If the answer is yes, then please complete the online form... All trials are subject to a one-off individual registration fee of £60 per person, payable on the day, no exceptions".

Runners-up "Guiseley AFC have announced that promising 16-year-old Macaulay Parkinson will remain at Nethermoor next season. Macaulay spent time on loan at Ossett Town last season and is considered a real prospect. The youngster lists Manchester United and Sheffield United among his former clubs".

News comes from This is Lincs that "For two years, Steve Housham had the financial backing of Peter Swann as chairman of Gainsborough Trinity. However, with Swann leaving to take charge at Scunthorpe, the Echo's John Pakey discovers how Housham is adjusting to a brave new world with the Blues...

Players are leaving, the chairman has gone, there is no benefactor, it is easy to see why people are writing off Gainsborough Trinity. However, bullish Blues boss Steve Housham has hit back at the naysayers and declared 'this club will not die'. And to back that defiant statement, Housham has already made several key signings, including promoting Darryn Stamp to player/assistant manager...

'Come pre-season training on June 25, I'm hoping to have 10 to 16 players signed', said Housham. 'If we can get 15 to 30 lads down at training for that first day it will be fantastic. Gainsborough Trinity will not die'.

Among those lining up for the first day of pre-season will be Stamp, Greg Young, Dominic Roma and Jonathan Williams from last season's team. Housham is building a squad on a budget which is currently greatly reduced compared to last season...

'The lads who have signed on don't see this as the end ', said Housham. 'You don't see much loyalty in this game, but those four have signed on the dotted line and the fans of this club will appreciate what they have done'. And rejoining the club is Phil Barnes. The goalkeeper endured an injury-ravaged time at Gainsborough in the past.

However, last summer he moved to Alfreton and played 18 times in the Conference National, despite being second choice. 'In my mind, Phil Barnes could still play in the Football League', said Housham. 'He moved on last time because of the injuries he suffered with us and did really well getting back to full fitness. It means that there is no place for Jan Budtz and Jason White'...

Defence is the priority and at the moment Barnes has half of the back four in front of him recruited already... 'If you're not conceding, you're not losing', said Housham. 'We've got a good goalkeeper in Barnes and in Dominic Roma we have one of the best full backs in the division. Roma to me is my Denis Irwin. He can play anywhere across the back four and that is a big bonus. It is also good to have Greg Young on board. He had to bide his time, but he has been fantastic when called upon last season. And also, as far as I'm aware, there has been no moves for Josh Wilde or Luke Waterfall.

They are both cracking players who we have offered re-engagement terms to. So, if they are approached, the club will earn money'.

The middle of the park is another area where Housham has recruited with Jonathan Williams agreeing a new deal... after supporters' favourite Jonathan D'Laryea opted for a move to North Ferriby. 'I know D'Laryea was really torn about leaving Gainsborough', said Housham... 'But the deal he was offered was far too good turn down'...

Housham himself has underlined his commitment to the Blues. The Gainsborough lad is relishing managing his home-town club, and believes this passion will be key to taking the team forward. 'We've got to be proud with what we have done here at Gainsborough', said Housham. 'In my time here we've reached the play-off final of the Conference North and also the semi-final of the FA Trophy. However, have we won anything? No. So there is still a job to be done here. And yes, things are different now without Peter Swann and his backing as chairman and benefactor, but to me that's just another part of the challenge...

The players I sign will go out there knowing that they have to work their socks off for the fans and give their all, because that is what a Gainsborough Trinity fan expects; I know, because I'm a fan... The [players] know their manager is not going to go hiding and I will not have anyone in the team who will go missing either'".

THREE MORE FRIENDLIES ARRANGED

Don't forget that if you purchase an Altrincham FC season ticket, it grants free admission to the pre-season matches at Moss Lane. And, if you buy it before 30 June, there is a £10 discount. Details here.

YANKEE WINNERS

BSBN NEWS

Dowie joined the Stutes as a 15-year-old and progressed through the Scholarship programme to earn a senior debut in 2010/11... Thirty-four more starts last season cemented his place in the heart of midfield taking his senior appearance total to fifty-nine with another eleven from the bench and three goals".

A former Histon manager is the subject of reports from BSBN's report that "Boston United manager Dennis Greene is looking to add two more players to his squad...

Greene is targeting a left-back and a striker... with many of last season's squad having already signed on. The Pilgrims boss has so far brought in goalkeeper Ashley Timms, defender Carl Piergianni and midfielder Gary Mills this month, and is hoping to recruit another two new faces this week...

He told the Boston Standard, 'Hopefully, we can get one or two more in this week, a left back and a centre forward. Then that will probably be it until pre-season. There'll still be some money left for pre-season. We'll have a look at some trialists and see what's available out there'.

Greene concedes he has missed out on a few targets... He added, 'You have to travel to get to Boston, and that commitment makes players want that little bit extra cash to compensate. There are clubs in the Conference National and Conference North who pay more than we do'".

Guiseley "are pleased to announce that Rhys Meynell and Jake Lawlor will remain at the club for the coming season. Rhys joined the club last summer from Stalybridge Celtic and proved a reliable squad member, playing in a number of positions while Jake joined midway through the campaign. The former Harrogate Railway midfielder quickly established himself in the Lions' midfield".

According to Gloucester City, "Chairman Nigel Hughes would like reassure Tigers supporters over comments from Cheltenham Town chairman Paul Baker in the last couple of days. The comments were regarding outstanding payments from Gloucester City that are yet to be paid to the Whaddon Road outfit.

However, Hughes would like to assure City fans that the club is moving forward swiftly in all areas. 'Gloucester City remains fully committed to meet their obligations to pay off the outstanding money owed to their Landlords whilst planning for a fifth consecutive season in the Conference North', Hughes said.

] With discussions on both Meadow Park and Civil Service land planning opportunities progressing at a steady rate, the Club are currently talking to a number of potential investors who have expressed an interest in becoming involved with the Tigers. Colin Peake, Club Consultant, continues to play a vital part in bringing this together and is hoping to have some positive news to report within the next two weeks'.

Later, Hughes continued, 'We have already paid them £21,000 as agreed and are taking significant steps to pay off the remaining money owed well before the start of the new season. It should be noted that a significant amount of the money owed was for VAT payments which had not been included in the original invoices that we had received.

My relationship with Paul Baker is excellent and all at Gloucester City appreciate the fact that without being able to play at the Abbey Business Stadium we would be unable to play football at the level we currently do. Going forward we want to ensure that we do not find ourselves in this position again'".

At Stockport County, the club has "announced the signing of striker Kristian Dennis. Born in Manchester, Dennis played most recently for Curzon Ashton.

Dennis made his debut for Macclesfield on 1 January 2008... Following a loan spell with Ashton United... Dennis spent a three month loan period at local outfit Woodley Sports. Having been released by Macclesfield he re-joined Woodley...

In November 2010 he joined Mossley... The following season he joined Curzon Ashton... Last season was his best ever in terms of goals scored, finishing the campaign with 46 goals in all competitions.

Dennis told Stockport County's website, '"Being a local lad who has played all my football in the area, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to join County. I know what a massive club they are'...

County boss Ian Bogie said, 'Kristian's goal scoring record speaks for itself, he has been a consistent scorer at every level he has played at. He is young, hungry, quick... As manager of Gateshead I signed a similar local hungry player in Lee Novak, who proved himself at our level before selling him to Huddersfield Town for £150k. I am confident that Kristian will prove to be a similar success story'".

Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Dave Bayliss, manager of Barrow AFC... has no qualms about the Adam Boyes compensation cash being injected into the Bluebirds' general coffers – and not given to him for squad strengthening.

Barrow have not released the details of the amount received from Gateshead for Boyes, following the striker's switch to the International Stadium. Bayliss' player budget has been significantly reduced due to the club's difficult financial situation...

Barrow's players received late wage payments last season and were owed cup bonuses at the end of the campaign. It is not clear how much of this debt has been paid off. But Bayliss hinted that players are still owed cash, and hopes the club will clear the decks.

Bayliss, whose player budget has been slashed by around 40 per cent for next season, said of the compensation cash, 'I don't want it to be honest. We brought Boyesy in, paid him good money and now we'll get money back. That money will go to pay off those people we owe, and rightly so.

And once those people are paid off you can start the season in August with a clean slate and hopefully we won't owe any playing-related creditors any money. We'll start the season afresh and that's important to myself and the club that we do that and pay all the people off.

Chairman Brian Keen and the club have promised every single Barrow player that they won't leave without what they're owed, and they won't.... That's how Barrow works. We'll kick-on then, sign new players and get ready for the new season'.

Bayliss also says the other two players who he believes will command a compensation fee are Alex-Ray Harvey and Danny M Rowe who, like Boyes, are under the age of 24 and therefore qualify under FA regulations.

Bayliss said, 'I believe Alex-Ray is speaking to a number of clubs and I really rate him... Danny Rowe is another player I think will get in the Football League... We would have loved to have kept the two of them but I don't think their abilities will be suited to the Conference North, they will be more suited to League Two or the top half of the Conference Premier.

They are two of the better lads who we had attitude-wise, I've got no problem with them'".

We learn from the News & Star that "International accountancy firm Baker Tilly have been announced as the Hong Kong firm sponsoring Workington Reds next season. General manager Alec Graham had been negotiating with two British nationals working in the Asia branch.

The link-up was announced last week, but the firm was only named last night. Graham secured a five-figure sum from Baker Tilly, which will see the club through until the new season...

Workington had been threatened with folding when chairman Humphrey Dobie said he was quitting after 14 years on the board. Workington need around £10,000 during the off-season... The accountancy firm's name will adorn one of the home or away shirt, with Allied International London emblazoned on the other. Paul Armstrong, of the club's supporters' club, confirmed that 'Next season, the shirts will have a different sponsor for home and away... Dobie has been speaking with at least two people about joining the Reds board, but no news about possible appointments has been released".

STRIKER AGREES TERMS WITH ALTY

The BBC in 2008 reported that "Port Vale striker Kyle Perry has praised manager Lee Sinnott for rescuing his career. Sinnott brought Perry to Vale Park from Chasetown in January after he helped the Southern League Division One side knock the Valiants out of the FA Cup. The 22-year-old told BBC Radio Stoke, 'He saw my ability and believed in me so I can't thank him enough for that. He pulled me back into league football and saved my career'...

A forward by trade, Perry has been asked to play on the left of midfield on occasions and, although he would prefer to play up front... 'I can compete in both positions', he said. 'I'm put out there because I'm tall and I can whip a ball in when I get the chance'".

Following a loan spell with Northwich Victoria (2009), he spent 2009-10 at Mansfield Town (40 games, 9 goals) and 2010-11 at Tamworth (40 games, 17 goals), before signing for Lincoln City (2011-12). 2012 saw him have a loan spell at Telford before joining promoted Nuneaton Town for 2012-13. During that season he had loan spells with Hereford United and Tamworth.

Welcome to Moss Lane!

REPLACING THE IRREPLACEABLE

Sunderland saw off competition from a host of rival clubs to sign Watmore for an undisclosed fee and leave Alty with the thankless task of trying to fill his boots.

Guiseley frontrunner Walshaw was swiftly identified as the prime candidate, and Sinnott had no hesitation backing him to keep the goals flowing, after chairman Grahame Rowley completed the signing at Hartshead Moor Services on the M62.

‘You don't replace Duncan, as such, because he's got something you don't see very often,' said the Alty manager. ‘What you do is look to bring someone in who will complement what we've already got, and James is that type of player.

‘He's got a bit of an edge to his game, which I like. He is always ready to try something different, and he often has something up his sleeve other players wouldn't even think of. He asks defenders questions, and I am looking forward to working with him.

‘If you lose a goalscorer, you want someone who can at least match the tally of the player he is replacing, and James has shown he can score goals at this level. At 29, he is in his prime, and his experience can only benefit Damian Reeves and James Lawrie.

‘Like all forwards, he loves to score, and I can see him dovetailing with Damian, if that is to be the partnership. He is more than just a good finisher, though. His link-up play is excellent as well, and I'm delighted to have him on board. The squad is taking shape, and we'll see how things progress now, in terms of any further additions.

‘Duncan has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and we wish him all the best with what is a wonderful move for him. Will we see him in the Premier League one day? Well, it's essential he keeps progressing and taking things on board, but let's be fair – you don't see many Duncans, do you?

‘If you can run directly at people at the speed he does, and change direction as quickly as he does, you are going to make any defender's job that much harder. But he will be up against better defenders, who will try and take him where he doesn't want to go. They will try and dictate what he does with the ball and where he takes it, but he mustn't let that happen.

‘The best players dictate how things unfold, not the other way round, and that is the challenge he is facing now. The good thing is he's a bright lad who listens to what you tell him and does his utmost to implement it. He's got every chance.'".

DUNCAN ON RADIO MANCHESTER

BSBN NEWS

Everyone at the club wishes James the best of luck at Moss Lane.

James said, 'I have signed for Altrincham FC so I would just like to say a simple thank you to everyone connected with Guiseley. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time and wish you the very best of luck in the future. I would like to say a special thanks to the supporters who have always treated me exceptionally well and I will miss you all. I have so many good memories that will stay with me forever'".

According to BSBN, "Gainsborough Trinity manager Steve Housham has revealed that striker Darryn Stamp will serve as his number two next season. The 34-year-old will fill the void left by Lee Warren, who departs the Northolme in order to focus on other work commitments.

Stamp rejoined Trinity in the summer of 2011 from Conference North rivals Guiseley, having been released by the Lincolnshire outfit the year before. He will still be registered as a player but is set to assist Housham in a coaching capacity for the 2013/14 campaign.

Housham told the Lincolnshire Echo, 'Stampy will still be a player and a valuable one. I have been great friends with Darryn for a good 15 years and he has great knowledge of league and non-league football'...

Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan Williams has returned to the club eight months after leaving for North Ferriby United. The 34-year-old helped the Evo-Stik Premier Division side gain promotion to the Conference North last season, but has decided to re-sign for the 'Holy Blues' although he will also take on a coaching role".

From the BBC, we learn that "AFC Telford will step up their search to replace for current chairman Lee Carter by advertising for the role. Carter, who has been Bucks' chairman for nine years, is giving up the position to become managing director as the club continue their restructuring.

'We don't want a Mr or Mrs Moneybags to own the club', Michael Frater, vice chairman of the Trust board, says in the advertisement. 'The fans own our club and we want to keep it that way'. Frater added, 'We need a person with true leadership skills and a track record of possibly running a large business or organisation who can deal with the complex challenges ahead. Our long-term aim is to get in the Football League. It may be a long way down the track but we aim to get there and we want the right person as chairman to help us get there'".

And the Shropshire Star adds that "AFC Telford United manager Liam Watson believes new signing Tony Gray will provide a major attacking boost to his side...

He said, 'It's another positive piece of news for the club. We needed goals in the squad and obviously that is what you get with Tony'... The move will reunite Gray with his former boss, having played under Watson at Southport previously.

Gray netted 78 times across two spells at Haig Avenue and Watson had been keen on recapturing his former player ever since moving to the New Bucks Head. Gray had one year left to run on his contract at Chester and the Bucks have shown faith in the striker's ability by parting with a nominal transfer fee.

It's said the sum is ‘equivalent' to that received for the transfer of Chris Sharp to Hereford United in January. Sharp is understood to have cost the Bulls an initial £3,000. The Bucks, themselves, had paid an undisclosed transfer fee to the New Saints for the first time in almost five years to bring him to the club in September 2011... Gray is the second striker Watson has signed in three days following the capture of AFC Fylde front-runner Adam Farrell on Saturday".

CHAIRMAN'S INTERVIEW

DUNCAN'S BEST

And Brian Flynn interviews Duncan on Alty TV

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

The 25-year-old has been somewhat of a journeyman throughout his career, turning out for 18 different clubs since 2003, including the likes of Doncaster Rovers, York City, Gateshead and most recently a second spell with Trinity.

Nelthorpe is a versatile left-sided player with the ability to slot in at either left-back or left wing.

He is unlikely to be the last new face in the door at the CNG Stadium as manager Simon Weaver continues to look to strengthen his squad".

BSBN also tells us that another ex-Southport player has rejoined Liam Watson as "AFC Telford United have announced the signing of striker Tony Gray from Chester FC. The Bucks have shelled out a nominal fee, similar to the one received for the transfer of Chris Sharp to Hereford United earlier this year, to attain the signature of Gray.

The prolific hitman, who has had spells with Southport and Droylsden, netted 11 times in 23 appearances for the Blues last campaign. Telford boss Liam Watson told the club's official website: "We are delighted to be able to sign Tony who knows this league and has scored goals galore at this level. The squad is coming together nicely but there is still plenty more work to do."

ALTY SIGN JAMES WALSHAW

In 2012-13 he scored 10 league goals in 29 appearances for Guiseley.

James was born at Dewsbury, Yorkshire on 12 February, 1984. His earlier career included spells at Yorkshire clubs Ossett Town, Bradford PA, Farsley Celtic (2007/8) and Wakefield.

Right: James signs for Alty at Hartshead Moor service station on the M62! He is pictured with chairman, Grahame Rowley.

OLD BOYS

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

From the Times and Star, we learn that "Workington Reds have been handed a lifeline after general manager Alec Graham masterminded a major cash injection that will see a big-name shirt sponsor invest in the club. A five-figure agreement has been reached, one of the biggest in the club's history,which would see Reds into the start of the new season.

Graham declined to name the Hong Kong-based accountancy firm, but insisted the news was positive. He has been working on the deal for six months...

Talks with another investor have fallen through, but Graham said, 'The money coming into the club will see us through to next season. It's a five-figure sum coming in, which is one of the biggest in our 129-year history. It is also possible the firm will invest more, but those talks are still ongoing...

Graham said, 'Hopefully we will be able to announce a new board of directors fairly soon... It's been a difficult couple of weeks for the club, and its supporters'". “But I assure you, a lot of work is going on behind the scenes to cement the future of Workington AFC.”

The Wharfedale Observer states that "Guiseley have already started on an ambitious series of off-the-pitch developments which will increase the ground's capacity by 2,000.

The Lions' chief executive officer Adrian Towers would not reveal the total cost but confirmed that the club are spending 'some thousands' more than they did in improving the club's facilities last summer. He said, 'The work has three phases, the first of which is redeveloping the sponsors' area and directors' area and catering outlets on the far side of the ground. This is the most expensive of the three bits but the areas are not adequate any more or fit for purpose.

The second phase is putting down terracing and covering the railway end of the ground, and the third is doing the same at the 3G end of the ground. All this means that we can more safely segregate the supporters and will increase the capacity from 3,000 to 5,000, bringing us into line with what is needed by the Conference, and 5,000 is the minimum required by the Football League.

This work will be undertaken this summer and will be finished through next season and next summer'.

Towers also revealed what was happening with the Nethermoor pitch. He said, 'We got on with it more quickly at the end of this season than last - in fact work started within two days of the season finishing. We have sand-slitted it, drained it and put down fertiliser... Last season we felt that seven pre-season friendlies was too much, so we will only have six this time –three at home and three away.

This summer we have more clubs, many of them prestigious, ringing us for friendlies than we have room for. This is because we have had players from Football League clubs on loan with us and word has got back to those clubs about how good our playing surface is'".

DUNCAN TALKS ABOUT HIS MOVE

Also, you can hear Caroline Barker's interview with Duncan Watmore from the "Non-League Football Show", here.

Sunday's NL Paper quotes manager Lee Sinnott on Duncan Watmore's move to Sunderland. "Full credit has to go to George Heslop, our youth team manager, and all the people concerned around the club. He was a Manchester United youngster. They deemed him not fit for their requirements so he came to Altrincham and, full credit to him, he's got himself back up there.

He comes from a wonderful family. His dad, Ian, is a great bloke and he's looked after him through this process. It's a great opportunity for him.

Duncan's a very level-headed young man and we expect him to go up there, enjoy himself and progress'".

Lee added, "We expected him to get a move... His studies are very important to him but when a Premier League club comes knocking, it's something he couldn't turn down. It's an ideal world for him to continue his degree up there. He's a good age and there are quite a few good years ahead of him. Going full-time at a Premier League club is only going to push him on".

YOUTH TEAM REACHES FINAL

RAISING MONEY FOR MARK

Above we see the runners before and after the race - Peter Band was too quick to be caught by the camera!

DUNCAN'S WINNING FINALE

Above, left, the Altrincham players' team (Duncan Watmore, Matt Doughty, Scott Leather, Shaun Densmore). Above, right, the Gemini UPVC team who were the runners-up, with Altrincham FC chairman, Grahame Rowley.

Peter Foster writes, "Friday saw the annual Altrincham FC Golf Day, hosted by Withington Golf Club. The day is a mix of social, sporting, and fund raising for the Club.

This year it was also rather special as it saw the farewell appearance for Altrincham of Duncan Watmore. Despite appeals that Duncan was now ineligible, it was a winning finale, with the Alty players' team, (Duncan joining Shaun Densmore, Matt Doughty, and Scott Leather), narrowly beating the team from Gemini UPVC. Both teams played some outstanding golf in very difficult conditions.

Another outstanding golfing performance came from Martin Callaghan, from the Gemini team, who won the 'Nearest the Pin', 'Longest Drive', and 'Straightest Drive' prizes.

The Club would like to thank Peter Ferneyhough, for his help and support in organising the event, and the various teams of Supporters and Companies who entered, including Manchester Glass, Gemini UPVC, LBM, Ravenscroft & Co, and Securitas. Thanks also to prize sponsors, SK Kits, Milner Boardman, Cresta Court Hotel, and Withington Golf Club.

Finally, a special thank you to the players for their support, which helped to make it a memorable day for all involved".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

According to the Football Conference, "AFC Telford United announced the capture of forward Adam Farrell from AFC Fylde. The highly-rated forward made twenty-six starts in the NPL Premier Division last season, scoring seventeen goals... He signed for Fylde from Kendal Town and counts Lancaster City and Chorley amongst his previous clubs. Strong and athletic, 6'2” Farrell is seen as another exciting addition to Liam Watson's squad. He can also play in an attacking midfield role".

