier... But Quinn came in with an offer which was too good to refuse, and now Clee, who lives in Upperthong and works in the accounts department at Reliance Gears, is hoping to be in the starting side when Ashton open their campaign".

The following summer he moved to Hyde United, where he made his debut at the end of July 2005 and made 147(+12) appearances and scored 21 goals in all. His manager at Hyde last season, Neil Tolson, told the Manchester Evening News in June that Nicky is a "Good lad. Never misses training. A pleasure to work with. Need I say any more about Nicky? We've always known about his ability and flair, what what has really pleased me about him since I took over as manager is how much he has stepped up his work-rate... Nicky played a big part in our fight against relegation and his willingness to do a job wherever he's asked to play is a real plus. He also possesses one of the longest throws in non-League football - something we need to exploit more because it's probably more dangerous than a corner-kick".

SATURDAY'S GAME

The Welsh Premier says that "Former TNS defender Rob Williams (left) has received international clearance from the FAW to play for Altrincham in the Blue Square Premier. But Williams, a product of the TNS scholarship scheme, says he has not signed, although he did feature in a pre-season game at the weekend. Blackpool-born Williams was not offered terms for next season at Park Hall and was set for a return to Newtown, where he spent part of season 2006/7 on-loan, making 11 Welsh Premier appearances for the Robins and impressing manager Darren Ryan.Instead, the 22-year-old was offered a pre-season trial by the Cheshire-based Robins, on the recommendation of ex-TNS manager and Alty legend Ken McKenna, who has just been appointed assistant to manager Graham Heathcote. Williams, who also spent time on-loan at Caersws last season, made a total of 34 (+10) league appearances, but only nine of them for the Saints."

The N. Wales Weekly News reports that "A hamstring injury that is likely to keep goalkeeper Farai Jackson out of action for a month has left Colwyn Bay manager Neil Young with a major headache after his side's 3-0 defeat to Wrexham on Wednesday night. The Seagulls were holding the Conference side to 0-0 after a good first half performance when the injury happened and with no reserve keeper on the bench, Wrexham took full advantage to hit three goals past stand-ins Danny Jarrett [ex-Alty Youth] and Dave Challinor [ex-Alty trialist]. With Chris Sanna not due back from America until July 28, the Bay must now try and find another keeper ahead of Saturday's friendly against Altrincham.

The manager commented: 'I thought we did quite well in the first half and got behind them a few times to create some chances, but after the injury to Jacko we were always going to be up against it'... On the plus side the game attracted a good crowd of over 500."

Before the game it was announced that "Bay will have a near full strength squad available for Wednesday's friendly against Wrexham... Rob Hopley and Tim Brandreth are both back and summer signings Anthony Sheehan and James Dunne are also set to make their debuts. Manager Neil Young also expects to include ex-Witton Albion full-back Gary Scott [ex-Alty] on trial".

Wrexham add that "The Dragons took advantage of an injury to starting keeper Farai Jackson... A tough night and a good work out for Dean Saunders's men on a lovely surface at Llanelian Road.

Wrexham: Chris Maxwell (Brad Fogler 46), Silvio Spann (Wes Baynes 55), Mansour Assoumani (Chris Maxwell 78), Mike Williams (Chris Smith 47), Sam Williamson (Jamie McCluskey 60), Adrian Cieslewicz (Rhys Kelleher 58), Nathan Fairhurst, Mark Jones (Andy Fleming 46), Neil Taylor (Kai Edwards 60), Gareth Taylor (Simon Brown 55), Marc Williams (Marek Lendzins 68).

Colwyn Bay: Farai Jackson, Anthony Sheen, Gary Scott, Tim Brandreth, Matt Holt, Carl Clampitt, Eddie Jebb, James Kelly, Rob Hopley, James Dunn, Lee Davey. Subs: Robbie Williams, Steve Aspinall, Luke Denson, Alex Hay, Lee Hammond, Daniel Jarrett, Thomas McGill, Ian Sheridan, Kieron Delany".

ANOTHER YOUTH GAME

FRIENDLY AT NORTHWICH

BREWERS' SIGNING

But "Burton Albion skipper Darren Stride faces a lay-off after suffering an ankle injury. Stride was hurt in a training session that preceded Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat against Blue Square North newcomers Ilkeston Town in a friendly behind closed doors... Albion boss Paul Peschisolido said: 'We had quite a tough session before the game and unfortunately Stridey twisted his ankle'. A lengthy spell on the sidelines would come as a huge blow to Stride, who has set his heart on leading Albion into the Football League after a career spanning 16 years and more than 630 appearances...

Peschisolido said: 'We are not sure how serious the injury is at this stage'... Stride joins defender Aaron Webster and winger Keith Gilroy on Albion’s casualty list. Webster has not yet trained fully because of a calf strain and Gilroy is sidelined by tendonitis. Albion’s boss said: 'We weren’t very good, which was a disappointment after the way we played against Derby... We put the boys through a hard 90-minute (training) session before the game and they only had an hour’s break, so we were a little bit on the weary side'... Albion’s goals were scored by trialists Jimmy Phillips and Matt Richards, while Peschisolido also had his first look at Crystal Palace pair Simon Thomas and Kieran Djilali. Meanwhile, the Brewers boss said fans should not read too much into a 45-minute appearance by former Derby County defender Marc Edworthy. Albion have agreed to allow the full-back to train with them — just as they did last summer".

CHESHIRE NEWS

BSP NEWS

Unfortunately, it transpires that a former employee did not use the correct paperwork for the contract extension or check the FA had accepted the amendment. As a result, Branston’s previous contract remained registered with the FA and expired at the end of last season. The FA did not notify Kettering Town that they had not accepted the extension, although Branston has been remunerated under the new terms.

Chairman Imraan Ladak met with the player on Monday and was assured by Branston that as the club had been good to him he would sign an identical contract on the correct paperwork (commencing this week) in order for the club to be entitled to receive the fee from Torquay under FA regulations. This changed after Branston spoke to his agent (Lee Philpott) who insisted Kettering pay them an additional £5,000. This demand was rejected.

Branston has chosen to not honour the terms of the contract extension, which included a signing on fee, increased wages and bonuses, along with pay through the close season. As a result the club expect full repayment of the difference between the contract extension and the original contract which Branston has chosen to enforce - a sum close to the transfer fee agreed with Torquay.

Whilst the club is of course disappointed with how matters have transpired, we look forward to appointing a captain that respects the players, management and supporters of Kettering Town.

Crawley Town announce that "Chairman Vic Marley has confirmed he has been made aware by the press of speculation linking Manager Steve Evans with the managerial vacancy at Cambridge United but quickly added that... Evans is under contract at Crawley Town Football Club... Marley said: 'I would like to make it very clear that we would not welcome any approach from Cambridge United or indeed any other club. Last season we refused permission to two high profile clubs to speak with our manager and we may have to do that again... Some outsiders may believe that a move to Cambridge United would allow Steve the opportunity to take his family back home but I do believe they are very settled in the area. Considering the resources available to our manager, he does a remarkable job. This season we are again excited by the squad he has put together with such a limited team budget. Our home pre - season schedule is outstanding and must be the envy of most... We have a brilliant match to look forward to on Saturday when Chelsea Football Club come to The Broadfield Stadium...The team had two great wins in Scotland'".

Wrexham confirm that "after discussions with the club, striker Michael Proctor will be leaving the Racecourse by mutual consent. Signed initially on loan from Hartlepool United in March 2007, he played in nine games at the end of the season".

"Gary Brabin has agreed compensation with Cambridge United to bring to an end his reign as U's manager. Brabin was relieved of his duties as manager on Monday... 'There have been reports of Gary calling in his lawyers but I can say that after a very amicable telephone conversation today we have sorted out the matter of compensation' Rolls told cambridgeunited.com. 'We both agreed that we just can't work together, but we've thanked each other and wished each other well. He thanked me for giving him his chance and I thanked him for what he's done here'".

From Chester City we learn that "City have completed the signing of 26-year-old Uruguayan midfielder Fabian Yantorno on a one year deal. The South American player played under manager Mick Wadsworth at Gretna. He is expected to be included in the City squad that play at Marine on Saturday. As he holds a joint Italian/Uruguyan citizenship there should be no problems with a work permit. Blues owner Steve Vaughan said: “Mick Wadsworth has worked with this player before, and he knows only too well the flair and pace he possesses. We are sure that he will be one of the stars of this season."

At Ebbsfleet United, Alty's first league opponents this season, "Liam Daish has hinted at the possibility of recapturing two of last season's squad - defender Dean Pooley and midfielder Ricky Shakes - but only if he can secure a budget boost to do so. In a message to MyFC members, EUFC club accountant Graeme Swift estimated that a £10,000 injection would be needed (£230 a week) to give the Fleet boss a chance of re-signing the two players and a fundraising strategy is already in place (see below). Funds to the tune of £2,500 were already in place in just over 12 hours of the news going live on MyFC on Tuesday night.

Daish this week spoke of his desire to reinforce his squad's experience, saying, 'It's been a very challenging time with only a handful of players under contract and around 45 trialists to look at so far. It's fair to say we've had some interesting characters, strange haircuts, funny coloured boots – but hopefully we'll find some gems. We had our first pre-season game against Aveley. We won 1-0 but more importantly, it was to get a decent look at 20 or so trialists in a match situation. You learn much more than just watching them at the training ground... Two lads I'm very keen to add are Ricky Shakes and Dean Pooley, who were with us last season. They've also said they'd like to play for Ebbsfleet United again this season. Ricky has great pace which we all saw trouble opposition defences, especially at the back-end of last season. And Dean is a versatile defender, with Football League experience. Both will add a great deal to what is going to be a very inexperienced Fleet squad this season. My concern is, it's going to be hard to sign Ricky and Dean within our current weekly budget because it will leave us little to build the rest of the squad with. I'm very conscious of continually asking owners for money, and I know that several hundred of you have already given generously. But if you're able to, please help us build our weekly playing budget'... Club accountant Graeme Swift revealed 'We need to sell 560 £20 'tickets' to raise £11,200. Everyone who gives at least £20 will have their name printed in a special eight-page section in one edition of the match day programme. In addition, two names will be drawn at random and they will receive the players' home and away shirts and tracksuits at the end of the season".

Histon "Manager Steve Fallon is set to take his interest in exciting young prospect Kieran Leabon one step further after the ex-Boston United player impressed in his two substitute appearances against West Bromwich Albion and Northampton Town. Fallon commented 'We like the look of Kieran so I will sit down with him and the Chairman on Saturday and see if we can agree something with him, that will then leave us with just one player to find from our trialists. We are not just looking for good players but good people. I have been very impressed with Kieran not only his play but also the way he conducts himsel'... Shane Tudor won't be joining Histon for the coming season after the management team decided to let Shane explore other avenues... [But] Histon Football Club is delighted to announce that Adam Tann has signed a one year contract for the Stutes, following the departure of Patrick Ada to Crewe Alexandra. Steve Fallon and John Beck have been looking for a player able to fill such a void".

FACE IN THE TEAM

We are offering fans a special photo opportunity at a reduced price of £30. On the day of the official team photograph, Tuesday 28th July at 6.30pm, Graham Heathcote has agreed that for a period of half an hour a space will be made available on one of the rows for fans who wish to wear their Alty shirts and pose for a photograph as "One of the Team".

You will receive a framed copy of your photograph included in the price. Additional copies can be bought unframed and these can be ordered on the day".

You will need to book so that we know how many people will be taking up this offer as places will be limited. You will need to be punctual in your arrival as the players are training straight afterwards.

If you are interested, please contact Sarah or Karen at the club on 928-1045 or by e-mail.

STUDENT TICKETS

YOUTH FIXTURE

LOCAL NEWS

BSP NEWS

'Of course we wouldn't welcome an approach for Mark', Ladak said. 'We are really pleased with the team he is building for this year and that is all we are concentrating on. To be honest it all seems to be paper talk at the moment... I certainly haven't heard from anyone'.

Cambridge's vice-chairman Terry Baker said: 'Anyone who's got twelve months left on their contract won't be of interest to us as we'd have to pay their club money... We won't be stampeding in and will take our time'....

Ladak confirmed Guy Branston's move to last season's play-off winners Torquay United is imminent after the two clubs finally agreed a fee... Ladak said: 'You never want to lose your captain but obviously we're not a club that restricts a player if they get the opportunity to play in the Football League. There was a compensation figure, which Guy was aware of, and that has now been met. It is now a case of agreeing personal terms'".

According to the Welsh Premier website, "Wrexham boss Dean Saunders says he would like to see his reserves playing in the Welsh Premier. Speaking after his side had been held to a 0-0 draw at Prestatyn's Bastion Road on Monday night, the Dragons' boss said: 'It was a tough game for us and it would be good if our reserve team was allowed to play in the Welsh Premier'... Saunders fielded a side composed mainly of trialists and youth teamers, which included former Gap Connah's Quay loan keeper Chris Maxwell and ex-Prestatyn loanee Matty Hurdman... Saunders used the Welsh Premier as a testbed for several players last season, including Chris Marriott (Cefn Druids) who is now full-time at The New Saints and Airbus duo George Stewart and Mark Head".

The BBC advises that "Salisbury manager Nick Holmes says news the club are in talks with a potential new owner is 'a breath of fresh air'. Holmes believes the would-be investor has the right ideas and potential to move the Whites on. 'I feel there may be something that will come of it. We've had two or three false dawns. All we want to do is play football', he told BBC Wiltshire... 'We will start the season, I'm absolutely certain of that', he said. 'If this club was on death's door there would [be] people out there who would come and save it'... Salisbury were put up for sale by departing chairman Neville Beal in April for £1...

Earlier this week captain Mike Fowler left after the Blue Square Premier club failed to pay his latest wages... Added Holmes. 'It's the same in any walk of life if you don't pick up your money when you're expected to... We just hope that within a few weeks everything gets sorted out'... Salisbury beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium in their latest friendly. Rob Sinclair, Robbie Matthews and trialist Chris Flood were all on target".

"FC Wimbledon have released midfielder Dwane Lee" states South London Today. "The 29-year-old...will not be offered a contract extension... Lee, who played 18 times for the Dons after joining last December, made an important contribution to the team's Blue Square South title success. But the signing of holding midfielder Steven Gregory from Hayes & Yeading meant there was no space for Lee in Terry Brown's new-look squad, with Kennedy Adjei also vying for the same position".

The Gravesend Messenger says that "Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish hopes to make further signings this week - including retaining two more players from last season's squad. The Fleet boss is aiming to tie down Ricky Shakes and Dean Pooley for a further season... Defender Pooley made 23 appearances for the Fleet while Shakes started in 28 games and was used as a substitute a further 19 occasions. Daish said: 'We're not far away with Dean. I'd like to think we can get something sorted this week and we're going to try to do something with Ricky as well'. It will increase Daish's core of experienced players to six with keeper Lance Cronin, defenders Darius Charles and Paul McCarthy and striker Michael Gash already signed.

Daish is also keen to complete the signings of some of the trialists who impressed in Monday night's 1-0 win at Aveley... Among those that could be on Daish's list are left-back Jordan Collins, who has previously played for Weymouth and Cambridge, along with former Gillingham trainee Charlie Howard. Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Liam Hook also impressed while former Woking, Welling and Fisher defender Michael Kamara caught the eye in defence for 75 minutes. The Fleet boss has played down a move for former defender Leon Crooks, who watched the game at Aveley, as he would be unable to afford his wages".

INTERVIEW WITH KEN

YANKEE

CHARITY GAME

The game is between a Celebrity Team (drawn from Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Phoenix Nights, Emmerdale and the Dream Team) and an all-stars Football Team including former Manchester United players Denis Irwin, David May, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore, Andy Ritchie and more famous names to be announced later.

The two beneficiary charities are the Sea Shell Trust and Leukaemia Research. Please come along and support these good causes.

VISITORS EYE NEW PLAYER

Ryan Austin, Darren Stride and Tony James all did well on Saturday in the centre half slot but Paul still admitted that he was still looking for a new centre half to join the squad... 'I am quite confident that we will have a quality defender in before the start of the season' he said, before confirming that he was hoping to bring in a couple of trialists in to have a look at in the central defensive role before the weekend although both players are currently on trial at the same League One club'".

BSP NEWS

Fleet boss Liam Daish was delighted with his team of rookies... He said 'They've all come from half-decent backgrounds, supposedly bigger clubs where they've been coach[ed] and should know what the game is about'". Ishmael welch is reported to have been one of the trialists.

But "Daish is refusing to rule out further transfer activity for striker Michael Gash. The Fleet forward has been the subject of summer transfer bids from York, Luton and Morecambe. An ankle injury, together with the collapse of a double £80,000 move to York with defender Darius Charles, has put transfer talk to one side. Daish, who recommended that myfootballclub members agreed to sell the duo to York, is now planning on keeping his current squad together but warned: 'You don’t know. It’s still very early in the transfer window. We might get another bid for them, we might not. I have to plan with them being here'".

Two players leaving BSP clubs are noted by NL Daily. "After allowing last season's captain and midfield dynamo, Ross Draper, to pursue a career in the Football League with Macclesfield Town, Hednesford Town manager Dean Edwards has moved quickly... Sam Aiston and Gavin Ward have been recruited from Wrexham and Tony Dinning from Chester City". Dinning spent some of last season at Grays Athletic.

NL Daily adds that "Kettering Town boss Mark Cooper has emerged as the front-runner to become the new manager at rivals Cambridge United after the shock sacking of Gary Brabin... When asked if he had spoken to United officials regarding the job, Cooper said: 'No comment. The job will be attractive to a lot of managers due to the size of the club and the resources they have. A lot of managers who are in work and out of work would be attracted to it... I’m under contract at Kettering and have got another year left on that. I’m building a good squad and I’m committed to the job'" he told Cambridge News.

According to Blue Square Football "York City manager Martin Foyle has revealed that the Minstermen have had a loan bid for Peterborough striker Scott Rendell rejected... He told The Press: 'We enquired about taking him on loan for the season because I think they are looking to get the player out... We are also waiting to hear back from other players as well'. Foyle has now missed out on Ebbsfleet's Michael Gash and Kettering's new signing Damian Spencer but is quick to point out... 'We have got the midfield that can play and create now, and we just need the icing on the cake'".

"Torquay United utility-man Michael Brough has revealed that he would not be interested in a transfer to Kettering Town. The Poppies were keen on making a move for Brough, but the 27-year-old is keen to stick it out with the Gulls in League Two. Brough told the Northampton Evening Telegraph: 'The manager (Paul Buckle) showed me the courtesy of telling me about the interest and let me talk to Kettering. I did speak to Mark Cooper but I told Paul from minute one that I wanted to stay'".

Meanwhile, Wrexham "manager Dean Saunders cleared up another piece of business today when central defender Mike Williams agreed his new contract with the club. The longest serving player at the Racecourse said, 'We've had a taste of the Conference now, we know what it's all about and want to be up at the top of the table challenging for a return to the Football League'".

The Wrexham Chronicle says that "French midfielder Hedi Taboubi improved his chances of earning a contract at Wrexham after impressing boss Dean Saunders... The trialist played 90 minutes at Welsh Premier Prestatyn Town, who were well worth the goalless draw, but Saunders was more interested in performances than results. 'Taboubi was head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch',” said Saunders. 'He deserves another chance against Colwyn Bay on Wednesday'".

A "club statement" has been issued by Salisbury City who say the club "is still in talks with third parties to ensure the continuation of Blue Square Premier League football at the Raymond McEnHill Stadium in the coming season... Salisbury City has suffered financial pressures due to the current economic downturn. We made this clear at an early stage and although many gave generously at the time, the sum raised was insufficient to solve all the problems. We are fortunate to have an extremely loyal group of supporters, and we would urge you to... bring as many people as you can to the pre-season friendlies in particular, and also to future home games. We would stress that we continue to be optimistic about the future for Salisbury City FC, but we need everyone to get behind the Club at this time. We fight on".

"Chester City are expected to make another signing in the next few days, with central defender Mark Bower poised to join the Deva Stadium outfit" claims the Liverpool Daily Post. "The 29-year-old Yorkshireman, who played 231 Football League appearances for Bradford City, is seen as a direct replacement for former skipper Paul Linwood, who signed for Grimsby Town earlier this month. Another player who is being linked with a move to the Deva Stadium is the much travelled non-League [ex-Altrincham] striker Matt McNeil, who numbers Burscough and Southport among his previous clubs. Meanwhile, midfield player Paul Rutherford, who was released by Chester at the end of last season, is having trials with Barrow".

Also, "Chester City are giving trials to the much-travelled striker Glynn Hurst. The 33-year-old is spending a week at the Deva Stadium, with a view to earning a contract".

SUMMER FUN

PONTOON

Each of the Clubs from the Premiership, Championship, League One, League Two and Blue Square Premier will be given a random number from 1 to 116. For a £10 stake, you can chose or you will be allocated one of these numbers and this will determine your team in the competition.

The idea of the competition is for your team to accumulate exactly 21 goals by the END of any particular sequence of games. The winner will receive a £100 cash prize, the holder for the number of the second team to reach exactly 21 goals will receive £50 and the third-place prize will be £10.

If more than one team attains 21 goals on the same day, the team that scored their 21st goal earliest in their game will be awarded 1st prize. Goals are tallied up at the end of each match and the totals adjusted accordingly. If by the end of any particular game, your team's goals total exceeds 21, then you will "go bust" and be out of the Competition. Only league goals will count towards your total.

You are not restricted to one number, so increase your chance of winning by buying a second team!

If you are interested in participating, please forward your name, contact number and payment along with your chosen number to the Club for the attention of Sarah Rowley. Weekly updates will be posted here on the Club's website and forum.

Thank you for your support.

Sarah Rowley.

You can join any time at the Altrincham FC offices or by approaching Sarah Rowley at Saturday's match at Colwyn Bay.

GOLF DAY

There are still places available for next week's Golf Day, details of which are as follows:-

Friday July 24th, at Mobberley Golf Club (www.mobgolfclub.co.uk), from 1.00-2.30pm.

The cost is £30 per person and for this you get the following:

Please contact Brian Flynn on 07860 561011 or by e-mail to book your place or for further information.

FRIENDLY FACES

Right: Robbie Lawton was again Altrincham's captain as they kicked off the 2009-10 pre-season at Abbey Hey.

Alty play Northwich on Tuesday 21st July from where the Vics' website reports that there will be some familiar faces playing against us. "Following the lifting of the transfer embargo just a few days ago, Andy Preece has gone to work putting the 09/10 squad together. Following the signings of Ian Herring and Mike O'Connor, the experienced striker Jon Newby will also be joining the club. Andy has previously worked with Jon during their time at Bury, and more recently he was top scorer for Morecambe in the 07/08 season.