FC Halifax Town, "has confirmed that prolific striker Gareth Seddon has been made available for transfer, following a discussion between the player and manager Neil Aspin. Despite scoring 23 goals during last season... Seddon has been frustrated at the lack of first team starts.

Neil Aspin commented, 'I fully understand Gareth's position as he desperately wants to start every game and, with Lee Gregory playing so well and sometimes with our play only involving one out and out striker, we cannot keep everyone happy. Gareth will ALWAYS score goals'.

Gareth confirmed, 'I am thoroughly enjoying playing at Halifax and it is great being part of a team winning promotion to the Conference Premier, but I feel I need to play regularly and keep scoring goals. We have mutually agreed that if a Club comes in for me then, subject to terms being agreed between the Clubs, I will be given permission to discuss a move'".

In the Worcester News, we learn that "Top-scorer Mike Symons has told Worcester City manager Carl Heeley that he will be leaving the club and signing for Oxford City. The burly hitman, who has been the leading scorer for the past two seasons at St George's Lane, is the latest in a string of first-team regulars to be leaving the cash-strapped club.

The versatile Rob Elvins and wideman Matt Birley have already agreed to join Solihull Moors for next season, while Symons will be joined out of the City exit door by Jacob Rowe, Charlie Reece and Michael Taylor...

Heeley said, 'However, as well as Matt and Rob, who have agreed to sign for Solihull, others have advised me they will be leaving the club. Jacob is relocating to Bournemouth, so he won't be with us next season. He has said the move is likely to be for just one year, so we do have an agreement that he could come back in the future. Charlie has advised me he won't be playing football next season, while Mike has told me that he will be leaving and signing for Oxford City. As he doesn't drive, Michael cannot commit to the travelling down to Worcester, so he won't be with us either'.

Heeley admits his hands are tied by the financial problems besetting City, which will see his playing budget drastically reduced. He added, 'Everything is still up in the air at the moment, which makes life incredibly difficult. There are some of the current players who have agreed deals, but I can't say too much about that yet. All the uncertainty and negativity around the club is making it very difficult, but I can't do anything about that. It will be incredibly challenging...

We've done our best to keep them and they were all offered deals within the constraints of what we have to work with, but they chose to reject them'".

Promoted Leamington report that "Our application for grant funding is currently being considered by the Football Foundation (FSIF Fund) for the First Phase of works needed in order that the club meets the requirements for a Category B Ground Grading before the 31 March 2014 deadline.

We are not allowed to commence the specified work within the application until approval has been given by the funding body, however some ground clearing that sits outside the application has already commenced... Tasks include creation of a new base next to the 'Sweet Shop' for the Bertie Brakes catering facility (temporary location) plus an additional base for the re-location of the 50 seat uncovered stand and also the transfer of the dis-assembled stand to the Sheepside...

A full schedule of the First Phase of Works will be announced in the near future relating to the re-location of the existing seated stands on to new bases on the Car Park side of the ground to form a 250 seated stand under a continuous roof and back covering... Costing work and tendering is ongoing with regard to a new catering facility; medical unit; two new turnstiles with housing and bases; crush barriers and additional terracing...

Subject to the aforementioned grant funding application being successful, there are sufficient funds in place to meet the cost of the First Phase of Works that are scheduled to be completed before the commencement of the league season on Saturday 17th August".

DUNCAN ON 'FIVE LIVE' ON SUNDAY

You can listen to Radio Five Live on 909MW or online. A podcast of the programme will be available later on Sunday.

Also, over the bank holiday weekend, there will be an interview with Duncan recorded by Alty TV which should be available via the internet in the early part of next week".

AT LEAST EIGHT CLUBS WERE AFTER DUNCAN

The 19-year old striker, son of former FA chief executive Ian Watmore, has had scouts flocking to Moss Lane after a spectacular first full season as a regular starter for Altrincham in the Blue Square Bet Conference North.

Stoke, Hull, Bolton, Blackburn, Burnley, Wolves and Peterborough were all keen to offer him terms, but Sunderland won the race for his signature after agreeing an undisclosed fee with Altrincham.

Released by Manchester United after six years at their academy, Watmore is studying economics and finance at Manchester University but will transfer his degree course to Sunderland, as he prepares to link up with Kevin Ball's under-21 squad".

YOUTH TEAM SEASON CONTINUES!

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

"Tamworth have beaten off a number of competitors to obtain the signature of 25-year-old midfielder Richie Baker, who last season was on the books of Barrow. The midfielder, who scored over 10 goals with the Bluebirds, has also played over 140 games in the Football League, having been on the books of Oxford United and Bury FC. He began career on books of Manchester United".

DUNCAN JOINS THE BLACK CATS

"Sunderland AFC and Altrincham FC are pleased to announce that they have agreed terms for the transfer of Duncan Watmore (left) this afternoon for an undisclosed fee. Altrincham chairman Grahame Rowley stated 'Duncan has progressed extremely well this season courting a lot of attention from numerous league clubs. The opportunity for Duncan to play at a Premier League club was too good a chance to pass up and negotiations between the clubs have been concluded satisfactorily on both sides. We all wish Duncan every success at Sunderland AFC”

Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott added, 'We would all like to congratulate Duncan on securing a move to Sunderland AFC. He has been a popular member of the squad and Sunderland are acquiring a player with many years of development in him. It is a wonderful opportunity for him and we will watch his progress with interest.'

Duncan said, 'I am delighted at the opportunity Sunderland have given me and excited by the move. They have one of the finest academies in England, and the Sunderland people have been very welcoming and professional throughout. I also want to put on record my thanks to Altrincham for giving me my chance and developing me. In particular, George Heslop brought me through the youth team, the manager Lee Sinnott has taught me so much, and the whole Club have supported me all the way. Whatever happens in the future I will always be an Alty fan."

Footnote.

19 year-old Duncan helped Altrincham reach the Blue Square North play-offs and the FA Cup 1st round in 2012/13. He plays as a striker or attacking winger and scored 15 goals for the Club in 35 starts for the senior team. He was voted Player of the Season by the fans, and also scored the Altrincham goal of the season. He spent six years with the Manchester United academy, before coming through the Altrincham youth team. He is studying economics and finance at university and will continue to study for his degree whilst at Sunderland. His Sunderland contract runs from July 2013 to June 2015.

Duncan follows in the footsteps of Kevin Ellison (to Leicester City) and Frank Carrodus (to Manchester City) in moving directly from Altrincham to the top-flight of English football.

MORE ON DUNCAN'S MOVE

Right: Duncan in action against Worcester City in February. Photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography

The 19-year old striker, who was also wanted by Bolton, is on course to be the first product of Altrincham's youth system to appear in the Barclays Premier League after signing a two-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

He will initially link up with Kevin Ball's under-21 squad but is sure to be monitored by manager Paolo Di Canio after making a stunning impact in his first full season as a regular starter for Alty in the Blue Square Bet Conference North.

A brilliant solo effort from inside his own half against Corby won the club's goal of the season award, and he was also voted fans' player of the year.

‘While there will be some disappointment at not seeing Duncan in an Altrincham shirt next season, there is also an immense sense of pride that he has deservedly earned himself a fantastic opportunity to play at the highest level,' said Alty chairman Grahame Rowley. ‘A lot of people felt Ryan Shotton got his grounding at Altrincham after spending a season on loan with us from Stoke.

‘But this is different. With Duncan, you are talking about a genuine product of this club, an Alty lad through and through, who came to us at 15 and spent a year with the juniors before working his way through the youth ranks and into the first team. Now he's got the opportunity to play for a Premier League club, and good luck to him. Who could pass up a chance like that?

‘It is another string to our bow, as well as an exciting development for Duncan, and we will follow his progress at Sunderland with interest and pride. We have been very pleased, as well, with the support he has received from his family, especially his father Ian, who conducted the negotiations with Sunderland and ensured the final outcome benefitted us as well as Duncan.

‘This day was always going to come, because his spectacular progress last season attracted the attention of an awful lot of League clubs. Now negotiations with Sunderland have been concluded satisfactorily on both sides, we all wish Duncan every success in his new venture.'

After Manchester United decided against keeping him on, following a six-year spell in the Academy, it represents a second opportunity to make the grade for a lightning quick frontrunner who scored 15 goals in 35 starts for Alty.

Watmore, who is studying economics and finance at Manchester University but will now transfer his degree course to Sunderland, said: ‘I am delighted at the opportunity Sunderland have given me and excited by the move. They have one of the finest academies in England, and the Sunderland people have been very welcoming and professional throughout.

‘I also want to put on record my thanks to Altrincham for giving me my chance and developing me. In particular, George Heslop brought me through the youth team, the manager Lee Sinnott has taught me so much, and the whole Club have supported me all the way. Whatever happens in the future I will always be an Alty fan.'

Sinnott, whose side narrowly missed out on promotion after a play-off defeat by Brackley, added: ‘We would all like to congratulate Duncan on securing a move to Sunderland AFC. He has been a popular member of the squad and Sunderland are acquiring a player with many years of development in him. It is a wonderful opportunity for him and we will watch his progress with interest.'"

OLD BOY

Right: Chris Adams, in his Alty days, 2003.

Played in front of a crowd of more than 100 people, the final game of the season saw the Altrincham and District Sunday league team become only the third team to win all three competitions in the same season. Having previously picked up the league title after winning the league 15 points clear of rivals at the end of April, the Broadheath side also lifted the Altrincham and District Cup, after beating Lisbon Old Boys, 1-0.

Rick Huckle, from the league, paid tribute to the success of the team, 'Entering our record books is no mean feat as it was a few years back that the last team managed to clinch all three titles. Navigation Bay FC must be extremely proud of their achievements this year, they've certainly been the team everyone's wanted to beat and only one team has managed to do that all season; a remarkable achievement'...

The achievement hasn't gone unnoticed among the footballing community as Chris Adams, manager of Navigation Bay and former Altrincham FC player, has recently been appointed to Knutsford FC".

REVIEW

PROPOSED NEW COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL

Pictured, right, is a new, improved image, of the proposed Community Sports Hall at Moss Lane, courtesy of Peter Foster.

BSBN NEWS

McMillan said 'Dave Bayliss rang me up last week and sold the club to me' and he duly signed a one year contract at his home on Wednesday evening".

More news from the Cumbrians comes from the NW Evening Mail that "James Owen has taken a huge leap towards the Holker Street exit door by spurning the advances of Bluebirds' boss Dave Bayliss. he 22-year-old midfielder's whole-hearted displays last season earned high praise from Bayliss who has always maintained his desire to keep hold of the Welshman.

But with Owen falling out of contract he appears to have gone into hiding, and cold on signing a new deal... 'I contacted James and I've had no reply from him and that was 10 days ago, so it looks like he's made his mind up that he doesn't want to come back', explained Bayliss. 'But I'm pro-active, I'm looking for players and the calibre of players I've spoken to are very good for this level of football...

James has still got an ongoing groin problem and our physio ([ex-Alty man] Sean Riley) tried to contact him to sort it out, but he's not replied to Sean either... I'm not going to chase somebody who doesn't want to be chased... The door is never closed for James. He's a lovely kid and there are no edges to him', added Bayliss... 'We can't wait for anybody'...

Meanwhile, Bayliss has offered attacker Adam Dawson the chance to prove he is worth a new deal during pre-season. The 20-year-old former Liverpool youngster and Wigan player made five starts and four substitute appearances for the Bluebirds towards the back end of last season after Bayliss plucked him from the footballing wilderness.

While none of last season's players have committed to return in the summer, Bayliss said, 'Adam texted me last week and I said, "we obviously can't offer you a contract but come in and prove your fitness in pre-season. I can't offer somebody a deal who I've hardly seen'... The reply from him was "well, I'll see what options I get, my agent's working for me"...

Bayliss added, 'He came to us very much lacking match fitness, so it was very hard to judge someone when they were shattered for 45 minutes... He's a bit of a luxury and free-spirited type of player; whether we can accommodate that, we'll have a look at it'...

Bayliss also revealed he has secured the services of physio Sean Riley for next season".

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, "Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick insists that if the Lions make it fourth time lucky in their quest for the Conference in 2013-14... 'We will be in a lot better position off the pitch than we were this season. It's step by step; we will get there. The budget has been tweaked a bit. But I don't think there's a budget in the country that hasn't.

The pleasing thing is the board are spending money on the ground to make it a good standard and we've got an academy that we are getting right... The ground has changed in the past three or four years and in a couple of seasons, it's going to be a top place to be. We are progressing on and off the pitch.

Last season was a bitter pill. But you have to take it on the chin and get on with it. The plan still is to get up into the Conference in the next couple of years, with us more well prepared off the field and with better facilities for everybody'...

Kittrick remains confident that a number of Lions players will commit to the club next season in addition to those under contract in Gavin Rothery, Jack Rea, Wayne Brooksby, Phil Marsh and Zack Dale. One of the contract players has already left, with forward Kevin Holsgrove joining FC Halifax.

Kittrick added, 'We have offered terms to our existing players and have four or five under contract from last season and I have spoken to them and they have said that will stay and want to be part of things. I don't think there will be much of a problem. But we will have to tweak it a bit as players come and go. But we won't get into a bunfight with anybody staying. If they want to be at Guiseley, great. But if they don't want it, so be it as there will be others that do'”.

The Football Conference advises that "Highly-rated Dublin-born winger Craig Mahon has become Neil Young`s fourth new signing of the week for Chester FC. Mahon signed for Vauxhall Motors in September 2010 from Burscough".

Meanwhile, "AFC Telford United have announced the capture of highly-rated winger Sean Cooke from AFC Fylde. The 20-year-old signed for the Coasters in mid-February 2013 to provide some more attacking options. The former Crewe Alexandra Academy, Blackburn Rovers and Nantwich Town player made an immediate impact, scoring twenty-three times".

The Football Conference announces that "Non-League Day, the campaign to promote semi-professional and Grassroots football, returns for a fourth consecutive season on Saturday, 7th September 2013... With England playing Moldova in a World Cup qualifying match on Friday, 6th September, 'Non-League Day' offers fans a chance to show their support for the hundreds of volunteer-run clubs in this country that do so much good for the local community...

Many clubs will be holding special events and price incentives on the day, including fundraising for local and national causes".

Last season's champions, Chester FC, are reported by BSBN to "have announced the departure of striker Marc Williams. The 24-year-old former Wrexham and Kidderminster Harriers frontman, who netted 14 league and cup goals in 37 appearances for the club, has been told by manager Neil Young that he is not in his plans".

BBC Sport states that "Workington general manager Alec Graham has said a five-figure sponsorship deal with a Hong Kong-based business will protect the club's short-term future. However despite the agreement, the up-for-sale Reds are continuing to source further investment as well as replacing the outgoing board.

'We've got this very good sponsorship deal but we still need investment', Graham told BBC Radio Cumbria... Graham has revealed the club are making progress with acquiring finance and new board members.

'We were talking to another party but that was always going to be a difficult one to pull off', he added. 'I'm still pretty optimistic that the club will continue and move on... We have been approached by a couple of people who said they would be interested in joining the board'".

ALTY'S TROPHY

COMMUNITY SPORTS HALL: UPDATE

On this subject, Altrincham FC's joint Press & Media Officer, John Edwards, tells us that "Altrincham have embodied the ‘Sport For All' Olympic ideal by launching plans for a new community hall aimed at increasing participation and fitness levels throughout the area.

In a bold initiative that will improve the appearance of their Moss Lane ground and provide a much-needed new facility, the club intend constructing a low-rise building next to the main stand to be used for a range of sport and leisure pursuits, from indoor bowls, cricket and martial arts to pilates and dance.

It is hoped planning permission will be granted by the end of July, with work starting as soon as possible afterwards and projected to be completed by the end of next season.

In keeping with their community image, Alty hope the entire town is energised by the scheme and that individuals as well as sports and leisure groups will make use of the hall.

The recent advent of a non-profit trust means the club can access funding from the Premier League and other organisations but, up to £200,000, depending on grants, will still be needed to meet the overall cost of around £750,000.

‘This is a very exciting project, but we do need the support of local companies and business for it to proceed,' said chairman Grahame Rowley. ‘Sponsorship and fund-raising details will be announced shortly, and it will help enormously if supporters and local people get involved as much as they can.

‘We were all inspired by London 2012, and as a club, we want to play a leading role in helping Altrincham people play sport – not just football! It's coming up to a year since the Games, and we've been working hard to get this project off the ground. I'm delighted we're now in a position to submit to planning, and we're hoping everyone really gets behind it.'

The new development will significantly enhance what is currently a run-down section of the ground and will include improvements to the car park on Golf Road, to make sure all traffic can be accommodated.

It will house a bar for club use on match-days and feature a museum to celebrate Alty's famous giant-killing FA Cup exploits. The museum will also detail the town's rich and colourful history".

OLD BOY

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

New Bucks' manager Liam Watson moved swiftly to entice Gray to Shropshire after working with the striker during his time at Southport... While money may be a sticking point for the Bucks, they have been able to take advantage of Chester boss Neil Young's increased demands on his part-time squad...

With Telford going in the opposite direction, highly-rated left-back Matty McGinn has been persuaded to sign at the New Buck's Head, despite the offer of fresh terms at Chester. Telford assistant-manager Dominic Morley said, 'We have made enquiries about Tony Gray as he can't commit to the Conference with Chester. But Chester are looking for a fee as Tony has a year left on his contact, so we're not sure how that will be settled'".

Confirmation comes from AFC Telford United that "Matty McGinn joins from Chester FC... The 29 year old plays at either left full back or left midfield.

Also joining after his release from Chester is Wes Baynes. The 24 year old had spells at Wrexham and Altrincham. Playing right back or right midfield, Baynes has excellent quality and a decent scoring record having scored 8 goals in 54 appearances for his former club.

Forward Mike Phenix joins from Skelmersdale. The 23 year is a big, powerful, hardworking forward who has played most of his football in the North West including spells with Hindsford and Droylsden".

Brackley Town have announced they are top of the CN Fair Play League for 2012-13; they had 41 yellows and 2 sending offs; (Alty had 56 yellows and 2 reds).

The chairman at Stalybridge Celtic reports on discussions with manager Jim Harvey. "I've spoken to Jim about pre-season training and transfer possibilities. I obviously cannot go in to details, but we have ex-players wanting to return to Bower Fold, some tremendous new possibilities and Jim has got a REALLY exciting opportunity of a quality player (who has played most of his life in the League) who could become not just a bit of the inexperience [sic!] that we've lacked, but also an ear for Jim to bounce ideas off and maybe his assistant manager (this last bit is MY idea not Jim's so I don't want to upset anyone here)!

However, as I've already said on previous posts, finances are such that I've sadly had to tell Jim that his budget for next season is 10% LESS than last season's and so I can't find a way of making this work right now. I'd love to name specific names and that might encourage people to contribute even more, but sadly I can't. But I AM making a plea to everyone to donate something to the Buffalo Club. Just £1.15 a week - i.e. a fiver a month, from spectators would help enormously if enough of us did it.

EVERY SINGLE FINAL PENNY of that money would go to bringing in these players. It goes in to a separate account and Jim can see that account and he can add all of that money to the (reduced) budget that he has got for next season. We are all optimistic for next year, but with your support via the Buffalo Club, we could get the final pieces of the jigsaw together for next season's squad. It's not even for the whole year, it's only for the 36 weeks of the season that you'd contribute!

I understand that times are tough (boy, does our football club know it!), but the fans could make the difference here of maybe getting us promotion or not".

According to the Football Conference, "Forty-five clubs have submitted their candidate for consideration of 'Goal of the Season', scored in the three divisions of the Blue Square Bet during 2012/13. The top three goals and overall winner will be announced at the AGM on 8th June having been adjudicated upon by top football commentator Jon Champion..

In conjunction with PremierSportsTV those forty-five goals are now on a DVD, with a running time of approx 24 minutes... The Football Conference is willing to take orders for these and if you personally would like one or [for] your club, then please register your interest by e-mail. The cost including P&P and VAT will be £9.50. DVD's will be sent out on 10th June following the exclusive showing at the Football Conference Awards Evening at Celtic Manor".

From the Manchester Evening News, "Hatters' gaffer Ian Bogie warns his players they will be targeted during 2013/14. Stockport County boss Ian Bogie admits managing expectations rather than players might be his biggest task next season.

The Hatters are preparing for life in Conference North knowing they are undoubtedly the highest profile club to have figured in English football's sixth tier. With that comes the belief that, on name alone, the Hatters should storm to immediate promotion...

Bogie said, 'Every time we take the field it will be like Manchester United in the Premier League; we're coming into Conference North and it's a big, big game. They will be coming to Edgeley Park and looking at the surroundings, while when we travel away from home, we'll take more supporters than the home team will have. That's what we've got to be able to compete against before we even kick a ball. A lot of the opposition will raise their game'...

Despite being on holiday in Dubai until the weekend... 'I'll be checking emails and liaising with Alan Lord (assistant manager)... We're making some good yards in terms of bringing in players to have a look at in pre-season which is important... I'm looking for young, hungry players who have got the right attitude and application because they want to play for the club because it has massive potential', Bogie said...

'I'm looking for players who have got the right attributes in terms of those who want to get on the ball and pass it, centre-forwards who can put the ball in the net and defenders who can win the ball. Yes, those are really basic things but we're in Conference North and we haven't got world beaters. I want them to work and be part of a team desperate to be successful – not players who want an extra £20 or £30 because we're in Conference North.

The players who took the field last season ultimately weren't good enough so we'll have to make a lot of changes. There'll be one or two familiar faces but with some fresh blood and hungry, young players, there's nothing to stop us having a successful season. We might not have the biggest budget but we are the biggest club in terms of stature'".

ROUGH JUSTICE

In a statement, Marine chairman Paul Leary said, 'It is most unusual that our football club finds itself in this situation and charged with playing an ineligible player namely Sean Doherty, in the league fixture at Nantwich Town on the Tuesday 26 February 2013, who had not received international clearance from the FA of Wales following his departure from Colwyn Bay in 2011 and his subsequent transfers to AFC Liverpool and Droylsden before joining Marine...