Andy has also confirmed that the promising young defender, Mark Cadwallader, will be with the Vics for the start of the season. Mark graduated through Chester City's youth system and made several appearances for the reserves. He spent last season with Airbus in the Welsh Premier league making 23 appearances. In a further addition to the defence, right back Nat Kerr will return to Northwich. 21 year-old Nat spent some with Barrow last season [after being an Alty trialist], and made 13 appearances in the 07/08 season for the Vics. Following the departure of Clarke and Tynan, two keepers will be joining the squad. James Coates [former Alty trialist], who Andy worked with during his Worcester City days, will come in. James has won underage caps for Wales, and played every game for Vauxhall Motors last term earning a player of the year award with the club. Joining Coates will be Kyle Clancy; a young goalkeeper who comes in from Droylsden. It has also been confirmed that Ross Farran and [ex-Alty man] Lee Elam have resigned with the club."

BSP NEWS

Mansfield Town "are very disappointed to learn that our kit suppliers Canterbury have fallen into administration. Canterbury Europe, based in Stockport, also supplies the kit of Portsmouth. Administrators KPMG have stated that contracts with all of their clubs have now been cancelled... Chairman Andrew Perry told mansfieldtown.net: 'This is devastating news for us as we have tried to get ahead of the game which, in past years, the previous regime has failed to do. To be dealt this hammer blow puts us in a most unfortunate position'... Our new away kit would have been previewed to the travelling fans at Newport this Saturday... We were also planning to launch the away kit at our forthcoming Open Day on Sunday 26th July".

Forest Green Rovers "have completed the signing of right-sided defender Andy Taylor. The 23 yr-old who originates from Liverpool spent the last two seasons in Texas, USA with Austin Aztex, where he was a fans' favourite with their nickname of 'Snacks'... Due to his signing one of the bonuses is that the club have now attracted more fans across 'the pond'".

NW NEWS

Some signs of the times come from NL Daily. It reports that "Brent Peters, manager of Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division club Bacup Borough, has fired a broadside at the spending culture in the lower levels of non-League football after his talismanic striker Tommy Turner doubled his money by quitting West View... He stormed: 'Tommy has been offered double his wages by New Mills. It is scary. With what they are paying him and with what he gets from his job, he is probably earning more than a lot of players in League Two... There should be a limit on what players can be paid in the Vodkat League because this is a ridiculous situation'... However, he could be set to pull off a major coup by snatching ex-Liverpool striker Jon Newby from under the noses of Accrington Stanley, who are believed to be monitoring the hot-shot" but as seen above, Newby went to Northwich Vics instead.

FESTIVAL

Colin Mitchell has kindly provided some more photos from the Altrincham FC involvement in last week's Altrincham festival. Above we see a line-up of Alty volunteers comprising Anthony Wright, Mike Ford, Colin Mitchell, Mike Ainsworth, Steve Foster and Andrew Nash. The club is very grateful to all of the above and to everyone else who assisted in raising the Alty profile at the event.

ABBEY HEY GAME

The most familar face was goalkeeper Russell Saunders. Born in Bury on 3rd January 1989 the 6ft 2ins goalkeeper was an emergency loan signing for Altrincham from Wigan Athletic on 21 September 2007 following injuries to Stuart Coburn and Richard Acton. His debut on 22 September against Droylsden was eventful; his first action was to face a penalty after 9 minutes and then he was stretchered off after 60 minutes after pulling a muscle. As a result of his only being on a month's loan, that was the end of his Altrincham career.

One of the second half subs at Abbey Hey was Steve Connor (right), who played up front, though he can also play on the wing. In August 2005, Steve playing for Everton Reserves in the FA Premier Academy League. In the same Everton Reserves' side was Alty's Shaun Densmore. Born on the Wirral on January 27, 1989, Steve had a loan spell from the Toffees at Partick Thistle from August 2007 but his stay there was affected by injury. His contract at Goodison Park was terminated in May 2008 and in 2009 he was at TNS in Wales, whom he left at the end of last season. The Everton website has more on Steve.

Robbie Williams, who also played at Abbey Hey, is a 6 foot 4 inch centre-back, who was also at TNS last season but was released for cost-cutting reasons at the end of last season.

Playing up front with Steve Connor was David Owens. Born on October 10, 1988, he was a midfielder with Wigan Athletic for whom he played for the Reserves. He had a spell for Southport on loan from the Latics in 2006/07, and last season spent some time at Hyde United.

Another trialist on Saturday was Aaron Chalmers (d.o.b. 2 February 1991), the younger brother of Altrincham's former midfielder Lewis. Aaron started out at Bolton Wanderers and then Oldham Athletic where he made a couple of appearances in League One in 2007-08. However, the club announced in December 2008 that his contract had been terminated "following a breach of discipline". In March 2009 he joined Macclesfield Town as a non-contract player.

On the right wing in the second half at Abbey Hey was Eddie Stamford, who was at Chorley and Curzon Ashton in 2007-08 and last season was with Burscough in Conference North.

Two goals were scored at Abbey Hey by Paul McManus. He came through the Chester City youth system before moving to Bangor City in February 2009. For Chester he played in the Football League, making his debut in October 2007 and became a regular that season before Mark Wright allowed him to move on.

DALE ADMIRED

RE-ELECTION

OLD BOY

NEXT OPPONENTS

UMBRO TOURNAMENT

BSP NEWS

"Two new directors have invested a six-figure sum in Histon, one of them an Indian businessman developing football links to aid his country's 2022 world Cup bid. Raj Chodankar and Tony Roach ... were voted onto the board... [Chairman Gareth] Baldwin told The NLP, 'It's £50,000 for directors to join the board. You don't get shares for that but you are allocated a role... Raj's will be international liaison and dealing with overseas players. Indian football is about to see massive investment... so I think it's not stupid of us to get involved with a businessman who is prepared to invest money now and form links with a country that is certainly going to invest a lot of money in football in the next 10-15 years. We've now got a board of nine and are moving towards our target of twelve'". Meanwhile, ex-Histon man Antonio Murray is turning out for Cambridge City in pre-season in the hope of eventually landing a move to a bigger club.

ABBEY HEY GAME

Above left to right: Aaron Chalmers; Ken McKenna debriefs five of the players who came off at half time, (Denham, Heffernan, Crowell, Young and Little); trialists David Owens and Paul McManus; goalkeeper Russell Saunders.

NEXT FRIENDLY

KEN'S RETURN

Altrincham FC Press Release:

Altrincham manager Graham Heathcote has wasted no time in appointing a successor to Assistant Manager Graham Barrow, who joined Wigan Athletic as Reserve Team Manager earlier this week. Ken McKenna, whose 33 goals in 1990/91 Season almost took Altrincham into the Football League, is back at Moss Lane to try to help the Blue Square Premier side consolidate and improve on last season's finish of fifteenth. McKenna, 49, won three League of Wales titles with The New Saints and managed the Welsh side in numerous European campaigns and was Chief Scout for Cambridge United last year.

'Graham contacted me a few weeks ago when it became likely that Graham Barrow was going to move to Wigan and I'm really looking forward to coaching in the highest level of non-league Football in England. When I was at TNS, we were a full-time team in a part-time league, so I'm sure that there will be a few wry smiles on some Welsh managers' faces as I'm now helping Graham with a part-time team in what is essentially now a full-time league".

OLD BOYS

FC United also provide some information on other ex-Altrincham players. "Manager, Karl Marginson, has been assembling his squad of ex-players for our All Star team... Today Margy was able to confirm the full list of ex-players who will be at Leek: Joz Mitten, Steven Spencer, Dave Brown, Craig Fleury, Ryan Gilligan, Tony Coyne, Phil Priestly, Adie Orr. A few couldn’t make it, but wished us well, including... Barrie George, who’s now living in China".

Former Alty left-back Sean Clancy is starting the season at Fleetwood Town.

BSP NEWS

Thee Wrexham Chronicle adds that "Bouzanis, 18, was a member of the Liverpool side that reached the FA Youth Cup final last season and will compete with Chris Maxwell for a place between the posts this season".

ABBEY HEY 2 ALTRINCHAM 6

By the interval Alty led 2-0 thanks to goals by Colin Little (6 mins) and Dale Johnson (13 mins). There were wholesale changes in the second half when six trialists came on and, during the remainder of the game, several other new faces appeared. The trialists generally acquitted themselves well with all four second-half goals coming from their ranks. Firstly, Eddie Stamford (from Chorley) made it 3-0 (49 mins) before Stevie Connors added a fourth (58 mins). Paul McManus came on as a substitute midway through the second half and he made it 5-0 with a fine shot from left of goal (73 mins). But a mix-up between an Alty defender and goalkeeper Saunders saw the keeper's clearance cannon back into the net off an Abbey Hey player (75 mins). McManus made it 6-1 a minute later before a fine goal from Abbey Hey's Dicks left the score 6-2 to the visitors.

Match report here.

SEAN'S UPDATE

Through the close season both Stuart Coburn and Michael Welch (pictured right) have been under the surgeon's knife. Stuart sustained a small tear to his cartilage in his left knee towards the end of last season. This was removed on the 23rd June and he is making very good progress with his rehabilitation and should be back in training following the Colwyn Bay game. Welchy had his right lateral ankle ligaments reconstructed yesterday and the operation went really well. He has been fitted with a lightweight cast that will remain in place for the next four weeks. Once removed, his rehabilitation will begin and hopefully he will be fit by the end of the first week in October.

OLD BOYS

NW NEWS

CSC

BSP NEWS

Stalybridge Celtic "have announced the signing of England C International Michael Carr. Midfielder Carr (25) has recently been plying his trade in the Blue Square Premier with Kidderminster, and his other clubs include Morecambe, Northwich Victoria and Macclesfield.".

One of Altrincham's pre-season opponents, Burton Albion, "have announced the signing of Kidderminster Harriers midfielder Russell Penn for an undisclosed club record fee" reports Blue Square Football. The Brewers had been locked in negotiations with the Harriers for quite some time and Penn... told Burton Albion's official website: 'As soon as I heard about it quite a few weeks ago I was just eager to come. Nothing against Kidderminster, I have had four great years there but I have always had good games when I have come here to Burton, the stadium is great and I know a few players, so as soon as I heard that there was interest I was desperate to come'".

Confirmation comes from the Burton Mail that "Albion have smashed their transfer record to sign Kidderminster Harriers' midfielder Russell Penn... Albion’s former Blue Square Premier rivals had valued Penn at £50,000, but finally accepted Peschisolido’s best offer. The fee has not been disclosed, but Albion have confirmed it exceeds the £17,500 they paid Ilkeston Town for Christian Moore during the Nigel Clough era".

Gateshead "take on Huddersfield Town at the International Stadium on Saturday hoping to have two 30 year old strikers with almost 800 appearances in the professional game between them, in their squad. Tynesiders' manager Ian Bogie has tracked former Stoke City, Rochdale, Swansea City, Leyton Orient and Cheltenham Town striker Paul Connor for some time. The Bishop Auckland-born player turned out as a trialist for League Two side Lincoln City on Wednesday and played 85 minutes of the Imps goalless draw against Ferencvaros. Bogie hopes the free agent will now travel up to the North East to play against Hudddersfield... A surprise development has seen Bogie abandon his attempts to sign young Whitley Bay striker Lee Kerr and switch his attention to much travelled front man Trevor Benjamin... Benjamin briefly turned out for Gainsborough Trinity and Kidsgrove Athletic last season and has recently been on trial at Rushden & Diamonds.