[Our club secretary] and I are extremely disappointed that the failings of others have resulted in our Club receiving these charges from the NPL and the Football Association. Sean Doherty last played for Colwyn Bay in 2011 and having been injured for the remainder of that season following surgery he joined Step 5 club AFC Liverpool in November 2012. As the first English club signing Sean since leaving Colwyn Bay, AFC Liverpool should have applied for the issue of the international release certificate from the FA Wales. For some reason they chose not to and Sean made 3 appearances for them.

Sean then moved on to Step 2 Club Droylsden in January this year and they failed to check that the player had received international clearance previously and he made 6 appearances for them. In the knowledge that Sean Doherty had played for two English clubs since leaving Wales some Clubs, possibly most, would not have made an enquiry about clearance but Richard still wanted to check to make sure.

We are really disappointed that Richard's email to the FA of Wales remained in the enquiries inbox from Monday 25 February at 13.09 until Wednesday 27 February at 09.26 the morning after our game against Nantwich in which Sean played coming on as sub. From receiving the email from the enquiries inbox it took only 9 minutes for the officer at the FA of Wales to advise Richard that international clearance should be applied for. Had that response been received before our game against Nantwich, the day before, we would not have played him.

Recognising the failings of AFC Liverpool, Conference Club Droylsden and the unacceptable delay at the FA of Wales we are disappointed to have been found guilty by the FA with a £100 fine and then to be deducted the 3 points won in the hard fought victory at Nantwich Town by the Northern Premier League. It is expected that the league table will be amended within the next few days".

ALTY WIN CHESHIRE DISTRICT CUP

The Altrincham and District FA (under-17s) side, entirely made up of Altrincham FC players, defeated Chester & District FA in the final of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup at Warrington Town's Cantilever Stadium on Tuesday night. With the score 2-2 after 90 minutes, two goals in the first period of added time meant that the Altrincham team won 4-2. The goals were scored by Max Pouncey (2), Louis Potts and Spencer Cunliffe (penalty). Report to follow...

Above, Altrincham & District FA celebrate their victory.

Altrincham FC Youth meet Hyde FC Youth in the semi-final of the Manchester FA youth cup on Sunday at Egerton Boys' Club, Knutsford, this Sunday at 2pm. Egerton FC provide the following directions:

"Directions to Egerton Youth Club, Mereheath Lane, Knutsford. Postcode : WA16 6SL

From the roundabout in Knutsford Town Centre take the A50 (Manchester Road) towards Manchester with ‘the Heath' on your left. After the Longview hotel on the right take the second right hand turn on to Garden Road.Take the second left turn into Mereheath Lane, just before the main entrance to Tatton Park. Follow Mereheath Lane past the houses and past Knutsford sports club before turning left into Egerton Youth Club just before the national speed limit sign".

BSBN NEWS

Most recently took his first step into non-League football by signing for Hyde FC, for whom he netted sixteen league and cup goals".

And "Histon have announced the signing of striker Kaine Sheppard from Braintree Town. Sheppard is no stranger to Stutes` supporters, having been a part of the Academy before accepting a scholarship with Leyton Orient in 2010. He returned to The Glassworld Stadium briefly during the 2011/12 season on a work experience deal from the O's...

Sheppard re-joined the Stutes, this time on loan, in August 2012 scoring once in six outings before returning to the Iron in September. Manager Brian Page then brought the youngster back for another spell in January during which he bagged another five goals in nine appearances.

Unsurprisingly, Page was delighted to secure the striker's signature and to make his first signing as manager, 'I've known Kaine since he was 8 years old and it's great that we've been able to get him back here as our player... He will score goals for us again this time around. He is important to how we play and it's no secret that when he was recalled by Braintree in March we struggled to get the ball in the net. He gives us a cutting edge up front and a focus to our attacks that we don't have without him'.

The 19-year-old striker has signed a one-year deal".

"BUZZ" STAYS BUT FOUR RELEASED

The Club also announces that Paddy Lacey, Ryan Brooke, Danny Hall and Tony McMillan have been released and thanks them for their services during 2012-13. All four joined the club at the start of, or during, 2012-13.

Danny Hall was a first-choice centre-back for much of last season. In all, he made 41(+3) appearances, scoring one goal. Ryan Brooke made 9 starts and 30 appearances from the bench, netting six goals, four of which came in the last five games of the season. 20 year-old Paddy made 12(+20) appearances in the Alty midfield. Goalkeeper Tony only joined Alty very late in the season after his surprise release by Southport. He made a single appearance for Altrincham.

JOIN THE PATRONS

For the cost of £50, your name will appear throughout the coming season in the matchday programme as a Patron of Altrincham Football Club. At the beginning of the season, every member will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner being match sponsor for an appointed game along with nine guests. Second prize will be hospitality for five people and third prize will be hospitality for 3 people in the Sponsors' Lounge.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque for £50, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for my attention. If you require any further information please speak to me (Grahame Rowley) on 07720-606897 or e-mail me. Thank you for your support.

HOSPITALITY AT MOSS LANE

BSBN NEWS

As re-engaged players the club are entitled to compensation and this is currently under discussion between the two clubs. Stevenson made 104 starts for the club and another fourteen from the bench, scoring sixteen times along the way including eleven in the season just gone... Fitzsimons joined the Stutes permanently in the summer of 2011 having spent a period on loan from Queens Park Rangers during the previous season...

First-team manager Brian Page, whilst obviously disappointed to lose two players of such quality, was delighted to see them get a chance to shine at a higher level, commenting, 'They have both had outstanding seasons for us this year and to have 100 or so senior appearances to their names at 21 years of age shows just what good players they are. I'm sure they will grab the chance with both hands and go on to have successful careers and be good players for Luton...

All the other players at this club, whatever their age, can look at these two and see that, by working hard, making sacrifices and dedicating yourself to continual improvement as a player you can achieve things and make a successful career for yourself'".

Meanwhile "Guiseley AFC have announced that Steve Kittrick and his management team of Chris Holland and Martin Stringfellow are to remain at the club next season. As such, negotiations are already underway with players who the club wishing to retain in addition to those players on contract; Jack Rea, Wayne Brooksby, Phil Marsh, Gavin Rothery and Zack Dale.

The club are also pleased to announce that the first phase of planning for considerable enhancement to the facilities at Nethermoor is now ongoing with Watson Batty engaged as lead architects. This work will proceed over the coming months and will provide a facility fully supporting the club's ambition on and off the pitch.

As always both the playing and ground development budgets will need to be carefully managed. To this end the club will continue to try and attract young, hungry players via the Youth Academy and other sources in order that the progress the club has made in the past five years can continue.

Work on the pitch is also underway to further enhance our playing surface.

In terms of departures, the club can confirm that Sean O'Reilly has returned to the USA, while Kevin Holsgrove has accepted an offer from newly-promoted FC Halifax Town".

The Conference adds that "Stockport County... have announced that goalkeepers Ian Ormson and Lewis King have agreed deals to remain at Edgeley Park next season. King, who has spent time at Lilleshall as he recovered from his cruciate ligament injury suffered against Southport in December, is looking forward to the challenge of getting back to full fitness and regaining the number one shirt. He said, 'Although I have initially signed on non-contract terms, I have made my feelings clear to the management that I am not just here to make up the numbers and I want to repay our fans for their support throughout undoubtedly the hardest period of my career to date'.

Ormson, who will be looking to retain the number one jersey he reclaimed at the end of last season, said, 'I am looking forward to the start of a new season and the competition with Kingy for the number one shirt. I realise that it is going to be a tough season but, having spoken to the gaffer and Alan Lord about the players they are looking to bring in, I am happy to be a part of their plans'".

The Shropshire Star tells us that "Dominic Morley, assistant manager of AFC Telford United, has challenged his club's out of contract players to try to stake a claim for another season at the New Buck's Head.

Morley and manager Liam Watson have been targeting numerous new recruits in recent weeks... Only two of the club's players from last season's squad have so far been retained, keeper Ryan Young and defender Dan Preston, while 10 have been released.

Watson has also expressed an interest in retaining right-back Will Salmon for the new campaign, although no deal has been done... Morley said that the door remains open for those who want to stay at the club to try to impress the new management in pre-season. He said, 'We are trying to get a team together that can challenge for promotion but we have got no divine right to come back up. But everyone is welcome to come back in pre-season so we can have a look at them'".

The Shropshire Star adds that "Former AFC Telford United assistant manager Alex Meechan has been confirmed as No 2 at rivals Barrow. The frontman has joined the Bluebirds in a similar player/coach role to the one he held under Bucks' caretaker boss John Psaras in the closing weeks of last season.

Meechan wasn't in the plans of new Telford boss Liam Watson, who has drafted in his assistant at Southport, Dominic Morley... Meechan made seven appearances for Telford after arriving from Colwyn Bay in March. His versatility has also attracted Barrow boss Dave Bayliss, who... explained, 'Alex is going to come in and, first of all, he's going to be a player, but he will also help me out on the coaching side as well. He's very good at this level of football. He's also got a very good knowledge of this level of football'".

Meanwhile, "Oxford City boss Mike Ford says the Marsh Lane club are happy to continue to ply their trade in Blue Square Bet North... 'I had an inkling that we would remain', said Ford. 'We have got the likes of Stockport County, Barrow, AFC Telford and Hednesford Town joining us, so it doesn't get any easier. I wouldn't say I'm delighted, but we can cope. We are fully aware of what it takes to compete in that league and that could help us.

But I would probably have felt the same if we were put in South. That would have meant having to scout more teams. There will be extra travel costs involved, but the bonus is now we know what to expect whereas the start was such an unknown quantity. We know how teams play in this league and what you need to compete'".

In the News & Star, we read that "Workington Reds have two potential investors in the club who are expected to make a decision on their involvement in the next 48 hours. General manager Alec Graham told a meeting of supporters at Borough Park that one of the interested parties was based abroad.

'I am playing my cards close to my chest, because I don't want to give anything away. I am optimistic but I know how these sort of negotiations can fall flat', he said... 'Wednesday has been given as a deadline to them', added Graham...

The 50-plus group of fans who attended the meeting... were told that Reds would spend about £10,000 between now and the start of the new season... Bob Atkinson, who regularly travels from Burnley to support the Reds, had organised the meeting in his role as vice-chairman/treasurer of the Supporters' Club.

'We wanted to see what ideas people had to keep the club functioning during the close season in view of the fact that three directors are to stand down', he said".

According to the North Wales Weekly News, "Manager Frank Sinclair has now pencilled in 14 of his 17 or 18 man squad for next season, with three new faces so far and 11 of last season's squad agreeing to sign on again.

They are Chris Sanna, Danny Taylor, Danny Meadowcroft, Tom Smyth, Mike Lea, Gaz Evans, John McKenna, Jamie Crowther, Rob Hopley, Paul Ellis and James Ellison. The notable absentee is Shelton Payne who won the Conference North Player of the Month award for April...

'I offered Shelts a new contract, but I am not surprised that a number of clubs are showing interest in him and he has decided the time is right to move on', said Frank. 'I am disappointed because I would have liked more time to work with him and believe I could have made him into an even better player, but he has decided against that and I wish him good luck... But we also have Paul Ellis who will be working hard in pre-season and will be like a new signing for us'.

Frank has also agreed terms with three new players so far, who include Rhyl-based striker Luke Wandless and young goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw, both of whom have just been released by Oldham Athletic. The 22-year-old Ollerenshaw...had a spell on loan at Altrincham...

Wandless, 18, is a former Wales youth international and was a member of Oldham's youth team last season...

'Josh is a young keeper who I believe will provide strong competition for Chris Sanna, while Luke Wandless is an ambitious young player who I have seen play a couple of times and has a lot of ability. He will provide good back up for Rob Hopley and Jamie Ellison', said the manager. Frank has also reached agreement to sign 24-year-old Conwy Borough winger/striker Steve Connor, who started his career at Everton... Since being released by the Goodison Park club he has had spells in the Welsh Premier with The New Saints, Bangor City and Airbus, and was a key player for Conwy last season...

The manager is now looking to add three quality signings to the squad if he can before pre-season training starts at the end of June. Frank says he will also register himself as a player again as defensive cover but adds, 'My hope is that I will not be needed and the team will be strong enough without me'".

ALTY WIN ON PENALTIES!

On Tuesday, Altrincham FC Youth comprise the Altrincham & District FA Youth team which plays in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup Final against Chester & District FA at Warrington Town (postcode WA4 2RS), k.o. 7.15pm. Support will be very welcome!

Right: Nick King's camera captures the delight after the shoot-out.

MARK'S AWARD

The non-league family have been really important to me, especially everyone at Alty because, without them, I wouldn't even be here'".

CONFERENCE NORTH NEWS

News of a team promoted to the Conference North comes from the Leamington Courier, which reports that "Leamington chairman Jim Scott says the rising cost of ticket prices at the New Windmill is an inevitable by-product of promotion. It will cost adults £11 to see Brakes next season, an increase of £2 on 2012/13, with concession[aries]s now paying £7, up a pound.

However, Scott believes the club have struck the right balance between revenue generation and keeping the cost of watching Conference North football affordable. He said, 'It costs more to play at that level of football. It's largely wages but mileage is up a third and there's ground grading... We know times are hard for supporters but if the squad is not competitive they'll stop coming through the gate. We saw that in 2012 when we went on that bad run'.

In a nod to the younger generation, the admission price for under-16s has been frozen at £3, while a new student rate of £5 has been introduced. Fans can also take advantage of an early-bird deal which offers an adult season ticket for £185 until July 31 and Scott says that is where the value can be had. He said, 'It means you can watch Conference football at Southern League prices'".

Fellow newcomers, North Ferriby United report that "North Ferriby United's Ryan Kendall has been voted the Step 3 & 4 Player of the Year in this season's National Game Awards. The trophy was sponsored by SK Kits... He scored 36 league goals to play a major part in North Ferriby's Evostik Northern Premier League Premier Division title...

Kendall has also lifted the NPL Golden Boot award and Ferriby's own top goal-scorer trophies. He also came third in the Strike Force national goal-scorers competition. Kendall is studying sports coaching at Hull University and living and playing locally has made it easier for him to study. Kendall commented, 'I've really enjoyed my time at Ferriby this season. It's been the perfect answer for me to commit myself to both studying and football'".

OLD BOYS

And Welsh Premier tells us that "Liam Brownhill is the first confirmed departure from Bangor City since the Citizens' season ended with defeats in the Welsh Cup final and the Europa League Play-Off semi-final... Altrincham-born Brownhill, who had trials with his home-town Conference club, joined Bangor for the first time in the summer of 2005 after being released by Stockport County. A right-sided full-back or wing-back, he moved on to Connah's Quay in October 2005 before being released to return to Witton Albion. He rejoined City last summer from Chester FC".

COMMUNITY PROJECT WELL RECEIVED

A few days ago, Altrincham FC issued the following Press Release:

"Altrincham FC has announced plans to build a community hall at Moss Lane in a bid to inspire local people to get involved in sport.

The venue will provide a home for local sports clubs and leisure groups including indoor bowls, martial arts, cricket, pilates and dance.

Chairman Grahame Rowley said, 'We were all inspired by London 2012 and as a club, we want to play a leading role in helping Altrincham people play sport, not just football! It's coming up to a year since the Games and we've been working hard to get this project off the ground. I'm delighted we're now in a position to submit to planning and we're hoping local people and businesses really get behind it'.

The new low-rise facility will significantly improve what is currently a run-down section of the ground. The development includes improvements to the car park on Golf Road to make sure all traffic is accommodated for.

The venue will house a bar for club use on match-days and also feature a museum to celebrate Alty's famous giant-killing FA Cup exploits. The museum will also detail the town's rich and colourful history.

Altrincham FC recently established a non-profit trust and, as a result, the club can access funding from the Premier League and other organisations. The development is expected to cost up to £750,000, with the club looking to raise around £200,000 from a series of fund-raising activities and sponsorship support from local businesses".

NUMBER 1 MAKES IT 13

• Danny Boshell [31], (10)
• Nicky Clee [29], (143+26)
• Stuart Coburn [37], (597)
• Shaun Densmore [24], (210+4)
• Gianluca Havern [24], (48)
• James Lawrie [22], (72+12)
• Scott Leather [20], (33+13)
• Jake Moult [24], (36+13)
• Damian Reeves [27], (129+12)
• Adam Reid [18] (4)
• Simon Richman [22], (55+19)
• Carl Rodgers [30], (36+6)
• Duncan Watmore [19] (35+22).

YOUTH NEWS

On Tuesday, 21 May at 7.15am, the Altrincham and District FA (under-17s) side plays Chester & District FA in the final of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup at Warrington Town's Cantilever Stadium.

LAST SEASON IN FIGURES

TONY SANDERS - TRIBUTE EVENING

OLD BOY

Greygoose comes with a wealth of experience having played professionally as a goalkeeper for Cambridge United, Leyton Orient, Crystal Palace and Crewe Alexandra. He then played semi-pro for Northwich Victoria, Stevenage, King's Lynn, AFC Sudbury, Soham Town Rangers and Bury Town.

He was then head goalkeeping coach at Crewe, a goalkeeping coach for Manchester City, joint manager of Bury Town, assistant manager of Histon, then Kettering Town, then joint manager of Ely City...

Greygoose will draw together a five year plan with chairman Ali Shulver and confidently expects to be able to guide Rovers into the Ryman League during that time. 'This is one of the biggest appointments we have ever made at this club as it's a long time since we had someone with his credentials, so we're very excited', said Shulver. 'He is a winner and he knows how to win'".

BSBN NEWS

The 22-year-old went on to play more than 70 games for the Celts over the past three seasons, scoring 10 goals during his time with the club.

'I spoke to Richard [Money, Head Coach] and Jez [George, Director of Football] and they were really keen for me to come down and have a look around', Austin told Cambridge's official website. 'I saw the training ground and had a look around the stadium and was impressed by the facilities, plus I really liked the city. I know the kind of crowds Cambridge get and that's a change from what I'm used to so I'm really looking forward to that.

I know about of a lot of the players, I know Tom Elliott came from Stockport and I've seen how well he's done at Cambridge. I've not played with any of the squad before but I'm looking forward to getting settled in'.

He also highly positive of the "U"s' 2013/14 campaign, saying, 'Richard and Jez have ambitions to go for promotion next season, so I want to be a part of that... I'm quite quick and hopefully I can get a few assists from the wing and chip in with a few goals too'".

According to Blue Square Football, "Manager Anthony Smith has continued the rebuilding process at Gateshead by signing 22-year-old striker Adam Boyes from relegated Barrow... having made just under 100 appearances for the Bluebirds.

Boyes netted 40 times during his two-year spell with Barrow, and he links up with fellow new signings Colin Larkin and Richard Brodie on Tyneside. Gateshead and Barrow have agreed a compensation package for the striker".

In the News and Star we read that "Gari Rowntree has admitted he was close to joining Workington's fierce rivals Barrow, but after speaking with boss Darren Edmondson, has finally committed to another season with Reds.

The popular full back held talks with Bluebirds boss Dave Bayliss, and was offered more money to join the newly-relegated side, but said he owed Edmondson for the way he looked after him during his time out injured...

'I was torn', he said. 'I spoken with Dave a few times, and he was keen for me to move to Barrow. Last week I was going to sign for him but, last night, I had a change of heart. I spoke with Darren, and he reassured me about a couple of things. I owe him really because, when I had my knee injury, he looked after me.

It's about loyalty really. Workington have stood by me, and now, when they need the players to be committed, I will stand by them'. Aaran Taylor's decision to snub Barrow was also a major factor in Rowntree's decision to stop. He said, 'A lot of the lads have spoken to Barrow, but we have made a collective decision to stay'".

SEASON TICKETS, 2013-14

We hope that we can rely on your support again this season and look forward to seeing you at Moss Lane in July. Please supply your email address if you have one as we are attempting to update people with information throughout the season. TASC, our Supporters' Association is also keen to extend its membership which costs just £10 per year".

Full details of prices and of the application process are here.

BSBN NEWS

The 21-year-old centre half, who played for league rivals Corby Town in 2012/13, follows hot-on-the-heels of fellow arrivals Ashley Timms and Gary Mills. Piergianni, who played for the Pilgrims' Centre of Excellence during his teenage years, made his Football League debut as a Peterborough player in 2010.

He made forty-four appearances for Stockport County during the 2011/12 Conference Premier campaign, scoring four goals in the process.

Piergianni also enjoyed brief loan spells with Spalding United and Altrincham during his Peterborough days. United boss Dennis Greene told bufc.co.uk, 'Carl represents another piece of the jigsaw we are putting together. He is a commanding and solid centre half and has a good pedigree'".

Pitchero Non-League reports that "Goalkeeper Aaran Taylor has snubbed a move to Barrow AFC, insisting he couldn't leave Workington when they needed him most. The 26-year-old held talks with Bluebirds boss Dave Bayliss and Ebac Northern League First Division side Celtic Nation, but has agreed to stop at Borough Park for another year.

He sought assurances from manager Darren Edmondson that the club shared his ambitions to challenge next season, and said, 'I owe a lot to Darren for the work he has done with me over the years, and I didn't want to jump ship when the club needed me. Workington are going through a tough patch, and I want to be here to help them.

It's a good club, and I thought about going, but I came to the right decision', added Taylor. 'It wasn't about money. I'm happy here. The spirit in the dressing room is great. I spoke with Barrow, but I know I've made the right decision'...

Reds could fold next month if a new board is not appointed, or a takeover completed. Edmondson... branding the shot- stopper the best in the league, added, 'Aaran enjoys his football here, but needed reassurances that things would move forward... To keep Aaran is massive for us because he could have easily gone to Barrow for more money'...

Edmondson confirmed both Kyle May and Mark Boyd were also set to sign contracts. Both have taken a pay cut to stay".

According to the Football Conference, "Following a meeting of the FA Leagues Committee, club allocations for Steps 1 to 4 for season 2013/14 have been released...

A commitment was made to promote more clubs from Step 5. In order to achieve this it was also agreed that the Step 3 divisions would increase to twenty-four clubs and that the two Ryman League Step 4 divisions would do likewise.

This has resulted in seventeen clubs being promoted from Step 5. Of these seventeen, Guernsey FC become the first Channel Island club to compete in the upper levels of the league structure following their second successive promotion.

They have been allocated to the Ryman League Division One South...

At Step 2 it has been possible to re allocate Bishop`s Stortford to Conference South. This step also sees Concord Rangers, Gosport Borough, Leamington, North Ferriby United and Whitehawk making their debuts in the second tier of the 'pyramid'. As in previous years, there are a number of issues that may yet impact of these allocations and therefore they remain subject to change until the dates of the AGMs of the four competitions".

Pitchero Non-League tells us that "Chester FC midfielder Scott Brown has become the latest player to be released from the club...

Brown's release followed the news of the departures of Matty McGinn and Tony Gray, both of whom leave the club due to work commitments.Gray spoke to Young and requested to be placed on the transfer list due to not being able to commit fully to the additional time due to work commitments.

Young said, 'I always knew it was going to be difficult and I am not sure people believed me when I said going into the Conference as a part-time club brings very different challenges, not only in terms of the quality of opposition, but in trying to keep your squad together. We have a major rebuilding job to be done but we have done it before'...

They join Nathan Jarman, Dom Collins, Dave Hankin, Iain Howard and the Turner twins, who went back to Leeds United following the end of their loan spells at the club".

THREE MORE SIGN ON

COMMUNITY VENUE PICTURED

Above, courtesy of Dan Martell, is a larger image than those issued previously of the proposed new Community Hall at Moss Lane, viewed from the Popular Side. See below for further details of the scheme. All supporters are invited to a meeting about the proposals on Saturday (18th) at Moss Lane, at 3pm.

OLD BOY

Massay is a familiar face at Moor Lane, having enjoyed several successful spells with the club as a combative centre forward...

Power arrives with a wealth of experience having played for a number of clubs during a career that spanned well over twenty years... He started out with Northwich Victoria... moved on to Witton Albion and then played with Crewe Alexandra.

A spell with Maltese side Sliema Wanderers was followed by stints at Chorley, Barrow and Stalybridge Celitc before Power won legendary status at Macclesfield... Power moved on to a productive spell as player/assistant-manager at Altrincham before assisting Karl Marginson at FC United of Manchester...

A spokesman for the club said, 'Both lads are proud Salfordians'".

CHARITY GAME AT MOSS LANE

The Legends' side includes Colin Gibson, Clayton Blackmore, David Speedy, Ian Marshall, Viv Anderson, Russell Beardsmore, David May, Matt Elliott and Gerry Taggart.

The Celebrity side includes Danny Miller ("Emmerdale") Will Rush, Reece Douglas and Celleach Spellman (all of "Waterloo Road"), Anthony Quinlan, Joel Goonan and Danny Tennant (all "Hollyoaks") plus members of The Risk (an "X-Factor" group) and members of The Mend (a "Britain's Got Talent" band)".

BSBN NEWS

Elvins, 26, progressed through the youth system at West Bromwich Albion... After loan spells at Cheltenham and York he was released in 2007 and immediately joined then Conference Premier side Aldershot Town... At the end of the 2008/09 season he was released and joined Worcester...

Birley is a product of Birmingham City's Academy... He made his Premiership debut at Stamford Bridge, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on New Year`s Eve 2005. He had a loan spell at Lincoln City in 2006 before being released by Birmingham in the summer of 2007".

According to Pitchero Non-League, "Steve Kittrick says he wants to know in the next week if he is to continue as manager of runners-up Guiseley AFC. He made the heartfelt plea to the club's board after his side had lost 1-0 to FC Halifax Town in Tuesday's West Riding County Cup final.

Kittrick, who has seen his side miss out on promotion and fail in their bid to retain the cup for a third year against their near neighbours, says he is in the dark over the club's plans.

'I want to know this week what I am doing', he said. 'Players are asking if I am staying and I don't know. Nobody has said anything'. Kittrick, who has been at the club for five and a half years, says he would like to stay.

'Next year if given the opportunity to stay here, and I do want to stay, we can continue to go forward. If I get a decent budget or the same budget, I think we can push it on again. I have been criticised a little bit because I said in a boardroom meeting that we were going to win the league, and I was criticised because I made that statement.

It all depends what Guiseley want. If they want to progress again I will be here, if they don't want to progress I won't be here. They may want a new man with new ideas'.

Looking back at the campaign he added, 'We haven't had a bad season but we haven't won anything. It is a progression, but I don't know if they want to see it like that'", he told the Ilkley Gazette.

COMMUNITY VENUE PLANNED FOR ALTY

"Altrincham FC has announced plans to build a community hall at Moss Lane in a bid to inspire local people to get involved in sport.

The venue will provide a home for local sports clubs and leisure groups including indoor bowls, martial arts, cricket, pilates and dance.

Chairman Grahame Rowley said, 'We were all inspired by London 2012 and as a club, we want to play a leading role in helping Altrincham people play sport, not just football! It's coming up to a year since the Games and we've been working hard to get this project off the ground. I'm delighted we're now in a position to submit to planning and we're hoping local people and businesses really get behind it'.

The new low-rise facility will significantly improve what is currently a run-down section of the ground. The development includes improvements to the car park on Golf Road to make sure all traffic is accommodated for.

The venue will house a bar for club use on match-days and also feature a museum to celebrate Alty's famous giant-killing FA Cup exploits. The museum will also detail the town's rich and colourful history.

Altrincham FC recently established a non-profit trust and, as a result, the club can access funding from the Premier League and other organisations. The development is expected to cost up to £750,000, with the club looking to raise around £200,000 from a series of fund-raising activities and sponsorship support from local businesses.

How Moss Lane will look after construction.

To help launch the Community Hall project, the club is planning a summer sport festival event to be held at Moss Lane. More details will be announced in due course".

Notes:

All of the above text in Word format is here.

There will be a meeting for supporters in the Sponsors' Lounge on Saturday, 18 May at 3pm at which the plans for the above venture can be seen and questions asked.

YOUTH NEWS

Having won the re-played Cheshire County FA District Cup group match against Runcorn, 3-0, Altrincham & District FA, with a side comprising the Altrincham FC Under-17s, will meet Chester & District FA in the Final. This will be played on Tuesday, 21 May at 7.15pm. The venue is Warrington Town F.C., Cantilever Park, Common Lane, Warrington, WA4 2RS.

Right: We see Ollie Riley, captain of Alty Youth, on the ball against Northwich Victoria at Moss Lane last Sunday.

The Hale, Altrincham & Sale Independent has an interview by Kevin Thompson with Rob Gilroy, Alty Youth midfielder and England Schools' captain. For more on this, see the Youth Page.

BSBN NEWS

Striker Chib Chilaka heads the list of departures despite finishing the 2012/13 campaign as the club's top scorer with 13 goals. Goalkeeper Jose Veiga, midfielder Luke Dean and centre forward Jonny Allan are the three other players not to have been offered a new contract...

Weaver admits he battled with the decision to let Chilaka go... He told the Harrogate Advertiser, '"It was a very difficult decision. He's given us some special moments but I want to finish higher. I need more movement up front. The ball needs to stick up there for hold up play. Chib's still working on his game. He's outstanding but I need a sustained team. I feel I have to look around and make sure I am making the right choices. I have to think what's the best for Harrogate Town'.

Weaver added, 'I want to see people face to face. They have given everything and I am putting the effort back in. I am not a coward. I will not back away. If it takes a bit more time, I apologise but everyone of our players deserve the right for me to visit'. The 35-year-old tactician revealed that Dean's performances towards the tail-end of the season almost earned him a new deal.

He said, 'Luke started the season for me as one of the best midfield players at this level. He's got to kick on. He plateaued at times and he can't do that if he wants to get to the next level. I'll be helping him find a new club'.

Defenders Dave Merris, Dwayne Samuels and Alan White, as well as midfielder Adam Nowakowski have all committed themselves to the West Yorkshire outfit for 2013/14, while Matt Bloomer and Michael Woods have both agreed to stay on for another 12 months. Weaver is still negotiating new deals with midfield duo Paul Bolland and Danny Forrest".

According to the BBC, "Workington general manager Alec Graham says a factor in the club being put up for sale is increased travel costs. Despite playing in Conference North, the Cumbrian club must travel to Histon in Cambridgeshire, Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, and Oxford City.

'It's tough financially with Conference North have so many southern clubs', Graham told BBC Radio Cumbria. 'Premiership teams, Swansea aside, must travel less than we do - it's cost us around £100,000 these past four years'...

The Reds board are currently looking for new investors and speculation has arisen that the club could go out of business... 'There's no debt so it's a brilliant situation to put in a little investment and have a good, steady Conference North club', Graham added. 'Basically the board have decided the time is right to go. They took over in 1999 when the club was two days from going out of business, cleared £120,000 of debt and have achieved four promotions. Now, with the board all in their 70s or older, it makes sense to leave with a clean slate. It isn't quite this "Reds in crisis, two weeks from going out of existence" situation as some local papers would have you believe'".

The Manchester Evening News reports that "Departing vice-chairman Spencer Fearn... explains why he decided to call it quits within weeks of County's relegation into Conference North. When the end came, it was arguably the most unexpected development of County's close season.

Last Wednesday, two-and-a-half weeks after relegation to Conference North – and only 24 hours after an optimistic statement on the Hatters' website – vice-chairman Spencer Fearn announced his immediate resignation. Another statement put some meat on the bones but, a week on, Mr Fearn now tells us:

'It's been building up for a number of months now', explained Mr Fearn when quizzed about his sudden departure... 'There have been people who have come into the club and promised help with finances, driving down costs and assisting where they can. However, there have been broken promises and I've found it difficult to work with some people who come in, promise the earth and don't deliver.

One shareholder came in, agreed deals that the club had no knowledge of and then disappeared leaving us with a big bill and the finance he promised never appeared. I can't work with people like that. I've given it everything I've got, not just in terms of money, but in terms of time. There have been some good people who have helped me along the way like Chris Bramall (fellow shareholder).

Although he lives in Salisbury, he tries to do as much as he can despite living hundreds of miles away. I don't have millions in the bank, and I've made that clear, but there's only so much I can do and, unfortunately, there are many shareholders that do not seem to care about the club and the sooner they move on the better...

Mr Fearn is one of the 12 shareholders comprising the "top company" which owns County. He owns 20 per cent of the 490,000 shares in said "topco" and, during his 16 months at County, it's estimated that he has put in £365,000. The fears are that, by leaving, the club is being set up for either a spell in administration or a possible land deal concerning Edgeley Park...

'I don't think it is', Mr Fearn reiterated when asked if the club was again heading towards administration. 'I think the club is going to be OK this month and next month while Ryan is working tremendously hard to get some investment. As for my shares, if someone wants to buy them then they can, I have had three parties contact me over the weekend and will decide over the coming weeks...

The position when I joined in January last year was desperate; if I'd known the true extent of the problems then I wouldn't have got involved... I'd paid £95,000 for my shares and, 16 months later, it's nearly quadrupled. Anyway, I didn't get into football to make money. This notion people have of me getting involved for a property deal is rubbish. When I joined County, I got into it because I love football. Yes, I've got loans in the club but I'm not expecting it back immediately and there's no way I'll be putting the club at risk by claiming them back now'...

The decision to keep Ryan McKnight at Edgeley Park has also raised eyebrows with some fans wondering why County need a CEO while in the sixth tier of English football... Mr Fearn said, 'I'm gutted for the staff and the wonderful fans. There are some fantastic people there; those like [ex-Alty man] Richard Landon (kitman), Rodger Wylde (physio), Ian Bogie (manager), Alan Lord (assistant manager), Phil Brennan (media and commercial manager) and Tony Whiteside (secretary), who is an absolute rock.

As for Ryan, I know he gets a lot of stick but, if he left the club, it would collapse. The business turns over £1m, any business needs a CEO when they are turning over this much. He came in a blaze of publicity which didn't help him and I think he'd accept that but he knows what he's doing... He won't walk because I've gone. He's massively committed to Stockport County and he's one of a lot of good people there'...

He said 'My other businesses have suffered because I've been that obsessed with County. It's been another full-time job on top of running four or five businesses that also need my time'".

Meanwhile, "Hatters' chief executive Ryan McKnight insists the future is getting brighter... He said, 'I have been speaking to two potential groups of investors and our existing shareholders in the last couple of days, as well as three interested shirt sponsors, so there is still tremendous interest in Stockport County'".

We read in the Shropshire Star that "AFC Telford assistant boss Dominic Morley has admitted the club are interested in bringing Mansfield Town midfielder Godfrey Poku to the New Buck's Head... Poku spent two loan spells at Southport, Morley and Watson's former club, impressing on both occasions...

He said, '“He is someone we have had at Southport a couple of times and he is one of the possibilities we are looking at, but there are other lads as well'...

Meanwhile, the Bucks' pre-season fixtures are taking shape as Kidderminster Harriers have announced they will travel to the New Buck's Head for a friendly on July 23. Telford already have a Shropshire Senior Cup clash against West Midlands Premier Division side Shawbury United pencilled in for July 9.

Also, the club is reminding supporters that the deadline to purchase early bird season tickets for the forthcoming season arrives this Friday".

GATES UP

JUST A FEW TICKETS LEFT FOR SANDERS EVENT

John King, Graham Heathcote, Jeff Johnson and John Rogers, four of the most iconic players in the history of Altrincham Football Club, will also attend and become the first people to be invited into the Altrincham F.C. Players' Hall Of Fame.

The evening will start at 7.15pm with drinks in the Noel White Suite, with the main event taking place at 8pm in The Manchester Glass Limited Sponsors' Lounge. The dress code is smart casual".

Joint Media and Press Officer at Moss Lane, John Edwards, adds that 'Altrincham's greatest ever manager and four of their most iconic players will relive the glory years of the late 70s and early 80s at a tribute evening at Moss Lane.

The Manchester Glass Ltd sponsors' lounge will be awash with nostalgia on Thursday, when ex-Alty greats John King, Graham Heathcote, Jeff Johnson and John Rogers take their place alongside Tony Sanders for a dinner to mark eight years of unparalleled success under the former Robins boss.

Sanders had already served as assistant to Roy Rees when he took over in March, 1976 and launched a reign that brought Alty two Conference titles, an FA Trophy triumph at Wembley and no fewer than four consecutive FA Cup third-round appearances.

His remarkable achievements are being recognised officially by the club at a tribute night that will begin with drinks in the Noel White Suite at 7.15pm before transferring to the sponsors' lounge for a meal at 8pm.

Compered by joint press officer Brian Flynn, Sanders will be introduced to the audience at the top table before being joined, in turn, by four legendary figures from a line-up widely regarded as the outstanding non-League side of its era.

After the meal, Flynn will conduct a question and answer session aimed at giving fans of all ages a first-hand account of how Sanders and his team went about establishing Alty as the nation's leading exponents of Cup upsets.

As a fitting final touch, King, Heathcote, Johnson and Rogers will be made inaugural members of the Altrincham FC Players' Hall of Fame, a new concept to recognise the contribution of past greats...

On a more contemporary note, manager Lee Sinnott met the Alty board on Monday, to be informed of his latest playing budget, and will now press ahead with plans for next season. Skipper Shaun Densmore and influential centre-back Luca Havern have both joined Nicky Clee, Duncan Watmore, Damian Reeves, Simon Richman, Jake Moult, Scott Leather and James Lawrie in accepting terms for the new campaign".

BSBN NEWS

The statement from Hughes read, 'Colin Peake, Club Consultant, has been busy talking to a number of individuals and companies since the season ended and he has now been able to produce a restructure plan. It is hoped this new plan will allow the two current options of a site for the new stadium, at Meadow Park and Estcourt Road, to proceed without any hindrance to the playing side of the club.

Part of his endeavours has been preparing a budget, with potential investors taking a leading role, and not forgetting to embrace all the hard working club officials and Supporters' Trust. If all the strands do meet with acceptance, then this exciting way forward will be publicly announced within the next few weeks, as there is still much to do.

Fans must be mindful that the club needs to clear existing matters from the past season to allow the new investment and structure to have full and unrestricted access to enable the club to offer the best playing budget it can, alongside sensible commercial and marketing initiatives in the current climate, to supplement that investment.

A number of people are working hard to make this all happen and ensure the future of the club is more secure. Please be patient".

According to Pitchero Non-League, "New AFC Telford United boss Liam Watson has expressed an interest in retaining defender Will Salmon for the forthcoming season. Assistant-manager Dominic Morley said the new Bucks' chief spoke to Salmon at the club's end-of-season presentation evening to discuss the possibility of him staying...

Should a deal be struck to keep Salmon at the club for next season, he would be the third player from last season's squad to be kept on... Goalkeeper Ryan Young was given a new one-year contract last month and defender Dan Preston has also received the same deal. Salmon, who plays predominantly at right-back, said that he was delighted that Watson had expressed an interest in keeping him...

The search for further new recruits has continued this week and Morley said that a couple of transfer targets have been made offers to join the Bucks... So far the Bucks have brought in two new recruits, midfielder Sean Clancy and defender Simon Grand".

Bulls' News reports that "Worcester say that Thursday's 'showdown' talks with the local council and developers St Modwen will decide whether the club will seek voluntary liquidation. They are seeking renegotiation of their deal with St Modwen that has seen the builder drag its heels over building a new ground. The club faces a crippling £385,000 capital gains tax bill if a new ground isn't built by the end of the year".

From the NW Evening Mail, we learn that "Barrow AFC have reduced their season ticket prices across the board following the club's relegation. The cost of a discounted adult stand (seating) early-bird ticket costs £250 (concession, £195), working out at £11.90 per match...

That is down on last season's £310 price... which included 23 home games... When the early-bird period expires on June 1, all prices increase with the adult stand ticket going up by £10 to £260...

Director Tony Keen...said, 'We're trying to get the floating fans back and after looking at other clubs we feel that this is a strong price for this league. And we need to keep the prices reasonably strong to reflect the player budget'...

All single adult matchday tickets have been reduced by £1 with £14 and £13 prices set for the stand and terraces respectively. The club are also aiming to attract more youngsters to Holker Street by extending the junior category from under-16s to under-18s. Last season's under-16s price has also been reduced by £1 to £5 for the new age category. The junior section has also been stretched from under-sevens to under-11s with last season's £3 price being cut to just £1...

Last season, AFC sold 105 season tickets and Keen is hoping to at least match those sales especially after the average home gate fell to 924 last season, down on the 1,271 average figure they achieved in 2011/12.

If we can maintain last season's level that would be great and it will give us an indication about how many fans we will get through the gate next year', said Keen....

With the club also seeking a £30,000 cash injection to wipe out some of their debt this month any early season ticket revenue will greatly aid their mission... Keen added, 'We have got a cash flow problem this month so we're offering a little discount just to entice a few more people and get us the money we need this month. Season ticket money is massive to us. People are aware that there are a number of bills we have to pay this month, not just debts... This summer we'll be paying players' wages four or five weeks later than we did last summer because of the level we're at'.

This is because AFC won't pay players' wages until [the] start of the season as opposed to the start of pre-season".

Closer to home, "Stockport County are pleased to announce that defender Jordan Fagbola has agreed a deal to stay with the club for 2013/14... Fagbola made more than 40 first team appearances for the club last season, becoming a permanent fixture at centre-half and a big favourite with the Blue & White Army.

He first signed for the Hatters in July 2012 after spending four years in the youth set-up at Rochdale... Fagbola played for junior side Fletcher Moss from the age of 11 before joining Rochdale three years later...

Jordan Fagbola said, 'I am happy to commit my immediate future to County as I believe I will develop more as a player working with the Gaffer and Alan'".

According to the Wetherby News, "Harrogate Town players face an anxious wait to find out if they are in boss Simon Weaver's plans for next term. Adam Bolder, Craig MacGillivray and Shane Killock have all already signed two year deals to remain at the CNG.

The gaffer will tell players their future in the coming week before starting a selective process of adding new faces. 'We are keeping a large core of the team', he said. 'I'll be going round to speak to the players face to face on our plans for next season. I don't want it to be a five minute phone conversation. I owe it to them. We are building from strength. The character of players is important. It needs to compliment what we have'.

Work will start on the CNG Stadium's pitch this week and the boss hopes the early start will create a pitch conducive to Town's passing game".

OLD FOES

'Forest Green are a village team with a lad with a few bob', said Bircham. 'They don't have the pedigree of Wrexham Football Club but they have a benefactor with big, deep pockets'... Bircham says Wright turned down a 'very attractive package' to stay with Wrexham, dismissing the striker's claim that he was offered a lesser contract than his previous deal.

'He was offered a contract at the same level as our most experienced and valued players', Bircham told BBC Radio Wales... He added, 'I respect the fact that Danny is a professional footballer and if somebody comes to the lad and offers to increase his wages by 50% that's entirely understandable. He'll be playing... for a club that lacks the history, heritage and atmosphere of Wrexham Football Club'".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM

Until recently, he could often be spotted picking his way through foliage and undergrowth to retrieve footballs kicked off the pitch at the youth team's games at Wythenshawe Town and BTH. Despite not enjoying the best of health in recent seasons, Jim has continued to carry out many of the above roles and the Club is very appreciative of his work.

Jim's son, Jim Vince (junior) briefly played for Altrincham FC and has since enjoyed a successful managerial career which has taken in clubs such as Witton Albion, FC Halifax Town and, currently, Congleton Town.

BSBN NEWS

Meanwhile, "Neil Young, manager of champions Chester, believes midfielder Dave Hankin could be the first of a few Blues players who decide to leave the club. The Chester boss confirmed that Hankin had been placed on the transfer list after revealing he couldn't play for the Blues in the Conference Premier Division due to work commitments.

'Dave is a trainee teacher at a school, which will count him out of a lot of our Friday overnight stays next season and any long trips in midweek. He left Kidderminster for precisely the same reason and I knew it was going to be a problem for him at Chester once we went up. We've had a good discussion and him leaving us was the obvious thing to do as it is going to be bad enough being a part-time club if a player has a job.