'I'm keen to add an experienced striker to the squad and both Connor and Benjamin fit that criterion', said Bogie...'Connor is a free agent who we have put an attractive offer to... Benjamin will play if he overcomes a calf injury... He is a former £1 million pound player whose career has gone off track over the past couple of years, but will hopefully be able to resurrect his career at Gateshead. He is married to a Newcastle girl and is keen to relocate to the North East'

Gateshead's five summer signings will all be involved [against Huddersfield]. Goalkeeper Paul Farman, defenders Mark Robinson and Chris Swailes, midfielder Martin Brittain and striker Steven Richardson will all be keen to impress. Bogie also expects left back Phil Cave to be available with the 22 year old ending his stay at troubled Scottish club Livingston halfway through his two year contract. Trialists Mark Convery, the ex. Darlington, York City and Cambridge United schemer, and left sided midfielder Michael Brown are expected to feature on Saturday. Brown was with Airdrie United last season, and German midfielder Christoph Ascherel, who has impressed in training, could also be involved. Young striker Steve Baptist however will be sidelined for two months after he suffered a broken ankle in training, and French defender Stephane Pelonde is injured...'I'm confident that we at least hold our own in the Blue Square Premier'" added Bogie.

Rushden & Diamonds "can confirm that negotiations have taken place between Rushden & Diamonds FC and HM Revenue & Customs, which have resulted in the petition for a winding up order being withdrawn... Managing Director Helen Thompson said 'We now look forward to a sunny and successful week down in Devon for the Errea South West Challenge Cup'".

Despite their money troubles the Northants Evening Telegraph reports that Rushden boss "Justin Edinburgh still has money available to make more signings this summer... Four trialists will be handed another chance to impress in tomorrow's friendly against St Johnstone behind closed doors at Warwick University. Rob Elvins, Gavin Hoyte, Tom Sharpe and Nicky Nicolau all featured in the midweek win at Rothwell Town... Edinburgh said: 'There is a possibility of more players to come in within the budget... There's a chance of signing two or three players, maybe even four... Money is available to us if we feel it's necessary and the right player comes along'...

Another player looking to earn a deal with Diamonds is striker Trevor Benjamin who has been training with the squad [also trialing at Gateshead, see above!]. But he won't be involved in tomorrow's game and will also stay behind next week to work on his fitness with the youth-team players".

The Football Conference says that "Forest Green Rovers have announced that they have completed the signing of a quintet of players for the coming season. Jonathan Else, a 20-year-old right-sided defender or midfielder, James Baldwin, 20, a central defender, two more 20-year-olds in left-sided defender or midfielder Ben Pugh and right-sided winger/striker Steve Davies, and Curtis McDonald, a 21-year-old left-sided defender who can also play in midfield.

All with the exception of McDonald have come through the Hartpury College set up with the club and apart from Davies, who played most of last season in the reserves and with Cirencester Town, the other three have made a limited number of appearances in the Blue Square Premier... It is hoped that the club will be completing a further three signings in the next seven days, including one requiring international clearance and another with Football League experience. The club are also interested in two other players who regularly played in the Blue Square Premier last season".

"Grays Athletic striker Jamie Taylor has terminated his contract by mutual consent and has joined rivals Eastbourne Borough. Taylor joined Grays from neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge on a two-year contract in May 2008".

"Guy Branston's future is set to be decided within the next 24 hours, according to Kettering Town chairman Imraan Ladak. Speculation has been growing that Poppies skipper Branston could be about to move back into the Football League... Ladak confirmed: 'Several clubs have expressed an interest in Guy, including Torquay United and we are in talks with them. We have told Torquay the terms that we can do business under and if they meet those terms before the weekend then Guy will be going there. If not, then he will be a Kettering Town player next season'... Mark Cooper, meanwhile, believes 'anything can happen' to Kettering next season if they maintain one of the best defensive records in the Blue Square Premier".

"Being handed the number two shirt for next season is a dream come true for fast-improving right-back Ed Asafu-Adjaye" claims Luton Today. "Having agreed a two-year contract extension with the Hatters last week... he said: 'Right-back will be where I feature this year'.... Having been awarded Frenchman Claude Gnakpa's number, it must leave question marks over Luton's Wembley winner's future at the club".

At Wrexham "Manager Dean Saunders has had to be patient over the summer months in his pursuit of French central defender Mansour Assoumani, but it looks like paying off... It is hoped that he will finally put pen to paper on a deal for next season... A non-contract signing late last season, he played three games before being unlucky enough to receive a straight red card against Altrincham on Easter Monday... It was a big shame for Mani" and also for Chris Denham who was on the receiving end!

The Daily Post adds that "Dean Saunders is looking to strengthen his defensive options with a bid for a Premier League right-back. And the Dragons are also closing in on striker Andy Mangan, last season’s top scorer in the Blue Square Premier. Saunders said: 'We have made an offer for a youngish right back at a Premier League club and are waiting for a response'... Out-of-contract Mangan’s future is complicated by an on-going FA inquiry into betting irregularities, the outcome of which is expected this month".

Brian Flynn advises that "The Blue Square "Square Up Challenge" competition was won by Jack Miller, a Basingstoke fan. The final took place at Wembley at the Play-Off Final & he won £10,000! Unfortunately, our representative, Gary Stuart, wasn't able to attend the semi-final at Gateshead".

ALTY SIGN CROWELL

You can here an interview with the Robins new signing by ringing Altrincham ClubCall on 09066 555902.

For more on Matty see the Squad page

KEN IS NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER

Birkenhead-born Ken, (49), scored 56 times in exactly 100 appearances for Altrincham. In 1990-91 his 22 Conference goals almost got Altrincham into the Football League. Importantly, for his current role, Ken also has significant managerial experience at Welsh Premier club TNS, with whom he won the league title three times (in 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7) as manager and subequently tasted European competition. In all he spent ten years at TNS as player and manager. In 2008, he had a brief spell as manager of Cammell Laird. More recently he had been the chief scout of Cambridge United. Ken will be involved with the Altrincham game at Abbey Hey this Saturday (tomorrow).

For fuller details of Ken's career, see Terry Rowley's Legends profile. Ken is pictured left (in blue shirt, foreground) playing in a "Veterans v Supporters" match at Moss Lane in 2001.

YOUTH ACTION

ALTY ON TWITTER

So follow the Robins today....."

KEVIN ON THE MOVE?

FRIENDLY OPPONENTS

OLD BOY

JACKIE SWINDELLS

We had a wonderful weekend with him; the last time we all saw him. Altrincham was a huge part of his life and he told many many tales about his time at the club and the lifelong friends he made. As a child I remember many occasions when we would be out as a family and he would stop to chat to someone who had stopped to say hello and it was invariably an Alty fan sharing memories.

I have so many memories of my own childhood linked with watching him in the red and white shirt; him being abused by the Macclesfield fans; him scoring many a goal and running over to the main stand to blow us a kiss as we sat at the back; taking the team kit home and my mum washing it in the bath; [chairman] Peter Swailes lending us his car to go on holiday to Cornwall; Dad coming home with 3/4/5 "new" suits courtesy of [manager] Freddie Pye; being in the tea room under the stand whilst the team were photographed in new club suits for a big match; going to The Bowdon Hotel for the pre-match meal before home matches; playing on the pitch after a match; [director] Len Pollitt always teasing me in a friendly way; Noel White always a perfect gentleman; Dad working in the scrap metal yards and me being able to go to work with him across the road from what is now Eastlands. I could go on for pages.

The lasting memories are all of an extremely happy time in all our lives and I would venture to say the happiest time of my Dad's life. So thank you all very very much; and I am happy to report that he got the send off he deserved. Altrincham Football Club was well represented at his final appearance and I know he would have been very proud.

With my sincerest thanks, Jill Gray (nee Swindells)".

CHARITY GAME

The game is between a Celebrity Team (drawn from Hollyoaks, Coronation Street, Phoenix Nights, Emmerdale and the Dream Team) and an all-stars Football Team including former Manchester United players Dennis Irwin, David May, Lee Martin, Clayton Blackmore, Andy Ritchie and more famous names to be announced later.

The two beneficiary charities are the Sea Shell Trust and Leukaemia Research. Please come along and support these good causes.

BSP NEWS

Tamworth report that "After consulation with Staffordshire Police the following homes matches have all been moved as detailed below. Staffordshire Police's regular four big football teams... are Stoke, Port Vale, Burton Albion now ourselves... As we are the smallest of the bunch, and despite a request to the league to try and set our home games opposite to Burton's these changes to our schedule are necessary and inevitable. The league have apologised for the disruption it has caused but there is nothing that can be done...

There is also the possibility that Stevenage on Sat Feb 06 may move to Fri Feb 05 but talks are still on going with all concerned".

"Goalkeeper Lee Harper has agreed a deal to stay at Kettering Town" reports the Football Conference. "The experienced Harper met for talks with chairman Imraan Ladak earlier this week and a new contract was agreed... There was speculation that the 37-year-old had played his last game for the Poppies and it was thought he was mulling over a new offer. However, Harper has revealed no offer as such had been forthcoming until this week and he was 'extremely happy' to agree a new deal to stay with Mark Cooper's side. Harper was voted as the supporters' player of the year for last season".

From Blue Square Football comes news that "Kidderminster Harriers are set to complete the acquisition of midfielder Chris McPhee, who is expected to sign on a two-year-deal on Thursday. The former Brighton & Hove Albion player moved to Aggborough from Weymouth for the second part of last season's campaign. The 26-year was reported to be Harriers boss Mark Yates' number one summer target... Ever-popular midfielder Dean Bennett remains a Kidderminster Harriers player for another season after penning a new one-year deal".

Barrow "are proud to announce the signing of one of the finest central defenders in the Blue Square Premier, Phil Bolland [once at Alty], on a two-year contract. Bolland, 32, joins The Bluebirds after leaving Cambridge United, having been a regular at The Abbey Stadium... Bolland has turned down a new recent offer from Cambridge, mainly due to the distance from his Merseyside home, to come to Holker Street... At the age of 32, Bolland wanted to make sure he was joining a club that was going places and not going to settle for fighting relegation. Having set a deadline of Tuesday afternoon, [manager Dave] Bayliss was delighted when Bolland gave him the thumbs up... Bayliss said 'He is the perfect replacement for Steve McNulty, who left to join Fleetwood earlier in the summer, but Bolland will miss the first game of the season at Cambridge as he serves a one match ban for two yellow cards received at Wembley".

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

The Directors of the Football Conference have considered the position of Farsley Celtic FC. As a consequence of these considerations the Football Conference issues the following official statement.

In the specific and unique circumstances of Farsley Celtic FC, where the club has entered into administration after the AGM and prior to the start of the new season, the Directors have taken a decision which they feel will benefit all parties. Farsley Celtic FC will be permitted to complete its fixtures for this coming season in the Blue Square North, albeit the Club will commence the 2009/10 season on minus 10 points.

The situation regarding the impact of Appendix E, in respect of the past AGM/pre-season time frame, will be reviewed and fully discussed at the Clubs' pre-season meeting in August and again at the EGM in January to ascertain the member clubs' views on this particular point. Appendix E will though continue to apply in all other circumstances"

Chairman Brian Lee stated 'The Directors have acted very swiftly with fairness in this matter and the announcement of our decision was only delayed until this morning, whilst the legal position was clarified and to enable us to inform Farsley Celtic FC before our official statement was issued. As I stated at the AGM we will offer all assistance possible to any member club. In saying that, we strongly remind all clubs, we expect them to honour their debts and that under Conference Rule 11 clubs are specifically required to settle all debts with football creditors'".

ANDREW JOINS FA COUNCIL

Altrincham F.C. Director elected to F.A. Council

Altrincham Football Club Director, Andrew Shaw, has been elected to the Football Association Council as one of two members representing the Football Conference. Shaw was one of the three people who stepped in, along with Chairman, Geoff Goodwin and Vice Chairman, Grahame Rowley, to form a new Board at Moss Lane in 2002 when the previous Board resigned.

The F.A. opportunity arose due to Ben Robinson, Chairman of Burton Albion, needing to relinquish his position on the Council, with the Brewers winning the Blue Square Premier League in April and, with it, promotion to The Football League. As a member of The Football Conference Board, Shaw was proposed as their preferred candidate and was duly elected on Saturday at a meeting of The F.A.