We must make sure that we are as professional as we can be, despite being a part time club. Having lads turning up on the morning of matches and having to travel five hours to a game wouldn't be possible for Dave, so we've come to an agreement with him and he is now on the transfer list and we will now wait for clubs to come in and make an offer for him... There may be a few other players now who are facing similar decisions to make'" reports Chester First.

We read in the Telegraph & Argus that "Bradford boss John Deacey and his squad gave their all in the struggle to secure a place in the Blue Square Bet North Division One play-offs. Although they came up just short, the manager is already talking positively about making a successful tilt next term. And, significantly, Deacey is already missing the game.

The Avenue manager said, 'It may well be time to draw breath and think about things but I love the game and wish the season wasn't over. I can't wait for the next one. I think it was a good one but it was a bit stop-start for a few months. There was a lot of bad weather and because of that we couldn't get any rhythm going. It was the same for the other clubs though, so you just have to get on with it.

I would like to think it was a season in which people who came to watch us liked what they saw. We have always tried to play football the right way. It's the way I want my teams to play and this squad has produced some decent football'.

The manager did get some criticism from the terraces and on the message boards, as every boss does. The two main bones of contention were the early release of so many players and the perception that he favoured his own son, Jordan, in team selection. The latter is dismissed out of hand as Jordan Deacey's displays have attracted a string of scouts and coaches from Football League clubs and the midfielder will be high in the ranking for all the player of the season accolades.

However, players allowed to leave such as James Riley, Matt Dempsey, Tom Greaves, former skipper Rob O'Brien and club captain James Knowles have left huge holes in a squad that ended up being threadbare. However, not all of the information regarding their exits are in the public domain.

The Bradford boss did admit that he wished he hadn't allowed Riley to join Farsley so soon and said he also tried in vain to persuade Knowles to remain at Horsfall. The other deals may have had more to do with financial constraints.

Deacey added, 'We didn't have the biggest budget and we certainly weren't the biggest club in the league. For our last four fixtures I had 12 fit players to choose from. That was a killer to be fair and I know we need a bigger squad but the budget is tied. The board have been fantastic but I will have to go to them and ask for more. I wouldn't rule out signing players and letting them play in the lower leagues on dual registration because we can't afford to have them all on the books all the time'.

Avenue have announced the prices for next term's season tickets and a deadline date for an early bird saving. Prices prior to June 23 are adult £180, concessions/student £120 and under-16s £30. After the deadline they will be £190, £130 and £32.

The club is hoping the seventh-place finish in their first season back in the Conference North will lead to bigger attendances next season in order to give manager John Deacey a bigger budget".

CUP DATES

The round dates for the 2013/14 FA Cup with Budweiser have been released. The list of clubs accepted into the competition, together with the early round draws, will be published on Friday 5 July.

MEET THE MANAGEMENT

The "panel" (seen right) comprised manager Lee Sinnott, assistant boss Neil Tolson, chairman Grahame Rowley, sports therapist Alan Ainsley and club secretary Derek Wilshaw.

What follows is by no means a full account but, hopefully, it captures the main points. The meeting took place on the eve of a meeting between the Board and the management to agree the budget for the coming season. Later in the meeting Lee made it perfectly clear that he will not destabilize the club with extravagant demands but he and Neil did indicate that there were likely to be some new faces next season, as well as the nine players who are already signed up for the next campaign.

One of those nine is Damian Reeves but, as last summer, we might not know if he is staying or leaving till well into the close season.

It was also revealed that both Duncan Watmore and Simon Richman, students at the University of Manchester, have been invited to join the British Universities' team on a three-week tour of Russia.

In fact, Neil and Lee both emphasized what a "great bunch of lads" we have playing for the club and also that many of them are still young enough not yet to have reached their peak. However, Neil's claim to have taught Duncan Watmore everything he knows about the art of being a centre-forward was not universally believed!

Lee added that Duncan epitomised what he was trying to do, namely bring players through from George Heslop's youth team into the first eleven.

Neil also singled out Scott Leather as a centre half of great promise whilst Lee paid tribute to the development of Simon Richman over the past season.

George Heslop was asked by Lee to provide more players like Duncan for next season and the youth team manager reported that his midfielder, Rob Gilroy, had just completed a series of five internationals for the England Schools team in which he had captained the side three times.

Earlier, in response to a vote of thanks from the floor, there was applause for the management and board for providing an entertaining and successful season, albeit we had lost in the play-offs. Several times during the evening, Lee and Neil emphasized that the disappointment of the manner of the defeat at Brackley would be used to stimulate the players next season. Lee's wife, who was in attendance, confirmed that the Alty boss had spent the two days after that match coming to terms with the defeat.

As regards specific players, obviously Lee and Neil could not be too explicit. However Lee did explain how useful it was to have players such as Nicky Clee who could double up as a left-midfielder or left-back - or even as a stand-in goalkeeper. Nicky has apparently told the manager that he is restricting his Yorkshire amateur cricket appearances this summer and Lee said that he would be looking regularly in the "Huddersfield Examiner" to make sure that was the case!

Questions were also asked about the goalkeeping situation with six keepers having been named in squads last season. Lee expected that two keepers would be the starting point for next season.

Asked about the Conference AGM, the panel indicated that at the present time they had no knowledge of any club failing to be accepted into the relevant divisions for off-field reasons but that nothing could be ruled out given what has happened in previous close-seasons.

Grahame Rowley emphasized the need to support the Club's fundraising events. Though attendances last season had been up on the previous campaign, turnstile income had been down, possibly due to a combination of free/reduced price tickets offerd as part of the club's community initiatives and also due to some away teams bringing very few supporters. Bar and catering income was also down in 2012-13 and a significant portion of our FA Cup prize money had had to be used to compensate for these shortfalls.

Also, income in the coming season from Manchester United, who currently host reserve games at Moss Lane, is uncertain owing to managerial and personnel changes at Old Trafford as well as yet more changes in the (inter)national set-up for under-21 games.

Asked what he would like to see improved next season, Lee cited a better start to the season than last year and a better points haul against mid-table teams. Discussion then took place about Alty's ten missed spot kicks in 2012-13. Lee explained that who took the kicks depeneded a lot on each individual game and how particular players felt at the time of the penalty award. He would not blindly insist that player x or player y must take all of the penalty kicks.

It was confirmed that the players return for pre-season training on 29 June and that Altrincham supporter and GB weightlifting coach Terry Surridge is devising a weights programme to help them build up their strength for the new season.

Lee insisted that had Altrincham got promoted this season that the existing players, with some judicious additions, would have coped with playing at the national level. The players we have are well capable of moving the ball about well on the pitch and we have "the arsenal" up front to ensure that we can "put games to bed". "I won't jeopardise the future of the club by making excessive [financial] demands. We'll progress the right way and are already moving in the right direction". Lee cited the improved statistics in 2012-13 as regards games won and goals scored, as well as a reduction in goals conceded to prove his point.

Finally, chairman Grahame Rowley paid tribute to the management duo. "It is a pleasure to work with Lee and Neil. They have the correct ethos for this club. Lee was the last of the interviewees when we appointed the manager in 2011 and I was blown away with his vision for the football club. He and Neil deserve our full support. I also want to thank everyone else at the club and to say that without the supporters there isn't a football club".

And as a marker of his commitment to Altrincham, Lee, who lives near Hull, mentioned that he has driven 75,000 miles over the last two seasons to attand training sessions and Alty's matches over the past two years. He, for one, is delighted that North Ferriby United have joined our division as he only lives two miles away from their ground, whilst other newcomers, Hednesford Town, are just a couple of miles from his father's home!

YOUTH TEAM WINS

Alty Youth beat Northwich Victoria Youth 4-1 at a sodden Moss Lane on Sunday afternoon. A report will follow.

Meanwhile, pictured right, Michael King feels the weight of an opponent after a tackle in the game. Michael netted two of the goals. (Photo: Nick King).

BSBN NEWS

The second half began with Halifax on the front foot and it came as little surprise when Neil Aspin`s side broke the deadlock 14 minutes from time when Gardner`s shot was parried by Turley into the path of Lee Gregory, who scored from close range".

Buckingham Today added that "Brackley Town manager Jon Brady has said he will remain with the club following their play-off final defeat... Brady said, 'We've already put things in place for next year so we do plan quite ahead... I'd like to keep the majority of the squad and being the next best team in Northamptonshire I don't think the players would want to go too much further.

I told all of the players at the end of the season that I would all offer them something and go again with the same bunch of players but who knows in football, sometimes people take your players and you've got no hold over that... I would like to add one or two because as you could see today Halifax had a lot more strength in depth in their squad. They had three or four sitting in the stands today and we don't have that opportunity here. But I would like to add but we'll see if my bosses allow me'".

The same paper adds that "The visitors dominated the majority of the game and scored the crucial goal 15 minutes from time when Lee Gregory smashed in from six yards... As expected, Saints' boss Jon Brady named an unchanged side from the one that comfortably defeated Altrincham in the semi-final... Saints gradually dropped deeper and deeper, leaving Jefferson Louis and Mulligan isolated up front as every time Brackley managed to clear the danger, Halifax came back at them with wave after wave of pressure.

The pressure built and built and eventually it was too much to take as, 15 minutes from time, Gregory scored the all important goal when he fired home from six yards out after Turley had saved well from Gardner... Saints will remain in the Conference North for next season after what has been a superb 2012/13 campaign, despite today's disappointment".

And from the other side, the Halifax Courier adds that "FC Halifax Town sealed their return to the Conference Premier five years after they were demoted from it... Look up ‘cagey' in the dictionary next year, and you'll probably find this fixture underneath the word. There wasn't a great deal to jangle the nerves of either set of supporters...

One hand was easily enough to count the chances created though as the most important game of the season failed to catch fire in dreadful conditions. The rain teemed down as the second-half got underway, as the conditions also asked which of the two teams really wanted a place in the Conference Premier next season". And in the South, according to the Football Conference, "After a two-year absence, Salisbury City are back in the Conference Premier after winning a dramatic Blue Square Bet South Promotion Play-Off final... A terrific crowd of 3,408 saw a fairly even first half...

The drama started four minutes after half-time when Salisbury took the lead with a superb free-kick from Ricky Wellard... Dover`s chances diminished further when they lost influential midfielder Daryl McMahon to a second yellow card.

However, slightly against the run of play, Dover did pull back on level terms with less than a minute of normal time remaining when Lloyd Harrington`s free-kick was netted at the far post by Ian Simpemba.

Eight minutes into extra-time Salisbury re-took the lead when Stuart Sinclair chipped the ball over Walker and into the far corner... Six minutes into the second period of overtime the home side did make it 3-1 with another excellent finish by top scorer White... Two minutes before the end Dover did make it a nervy finale when Billy Bricknell slid the ball home. But Salisbury held on".

MAKE A DAY OF IT!

After these games, there is...

... AND ENJOY RICHIE'S CATERING

I have catered at lots of events with Sir Alex present, down the years, including two family christenings for his grand children. He even GRILLED me at one of the the last under-21 games this season at Moss Lane when I served Cod and Chips to the boardroom...

He was adamant that the best battered fish was haddock, and nothing else!

So, eat a bacon butty and have a pint in the Alty Bar in his honour then get ready to GRILL the management with some serious questions.

I, for one, have several questions.

KING, HEATHCOTE, JOHNSON AND ROGERS!

John King, Graham Heathcote, Jeff Johnson and John Rogers will attend the evening in honour of Altrincham's most successful manager and will be invited to become the inaugural members of the 'Altrincham Football Club Players' Hall of Fame'.

Tickets are still available for this event, (priced at £20, including a two-course meal plus tea or coffee), by contacting either of the following:-

The evening will start at 7.15pm with drinks in the Noel White Suite with the main event taking place at 8pm in The Manchester Glass Limited Sponsors' Lounge. The dress code is smart casual."

OPPONENTS NEXT SEASON

Hednesford now join champions, North Ferriby United in the Conference North. Alty last met Hednesford in the 1999-2000 season in the national division of the Conference, whilst our only previous encounter with the Yorkshiremen was a defeat on their Humberside ground in the 2001-2 season.

CONGRATULATIONS, TRAFFORD!

The Shawe View club reported that "Just as in the semi-final four days earlier [at New Mills], this was an incredibly tense and nervous affair with both defences on top throughout... The second half was dominated by Trafford with Andy Smart cracking a free kick that was held by Kevin Atherton and then Lairds clearing shots off the line by Oates and Rory Fallon following a Smart corner.

Lairds' dangerman Craig Cairns then broke clear down the right but was denied by a great reflex save by Tom Read...

Extra time saw Trafford dominating possession but Lairds always looking dangerous with their long ball tactics and three minutes into injury time the home side almost snatched a dramatic winner when a shot from the left deflected off Steve Mason but Tom Read produced another brilliant reflex save.

And so to penalties and once more Read was the hero, saving two of Lairds' first four spot kicks. Martyn Andrews, Andy Smart and Tom Schofield all coolly converted theirs but the final act fell to Paul Ashton who blasted the ball into the bottom corner to signal a pitch invasion by the hundreds of Trafford fans who had made the journey over to the Wirral.

This victory means a new and tremendously exciting challenge for the Shawe View outfit as they now look forward to life in the top division of the Evo Stik Northern Premier League but they can go confidently into the new league in the knowledge that they have thoroughly deserved promotion on the strength of some superbly entertaining football".

BSBN NEWS

At another club relegated into the Conference North, Stockport County report that "The Early Bird discount for season tickets ends this Wednesday... Manager Ian Bogie has thanked the fans who have already helped the club well on the way towards 1,000 tickets.

Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer Ryan McKnight says the club's finances are showing positive signs of stabilising. Mr McKnight said, 'I have been speaking to two potential groups of investors and our existing shareholders in the last couple of days, as well as three interested shirt sponsors, so there is still tremendous interest in Stockport County. Everyone knows that County is a huge name in football, regardless of which league we play in next season'...

He added, 'Despite losing Spencer Fearn as vice-chairman, we are moving forward confidently'.

Manager Ian Bogie said, '“Spencer's resignation came as shock to everyone, but the response from the supporters has been magnificent... I'm not remotely surprised at the way everyone has rallied around'...

Meanwhile, County have received offers from two local sports clubs to provide full-size, grass-based training facilities which would be available during the evenings. For much of last season, County trained on the artificial surface at Life Leisure in Woodley.

Ryan McKnight added... 'We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, as we resolve outstanding contractual issues with some of our players'".

From This is Glos, we learn that "Gloucetser City have admitted they remain in a difficult financial position, but they are hoping brighter times are around the corner. The ailing Tigers struggled to keep up their rent payments to the Robins this season, putting their three-year groundshare arrangement with Cheltenham Town at risk...

Chairman Nigel Hughes said the club were under pressure to attract new investment if they are to avoid a similar struggle off the field next term. He said, 'We are grateful to the small number of creditors for their patience while we work to clear away all remaining trading debts from last season. Coupled with that we are also working with a small number of businesses that owe us money to resolve issues and receive payment.

In addition, club officials have been negotiating with several potentially exciting new sponsors that we hope will bring in significant additional revenue. We have also been working hard to produce a realistic budget for the coming season that includes a competitive playing budget... Getting new sponsors on board remains essential if we are to survive, and ultimately that comes down to getting some positive news with regards to a new stadium'".

In This is Lincs we read that "Steve Housham has moved swiftly to protect his Gainsborough Trinity side from any future financial blunders this summer. The Blues' boss has re-engaged those players who are under 24 to ensure the club will receive compensation if they move on. Housham, who is already planning his next Blue Square Bet North campaign on a dramatically reduced budget due to the departure of chairman Peter Swann, has offered contracts to Luke Waterfall, Josh Wilde and Terry Hawkridge...

'I have sat down and talked to each and every one of the players individually', revealed Housham... 'The ball is in their court... We have worked out what we think we can offer the players and put that to them, so now we will have to wait. I know what it's like as a player. You want the best deal you can get for yourselves and your family, but come June, there will be a lot of released footballers looking for a club.

The players were quite positive, they have been looked after here, but now they have to weigh up their options... Players are often ringing me and texting me', he said. 'I think we have put Trinity on the map over the last few seasons and there are players out there who would like to play here'.

Off the pitch, Housham says he respects the decision of Brett Marshall not to take on the role of chairman. The former Retford United manager was the club's initial target for the position, but has turned it down this week... 'It was the right job at the wrong time', Mitchell said. 'It is a terrific football club and run by lovely people, but it would have meant a two-and-a-half hour round trip to every home game and more for away matches. I couldn't commit to that'".

GATE AND SEASON TICKET PRICES HELD AGAIN!

YOUTH GAMES AT MOSS LANE

In the midweek game on Wednesday, George's Altrincham FC Youth won 2-0, away at Prescot Cables.

MORE PATRONS NEEDED!

Chairman Grahame Rowley writes, "Thank you to everyone who participated in the Patrons Scheme over the last few seasons; your support was much appreciated. If you didn't join last season then can I please ask you to consider joining this year. Following the success of the scheme over the last eight years, we have decided to continue with it for the coming season 2013-14. It has become even more important this season to maintain our income streams throughout the year as the credit crunch bites and thus your support would be greatly appreciated as we look to progress the club.

For the cost of £50 your name will appear throughout the coming season in the matchday programme as a Patron of Altrincham Football Club.

At the beginning of the season, every member will be entered into a prize draw, with the winner being match sponsor for an appointed game along with 9 guests. Second prize will be hospitality for 5 people and third prize hospitality for 3 people in the Manchester Glass Sponsors' Lounge.

If you are interested in becoming a Patron for next season, please forward a cheque, payable to Altrincham Football Club, for £50 for my attention. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me on 07720-606897 or by e-mail.

If you would like to pay in instalments this can also be arranged as every bit of help is appreciated.

Thank you once again for your support.

Grahame Rowley, Chairman ".

BSBN NEWS

Chairman Nigel Hughes said, 'we are continuing to actively pursue both options because it is vital that we not only make progress this summer, but can demonstrate that to fans and sponsors alike.” “We have had positive initial results on flood modelling for a scaled down Meadow Park development and this has led to a positive dialogue with the Environment Agency, and sparked a second stage of modelling over the next several weeks.

If that returns the results we are expecting, then we believe we could be resubmitting the scheme to the planning process as early as July'.

In addition, the club has continued dialogue with Redrow Homes about the Civil Service site to flesh out what is necessary to make this option viable for the long-term development of the club. These discussions have been progressing well, with both parties keen to continue to drive them forward.

Hughes commented, 'we need to get back to Gloucester quickly so it makes sense to keep moving on both. If we can progress back to planning over the summer that would really boost the club and help us to build on the commercial side to avoid the cash flow problems of last season, so nobody should underestimate our determination to do just that'".

According to NL Daily, "AFC Telford United have secured the signing of Southport captain Simon Grand. Grand, 29, joins after his release by the Sandgrounders last week... Grand joined Southport in 2011 and made over 80 appearances".

Pitchero Non-League confirms that reports that "Worcester City is going into receivership/liquidation/administration today is [are]... completely unfounded.

The only decision that will be made today will be to continue with the £100 Season Ticket offer.

A statement from the club reads, 'Due to an increase in sales today we are currently considering going ahead with the offer and extending the closing date to Monday 1st July. The final decision will be announced as soon as possible. We have received calls from fans who cannot afford to pay the £100 by the current deadline day at 8pm tonight.

We will accept their pledge to pay the full amount by 10th August following one initial deposit of £20... Once we commit to going ahead with the £100 offer we will accept card payments online via the new club shop'".

NINE NOW SIGNED

They join Nicky Clee, Duncan Watmore, Damian Reeves, Simon Richman, Jake Moult, Scott Leather and James Lawrie who are already signed up for next season.

DANNY DEPARTS

Danny played 8 times for Kendal hitting the net on 10 occasions; Steve Edmondson moved quickly to sign Danny as soon as his contract with Altrincham was finished.

Steve said 'I hope the fans see this as a statement of intent from me... we are looking to bring quality signings in this summer to have a serious push at the top 5 and regain our premier division status back".

In his season with Altrincham, Danny did not start a league game, making a total of seven appearances from the bench in the BSBN without registering a goal. In cup matches he started one and was a used sub three times. Before his loan spell with Kendal Town, Danny had a spell, also on loan, at Marine. The Club wishes Danny well for the future and thanks him for his service .

TWO FRIENDLIES ARRANGED

MEET THE MANAGEMENT ON SUNDAY

And you are invited to make an afternoon of it, as from 3.30pm the bar will be open to show the live Premiership match between Manchester United and Swansea City, which kicks off at 4pm.

Following defeat at Brackley Town, manager Lee Sinnott spoke on Alty TV to Brian Flynn. You can see and hear the manager's frank assessment of the pluses and minuses of the season here.

PROGRESS AT ALTY

Right: Lee Sinnott points the way, at Brackley last weekend. Photo courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

At his own request, Sinnott hasn't had a contract at Moss Lane since being appointed manager two years ago, but he is committed to leading Alty into the 2013/14 campaign. 'You live and learn from these experiences', he said. 'It makes you more determined and more focused to build on what we've done this season. That can't be forgotten because sometimes disappointment can cloud what progress you've made.

It's been a season of progression. If you look at the last two years,the club coming out of the Conference and new management taking over, there were a lot of players coming in and going out. It was a case of steadying the ship, pointing it in the right direction and starting to make strides, which I thought we did towards the end of last season.

We've made strides again this season, you just have to look at the statistics. We've won more games, we've scored more, conceded less and attained more points. The players are young; they're still to reach their peak, and in the close-season we'll look to add to the squad accordingly'.

Saturday's 3-0 defeat saw Brackley win 4-2 victory on aggregate... 'Maybe we could have got one more goal in the first leg but, in the second, we just didn't get our passing game going', Sinnott added. 'We didn't play to our potential. It's massively disappointing that we took so many supporters down and couldn't get over the line, but you do get those days'.

Sinnott and chairman Grahame Rowley will attend a Q&A session with fans on Sunday before the club holds a board meeting on Monday to discuss next season's budget".

BSBN NEWS

Johnstone and Dobie, 81, were up for re-election and agreed to stay on to keep the club ticking over until new backers are found. The Borough Park outfit... is not in debt and has money in the bank. An extraordinary meeting will take place within the next few weeks where the club's immediate future will be discussed...

In November 2012, Reds' landlord, Allerdale council, agreed to give the club a new 30-year lease to allow it to start to secure the funding needed to build a 1,200-capacity stand. It was proposed that the existing west stand would be demolished and replaced, with new facilities to include a function room, offices, changing facilities, sponsors and visiting officials' rooms.

The club had 12 years left on its existing lease but needed long-term assurances before grants could be issued.

Reds were the subject of a takeover bid by millionaire businessman Baron Bloom in late 2011. But his bid was scuppered when the club's biggest shareholder, former chairman Dale Brotherton,- refused to sell his stake".

According to the Manchester Evening News, "County manager Ian Bogie believes all concerned with the club are in for a rude awakening if they expect instant promotion back to the Conference.

The Hatters' boss has started a mass rebuilding programme at Edgeley Park but admits his plans are hindered by finances... 'At this moment in time, in terms of the budget and everything, it's going to be difficult', he said. 'The demands of Stockport County are to get promotion at the first time of asking which is easier said than done... I'm in a difficult situation; we have to embark on a massive rebuilding process when it comes to bringing in people and attracting the best players. There are players on contract for next season who will be earning beyond what we can afford to pay in Conference North.

It's disappointing but we have to remain positive; we're still in the close season and we're looking to reshape and rebuild but it may take a bit of time'...

Andy Halls and [ex-Alty loanee] Sam Sheridan turned down their respective offers and are now free agents... Bogie is scathing of the way Sheridan, in particular, went about it. 'An agent phoned me on Friday last week to say he wouldn't be signing, which was after the deadline I'd set anyway', he said. 'The agent said it was his fault but I said it wasn't and told him Sam Sheridan was a big enough lad to speak to me himself. They (Sheridan and Halls) had been offered contracts which were reduced in terms of what they were on last season but I gave them a deal which I felt was suitable on what I've seen'...

Bogie confirmed a deal had been sorted for Danny Hattersley to join Southport, while Sean Newton had given no indication as to whether he'd accept a new deal. Danny Whitehead and Tom Collins, both of whom are under contract, can also leave...

There is also a strange situation regarding Jon Nolan; it seemed he would be released, only for some unexpected news. 'I wasn't aware that, prior to me coming in, he'd been offered a new deal as had Sean Newton', Bogie revealed. 'They were for a bit more money than they were on, so when the team got relegated, I went back to them and said "this is the new offer". The two players have had offers; they are reduced offers but the two of them will be free to find clubs if they wish. Tom Collins is free to find another club and Danny Whitehead has put in a transfer request.

That's not ideal but we want players who want to fight. The bottom line is some have had a big part in County going down and now want to move on rather than try to take them back up'" said Bogie.

At Histon, "The Board are delighted to confirm the appointment of Brian Page to the position of First Team Manager with immediate effect. Brian has been working alongside Interim Manager Nacer Relizani since December and has now been given full responsibility for the First Team after Nacer made his desire to step aside known in order to concentrate on his own business interests away from the Club.

The Board are committed to progressing the club through further development of our own young players under Brian's leadership and guidance. Brian will therefore work closely with Academy Manager Angus Meichan as well as continue to work with the Scholars (as Scholarship Lead Co-ordinator) and the First Team. The club's aim remains to further improve and expand our youth development and coaching strategy across all age groups, building on the current success of the First Team (average age 20), the Under 18's success in the FA Youth Cup this season and the continuing successful development of the Academy.

Brian put pen to paper yesterday and commented 'I'm delighted to have reached an agreement with the Board and to have committed my future to this Football Club. The progress we have made in recent months has been great to be a part of and I'm really looking forward to taking it on further'.

Brian will confirm his back room team soon but it is likely that the current coaching staff will remain as all were brought to the club by Brian himself... Nacer Relizani meanwhile... remains very much a part of the Histon Team, working with the Board in an advisory capacity and being on hand to help Brian as and when needed".

At AFC Telford United, "The Bucks are launching a pitch repair fund, aimed at raising money to enable essential close season work on the New Bucks Head pitch. Supporters & Businesses will be able to purchase a square foot of the pitch for just £15. The Penalty spots & centre circle will be £40...

Where will the money go? In the close season a lot of money is spent on the regeneration of the pitch in a short space of time to ensure it is ready to start the new season. This includes over 120 tonnes of top soil, 15 x10kg bags of seed, 40 x 10kg of fertiliser [and] 2 tractors over an intense 2 week period. Throughout the year the pitch is not only used by the first team but we are very proud to be able to host a number of other games here including: AFC Telford Youth team, Wolves Reserves, Various England Internationals[!], Telford Junior league Finals, Mercian league finals and various other community games. In total the pitch will have in excess of 70 games played on it per season; this takes its toll on both the pitch and the groundsman.

Groundsman Mick Conway said 'Having won groundsman of the year in the past, and coming third last year, shows the quality and care we take in our pitch. It is a race against time; as we need the money in ready for the close season'".

MOTIVATION FROM DISAPPOINTMENT

Left: Gianluca Havern in acrobatic action as Alty sought a goal at Brackley last weekend. Photo cortesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography.

The Alty manager admitted his squad were in sombre mood after failing to preserve their first-leg advantage over Brackley and seeing the Northants side book themselves a play-off final against FC Halifax with a 3-0 win.

But he sent them into their summer break with a rallying cry to remember the pain of defeat and redouble their efforts to avoid feeling it again this time next year.

‘The players were extremely disappointed at the end for a variety of reasons,' he said. ‘The first one was not making it to the final, the second was knowing they could have performed so much better as a unit and the third was for the board and supporters, who made such a great commitment to come all that way in numbers.

‘They were genuinely down, but my message was to come back for pre-season training remembering how it felt and using it as a motivational tool to guard against it happening again. There is a major sense of disappointment that is still raw, but we have to turn that to our advantage going into next season.

‘The important thing about setbacks is that you learn from them, but it's also important not to forget how much progress we have made. We look stronger now than at this stage last season, and we are playing the sort of football I want to see from my team.

‘I don't want us just kicking the ball and running after it. It has to be winning football, but I want it to be attractive as well. The golden rule is get the ball down and engineer openings by moving it around the park. There is room for improvement, and there are times when we could be a bit more direct, but generally we have used the ball well.

‘I felt it was finely balanced, heading down to Brackley, and our intention was to be positive and try and win the game. If we'd got our passing game going like we did in the second half at Moss Lane, we'd have asked questions of them, but we didn't do it enough to put them under pressure.'

Sinnott will begin planning for next season at a board meeting on Monday.

‘I will be giving my recommendations, but it's a case of seeing what is in the pot and what we can do,' he said. ‘I want us to keep improving, but you have to cut your cloth accordingly. We will know more on Monday and take it from there.'"

ALTRINCHAM FOOTBALL CLUB GOLF DAY

This is always an enjoyable day, with good golf on an excellent course in the afternoon, followed by a meal and prize-giving.

The entries so far are a mix of corporate teams from sponsors, as well as teams of supporters, and this year the golf promises to be even more interesting as we will have a team of Alty players, as well as a team led by Neil Tolson.

If you are interested in entering a team, or entering as an individual, please contact the Club on 0161 928 1045, or by e-mail.

MARK'S IN ACTION AGAIN!

YANKEE'S EIGHT WINNERS

EVOSTICK NPL PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS

BSBN NEWS

Watson was named the new Telford manager on Friday night and it is understood that he has already spoken to Grand about joining the Shropshire club... Dominic Morley, Watson's assistant at the Merseyrail Community Stadium, has moved to the Bucks as well.

But there is no fear that Watson is set to raid the Yellows for the bulk of the 16 signings he needs to make at Telford because the 41-year-old secured the majority of Southport's squad on contracts for next season before he left the club" reports the Southport Visiter.

More comes from the Shropshire Star which says that "New AFC Telford United signing Sean Clancy has claimed the club's ambition was one of the key reasons for him signing up... The left-winger said, 'It has got a great set-up, a great fan base and the plan that is in place is something that I want to be part of. It's always nice to be at a club that's got that drive and ambition. I joined Southport last season in February but I only signed until the end of the season and I was looking for a fresh start this season.

The manager approached me asking if I would be interested in coming here and I didn't have to think twice about joining a club like Telford... I am an ambitious player and this is an ambitious club... I have had two promotions at Fleetwood so I know what the league requires to get the job done. Hopefully, that is something we can do this year'.

Clancy added that he is also clear of the hernia and groin injury which had hampered his career recently... He said, 'Now that I have had the proper physiotherapy and rehab, I am feeling back to my old self... I want to get a good pre-season under my belt and really go for it, and start making waves like I did couple of years ago'".

Elsewhere in the BSBN, "Brian Page has declared himself happy with Histon's playing budget for next season... The Stutes' assistant manager believes he can use his experience to get the most out of limited resources once more...

'I've had a good meeting with the board and I know the budget I'll have for next season', said Page. 'It's a budget that's realistic for this football club. It won't leave us short and it won't put us in trouble. It's something we can work with and not leave ourselves stretched. I wouldn't be surprised if we've still got the smallest budget in the league, but we know we can work with it because we can attract hungry young players, so we'll make the most of it'", he told the Cambridge News.

From Stockport County, we have "An update of recent events...

We have been delighted with the number of season tickets that have been sold to date, we hit over the 400 mark last Friday...

The first board meeting with the two new Directors, Richard Park and Jon Keighren, was held last Friday... Further savings have been identified through Richard's diligent work and the PR strategy for our club is being developed by Jon. It was agreed at the meeting that James Farge would also be appointed as a Non-Executive Director... He has an excellent track record in business and, as well as investing considerable funds himself, he will be tasked with securing more investment into County...

A major talking point during the past week has been the unfortunate position that Aldershot Town find themselves in... Our understanding is that Aldershot will be admitted to the Conference Premier at the Conference AGM in a month's time. However, there could be many twists and turns over the next four weeks. We are continuing to plan as a Conference North side...

We have made offers to several players whose contracts expired on May 4. Although we do express to players that we wish to find out their decision quickly, we are hindered by agents who look to get better deals elsewhere and under the F.A guidelines new offers do not have to be formally responded to until June 28; this is all part of the game and something that we have to live with. Obviously with us becoming a semi-professional club, many of last season's players wish to remain full time...

We are in talks with three companies about becoming County's main sponsor... We are looking at setting up a new web site that will be focused on merchandise, hospitality, affiliate programmes as well as the commercial offerings. So, it will be a one stop shop for all County related services and goods".

According to Dinnington Today, "The search for a new Gainsborough Trinity chairman is to continue, after former Retford United boss Brett Marshall turned the job down. Marshall was named in the press as a potential replacement for the now departed Peter Swann last week.

. But Trinity secretary Pete Wallace told the Standard, 'Brett was approached, but he's come back and turned it down, so the hunt goes on... We're still actively looking for a chairman to come in... but there's no problem with the running of the club".

Elsewhere, the BOston Standard tells us that "New Boston United keeper Ashley Timms has revealed that he turned down offers from Football League clubs to join the Pilgrims...

'I had an offer to go to a good League One side for pre-season, and a couple of League Two sides', he told The Standard. 'But I knew I wasn't guaranteed first-team football. I want to be playing regularly, and Boston made it clear I would be their number one... Boston is an ex-Football League club that still gets around 1,000 fans every week. It's a sleeping giant of non-league football. The manager impressed me with the ambition he has for the club. This club should be in the Conference, at least, maybe the Football League...

Boston's a massive club that you just don't say no to'.

The 6'4” giant became aware that the Pilgrims were interested in bringing him to the Jakemans Stadium about a week after United beat his Hinckley side at the Greene King Stadium in March... Greene has also publically backed his new keeper, who has courted controversy off the pitch.

Timms has twice served time in prison, firstly for a blackmail charge and, secondly, for his part in a bank scam with links to Nigeria... He continued, 'I made mistakes when I was younger but I don't want to go on about the past. I'm older and wiser now. I think that if I hadn't had these things in my life and had time away from football then I would still be playing in the Football League'...

Greene said, 'Ashley is a top goalkeeper and we are fortunate to have him because other clubs were seriously interested in his services'".

Meanwhile, "Boston United have unveiled their new main shirt sponsor... and once again it's a car dealership. Swineshead's Drayton Motors are the club's new official shirt sponsors. The KIA dealership have signed a contract to become the Pilgrims' new front-of-shirt sponsors... for the new season, which kicks off on August 17.

Spanish giants Atlético Madrid have worn the same logo on their shirt for a number of campaigns".

NW NEWS

Pitchero Non-League adds that "Laird, who surprised many by finishing as runners-up to champions Skelmersdale United in the regular season, inflicted a cruel blow on a Mossley side who only just crept into the play-offs on the final day of the season.

A fairly even affair at Kirklands in front of a crowd of 338 looked like heading for extra-time... However, in the third minute of injury-time at the end of the game, Joe Holt popped up with the winner...

The other semi-final at Church Lane paired a New Mills outfit who were forced to play no less than twelve games in just over four weeks to catch up after suffering more than most during the bad weather, with the dangerous Trafford side, who have been fairly consistent throughout the campaign... A crowd of 448 saw another evenly-matched contest in which both sides hit the woodwork.

But it ended goalless after normal time, but within 7 minutes of extra-time Will Ahern broke the deadlock by giving Trafford the lead. And then with virtually the last kick of the game, Michael Oates scored his thirty-fifth goal of the season to take the visitors through to Friday`s final".

BSBN NEWS

Despite stressing that we would like as near to 2,000 tickets as possible, we have been given an initial allocation of 1,000 tickets. This will only increase, if during the week the area allocated to Halifax fans is deemed suitable to hold more than the proposed 1,000 as confirmed so far".

Prices have been raised as for this match "Ticket prices are Adult £12.... We are not sure when we will receive the tickets, at the moment none have been printed, but Brackley have assured us they are progressing them as soon as possible. Working on the worst case scenario and we do not receive tickets before the end of Tuesday 7th May due to the Bank Holiday Monday, we will hope to put them on sale from Wednesday 8th May.

Due to the short amount of time before the game and the arrival of tickets from Brackley, we can only allow Wednesday as the Priority Day for Season Ticket Holders on the basis of two tickets per person... We expect the remaining tickets to go on general sale from Thursday".

NL Daily advises that "Stalybridge Celtic have announced a number of signings ahead of the 2013/14 campaign. Kelvin Bleau, Tom Buckley and Kristian Platt have signed on the dotted line for the 2013/14 season. Manager Jim Harvey has now secured the services of seven of last season's squad as he looks to build upon the encouraging end to the last campaign".

In the Holker Street Newsletter we learn that Barrow boss "Dave Bayliss was in The Mail expressing reservations over the amount of money he was to be given, if he was manager of Barrow AFC, to run a side in next season's Conference North... Bayliss told us, 'My very first initial thought when I saw the budget was that it is a "relegation to the Evo-Stik League budget". There's no way on earth I could manage a football club with that budget... They would be better off getting a manager from Holker Old Boys... But by the time we left the club things were a lot more positive as there was a lot more talk about speculating to accumulate. If we go into next season with that budget then we will really struggle. But when I left the meeting we talked about a fresh, different type and maybe a better budget that I wouldn't even say would keep us in the top six or seven Conference North teams, but in mid-table.

That's what we're looking at, and that's how serious the club's plight is... The initial budget was actually less than the budget we had five years ago... I'm not trying to bleed Barrow dry... I just want the best possible chance to compete next season' said Bayliss...

The directors are good and generous people and they've had enough of putting their own money into the club, and I don't blame them. But they've got to find a solution where the club can find on its own two feet without ploughing more money in every week".

Chairman Brian Keen "came back with, 'We've got to try and put a package together that's good enough for Dave who has proven himself as a good manager on a tight budget - he's done that over the last five years... Dave's got to look at the bigger picture, like we have. We've got to manage the club within its means. We've had a challenging time in the Conference and it's not done the club any good. We have to restructure, rebuild, refocus... The damage that league can cause you is immense".

The NW Evening Mail adds that "AFC's dire financial situation was outlined at a club members meeting on Friday night, when the board of directors made an impassioned plea for fans and the wider Furness community to rally round.

Director Keen told members that the high running costs of life in the Blue Square Bet Premier had crippled the club... 'We are not big enough as a club and as a business to thrive at that level', Keen told the meeting in the Crossbar. 'You have to write off £2m to £2.5m a year to sustain Conference football and we simply cannot do that. We need a reality check. It's fantasy to think we are a big non-league club. We are punching above our weight. What we need to do now is dust ourselves down, get up and get back in the ring with some our own size'.

Keen said Barrow's unexpected promotion through the play-offs in the 2007/8 season had meant there were no solid foundations in place for life in the Conference Premier... Keen said average attendances at Holker Street had dropped from 1,607 in 2008/9, to 924 last term, and that was not sustainable to support Conference Premier football...

Keen said the player budget will be slashed by around £40,000 next season...

Keen added, 'Am I disappointed we went down? My heart says "yes" but my head says "no". It has to be about stability next season. It has to be consolidation for the long-term benefit of the club. We have to have the attitude that it's not seen as failure if we don't go straight back up or get in the play-offs. It won't be acceptable to be in the bottom four either, we want to be a competitive team... The biggest thing is to get people smiling again and, if we can get people smiling again, that will have a knock-on effect, with the fan base and with support in the town".

In contrast, news from another relegated club is upbeat as Blue Square Football reports that "New AFC Telford boss Liam Watson has revealed that he will have a 'great' budget to work with as he aims to lead the Bucks to promotion... Relegated from the Blue Square Bet Premier after spending most of the season near the bottom of the table, Telford had one of the smaller operating budgets in the division to work with.

But the newly-appointed Watson believes he'll have a sizable amount of money available to him next season and is certain he'll be able to lead the team to a promotion charge next campaign.

'The budget is great. I was certainly working on a budget which wasn't as good in the Premier Division. So, if anyone asks questions about the budget, it is a great budget to be competitive', the former Southport boss told the Shropshire Star.

Watson has already started reshaping the squad, Dan Preston and Ryan Young have been offered new contracts, while ex-Southport winger Sean Clancy has been brought in. There is also speculation that former-Sandgrounders skipper Simon Grand could also join the Merseyrail Community Stadium alum[ni] at the New Bucks Head".

The Worcester News says that "Worcester City Football Club faces closure if supporters don't back the £100 season ticket scheme. Only 340 season tickets have been sold of a hoped-for 1,500 and, if that figure does not double by Friday, then directors say they are considering 'bringing the curtain down on the club'.

They admit the future of the 111-year-old club, which moves out of its St George's Lane home next month, 'is in grave doubt' at Kidderminster Harriers without the support...

A club statement said, 'The board would urge anyone who remotely cares about the future of the football club to show their support. The sad reality is that if enough people don't come forward the board will have no alternative but to seriously consider bringing the curtain down on the club as it is not prepared to go forward without the confidence that it can fulfil its financial obligations during the coming season... There are no millionaires waiting in the wings to save it...

The stark truth is that if we cannot at least double this number of sales by May 10, the club's future is in grave doubt. Surviving on an average gate of 800 has been hard enough whilst at St George's Lane. However, if this is going to drop to around 300 at Kidderminster, the club's future looks very bleak... everyone who has bought a ticket so far would be refunded if the target is not met'".

BSBS NEWS

NW NEWS

Street, 48, has been out of work since leaving North West Counties League Premier Division club Ashton Athletic in November... His face is a familiar one to Witton Albion fans too, for he served as then manager Gary Finley'sassistant during his second spell in charge... 1874 Northwich have already confirmed games in July against landlords Winsford and AFC Rushden & Diamonds".

CONFERENCE NEWS

BSBN NEWS

The former Manchester City trainee, who has since played for a number of non-league clubs, put pen-to-paper on Saturday morning under the watchful eye of club secretary John Blackwell. Timms (27) has endured off-field problems in the past but Greene is confident that he has recruited a reformed character and one of non-league's finest goalkeeping prospects.

Greene told bufc.co.uk, 'Ashley is a top goalkeeper and we are fortunate to have him because other clubs were seriously interested in his services. I am only interested in what he does on the pitch and I am confident he will deliver the goods'. Greene has already confirmed that Sam Vince will act as the Pilgrims' goalkeeping understudy in 2013-2014".

Meanwhile, Stalybridge Celtic "have announced the signing of striker Obi Anoruo. Obi joins us from Vauxhall Motors, and lists Wrexham and Barrow amongst his previous clubs". Earlier Celtic "announced the first three signings for next season. Lewis Hatch, Adam Parkhouse and Adam Pepper will all return to the Fold as Jim Harvey looks to build on the encouraging end to the last campaign. More signings are expected to be announced in the next few days as Jim attempts to keep the nucleus of the current squad together".

According to the Worcester News, "When it comes to squad building, this summer will be tough for Worcester City... Now it is who he can afford to keep. Budgets often fluctuate but next season Heeley is facing having to work with considerably less resources than he has this term as a result of anticipated lower crowds at Kidderminster Harriers.

Finishing seventh in 2011-12 was an exceptional achievement and raised the bar of expectation but ending up 15th this time around, despite having again flirted with the play-offs, was perhaps more in line with the money available. Next season will be even tougher at Aggborough.

As ever, having players that can operate in more than one position will be crucial to making the books balance. A further shift towards youth is also on the cards, with perhaps a smattering of experienced campaigners blended in.

But, under such restraints, keeping hold of newly-crowned players' and supporters' player-of-the-year Tom Thorley will be top of the agenda. Building around him and fellow midfielder Rob Elvins, similar to when Kevin O'Connor partnered Thorley, could be a starting point.

They have two able keepers in Matt Sargeant and Glyn Thompson but keeping both on the books might be tricky. Defensively, City will be keen to hold on to Tyler Weir and young player-of-the-year Ellis Deeney, while Shabir Khan's loyalty to his home-town club could see him stay and Josh Smith may get pre-season to prove himself.