Shaw, 53, becomes only the second Altrincham director to sit on this council, the other being Noel White, who was elected in 1976 and went on to become Chairman of The Football Association International Committee for 14 years and is an F.A. Life Vice-President.

White, who along with Peter Swales, dramatically turned the fortunes of the club around in the early 1960s, and who was the Chairman during the Robins' halcyon days of the mid- to late-sixties, seventies and eighties said "Andrew is a hard working chap who will represent Conference Clubs very well at the F.A. and his election is very good for the profile of Altrincham Football Club".

Andrew is seen, right, applauding the players at the on-pitch presentations after the last home game of 2008-09.

S.O.S. FUND

TASC will be setting up a separate bank account for this fund and, if you would like to make a donation, then please contact Mike Ainsworth by e-mail.

FACE IN THE TEAM

We are offering fans a special photo opportunity at a reduced price of £30. On the day of the official team photograph, Tuesday 28th July at 6.30pm, Graham Heathcote has agreed that for a period of half an hour a space will be made available on one of the rows for fans who wish to wear their Alty shirts and pose for a photograph as "One of the Team".

You will receive a framed copy of your photograph included in the price. Additional copies can be bought unframed and these can be ordered on the day".

You will need to book so that we know how many people will be taking up this offer as places will be limited. You will need to be punctual in your arrival as the players are training straight afterwards.

If you are interested, please contact Sarah or Karen at the club on 928-1045 or by e-mail.

YANKEE GROWS

FRIENDLIES

TV COVERAGE

“We remain upbeat in our efforts to secure a new broadcast partner. Though realistically no one should need reminding how difficult it is in the financial world at this time, the Football Conference continues to explore all possible avenues through its contacts”.

NW NEWS

GRAHAM'S MOVE

The 56 year old has recently been first team coach at another of his clubs where he plied his trade as a player, Blue Square Conference club Altrincham, but he was desperate to get back into the full-time scene. In a recent exclusive interview on Vital Wigan Barrow said: 'I want the full-time involvement back and being involved on a daily basis'...

Speaking exclusively with Vital Wigan this morning Barrow said: 'I am delighted to be back, it was only sorted out yesterday, I am really excited and looking forward to the challenges ahead'... Barrow will take up the role of reserve team manager but also be part of the coaching staff for the whole squad of Latics' players. He was clearly very excited and pleased with the prospect of returning to the club that gave him his start in the professional game as a player and with men like Graham Barrow at the club, who have the club at heart, then the future of the Latics looks very rosy indeed".

BSP NEWS

Eastbourne Borough "have completed a budget review following the demise of Setanta TV and the loss of £78K income for the 2009/10 season and today the Committee, who met for nearly 4 hours on Monday evening, issued the following statement:

'We run a tight ship at Eastbourne Borough but £78k is a significant drop in revenue which we are unable to absorb without taking measures to reflect the loss. We offer some of the lowest admission prices in the Blue Square Premier and have in the past not charged extra for transferring to the seated main stand. This is in itself was unique in the BSP. This season we have introduced a reserved seating season ticket AND because of the Setanta demise we have reluctantly, but necessarily as part of a series of measures to balance the books, had to extend this policy by making a levy of a £2 per match unreserved seating transfer charge to the main stand. This will bring us in line with virtually all other BSP clubs who already charge at least £2 extra for seats. Season tickets for reserved seats are still available at £285 adult; £195 concession and £95 Under 16. We will be honouring the ground admission prices - announced before Setanta went into administration - of £13 adult; £9. concession and £4 for under 16. Transfer to the stand at £2 is obviously optional. Despite the Setanta blow and the timing of it, we are confident of the future and feel sure supporters will understand our need to adopt measures that will protect the stability of the club and its long term viability. We are a young club constantly working to improve and grow our fan base and we will be exploring new fund raising initiatives to help us continue the expansion and success of Eastbourne Borough".

Hayes & Yeading United announce that manager "Garry Haylock has confirmed that another four of last year's promotion squad have signed contracts for the new campaign. They are centre-back Matt Ruby, midfielders Ram Marwa and Esmond James plus striker Scott Fitzgerald".

Mansfield Town add that "We have decided to cut back on stewarding costs next season as they [?we] try to throw all available funds into their promotion dream. It will mean certain section of the stands will be closed off unless the potential size of crowd demands we re-open them. A small number of season ticket holders will be forced to move seats but we are hoping they will back the decision and see the bigger picture as boss David Holdsworth this week signed his 11th new player in Kyle Nix.

Chairman Andrew Perry explained: 'It was well known last season we were concerned about our stewarding costs - we even discussed it on Sky. And we said we would have to tighten up our budget. This is not just about season ticket sales. We were very pleased with season ticket sales or we would not have gone for the £195 offer. But we don't want to cut the gaffer's budget and we feel stewarding is one area [in which] we can make big savings... Tightening people in may also help the atmosphere here...

"Promotion is the top of our agenda, with a good Cup run as well. Cutting the playing budget would not be conducive to wanting to move forward."

Wrexham announce that "The first of the changes to our BSP fixture list was made this afternoon following a meeting with the police... Our home Blue Square game with Chester City will be moved to Sunday, 27 September - with a noon kick-off. It will also be an all-ticket match. The rest of our home games will stay as scheduled".

"Rushden and Diamonds have confirmed there is a notice of petition for a winding-up order of the club" states the BBC. "The petition was presented on 13 May. It came from the Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs, and will be heard on 15 July. Helen Thompson, strategic director at the club, said chairman Keith Cousins had assured her the matter would be dealt with by the due date.

The statement said: 'Nene Park is not an easy place to run compared to other clubs due to the massive overheads involved in such a stadium'. The club pointed to the present financial climate as causing difficulties with sponsors not meeting their commitments, and little interest accruing out of capital invested'".

The BBC also says that "Ryan Flynn will be confirmed on Thursday as Falkirk's latest signing on a season-long loan from Liverpool. The 20-year-old winger moved to Anfield from the Bairns in 2005 and has been a regular in the Reds' reserve side. Flynn joined Wrexham on loan in November... Flynn was wanted on loan by Wrexham again but appears to prefer a return to Scotland".

According to the Chester Evening Leader "Blues' boss Mick Wadsworth is lining up Uruguayan-born striker Fabián Yantorno as his next signing. The 26-year-old forward is due to fly into Britain tonight with his representative and is keen to play for Chester City after talks with Wadsworth. Yantorno, who played for Wadsworth when he was caretaker boss at Scottish club Gretna last year, is described by Wadsworth as 'a fantastic talent'.

Wadsworth said: 'Fabián is a former Uruguayan under 21 international... and attracted interest from Rangers and Celtic who were both chasing his signature. Unfortunately, Fabian picked up a bad knee injury at Christmas time... It took him a year to get over the injury, but he played for Scottish League club Hibernian last season... I'm excited about the prospect of him forging a goalscoring partnership with Gregg Blundell, but we've also got young striker Lloyd Ellams who I have been impressed with in training, and another striker signing is a possibility... I know I can't keep adding players ad infinitum, but we're getting there'... Montevideo-born Yantorno started his career at Uruguayan Division One club, Miramar Misiones, before moving to Gretna... Hibernian signed him on a two-year contract in August 2008... but he struggled to secure a place in their first team, and was loaned to Hamilton Academical...

Chester are aiming to add Yantorno to their list of new signings which already comprises of Neil Ashton, Rhys Meynell, Ben Wilkinson, Gregg Blundell, Tim Ryan, and ex-Manchester United, Scunthorpe, and Antwerp centre back Michael Lee. John Danby, Glenn Rule, Lloyd Ellams, and Shaun Kelly have all accepted new deals, while Stephen Vaughan, Kevin Roberts, David Mannix, Anthony Barry, and Jay Harris remain contracted to the club".

"Gateshead could miss out on both of their striker targets" claims the Chronicle. "The Tynesiders have made Cheltenham Town striker Paul Connor an attractive offer, but the 30-year-old is stalling over a return to his native North East. Attempts to snare another target, 22-year-old Whitley Bay front man Lee Kerr, has also hit the buffers, though both deals are not dead. Gateshead need to replace goalscoring sensation Lee Novak, who...scored 28 goals in 38 games for Gateshead to clinch the Conference North Golden Boot, but the only striker brought in so far this summer is Durham City’s Steven Richardson... Left-back Phil Cave is expected to become Gateshead’s sixth signing of the summer with the 22-year-old looking to get his release from cash-strapped Livingston. Trialist Michael Brown and Mark Convery, who has also trained with former club Darlington, will be in the squad to face the Terriers".

JAMES JENNINGS

A number of trialists will feature in this Saturday's pre-season game between Altrincham and Abbey Hey as Graham builds his squad for the opening of the league season on August 8th.

GRAHAM BARROW GOES

Graham Heathcote hopes to have a new assistant in place by this weekend.

SATURDAY'S GAME

Alty won the corresponding game last season, 5-1, thanks to five first-half goals from Chris Senior. The Alty side that day was: 13. James COATES; 2. Richard BATTERSBY, 4. Natt KERR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 11. Warren PEYTON; 17. Robbie LAWTON (capt), 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 6. Danny BROWNE, 14. Luke HORROCKS; 8. Chris SENIOR, 10. Dale JOHNSON. Subs: 1. Stuart COBURN, 3. Ben McHUGH, 7. António dos SANTOS, 9. Jake MOULT, 12. Tom BAILEY, 18. Charlie WEIR.

OLD BOYS

"Marine have announced the signing of attacking midfielder Neil Prince. Prince, 26, has joined the Mariners from Droylsden were he played a key part in their progress to the Third Round of the FA Cup last season...Prince said: 'I am pleased to be joining my local club Marine and playing for Kevin Lynch... I have my own coaching business with Marine player James Olsen [ex-Alty] called `Community Soccer Coaching` so I want to enjoy my football and play locally".

CUP CUTS

BSP NEWS

The Poppies boss said: 'He is predominantly a left-back but we are keen to have versatile players in our squad and James is certainly that. I do see it as a bit of a coup for us because he has played a few games in the Football League and was offered a new deal with Macclesfield. He can be a good player for us to have around'".

"Mark Cooper has made a second swoop in as many days after clinching the signing of striker Francis Green. The frontman completed his move to Kettering Town earlier today, having been released by Macclesfield Town at the end of last season. The 29-year-old has a wealth of Football League experience with Peterborough United and Lincoln City among his former clubs".

From the Football Conference comes news that "Rushden & Diamonds have signed left-winger James Reid on loan from Nottingham Forest. The 19-year-old, who has initially joined until January, has played one game for Forest's first-team".

The Daily Post reports that "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders welcomed striker Gareth Taylor to the on Monday and said more firepower would be added to the Dragons’ arsenal before the start of the new season. Veteran ex-Wales international Taylor, now 36, is an obvious replacement for the released Jefferson Louis, and will be expected to bring the best out of younger players like Marc Williams and Obi Anoruo... Said Saunders, 'He will be an extension of me out on the pitch, he has a great attitude and is the type of player we need at the club'. Asked if one or two new faces might also be on the way, the Dragons boss added: 'More than one or two... I’m speaking to a lot of people. We have to get the goalkeeping situation sorted out and we also need to bring in the right sort of front player because teams are only as good as their strikers'".

The Burton Mail reports that "Danny Holmes has agreed to a new role with the Brewers [who visit Alty for a pre-season friendly on 1st August] after being released by Peschisolido in May. The 23-year-old midfielder hopes to stay in part-time football with Blue Square North newcomers Ilkeston Town, while working for Albion on their community coaching scheme. Burton-based Holmes was linked with a move to Forest Green Rovers earlier in the summer, but believes the dual role will suit him better. He explained: 'Forest Green is still a possibility, but they’re full-time, so it will either mean me staying down there a few days each week or doing a lot of travelling'”.