Elsewhere in midfield, a fully-fit Matt Birley can unlock defences and winger Danny Williams looks a good prospect but Kieron Morris has returned to parent club Walsall. Matt Breeze, who has the distinction of scoring the club's last ever goal at St George's Lane following his header against Hinckley, and Charlie Reece have both been in and out of the side.

Up front, Ethan Moore and Michael Taylor will hope to stay, but Danny Glover is likely to be at the upper end of the pay scale and that could be a stumbling block to him returning following his Halifax loan, while the goals of Mike Symons, who has been top-scorer for two seasons running, won't come cheap.

Of the rest, captain Stuart Whitehead is out of contract and having two other centre-halves in Jacob Rowe and Lee Ayres might be one luxury too many. It is also difficult to see how versatile left-sided player Danny Edwards can be accomodated as he is facing up to a year out with cruciate ligament damage".

The Football Conference says that "Dave Bayliss met a group of Barrow AFC directors and shook hands on a new contract for the 2013/14 season. He has agreed to a budget for the Blue Square Bet North season which sees a reduction of over 40% on the spend for 2012/13. Bayliss has indicated that currently only James Owen from last season's squad has expressed a desire to return to Holker Street.

The Barrow boss watched his seventh game on Saturday since the Bluebirds season ended on April 20th as he scours for new part-time players. Barrow will revert to twice weekly evening training sessions next season".

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Thanks also to the management and backroom team as well as the numerous volunteers who make our club so special.

Finally, a massive thank you to all the supporters who have stood by the team through good times and bad. I'm proud of each and every one of you. Let's put today's result to bed and prepare for next season's push.

Thanks again for all your support - you're the best.

Grahame".

LEE SUMS IT UP

Right: The Alty bench watches as Gianluca Havern keeps a close eye on Brackley's Jefferson Louis. Fortunately, the ball did not hit the two Brackley photographers who had climbed a ladder to perch on the edge of the Portakabin roof opposite the main stand.

There is a match report here.

There's also a very fair account of Saturday's game from Buckingham Today, which says that "Brackley Town are into the Blue Square North play-off final after a 4-2 aggregate win over Altrincham.

Going into the second leg 2-1 behind, Saints made a lightning start at St James' Park when Jefferson Louis superbly fired into the bottom before Izak Reid's low shot was turned into Altrincham's net by Shaun Densmore.

Brackley remained on top throughout the entire 90 minutes, restricting Altrincham to just half chances, and they clinched their place in the final six minutes after the break when Glenn Walker smashed home from 18 yards.

Brackley now face FC Halifax in the final at St James' Park on Sunday, May 12.

Before kick-off, Saints boss Jon Brady was boosted by the return of the influential Tom Winters while Eddie Odhiambo lined up at right-back due to James Clifton's absence with Glenn Walker in midfield...

The opening minutes were played at a breathtaking pace with both teams going fully at it, making for a gripping encounter. Saints were well on top... Altrincham also had their moments in the first 20 minutes as once again the impressive 19-year-old Duncan Watmore causing [caused] Brackley problems but the home defence held firm.

As the game settled down, Altrincham grew in confidence and began to pose a threat on the home goal with some slick play resulting in a shot from James Lawrie that whistled narrowly over Billy Turley's goal.

However, Brackley constantly looked dangerous when going forward...

The home side maintained their two-goal advantage into half time but it was Altrincham who came out flying in the second half and could have been back on level terms [on aggregate] within minutes of the restart but Damian Reeves's effort was cleared off the line before Turley made a superb save to deny Carl Rodgers' volley.

With those chances wasted, Brackley sensed the chance to kill off the visitors and they did just that six minutes into the half when Mulligan got away down the right and pulled a perfect ball back to Walker, who fired into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Altrincham, now with nothing to lose, threw everything at Saints and almost got themselves back it into but Gianluca Havern rattled the crossbar from Nicky Clee's corner while they also had a huge penalty shout turned down".

DANNY FINISHES OFF WITH A BRACE

OLD BOYS

Elsewhere, ex-Alty striker Carl Furlong scored for Prescot Cables.

BSBN NEWS

The agreement was brokered after the two parties compromised on, and agreed, the player budget for the 2013-14 campaign when AFC will attempt to escape the Conference North at the first attempt.

'We've all shaken hands with Dave and everybody is happy. He's our manager for next year', said a delighted Keen... 'Dave's happy with the budget now'".

FC Halifax Town report that "A performance of real class saw FC Halifax Town book their place in the final of the Blue Square Bet North Playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Guiseley. After three successive draws this season, the Shaymen never looked like not winning this one and drew first blood through as Alex Johnson fired home.

Lee Gregory then sparked the celebrations as he produced a superb solo effort, fending off three challenges before curling into the top corner... The Lions looked tamed, but Halifax couldn't find that killer second as Gardner got the ball stuck underneath his feet with the goal at his mercy... But it was Town who were to find the decisive second"

AFC Telford United report that"New AFC Telford United Manager Liam Watson has moved quickly to secure this first signing... Left Midfielder Sean Clancy has agreed to join the Bucks. Clancy, 25, has recently had short spells at Chester, Kidderminster and Southport but is keen to recapture the consistency that saw him play a key part in Fleetwood Town's progression into the Football League scoring 26 goals in 82 games from the left of midfield".

Meanwhile Worcester City tell us that "We have sold a total of 306 season tickets as of 8pm Friday 3rd May. Of this figure 30% are from people who have no intention coming to games next season. We have received quite a few applications from Worcester Warriors Supporters who have stated they do not want the Club to fold. We have also received many applications from around the country from people wanting the Club to survive".

Earlier City had set a target of 1,500 sales to ensure the club remained viable. City add that "A statement will be issued over the weekend as to the future of the Club".

REGIONAL NEWS

If you are looking for more local football action next week, three local teams in the EvoStik League have play-off matches:

The Football Conference says that "The Blue Square Bet South Promotion Play-Off final will be between the teams who finished second and third in the regular season – Salisbury City and Dover Athletic. Salisbury overcame a 1-0 first leg deficit to earn a last-gasp 2-0 win over Chelmsford City on the day and 2-1 on aggregate at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, while Dover were beaten 2-0 by Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium, but went through on penalties, having won the first leg 3-1.

Brackley Town, who finished third, five points ahead of Altrincham in the regular season, are through to the Blue Square Bet North Promotion Play-Off final after recovering from a first leg deficit. And Alty can have no complaints after being second best for the majority of the second leg at St James`s Park...

Brackley will host - FC Halifax Town in the final after the Shaymen won the Yorkshire derby at Nethermoor against runners-up Guiseley AFC... A crowd of 2,424 saw the side who finished sixteen points behind in the regular season, come through to win a place in the final. It was extremely tight and tetchy at times in the opening period, with the referee opening his notebook on several occasions.

But it was Halifax who broke the deadlock to take a decisive 2-1 lead on aggregate 7 minutes after the break through Alex Johnson... With 7 minutes remaining Gregory fired a shot into the top corner to win it and take the Shaymen through to next Sunday`s (May 12th) final"

YOUTH MATCH OFF

BRACKLEY TOWN 3 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above, left: Nicky Clee and Simon Richman battle it out at Brackley. Right, Jefferson Louis (no.10) holds his ground as Stuart Coburn and Shaun Densmore try to stop him getting to the ball.

Alty can have no complaints after being outplayed throughout this play-off semi-final second leg game. Brackley got off to an ideal start as Jefferson Louis got free up the middle to drive home a low shot from outside the box in the fifth minute. Izak Reid's shot from the right appeared to be diverted home by a defender to make it 2-0 after 24 minutes. Though Alty improved a little after the interval, Walker finished them off with a third goal, eight minutes into the second half. So Brackley won 4-2 on aggregate and now host FC Halifax Town in the play-off final. The Shaymen beat Guiseley 2-0 today.

Match report here.

There was a symmetry to the season as the only times that Alty lost by a three-goal margin this season were in the first and last games of the campaign, which were respectively at home to Brackley Town and away to Brackley Town.

MATCHDAY COVERAGE

The match commentary is sponsored by Richie Bentley, our official club caterer for over 5 years, during which time Richie has catered for Altrincham, Manchester United and charity fixtures at Moss Lane as well as many social events held at the club for its patrons and friends.

The Club itself offers:

Richie can cater for hot/cold buffets or a sit-down menu. Prices for room hire and Richie's menus are available from the club by calling 0161 928 1045 or Richie directly on Facebook at Rich Bentley or by e-mail.

Richie will always serve and clear away your event as part of the price and provide guidance on menu choices, food allergies and intolerances, whilst always working to give you the finest service, food and variety for the best price.

The match commentators are Laurence Howarth and Brian Flynn. The match summariser is Ian Wilkinson. The game kicks off at 3.00pm and commentary starts at 2.55pm.

Radio Robins would also like to thank zFast, our audio streaming providers for increasing the number of listeners that can access Radio Robins during our Play-Off games from 300 to 1000 listeners, without any extra charge. zFast provide this service through premium audio streaming Shoutcast servers. You can find out more about their excellent service on their website.

You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com

Alternatively, you can find live-text updates from the game on this site's Matchday Updates page. Quick links to both options are below.

UPS & DOWNS

AFTER THE FIRST LEG

Right, Gavin Rathbone's image shows Simon Richman being congratulated by his team-mates and the nearby Alty fans after equalizing against Brackley last Tuesday.

Brian Flynn interviewed Lee Sinnott after Tuesday's game against Brackley; the manager can be heard here. Highlights of the Brackley match can be found on Alty TV.

Brian Flynn has alerted us to Ron Griffiths's blog covering the first leg of the Altrincham v Brackley Town play-off tie. Ron writes, "I want to introduce you to English non league football in the unheralded depth of the lower leagues.

Tuesday was a splendid Spring day, with Altrincham FC entertaining Brackley Town in the semi-final first leg Blue Square North League... Moss Road[!], home of the Robins is a splendid venue, where Manchester United reserves play...

Their fans are both legendary and superb and it was the fourth time I had watched Alty play in a month, the last three being over the Pennines at Halifax, Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue. The visitors, founded in 1890, are from Northamptonshire and called the Saints and play at St. James Park, not the more famous one in the North-East. They play in red & white stripes as do Alty, so had to switch to all yellow. This league is the highest they have ever attained and they had beat[en] Alty 4-1 on the opening day of the season last August...

The visitors looked strong and domineering in the early stages but The Robins fought back including 3 shots in 15 seconds that hit the posts. However Town struck first when home goalie Stuart Coburn let in a header from the tall substitute Jefferson Louis. They fought back to equalize straight away with a goal from Simon Richman who headed in Duncan Watmore's cross, and in the 93rd minute Jack Moult struck with a superb volley and injury time winner to give a slight advantage going into Saturday's away leg...

Expect a large Alty fan turnout at the weekend. They were noisy throughout at Moss Road [sic] and even red flares lighting up the ground. The team will wear aqua[marine] jerseys on Saturday".

BRACKLEY PREPARE

Meanwhile, Buckingham Today says that "Brackley Town manager Jon Brady is confident his side can overturn a 2-1 deficit in their play-off semi-final second leg against Altrincham...

Brady said, 'You've got to take it on the chin, you can't get your head down in a situation like this. It's 2-1 and it's finely poised, they've got to come to our place and we can be amazing at our place and I look forward to us really taking the game to them... We came out of the blocks really well, we penned them in the first 20 minutes and we didn't give them a sniff. But we started to get a bit sloppy and gave away too many fouls in the first half.

We rode our luck a little bit with them hitting the bar three times... As soon as we scored we sat back and allowed them to come onto us and I just think we gave the ball away too cheaply in midfield'... He added, 'There's not many teams doing well in the county at the moment, it's such a shame to see Kettering and Corby going down leagues this season, but why can't Northamptonshire just get out and come to support us?'"

BSBN NEWS

Right: Simon Richman receives his third-place award in the Player of the Season awards. Photo courtesy of Steve Foster, who is seen presenting the award.

The Town boss says... 'I don't mind going away from home; our away form's been good. But sometimes it comes down to getting a bit of luck and I feel over the play-off games last year and the number of times we've hit the woodwork this season, you could say it's bad finishing, but we have had a lot of bad luck and we're just hoping it evens itself out and we get some on Saturday...

You want to have a big game with a big crowd and it's going to be a good occasion. But I would feel happier if we had a couple of goals cushion like we should have had'.

Midfielder Chris Worsley is a major doubt for the trip to Nethermoor as he is struggling to shake off the ankle injury he sustained on Tuesday night, but Lee Gregory and Dan Gardner should be fit. Jon Worthington or Liam Needham, are likely to replace Worsley if he fails to recover, while youngsters Matt Pearson and Alex Johnson are expected to keep their places after impressing in the first-leg".

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, "Guiseley captain Andy Holdsworth admits the Lions are desperate to reward the unstinting support of everyone associated with the club, from backroom staff to supporters, and realise their Conference dream.

The Lions head into tomorrow's second leg of their Blue Square North semi-final play-off with FC Halifax with the scores deadlocked at 1-1, just as it was 12 months ago when Steve Kittrick's side drew their first instalment with Nuneaton. Unfortunately, the Midlanders spoiled that prospective party at Nethermoor by winning the second leg 1-0 after extra time...

Holdsworth said, 'Everyone says Guiseley are a little club, but we have come on leaps and bounds over the years and our aim is now to get into the Conference and this is our third chance at it'...

Holdsworth is adamant the outcome of the tie is too close to call... But he is sure on one thing, that the winners of the semi will triumph in the final against either Altrincham or Brackley on Saturday week. Ex-Huddersfield Town star Holdsworth...added, 'I have said all along that whoever wins this tie will go on and win it. Both of us are good teams with good players and pace and attacking threat in each time[?] and it is evenly-matched'...

Keeping his fingers crossed that the Nethermoor surface will suit his side's passing game more, Kittrick said, 'I don't think anyone has got an advantage. If our pitch has got plenty of water on it, and I hope it has, then we can play our passing game like we do and maybe play a bit higher up the pitch and have a bit more success'".

OLD FOES

Neale told the local press that funds were to be paid to players today after being due last week. The club has lost stadium sponsors Triton Showers for the coming season and also saw the company of former chairman Neil Hodgson withdraw their sponsorship this week.

Hodgson quit the board earlier in the season, with Neale now the only listed club director. Neale insists the club has no debt aside from 'normal trading debt' and is up to date with the taxman".

More comes from the Nuneaton News which says that "Nuneaton Town owner Ian Neale insists the club is on a sound financial footing despite the players being paid late this month. The squad will get their salaries in full today after being kept waiting for sponsorship cash to come in the club say, while they have vehemently disputed any suggestion the team were late being paid last month's wages.

Neale said, 'We aren't talking weeks here. It's a couple of days. The club remains stable. We don't owe HMRC money, we are up to date with the Inland Revenue. Our accounts have been approved. The only debt we have is normal trading debt, such as coach travel'.

One of the major sponsors, Fortec Pallet Distribution, who are run by former chairman Neil Hodgson, have withdrawn their funding for next season, Neale confirmed. He says... 'We've already sold more than 100 season tickets and the golden tickets are going well. We are hoping to raise £45,000 from that. Fans absolutely shouldn't be concerned'"

NW NEWS

Only two clubs increased their attendances. Airbus UK Broughton's best-ever season on the field brought 36.2% more spectators flocking through the turnstiles, while Newtown attracted 26.1% more...

Evidence supports claims from some quarters that the Super 12 format with its mid-season split just is not appealing to fans. The average attendance at first phase games this season was 291, which dropped to 250 for the Championship Conference and Play-Off Conference fixtures after the split, when the format was designed to generate more excitement and interest.

Recently, Aberystwyth boss Tomi Morgan said, 'When you're playing teams four times in a season it's hard to maintain the interest of supporters. If you meet teams in the cup, clubs can end up playing each other up to six times'... The best-supported club was again Bangor City, but attendances at Nantporth were down by 19% from 727 to 589, while Aberystwyth's average was second-best at 332".

LEE PRAISES TEAM'S SPIRIT

Trailing to a second-half goal but spurred on by almost 1,600 Alty fans in a crowd of 1,618, Sinnott's side roared back, on an electrifying night, and edged in front with a Simon Richman header and last-gasp Moult volley.

Once one of non-League football's most famous venues finally stopped rocking, the Alty boss assessed a pulsating encounter and called for more of the same in Saturday's return at St James Park. Brackley manager Jon Brady claimed Alty would ‘think they already have one foot in the final', but Sinnott was having none of it, as he said:

‘Maybe his boys think they've got one foot in the final, because they are only one behind and are at home in the second leg. It makes no odds to me at all, because unless one side are six or seven in front in these situations, nothing is settled and there is still everything to play for.

‘It is nice to have an advantage to take down there with us, but it won't change our planning one iota. The mentality will be exactly the same, that there is still a job to be done.

‘But I was delighted with the way we kept plugging away, even after hitting the woodwork three times in 10 seconds and then going behind against the run of play. I have never seen anyone hit the bar and post three times in such rapid succession, but there was no feeling sorry for ourselves. If anything, that got us going, and it was a measure of how far we have come, in terms of self-belief, that we finished the night with a lead. We showed a lot of character.'

Sinnott saluted the way Moult rose to the occasion, despite being on the bench in recent weeks.

‘That's the reaction you want when you have to leave a player out of the starting line-up, and I thought it was wonderful technique and a wonderful strike with enough pace to beat the keeper's dive,' he said. ‘Billy Turley was flying across his line but couldn't get there because it was struck so cleanly, so full marks to Jake. It was a nice moment for the supporters as well. You could tell what it meant to them from the way the place erupted.'

An incident-packed encounter between two committed sides full of attacking endeavour, played out in a vibrant atmosphere, showed the Conference North in the best possible light, and Sinnott added, 'It was some spectacle for the neutral, a very entertaining, high-tempo, end-to-end game, with great backing from an excellent crowd to go with it. It was nice as well that we didn't succumb at 1-0 down and surrender our unbeaten home record this calendar year. I thought that was important.

‘It really was two sides going at it from the off. They had a good opening 20 minutes or so, playing at a high tempo and putting us under a lot of pressure. They didn't let us get our passing game going, but in that situation, you need to rise to the challenge and quicken things up.

‘We did that and could count ourselves unfortunate to go behind when we did. That can happen in football, though, and the great thing was, we kept plugging away. We didn't lose heart, and that is down to the self-belief that has been running through the squad for a while now. You get performances like this one when you've got that level of self-belief.

‘I just thought the lads showed so much character, and, to me, that was another little box ticked and another step taken. The energy levels did not drop when they scored, and neither did the quality of our play. In fact, it probably edged a little higher, and that's very pleasing for a manager.

‘Don't forget, there was still something like 110 minutes of football to be played when we went 1-0 down, so it was a case of keep doing what you're doing. It was good we had that mentality, and it brought its rewards.'

Danny Boshell faces a late test on a hamstring injury for Saturday.

‘He just felt a little twinge in the hamstring, so we will evaluate it as the week goes on,' said the Alty boss. ‘I thought he did really well, picking us up and getting us playing our football, especially in the second half. He was in the thick of it, and he epitomised how, if you keep passing the ball crisply and sweetly, you can open the game up a bit. He helped us do that, but he is that sort of player. We'll just have to have a roll call on Thursday and take things from there.'

Brady seemed intent on playing the sort of psychological warfare referred to by Neil Tolson when the Alty assistant-manager appeared on BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday morning.

Apart from claiming Alty's players ‘felt they had one foot in the final', the Brackley manager bizarrely made a point of singling out referee Andrew Miller for praise, mindful that a series of debatable decisions had infuriated the home crowd almost from the first whistle.

I joined two Brackley press representatives in interviewing Brady by the side of the pitch roughly 15 minutes after the final whistle, and he said: ‘It is still all to play for. I thought we started really well and kept them penned in their own half, though I'm still not sure how the ball stayed out when they hit the woodwork three times in a row.

‘It was an exciting game for the neutral, though probably not for Lee and me, because there were so many chances either way. We rode our luck a bit with those shots that hit the bar and post, but it was a great header by Jefferson (Louis) to put us in front. We tended to sink a bit, though, after scoring, which was disappointing.

‘We should have built on it and driven on, but instead we allowed them a bit of possession. That was our undoing, but there is still another 90 minutes to play. There is a lot more to come in this tie. Altrincham know how good we are, but we can be a lot better than tonight. We wasted too much in the middle of the park, and there is no doubt we can be so much better in possession and also cause a lot more damage out wide.

‘Were Altrincham good value for the scoreline? Yes, you would probably say they were, but we will see what happens on Saturday. At the moment, it is in their favour at 2-1. We've got home advantage, but they scored those two goals and are the ones who will feel that maybe they have got one foot in the final.

‘What we got from Altrincham was very much what I expected. The line-up was just what I thought it would be. There was always going to be a threat from Damian Reeves, with 35 (?) goals, and Duncan Watmore, who's got every man and his dog looking at him. They have got exciting players, but so have we. My players are more exciting, in my opinion, and I can't wait to see them play with a bit more freedom at home.

‘Our crowds have increased, and maybe miracles do happen and we will get 2,000 there for the return leg, which would be unbelievable. We have started to put Brackley on the map, but we need to tell the whole of Northamptonshire about this game. We have won big this season, and we are going to win big on Saturday.

‘Did I think the game was a good advert for the Conference? Well, one thing you have got to give credit for tonight was the referee. I thought he was very good. He had a very good game. People don't give the officials much praise, but I thought they were very good.'"

PREPARING FOR SATURDAY

Details of the supporters' travel arrangements are here.

Right: Damian Reeves receives an award from Steve Foster for finishing second in the Player of the Season vote.

From the other side, in the Banbury Guardian, Brackley Town boss Jon Brady says "‘It's now or never' for fans to get behind the club and help them make it through to the Blue Square Bet North play-off final.

Saints trail Altrincham 2-1 ahead of Saturday's semi-final second-leg at St James Park, where Brady is urging supporters to back Saints' bid to overturn the 2-1 deficit... Brady said, 'This game could be the catalyst for Brackley Town playing clubs like Luton Town and Hereford United regularly in the future. But we have to get past Altrincham and we will need the whole town to get behind us.