From the Cambridge News we learn that "Histon have received an unexpected cash injection to fund new players... The Stutes' boss has been given a transfer kitty to fund three new players thanks to club sponsor Tony Roach. And after preparing the trawl the lower leagues for bargains and trialists, Fallon can now set his sights on bringing proven talent to the Glass World Stadium... with former League players and Shane Tudor and Adam Tann – who both had spells at Cambridge United – currently on trial... 'It’s great news and a massive boost for us', said the manager Steve Fallon... Winger Tudor began his career at Wolves before moving on to United, Leyton Orient and Port Vale. He suffered a serious knee injury last year... Tann, a defender, began his career at United and his since plied his trade at Leyton Orient, Gravesend & Northfleet and Notts County".

"Midfielder Curtis Shaw has left Mansfield Town by mutual consent" reports This is Nottingham. "The 22-year-old former Ilkeston player was drafted in when boss David Holdsworth first took over in January".

The BBC reports that "Hayes & Yeading United have made midfielder Marc Canham their first summer signing... Canham spent the last five seasons with former rivals Team Bath, who have withdrawn from the Blue Square South. The 26-year-old, who was born in Germany, began his career as a Colchester trainee before joining Bournemouth in August 2003. Canham joined the Students in 2004".

SHIRT SPONSORSHIPS

The cost of sponsoring a player of your choice is £150. For this, your name will appear in every match day programme against your chosen player and on the wall in the Sponsors' Lounge under the photograph of the player. At the end of the season you will receive the player's match-worn shirt, signed. A discount is applied if you would like more than one player. If you are interested please send a cheque to the club marked for Karen Rowley's attention. The club will update this list so that you are aware of which players have been taken – if you would like to check before choosing please give me a ring at the club (0161 928-1045) or send an e-mail.

SUMMER FUN

FRIENDS' DRAW

GREAT EFFORT FOR FESTIVAL

A big thank you to everyone for their superb efforts for the TASC/Altrincham Football Club parade and stall at Altrincham Festival on Saturday. I am delighted to say that TASC raised £320 in total, which has been received by the Football Club with thanks.

In addition, the increased awareness of the club and its community projects from the event should see additional benefits to the club in the future both for the junior teams and the senior team in attendances at matches, particularly for the upcoming friendlies but, hopefully, also on an ongoing basis.

PONTOON POPULAR

The idea of the competition is for your team to accumulate exactly 21 goals by the END of any particular sequence of games. The winner will receive a £100 cash prize, the holder for the number of the second team to reach exactly 21 goals will receive £50 and the third-place prize will be £10.

If more than one team attains 21 goals on the same day, the team that scored their 21st goal earliest in their game will be awarded 1st prize. Goals are tallied up at the end of each match and the totals adjusted accordingly. If by the end of any particular game, your team's goals total exceeds 21, then you will "go bust" and be out of the Competition. Only league goals will count towards your total.

You are not restricted to one number, so increase your chance of winning by buying a second team!

If you are interested in participating, please forward your name, contact number and payment along with your chosen number to the Club for the attention of Sarah Rowley. Weekly updates will be posted here on the Club's website and forum.

Thank you for your support.

PAINTERS NEEDED

YANKEE WON

OLD BOYS

After yesterday's reports that Ilkeston were unable to meet his wage demands, NL Daily reports that "Micky Mellon, manager of Blue Square North club Fleetwood Town, has handed former Rotherham striker Tom Cahill the chance to impress on the pre-season trip to Scotland. Cahill, 22, enjoyed a successful loan period at Ilkeston Town" last season.

The BBC tells us that "Oxford United have given a week's trial to former Tranmere Rovers centre-back Luke Waterfall (right). The teenager, who spent time on loan with Blue Square Premier rivals Altrincham last season, was released by the Merseyside club in June. 'We have had a recommendation about him and I have seen him a couple of times in reserve team football', United boss Chris Wilder told BBC Oxford. 'We will have a look at him for a week and take it from there'".

UNITED AT ALTY

BSP NEWS

Following Stevenage Borough's differential pricing system for 2009-10, Kettering Town are introducing a three-band system as follows:

The price differentials are quite large - £8 for spectators in the main stand.

The Cambridge News confirms that "Cambridge United are still waiting for cash from crisis club Halesowen. The Zamoretto Southern League side face being suspended by the FA if they fail to pay off a former player and another club as well as United by midnight on Friday... They owed United more than £8,000 for former player Gavin Hoyte's wages following his loan move to the Grove last November... Despite the relatively small figures, it is still cash United could do with as they bid to fill the hole left by the guaranteed £75,000 they would have received from Setanta had the television station not gone under two weeks ago... United chairman George Rolls said 'We haven't gone to the FA saying "we haven't been paid", so if they're suspended, that will be down to the FA... but, to be honest, there are other football clubs that owe us as well'. Rolls added talks were continuing with Phil Bolland over a return to the R Costings Abbey Stadium".

The Liverpool Daily Post reports that "Chester City begin their preparations for life in the Blue Square Premier League today [Monday], when their players report back for pre-season training... Former Tranmere Rovers and Shrewsbury Town wing-back Neil Ashton has agreed terms... while ex-York City midfielder Brett [i.e. Ben] Wilkinson [who was loaned to Alty last season], the son of former England manager Howard, is also expected to put pen to paper. Striker Gregg Blundell is also set to return to the club, after agreeing a deal following his release from Darlington, while ex-Southport and Doncaster Rovers defender Tim Ryan has also agreed a package... Former Gretna defender Rhys Meynell is also due to be added to the payroll... Two of last season’s relegated squad are poised to leave the club. Central defender Paul Linwood is due to sign a three-year contract with Grimsby Town this week, while midfielder David Mannix has been allowed to spend a fortnight on trial with a Greek league club. City are running the rule over a number of trialists in the next week, with an experienced central defender and a commanding striker appearing to be their main priorities".

GRAHAM POPULAR WITH MEDIA

ALTRINCHAM FESTIVAL

JACKIE'S FAREWELL

PONTOON COMPETITION

Each of the Clubs from the Premiership, Championship, League One, League Two and Blue Square Premier will be given a random number from 1 to 116. For a £10 stake, you can choose or you will be allocated one of these numbers and this will determine your team in the competition.

The idea of the competition is for your team to accumulate exactly 21 goals by the END of any particular sequence of games. The winner will receive a £100 cash prize, the holder for the number of the second team to reach exactly 21 goals will receive £50 and the third-place prize will be £10.

If more than one team attains 21 goals on the same day, the team that scored their 21st goal earliest in their game will be awarded 1st prize. Goals are tallied up at the end of each match and the totals adjusted accordingly. If by the end of any particular game, your team's goals total exceeds 21, then you will "go bust" and be out of the Competition. Only league goals will count towards your total.

You are not restricted to one number, so increase your chance of winning by buying a second team!

If you are interested in participating, please forward your name, contact number and payment along with your chosen number to the Club for the attention of Sarah Rowley. Weekly updates will be posted here on the Club's website and forum.

Thank you for your support.

Sarah Rowley.

OLD BOY

BSP NEWS

Mark also commented on the futures of two other players - Martin Riley and Sam Foley. Both were offered new contracts at the end of last season, and the boss revealed that talks are ongoing between Harriers and Newport County, believed to be Foley's preferred destination. Riley... is set to meet with Yates in the next few days to discuss the possibility of him remaining at Aggborough'... Harriers are strongly linked with a move for Chris McPhee who starred in a red and white shirt in the final two months of last season. Typically coy and giving little away, Yates simply said: 'Watch this space'".

From Luton Today comes confirmation that "Fans attending Luton Town's game at Stevenage Borough next season will have to pay £1 extra for the privilege. The Hatters' visit to Broadhall Way is one of eight games to have been given the premium price, along with AFC Wimbledon, Oxford United, Cambridge United, Rushden & Diamonds, Wrexham, Mansfield and Kidderminster. Boro chairman Phil Wallace said: 'All the teams selected [for the extra charge] have been Football League clubs in the not too distant past, with AFC Wimbledon of course being reborn from the old Wimbledon FC'".

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

SPONSOR AN ALTY PLAYER!

Karen Rowley announces that:

We are looking for people to sponsor the players again this season. We have frozen the price from last season. The cost of sponsoring a player of your choice is £150. For this your name will appear in every match day programme against your chosen player and on the wall in the Sponsors Lounge under the photograph of the player. At the end of the season you will receive the player's match-worn shirt, signed. A discount is applied if you would like more than one player. If you are interested please send a cheque to the club marked for my attention. We will update this list so that you are aware of which players have been taken – if you would like to check before choosing please give me a ring at the club (0161 928-1045) or send an e-mail.

Players available for sponsorship are:

Thanks for your support Karen Rowley.

Adjacent is the new Altrincham FC home shirt for 2009-10. Order yours now at the Shop or by phoning the club on 928-1045. The shirts are made by Prostar and supplied by Ian Senior's Sensport Kits. Photos courtesy of Karen Rowley.

Ian adds that the available sizes, in either long or short sleeve, are:

Any sizes not listed above may be available subject to a small alteration fee.

YOUTH PRE-SEASON

FIRST SATURDAY

OFFICIAL CONFERENCE WEB-SITE

We are pleased to confirm that the re-vamped web site is now in operation at e-mail.

Following justified comments last season, the Board have acted swiftly to rectify those concerns, though we still welcome constructive observations if we can improve the site further. However, we can only do this if you tell us what you think we can do better. Having said that, you [the clubs] have your part to play in ensuring that the Football Conference stays at the forefront of the sport by promoting our image with those outside as well as inside. We need to be user friendly for the fans, sponsors and all who support football at our level but, to do so, we need to be open, honest and transparent and the web-site is one of the ways we can convey our message to all.

The aspirations of the Board, with regards to the web-site, will be given at the pre-season meeting of clubs on 3rd August and we look forward to receiving any feedback from implementations made to date. We also seek any advertisers for the site and details of pricing can be downloaded direct from it, from the banner at the top of the Home Page.

FREE DVD

After the success of last year’s Season Review DVD, we have produced a similar FREE DVD for the 2008/09 season. The DVD includes the story of the season in the Blue Square Premier, culminating in the Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium. There is more footage this year from across the season, as well as again featuring the Blue Square Premier Fan Awards.

The DVD is completely FREE and the process is very simple to apply for one. Simply click the adjacent image.

BSP NEWS

"Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish thinks wantaway striker Michael Gash will start the new season with his side", claims the BBC. "Gash, who was Fleet's top scorer last term, agreed to move to York City this week in a joint-deal with defender Darius Charles. But Charles rejected the move so both players returned to Stonebridge Road. 'I'm sure York do want to take them but at this moment in time that deal is no longer on', Daish told BBC Radio Kent. 'We are not being rushed into anything. They are both Ebbsfleet players and that's the way it stands at the moment. I see them as part of our squad at the start of the season', he added".

"The Football Conference reached a new low yesterday when they released the fixtures for next season – by giving ten different clubs a blank Saturday" claims the Oxford Mail. "One of those clubs is Oxford United, who have no fixture on Saturday, March 6. United’s general manager and secretary Mick Brown admitted to being 'speechless' at the news, while chairman Kelvin Thomas revealed his dismay at the potential loss of revenue. As well as Oxford and Grays twiddling their thumbs on Saturday, March 6, York and Histon are without a game on Saturday, February 20, Stevenage and AFC Wimbledon miss out on Saturday, February 27, and four clubs – Chester, Kidderminster, Salisbury and Hayes & Yeading – are idle on Saturday, March 20. It is believed to be the first time since United turned professional in 1949 that a league has left them without a match in an otherwise full Saturday programme.

Brown said: 'I’m staggered. I was speechless when I heard, but it’s indefensible. We did not even receive a courtesy call to inform us, we just discovered it by default. It’s just illogical and will disadvantage us because we’ve got an additional midweek match', he added. The Conference... seem to have got in a mess after agreeing to requests to avoid certain dates or too much travelling on a Tuesday. Conference general manager Dennis Strudwick says the blank Saturday problem has come about because they do the fixtures manually. Conference chairman Brian Lee agreed 'it’s just worked out this way and it’s not ideal... it’s the first time I’ve known it. It’s not ideal, but we do the best we can. We’ve been trying to avoid clubs having too much midweek away travel, but I take on board people’s complaints about this and they’re noted'".

Luton Today states that "Luton Town's search for a new home is ongoing... but the changing nature of available sites means their search is taking some time. Director Stephen Browne said: 'For us the independent feasibility study starts with identifying the possible locations. We did that quite a long while ago but then you have got quite a lot of work to do to see if they will hold water sufficiently to go forward as one of the final sites to be considered... Some locations that were on our radar are no longer feasible and ones that weren't now are'".

According to the Wrexham Chronicle "Dean Saunders is targeting promotion back to the Football League for Wrexham and will stop at nothing to ensure it. Yesterday, Saunders took his players down the North Wales coast for an endurance fitness session around the Great Orme... 'We want to get out of the league, I want to get out of the league, and all the players have come in for one thing only and that is to get out of this league', he said... 'We know it is going to be difficult this season with Luton spending as much as they have and our budget is not what it was last year, but the aim is to get out of the league, simple as that', Saunders added. 'We are working all the time on trying to get players in, my phone is ringing all the time... We are looking for a goalkeeper obviously, and trying to sign another striker. Chris (Maxwell) is still learning the game and has got a really good future ahead of him. We’ve got to get out of the league and sometimes you’ve got young lads and they’re learning at your expense. Last season we had a lot of young lads and a lot of them played and hopefully they’ll come back this summer now and be better for it. Hopefully now when they line up we’ll see the difference'". As for pre-season, he stated, 'For footballers it’s a difficult time, there’s a lot of work to slug your way through... No pain no gain, simple as that. During your career you do 20-odd pre-seasons and they’re never easy, it’s a means to an end... If you’re getting paid to be a professional footballer then the least you can do is make sure you are fit'".

OLD BOYS

According to the UniBond League "Retford United have signed two players as they build for the Premier Division this season. Paul Ellender joins from Alfreton Town after a very successful spell at Boston United where he played more than 228 games for the Pilgrims in a seven year stay at York Street. The 34 year old captained Boston at four different levels of football, and was so popular he also enjoyed a testimonial match. Starting his career at Scunthorpe United Youth, he moved onto Gainsborough Trinity, Altrincham and Scarborough before making Boston his second home".

BSP NEWS

From Mansfield Town we read that "A fierce bolt of lightning may have wiped out our playing squad this morning during a routine training session, mansfieldtown.net can reveal. Our first team squad, along with manager David Holdsworth, first team coach Gareth Holmes and physio Jason Truscott, were stood just 30 yards away when the bolt struck a nearby fence. 'I nearly dropped my tea', manager David Holdsworth told mansfieldtown.net. 'It struck so close that the players had to rush for cover'".

The Cambridge News says that "Danny Wright is staying at Histon after the club rejected a £50,000 bid for the striker from an unnamed Blue Square Premier side. Stutes' boss Steve Fallon said it was an easy decision to make after already losing the services of Mat Mitchel-King, Jack Midson, Patrick Ada and Antonio Murray. And, although he would consider offers from Football League teams for his players, the manager is determined to hang on to the rest of his squad. Fallon said: 'We've lost four players who were out of contract that we didn't want to lose, so there's no way that we're now going to sell anyone... It was always going to be a no to an offer from another Conference side'".

"Chester City boss Mick Wadsworth today revealed he has secured two more pre-season signings" states the Chester Evening Leader. "Wadsworth confirmed he had agreed deals to bring both Neil Ashton and Tim Ryan to Chester City as part of his new-look 20-man Blues squad... He said: 'I've signed Neil Ashton... He is a left-sided player who can play in two or three different positions. He can play left centre back, and in the middle of midfield, and he's terrific in the air... he played his part in helping Shrewsbury reach the play-offs last season... I've also signed Tim Ryan who has played for Darlington and Doncaster Rovers'... Ryan, who started his career at Doncaster in 1996, spent three seasons at Southport before returning to the Yorkshire club and then having spells at Peterborough, Boston United and Darlington... One of my priorities is to sign a striker and I will be talking to former Chester player Gregg Blundell within the next 24 hours... I'm planning to speak to six or seven more players in the next few days and I may have more news on new signings on Monday... As far as my right hand man is concerned I'm inheriting the staff that was here last season. I'm going to stand by the present staff and I'll be working on the training pitch and in the dug-out on match days with Simon Davies'".

From the Daily Post we hear that "Wrexham manager Dean Saunders yesterday made two further signings... with midfielders Nathan Fairhurst and Jamie McCluskey joining the Dragons. Fairhurst, who spent time on at loan at the Racecourse last season, joined from Bolton Wanderers on a two-year deal. McCluskey, who also spent time with the Dragons last season when he was a free agent, signed a one-year contract".

The Press states that "Adam Boyes is on the verge of leaving York City to join Championship club Scunthorpe United. City boss Martin Foyle has confirmed to The Press that he expects 18-year-old striker Boyes to be moving... Foyle confirmed his departure would have funded the failed £80,000 bid for Ebbsfleet pair Michael Gash and Darius Charles. Foyle also added that City were still waiting to hear back from the Kent club after making their revised offer for Gash, believed to be in the region of £50,000... Ben Wilkinson [on loan at Alty last season], meanwhile, is poised to join Chester City... About his departure, Foyle added: 'It was only right for him to move on as his chances of getting a game here were slim'".

BSN NEWS

It was controversially applied to fellow Blue Square North members Northwich Victoria who entered administration at the end of last season, only to be overturned upon appeal by the Football Association. Northwich, as a result, are permitted to play in the Conference North albeit start with a 10 point deduction, in accordance with the main body of the Football Conference rules.

Official club spokesman, Philip Morris, states: 'It is of concern to us that the Football Conference have taken this decision, despite the recent decision of the Football Association in the case of Northwich, and with no apparent change in the rules. They seem to be completely disregarding the precedent that has been set. We shall be immediately launching an appeal, and beginning a fund to raise sufficient money to pay the fees to do so. If the FA uphold the Conference’s decision, with the fixtures arranged for the next season throughout the non league pyramid Farsley Celtic basically will have no league in which to play'".

ALTRINCHAM BSP FIXTURES 2009-10

Altrincham FC League Fixtures 2009-10

LEAGUE CUP?

OLD BOYS

But "Blue Square North new boys Ilkeston Town Town will not be signing sharpshooter Tom Cahill following his release by Rotherham United. He enjoyed a productive loan spell at the New Manor Ground last season where he was a real crowd favourite. The Robins have made the 22-year-old a 'good offer' for him to join their 2009/10 campaign in the Conference North after promotion last season. But Cahill has relocated to the north-west and that, together with his wage demands, have scuppered any chance of an agreement. 'It looks like Ilkeston is not really where Tom wants to be with the money we have offered him and where he will be living', said boss Kevin Wilson. 'And we have also got a wage structure that we are not going to break for any player'" he told This is Nottingham.

The Northwich Guardian reports that for Nantwich Town, "Jake Sedgemore signed last month".

The Press tells us that "York City midfielder Ben Wilkinson has left the club by mutual consent. Wilkinson, who had a year left to run on his contract, spent the end of last season on loan at Altrincham".

BSP NEWS

"AFC Telford United have granted permission for Rhys Meynell to sign for Chester City. The defender had originally agreed to sign for the Bucks and attended his first training session last Saturday. The player did not appear at training on Tuesday and Chester approached Telford expressing an interest in the defender. After a discussion with Meynell it soon transpired that he wanted to sign for City, who are looking to remain full-time next season" reports the Football Conference. The BBC adds that "Chester City have lined up young Stalybridge Celtic defender Rhys Meynell as their first summer signing... After attending his first Telford training session on Saturday, he was alerted by the appointment of his old Gretna boss Mick Wadsworth at the Deva... Meynell had signed initial forms with Telford, but had not been registered and had not agreed terms... A statement on Telford's club website said: 'After a discussion with Meynell it soon transpired that he wanted to sign for City who are looking to remain full-time'... Meynell, who started with Wadsworth's hometown club Barnsley, spent the final half of the 2007/08 season at Gretna... He then returned to parent club Barnsley, but was released in May 2008. And, after trials at Barnet and Oxford United, made a summer move to Steve Burr's Stalybridge, for whom he was a regular, making 47 appearances".

"Salisbury midfielders Brian Dutton and Ian Herring are unlikely to be at City next season, reports BBC Wiltshire. Manager Nick Holmes confirmed that the pair, who are both out of contract, are looking to sign for clubs in the north of England for personal reasons. Herring joined Salisbury from Chippenham in 2007 and was a regular in the first team last season. Dutton moved to City from Weymouth in the summer of 2008".

The Cambridge News reports that "Paul Carden still hopes an agreement can be done to bring Phil Bolland back to Cambridge United. The club has been unable to offer acceptable terms to the centre-half and is unlikely to be in a position to do so until the likes of Jon Challinor and Courtney Pitt, who are both on the transfer list, are removed from the wage bill. But notably in the list of squad numbers announced by United, the No 5 shirt worn by Bolland last season remains vacant... Carden said: 'To get him back would be a massive bonus for us because he was part of the foundations... We were fortunate that Bolly had worked with Wayne Hatswell before and we knew what they were all about. They complement each other really well'".

"It was the dawn of a new era at Ebbsfleet United yesterday (Wednesday) as a new group of players arrived at Stonebridge Road eager to stake their claim for a place in the squad" claims the Gravesend Reporter. "Head coach Liam Daish was forced to let the majority of last year's playing staff go... Meanwhile, the double transfer of Michael Gash and Darius Charles to York fell through earlier in the week, which means the weekly playing budget still stands at just £4,500 a week... And Acting CEO John Moules... believes Daish is the right man to undertake the hugely difficult task... 'I think his record of turning players into genuine quality speaks for itself', he said. 'He unearthed John Akinde and over the last three years he found players who have been included in the England C team'".

The Kidderminster Shuttle tells us that "Chairman Barry Norgrove has placed a valuation of £50,000 on midfielder Russ Penn's head, after Burton Albion made him a transfer target. It is believed that the Blue Square Premier champions are eager to signed the 23-year-old... 'We've heard on the grapevine that Burton are interested but we have not had an approach from them', said Norgrove... 'If Burton made a big enough offer we would have to consider it. Walsall and Peterborough were talking about spending between £50,000 and £70,000 on him last summer and I would expect his worth is about £50,000'... The chairman also confirmed that Harriers would be interested in signing Lee Hughes. The 33-year-old's contract at Oldham Athletic has ended, after scoring 25 goals for them last season. Norgrove believes a deal to secure the forward, who scored 73 goals for Harriers between 1995 and 1997 before earning a £350,000 move to West Bromwich Albion, is a long way off".

However, "Midfielder Brian Smikle signed a one-year deal to increase Harriers' squad to seven players today. The former West Bromwich man scored ten goals last season... He was released by Harriers in May but was still being paid by the club under the Bosman Ruling. He became the fourth member of last season's squad to return and joins Russ Penn, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Lee Baker, Dean Coleman, David McDermott and Darryl Knights on contract".

YOUTH CUP DRAW

BSP NEWS

NL Daily advises that "Graham Drury, manager of Blue Square North new boys Corby Town, has completed his summer transfer activity with the capture of winger Jamie McGhee from Mansfield Town. McGhee, 20, played for the Stags in the Football League when he was just 17 but fell out of favour under the new management at Field Mill last year".

Meanwhile, "Mick Wadsworth, the newly-appointed manager of Chester City, confirmed he had made his first pre-season signing. Wadsworth revealed he had persuaded goalkeeper John Danby to re-sign for the Blues... Wadsworth, who also hopes to include Shrewsbury defender Neil Ashton in his squad, has acknowledged that he faces a race against time in his bid to assemble a twenty-man squad for the start of the new campaign... He said: 'John has solved a big problem for me and I'm really pleased he has decided to rejoin us as our goalkeeper'. Wadsworth admitted that he had discovered the new season is starting a week earlier than he envisaged: 'I had a little shock because I'd got it in my head that the Conference started on August 15th or 16th, but then I was told that we actually start on August 8th... We've got five and a half weeks for pre-season which is far from ideal, but we shall recruit players as quickly and as wisely as we can, and as economically as we can... I see this season as the club's re-birth because it's been through administration and it's still got the commitment of the chairman and his colleagues and together we're going to get out of the problems we face by working very hard. I watched Rotherham United very closely last year and the way that they went about ridding themselves of being on minus-seventeen points at the start of the season... Rotherham have shown in that sense that it can be done... The club has got into negative equity financially and football-wise, and everybody is ready to work hard to address both of those balances... I took Scarborough to their highest position in the Football League by earning a play-off place and I have to say that I had two fantastic years there. But Scarborough were another club that got into financial trouble and it happens to clubs too often, but that's the nature of this silly game that we're all in. I hope I can be at Chester for another thirty years...

We don't have a goalkeeper for example, so that's quite a priority, and we haven't got an out and out centre forward with experience, so that's a priority... I haven't set myself a target for the new season, but I'm sure the chairman has set a target in his mind'... Club owner, Stephen Vaughan, insisted that Wadsworth would be given a opportunity to compete for an end of season play-off place. He said: 'In the Football League we were over-paying as a club at that level. We've now dropped into the Conference and we're a big fish in a small pond and we feel that outside of Luton Town we can match anybody's wage bill, and that is a dramatic cut-back on our Football League wages. But the wages we feel we can commit to will hopefully give Mick every opportunity to pull the ten point deficit back. It would be silly to think we can win the Conference title, but we've got to have a dream, and we've got to chase fifth spot'".

"Kidderminster are pleased to confirm that winger David McDermott has signed up for the new season at Aggborough by penning a new one-year contract" reports Blue Square Football. "Lively local-lad McDermott first joined Harriers last summer after leaving Walsall and made 29 appearances for the club in 2008/09, scoring once. Blessed with great pace and an ability to beat defenders, McDermott was largely used as an impact sub by boss Mark Yates".

Things are upbeat at Wrexham... "When Geoff Moss took on the running of the Club three years ago, his principle aim was to leave the Club debt free - this has now been achieved. The Club owns its own stadium and training ground. It owns all the land, buildings and equipment, while only having normal trade creditors and trade debtors that are required by any Club or business. It has NO bank overdraft and NO long term loans. Geoff yesterday sold his stake in Wrexham FC to Wrexham Village Ltd (a company in which he is a major investor).

Wrexham Village has sourced and obtained private equity finance, sufficient to acquire the club development land; the Dickens land; plus sufficient finance to build the first 156 student flats; and to support the Football Club with working capital... Wrexham Village will allow the Club to stand on its own two feet, whilst at the same time offering the opportunity for the development to generate sufficient profits to make a major contribution to a new Kop stand, in due course...

The Football Club Accounts for the year ended June 2008 have now been filed... Drastic cuts have been made in the Club's running costs, which we believe will bring the Club to around breakeven for the 2009/10 season and into profit thereafter. Whilst we are sorry that staff redundancies had to take place, we hope that it will be appreciated that such actions were necessary to safeguard the Club's financial security... Effectively the losses incurred during the period since Administration have been borne by Mr Moss... He has taken the risk on being able to recoup his original investment via the development, whilst leaving the Club in a healthier position - the envy of many football clubs across the UK".

"Tricky left-footed winger Kyle Nix has today become David Holdsworth's 11th signing of the close season" at Mansfield Town... Nix is a former Manchester United trainee and his talents were spotted by Aston Villa at the early age of when the West Midlands club paid a six figure sum for his services. After a three year stint at Villa Park the 5 ft 6 winger left to join Sheffield United aged just 20, before linking up with Bradford City - where he has spent the past two years... Manager David Holdsworth has again overcome competition from League Two clubs to capture his signature. With the ink barely dry on his two year contract, Nix told www.mansfieldtown.net: 'Everyone here seems to share the same ambition and drive. I am determined to get back into the Football League with Mansfield'. Manager David Holdsworth said: 'We are delighted to be able to attract another League player to our club. He is an attacking-minded midfield player who has a wonderful ability on the ball. He and Ryan Williams are two very good assets'".

"Histon manager Steve Fallon has said his side will be scaling down their transfer plans following the collapse of pay TV-broadcaster Setanta" reports the BBC. "Fallon told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: 'A lot of people at the Conference are confident Setanta will be replaced, but we can't gamble on doing things now... Things are on hold as they are at a lot of clubs... Histon lost four of their players over the summer, Patrick Ada, Jack Midson, Antonio Murray and Mat Mitchel-King... Cambridge City striker Michael Frew and Hemel defender Bowden-Haase have come in, but Fallon says a replacement for Mitchel-King is the only likely arrival at the current time. 'There are a lot of players looking for clubs, but they're asking for too much money in this climate', he said... 'We can't afford to pay full-time wages to part-time players'".

LOCAL FA CUP DRAWS

The Preliminary Round of The FA Trophy sponsored by Carlsberg involves the following ties involving local UniBond League clubs:-

Ties to be played Saturday 3rd October.

NORTHERN NEWS

The board of Farsley Celtic 1908 Ltd are today able to confirm the appointment of Robert Adamson and Philip Lyon of Mazars LLP as Administrators. By entering Administration, the petition to wind the club up is unable to proceed and enables the club to continue to trade. John Palmer, the club President explains: 'Whilst it is a relief that the effect of Administration avoids, in the short term, the threat of winding up, there is a lot of work still to do'. Bullsnews adds that "Farsley Celtic have avoided today's winding up hearing by rushing through their application to enter Administration by the backdoor. With no time for the club itself to enter Administration brewers Coors, who are owed for supplies to the club bar, forced the club into Administration rather than allow the taxman to fold the Leeds-based side".

FA CUP MONEY

This year the pay-out is higher than it has been for a number of years and brought forth the following comment from Brian Lee the Chairman of the Football Conference. 'I am really pleased for the high number of our clubs benefitting. The number amounts to just under a third of our total membership and after the last few days it is welcome news for those clubs involved. This season the figure is sizeable and can only be a major boost at this time for those who battled through the competition last October/November. Out of our 20 clubs, almost half played their football last season in the Blue Square North/South and it proves that those efforts in reaching the 1st Round pays dividends over which they ultimately have no control.

Therefore, when three of the top four clubs in the Premier League, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal all draw away and then stage home replays, the minnows who have long departed the competition have also beneffited. Myself and our FA delegates from the Football Conference Board will ensure we continue to support vigourously the FA Pool system and on behalf of our clubs I express a big thank you to the Football Association and the FA Challenge Cup Committee'".

Altrincham were one of the clubs to reach Round One last season.

OLD BOYS

BSP NEWS

from the BBC we learn that "Luton Town manager Mick Harford has ruled out a return to the club for defender Chris Willmott. The 31-year-old was released by rivals Oxford in April. He told BBC Three Counties Radio: 'We are looking at the defence. I have spoken to Chris's agent but we're not going to take it any further'. Harford has signed keeper Mark Tyler, defender Alan White and striker Liam Hatch and is hoping to bring in new faces before the season begins. On the capture of former Peterborough keeper Tyler, he said: 'I always see the goalkeeper as one of the major positions in a football team'".

York City say that "City Manager Martin Foyle has completed another signing on the penultimate day before pre-season training commences by securing the signature of Alan O'Hare. The 6'2" defender is a left footed centre-half who was with Mansfield Town last season. Drogheda-born O'Hare made over 100 appearances for Chesterfield whilst they were in League One and is 26 years old. The Club can also confirm that former Ebbsfleet United midfielder Neil Barrett has signed for City today and will also be joining up with his new team mates tomorrow. Neil began his career with Chelsea and made 26 appearances for Portsmouth before a move to Scotland and subsequently back to England with Woking and then Ebbsfleet...

Martin Foyle stated that he was delighted to secure their signatures especially after yesterday's set back following the news that the £80,000 deal for Darius Charles and Michael Gash from Ebbsfleet had hit problems. The City boss is still hopeful that the deal for Gash will go through and a new offer has been submitted to the Ebbsfleet Board of Directors and members".

A nice letter to all BSP clubs has been sent by Matt Curtis of the defunct Setanta Sports channel:

Dear All,

I wanted to write to each of the clubs in the Blue Square to say how sorry I am that Setanta's coverage of Conference football is over. I am also deeply sorry of any financial repercussions this may have for the Conference and the clubs. It is such a tremendous competition I’m sure it will go on to get bigger and better.

In ten years of broadcasting with Setanta, last season was the most enjoyable of my career, and that includes World Cups, European Championships, World Title fights and Grand Nationals. I have made so many friends along the way, and I cannot thank everyone involved enough. I will treasure for ever the warm welcomes we received at every ground. Football matters as much (if not more) to people at this level, when compared to the Premier League, but the Conference has retained its charm and realism. We were at the start of something really special and I am so upset we won’t have the chance to carry it on.

The awards evening was a fitting finale, and I must thank all those people who came up to wish me well. Not one person had an angry word, it was all supportive and I will remember that for ever – as I will the phone calls from Brian Lee and Dennis Strudwick when things got really sticky. I hope our paths cross again soon, Matt Curtis".

"New Blues manager Mick Wadsworth has spoken of the challenge that lies ahead of him at Chester City. "City return for training tomorrow and his first task will be to add to the squad that currently stands at a meagre nine players, building that up to a total of about 20 required as City start the new season in the Football Conference on minus ten points. Wadsworth told the Daily Post: 'I'm used to challenges and tough situations and this job excites me', said former Newcastle United and Southampton assistant-manager Wadsworth, who was part of the England coaching team under Bobby Robson and Graham Taylor... 'I'm a workaholic. We will recruit as quickly and as wisely as we can and in the most economical way that way we can'", said the new manager.

The Chester Evening Leader adds that Chester "Club owner, Stephen Vaughan said: 'We've gone for Mick Wadsworth on the understanding that we needed a change. Mark Wright never walked out of this club, we mutually agreed for Mark to vacate the position. We were looking at somebody with experience and we found that man with experience... Importantly he has experience at every level of footbal... and hopefully he'll get us a 20-man squad together over the next couple of weeks. 'The target is to get the 20 men. If Mick doesn't feel he needs any of the current nine senior pros it will be a case of one in and one out... We know the problems we've had in the past, we know we were over-paying in the past'".

This is Tamworth tells us that "Tamworth have completed the signing of former defender Michael Briscoe. But the Lambs' have failed in a bid to sign ex-Port Vale striker Kyle Perry – who has chosen to sign for Mansfield Town".