Their crowd lifted them on Tuesday when they needed to get back into the game and my players will be looking for that level of support on Saturday. There have been several games at St James Park this season when our supporters have been outnumbered by the visitors, so it is now or never for them to back us.

Altrincham will probably have around 500 fans coming down so we need to double that number and for our supporters to be more vocal than theirs. We're on the verge of putting Brackley on the football map but the town needs to back us'".

Highlights of the first leg against Brackley are now available on Alty TV.

Saturday's BSBN play-off second leg games are:

HOUSE!

Danny Boshell is the main doubt for Saturday's game but Carl Rodgers returned from his lay off to play a full part in training.

Inside the Noel White Suite, the bingo numbers were called by George Heslop using his patented random number generator. Sarah Rowley is to be congratulated both for organizing the whole evening and providing the excellent cakes. In addition to the bingo prizes, a raffle was also held with proceeds going to the Club's funds.

YOUTHS' BUSY SCHEDULE

Meanwhile, the Manchester FA is yet to rule on the abandoned match between Altrincham FC Youth and NJ Wythenshawe Juniors on 21 April. Nevertheless, Altrincham have been scheduled to travel to Irlam Steel this Sunday in the next round. Details of the lads' fixtures are on the Youth Page.

TRIBUTE TO TONY SANDERS EVENING

Altrincham F.C. are pleased to announce the new date for the 'Tribute Evening to Tony Sanders'. The event will take place in The Manchester Glass Limited Sponsors Lounge at Moss Lane on Thursday May 16th at 7.15pm.

Bookings for the original date are still valid and new bookings can be made by contacting either of the following:-

Tickets are priced at £20, including a two-course meal, plus tea or coffee.

OLD BOY

BSBN NEWS

'He's gone over on his ankle and it's swollen up quite a lot. Unfortunately it is too painful to do any tests on his ligaments so he's just using ice at the moment. We train on Thursday, which is a perfect time for me to assess it and see if it has settled down but it's not looking too likely for Saturday unfortunately'.

Meanwhile, Stallworthy had better news on Adriano Moke. The winger has recovered well from his recent injury woes and could be in contention for the second-leg".

According to NL Daily, "Guiseley will go into Saturday's second-leg of their Blue Square Bet North play off semi-final on level terms after drawing 1-1 at FC Halifax... The result delighted the Lions' boss Steve Kittrick. He said, 'I am pleased with 1-1. We came here not to get beat[en] and now we take them back to our place.

I thought we did very well. We kept the ball well and, if we keep it and are a little more patient, we will get a little more success. We tried to force it a little bit tonight, now we have got to come out and pass it about and move it left to right to keep moving them about. I don't think anybody has a psychological edge. If our pitch has got plenty of water on it and we can play our passing game like we can and play a little bit higher up the pitch, we will get more success'" he told the Wharfedale Observer.

BSBN reports that "Gloucester City manager Dave Mehew believes he can get his side into the play-offs next season with the backing of the club's board...

The Cheltenham-based team clinched their highest ever finish in the Blue Square Bet North with an 11th-placed standing, while they progressed to the FA Cup first round for the first time in 23 years... Mehew told The Citizen, 'We've got to be happy with the season as we targeted getting through to the first round of the cup and a highest-ever league position and we achieved both. But while we're really happy with that, now we have to start all over again and do it again next year which is going to be another big challenge. I took a risk last year by going for a smaller squad and adding more quality in terms of Lewis Hogg and Chris Holland and, by and large, it worked out.

We only really got found out right at the end of the season with all the injuries and that can't happen again. We have to have a bigger squad. We need more competition for places and depending on the budget players will have to be realistic when it comes to discussing terms for next season... I would genuinely like to keep everyone that we've got and then add to it with some more quality', he said.

'But that will depend 100 per cent on the budget as I genuinely feel that we can progress with this group of players and a couple of additions. I know it's difficult to get more money in to the budget, but I want to improve us and I keep getting told that the club wants to progress. The club have got to decide if they want to bridge that gap from being 11th to challenging for the play-offs. I honestly think that if I am given a cash input of another 20% on the budget then we will be in the play-offs.

Our form in the middle of the season saw us take 25 points from 14 games, had we done that at the start and end, then we would have been edged out on goal difference this year to Halifax. In Conference South that would have got us in the play-offs, so that's the challenge now and it's one that I'm confident that we are up to, if we have the resources'".

OLD FOES HIT HARD TIMES

Now the Crawley Observer understands that the owners sanctioned considerable further reductions in the wage bill three weeks ago as they look to ease the sale of the club, leaving boss Richie Barker again forced to bring in free transfers and loan signings.

Strikers Tubbs and Barnett reportedly cost the club more than £100,000 before being sold on for close to £2m combined in 2012. Asked whether similar money would be spent before the start of the next season Barker replied, 'Very unrealistic, extremely unrealistic'.

And he added, 'We're not going to be able to have too many (new signings) because we haven't got the budget to do that. So, if we can keep what we've got, we'll not be a million miles away'. Out of the current squad only Mike Jones cost anything in transfer fees, while star midfielder Hope Akpan was sold to Reading for around £300,000 in January.

Observer sources have indicated next season's budget will be one of the lowest in League One, and with club's like Steve Evans's Rotherham coming up with strong finances, with traditionally big clubs Bristol City and almost certainly Wolves coming down, Barker expects League One to be even more competitive next season".

And BBC sport says that "Aldershot Town have gone into administration, just five days after defeat by Rotherham confirmed their relegation from the Football League. The decision was taken after the club failed to pay players their wages for April on Wednesday...

Club chairman Shahid Azeem had been in talks with owner and majority shareholder Kris Machala over acquiring his stake in the club, but a potential deal stalled after the latter demanded proof of funds.

Meanwhile, Andrew Mills resigned as Chief Executive on Wednesday afternoon following the failure to pay players, saying he had been placed in an 'untenable position'".

FLYNNZINE

"Can We Have Our Cake and Eat It?

We have all barely had time to reflect on the Blue Square Bet North league campaign and we are already going full tilt into our first play-off encounter. Saturday was like a Moss Lane carnival as a remarkable crowd of almost 1,300 were treated to another goal extravaganza as the team made it two 6-0 victories in the last two Saturdays.

Finishing on eighty points and scoring a hundred goals has put the icing on the cake of a wonderful season. One of the highlights of the game was another brace from Ryan Brooke who has tripled his season's goal tally in the final three games of the season and finished on six goals, with all of his goals coming in matches where we scored six, seven or eight goals!

The outcome from Saturday is that we now welcome Brackley Town here tonight for a semi-final first leg game, in the hope that we can continue our phenomenal record at Moss Lane in 2013. A dozen wins and a solitary draw against those new world beaters from Colwyn Bay has been a remarkable turnaround for a team that lost five of its first eight home games.

Brackley have also had a fantastic campaign and inflicted our biggest home defeat on us on the opening day of the season with an almost faultless debut performance as the Southern League Champions commenced Blue Square Bet North life in eye-catching style. That victory turned out to be no opening day flash in the pan and their away record has been particularly impressive with fourteen wins and just three defeats on their travels.

None of those defeats came against the top teams with their only pointless trips being to Harrogate Town, Oxford City and Histon.

Tonight is the first ever play-off game to be played at Moss Lane, therefore an historic event. It's probably unrealistic to have expectations of a champagne footballing display in a game where the importance of the occasion is likely to transmit to many of the players' performances in both teams.

It will probably be even more nervy in the other semi-final at The Shay Stadium as both F.C. Halifax Town and Guiseley experienced the heartbreak of losing in last year's semi-finals. As has happened in this campaign, Steve Kittrick's side finished second but capitulated to fifth placed Nuneaton Town, whilst Halifax finished third but were undone by Gainsborough Trinity.

Guiseley, particularly, may feel the play-off pressure as two years ago they were leading at AFC Telford United in the Play-Off Final, but conceded two late goals to go down 3-2.

Lee Sinnott has very positive memories of the Conference North Play-Offs. Having guided Farsley Celtic to fifth place in 2006/7 season, which in itself was a major achievement, Farsley scraped past Kettering Town on penalties in the semi-finals, before dramatically beating Hinckley United 4-3 at The Pirelli Stadium, Burton, in the final. This was a remarkable game. Three goals inside the first 21 minutes saw Hinckley go 2-1 up and it remained that way until Damian Reeves equalised with 11 minutes to go.

Hinckley regained the lead four minutes later only for Farsley to turn things upside down with goals in the 87th and 90th minute; a Simeon Bambrook penalty sending the Yorkshire villagers into the Conference National!

Finally, a big thank you to James Lawrie's Mum, who provided the Radio Robins team with one of our highlights of the season on Saturday, with a pre-match presentation of cakes and Millionaire's Shortbread! The Northern Ireland international's parents attend home games and listen to Radio Robins when we are away and all we can say is that... Sue Lawrie does make exceedingly good cakes!".

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

Thanks also to the management and backroom team as well as the numerous volunteers who make our club so special.

Finally, a massive thank you to all the supporters who have stood by the team through good times and bad. I'm proud of each and every one of you. Let's put today's result to bed and prepare for next season's push.

Thanks again for all your support - you're the best.

Grahame".

LEE SUMS IT UP

Right: The Alty bench watches as Gianluca Havern keeps a close eye on Brackley's Jefferson Louis. Fortunately, the ball did not hit the two Brackley photographers who had climbed a ladder to perch on the edge of the Portakabin roof opposite the main stand.

There is a match report here.

There's also a very fair account of Saturday's game from Buckingham Today, which says that "Brackley Town are into the Blue Square North play-off final after a 4-2 aggregate win over Altrincham.

Going into the second leg 2-1 behind, Saints made a lightning start at St James' Park when Jefferson Louis superbly fired into the bottom before Izak Reid's low shot was turned into Altrincham's net by Shaun Densmore.

Brackley remained on top throughout the entire 90 minutes, restricting Altrincham to just half chances, and they clinched their place in the final six minutes after the break when Glenn Walker smashed home from 18 yards.

Brackley now face FC Halifax in the final at St James' Park on Sunday, May 12.

Before kick-off, Saints boss Jon Brady was boosted by the return of the influential Tom Winters while Eddie Odhiambo lined up at right-back due to James Clifton's absence with Glenn Walker in midfield...

The opening minutes were played at a breathtaking pace with both teams going fully at it, making for a gripping encounter. Saints were well on top... Altrincham also had their moments in the first 20 minutes as once again the impressive 19-year-old Duncan Watmore causing [caused] Brackley problems but the home defence held firm.

As the game settled down, Altrincham grew in confidence and began to pose a threat on the home goal with some slick play resulting in a shot from James Lawrie that whistled narrowly over Billy Turley's goal.

However, Brackley constantly looked dangerous when going forward...

The home side maintained their two-goal advantage into half time but it was Altrincham who came out flying in the second half and could have been back on level terms [on aggregate] within minutes of the restart but Damian Reeves's effort was cleared off the line before Turley made a superb save to deny Carl Rodgers' volley.

With those chances wasted, Brackley sensed the chance to kill off the visitors and they did just that six minutes into the half when Mulligan got away down the right and pulled a perfect ball back to Walker, who fired into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Altrincham, now with nothing to lose, threw everything at Saints and almost got themselves back it into but Gianluca Havern rattled the crossbar from Nicky Clee's corner while they also had a huge penalty shout turned down".

DANNY FINISHES OFF WITH A BRACE

OLD BOYS

Elsewhere, ex-Alty striker Carl Furlong scored for Prescot Cables.

BSBN NEWS

The agreement was brokered after the two parties compromised on, and agreed, the player budget for the 2013-14 campaign when AFC will attempt to escape the Conference North at the first attempt.

'We've all shaken hands with Dave and everybody is happy. He's our manager for next year', said a delighted Keen... 'Dave's happy with the budget now'".

FC Halifax Town report that "A performance of real class saw FC Halifax Town book their place in the final of the Blue Square Bet North Playoffs with a 2-0 victory over Guiseley. After three successive draws this season, the Shaymen never looked like not winning this one and drew first blood through as Alex Johnson fired home.

Lee Gregory then sparked the celebrations as he produced a superb solo effort, fending off three challenges before curling into the top corner... The Lions looked tamed, but Halifax couldn't find that killer second as Gardner got the ball stuck underneath his feet with the goal at his mercy... But it was Town who were to find the decisive second"

AFC Telford United report that"New AFC Telford United Manager Liam Watson has moved quickly to secure this first signing... Left Midfielder Sean Clancy has agreed to join the Bucks. Clancy, 25, has recently had short spells at Chester, Kidderminster and Southport but is keen to recapture the consistency that saw him play a key part in Fleetwood Town's progression into the Football League scoring 26 goals in 82 games from the left of midfield".

Meanwhile Worcester City tell us that "We have sold a total of 306 season tickets as of 8pm Friday 3rd May. Of this figure 30% are from people who have no intention coming to games next season. We have received quite a few applications from Worcester Warriors Supporters who have stated they do not want the Club to fold. We have also received many applications from around the country from people wanting the Club to survive".

Earlier City had set a target of 1,500 sales to ensure the club remained viable. City add that "A statement will be issued over the weekend as to the future of the Club".

REGIONAL NEWS

If you are looking for more local football action next week, three local teams in the EvoStik League have play-off matches:

The Football Conference says that "The Blue Square Bet South Promotion Play-Off final will be between the teams who finished second and third in the regular season – Salisbury City and Dover Athletic. Salisbury overcame a 1-0 first leg deficit to earn a last-gasp 2-0 win over Chelmsford City on the day and 2-1 on aggregate at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, while Dover were beaten 2-0 by Eastleigh at the Silverlake Stadium, but went through on penalties, having won the first leg 3-1.

Brackley Town, who finished third, five points ahead of Altrincham in the regular season, are through to the Blue Square Bet North Promotion Play-Off final after recovering from a first leg deficit. And Alty can have no complaints after being second best for the majority of the second leg at St James`s Park...

Brackley will host - FC Halifax Town in the final after the Shaymen won the Yorkshire derby at Nethermoor against runners-up Guiseley AFC... A crowd of 2,424 saw the side who finished sixteen points behind in the regular season, come through to win a place in the final. It was extremely tight and tetchy at times in the opening period, with the referee opening his notebook on several occasions.

But it was Halifax who broke the deadlock to take a decisive 2-1 lead on aggregate 7 minutes after the break through Alex Johnson... With 7 minutes remaining Gregory fired a shot into the top corner to win it and take the Shaymen through to next Sunday`s (May 12th) final"

YOUTH MATCH OFF

BRACKLEY TOWN 3 ALTRINCHAM 0

Above, left: Nicky Clee and Simon Richman battle it out at Brackley. Right, Jefferson Louis (no.10) holds his ground as Stuart Coburn and Shaun Densmore try to stop him getting to the ball.

Alty can have no complaints after being outplayed throughout this play-off semi-final second leg game. Brackley got off to an ideal start as Jefferson Louis got free up the middle to drive home a low shot from outside the box in the fifth minute. Izak Reid's shot from the right appeared to be diverted home by a defender to make it 2-0 after 24 minutes. Though Alty improved a little after the interval, Walker finished them off with a third goal, eight minutes into the second half. So Brackley won 4-2 on aggregate and now host FC Halifax Town in the play-off final. The Shaymen beat Guiseley 2-0 today.

Match report here.

There was a symmetry to the season as the only times that Alty lost by a three-goal margin this season were in the first and last games of the campaign, which were respectively at home to Brackley Town and away to Brackley Town.

MATCHDAY COVERAGE

The match commentary is sponsored by Richie Bentley, our official club caterer for over 5 years, during which time Richie has catered for Altrincham, Manchester United and charity fixtures at Moss Lane as well as many social events held at the club for its patrons and friends.

The Club itself offers:

Richie can cater for hot/cold buffets or a sit-down menu. Prices for room hire and Richie's menus are available from the club by calling 0161 928 1045 or Richie directly on Facebook at Rich Bentley or by e-mail.

Richie will always serve and clear away your event as part of the price and provide guidance on menu choices, food allergies and intolerances, whilst always working to give you the finest service, food and variety for the best price.

The match commentators are Laurence Howarth and Brian Flynn. The match summariser is Ian Wilkinson. The game kicks off at 3.00pm and commentary starts at 2.55pm.

Radio Robins would also like to thank zFast, our audio streaming providers for increasing the number of listeners that can access Radio Robins during our Play-Off games from 300 to 1000 listeners, without any extra charge. zFast provide this service through premium audio streaming Shoutcast servers. You can find out more about their excellent service on their website.

You can listen to Radio Robins on the internet at www.radiorobins.com

Alternatively, you can find live-text updates from the game on this site's Matchday Updates page. Quick links to both options are below.

UPS & DOWNS

AFTER THE FIRST LEG

Right, Gavin Rathbone's image shows Simon Richman being congratulated by his team-mates and the nearby Alty fans after equalizing against Brackley last Tuesday.

Brian Flynn interviewed Lee Sinnott after Tuesday's game against Brackley; the manager can be heard here. Highlights of the Brackley match can be found on Alty TV.

Brian Flynn has alerted us to Ron Griffiths's blog covering the first leg of the Altrincham v Brackley Town play-off tie. Ron writes, "I want to introduce you to English non league football in the unheralded depth of the lower leagues.

Tuesday was a splendid Spring day, with Altrincham FC entertaining Brackley Town in the semi-final first leg Blue Square North League... Moss Road[!], home of the Robins is a splendid venue, where Manchester United reserves play...

Their fans are both legendary and superb and it was the fourth time I had watched Alty play in a month, the last three being over the Pennines at Halifax, Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue. The visitors, founded in 1890, are from Northamptonshire and called the Saints and play at St. James Park, not the more famous one in the North-East. They play in red & white stripes as do Alty, so had to switch to all yellow. This league is the highest they have ever attained and they had beat[en] Alty 4-1 on the opening day of the season last August...

The visitors looked strong and domineering in the early stages but The Robins fought back including 3 shots in 15 seconds that hit the posts. However Town struck first when home goalie Stuart Coburn let in a header from the tall substitute Jefferson Louis. They fought back to equalize straight away with a goal from Simon Richman who headed in Duncan Watmore's cross, and in the 93rd minute Jack Moult struck with a superb volley and injury time winner to give a slight advantage going into Saturday's away leg...

Expect a large Alty fan turnout at the weekend. They were noisy throughout at Moss Road [sic] and even red flares lighting up the ground. The team will wear aqua[marine] jerseys on Saturday".

BRACKLEY PREPARE

Meanwhile, Buckingham Today says that "Brackley Town manager Jon Brady is confident his side can overturn a 2-1 deficit in their play-off semi-final second leg against Altrincham...

Brady said, 'You've got to take it on the chin, you can't get your head down in a situation like this. It's 2-1 and it's finely poised, they've got to come to our place and we can be amazing at our place and I look forward to us really taking the game to them... We came out of the blocks really well, we penned them in the first 20 minutes and we didn't give them a sniff. But we started to get a bit sloppy and gave away too many fouls in the first half.

We rode our luck a little bit with them hitting the bar three times... As soon as we scored we sat back and allowed them to come onto us and I just think we gave the ball away too cheaply in midfield'... He added, 'There's not many teams doing well in the county at the moment, it's such a shame to see Kettering and Corby going down leagues this season, but why can't Northamptonshire just get out and come to support us?'"

BSBN NEWS

Right: Simon Richman receives his third-place award in the Player of the Season awards. Photo courtesy of Steve Foster, who is seen presenting the award.

The Town boss says... 'I don't mind going away from home; our away form's been good. But sometimes it comes down to getting a bit of luck and I feel over the play-off games last year and the number of times we've hit the woodwork this season, you could say it's bad finishing, but we have had a lot of bad luck and we're just hoping it evens itself out and we get some on Saturday...

You want to have a big game with a big crowd and it's going to be a good occasion. But I would feel happier if we had a couple of goals cushion like we should have had'.

Midfielder Chris Worsley is a major doubt for the trip to Nethermoor as he is struggling to shake off the ankle injury he sustained on Tuesday night, but Lee Gregory and Dan Gardner should be fit. Jon Worthington or Liam Needham, are likely to replace Worsley if he fails to recover, while youngsters Matt Pearson and Alex Johnson are expected to keep their places after impressing in the first-leg".

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, "Guiseley captain Andy Holdsworth admits the Lions are desperate to reward the unstinting support of everyone associated with the club, from backroom staff to supporters, and realise their Conference dream.

The Lions head into tomorrow's second leg of their Blue Square North semi-final play-off with FC Halifax with the scores deadlocked at 1-1, just as it was 12 months ago when Steve Kittrick's side drew their first instalment with Nuneaton. Unfortunately, the Midlanders spoiled that prospective party at Nethermoor by winning the second leg 1-0 after extra time...

Holdsworth said, 'Everyone says Guiseley are a little club, but we have come on leaps and bounds over the years and our aim is now to get into the Conference and this is our third chance at it'...

Holdsworth is adamant the outcome of the tie is too close to call... But he is sure on one thing, that the winners of the semi will triumph in the final against either Altrincham or Brackley on Saturday week. Ex-Huddersfield Town star Holdsworth...added, 'I have said all along that whoever wins this tie will go on and win it. Both of us are good teams with good players and pace and attacking threat in each time[?] and it is evenly-matched'...

Keeping his fingers crossed that the Nethermoor surface will suit his side's passing game more, Kittrick said, 'I don't think anyone has got an advantage. If our pitch has got plenty of water on it, and I hope it has, then we can play our passing game like we do and maybe play a bit higher up the pitch and have a bit more success'".

OLD FOES

Neale told the local press that funds were to be paid to players today after being due last week. The club has lost stadium sponsors Triton Showers for the coming season and also saw the company of former chairman Neil Hodgson withdraw their sponsorship this week.

Hodgson quit the board earlier in the season, with Neale now the only listed club director. Neale insists the club has no debt aside from 'normal trading debt' and is up to date with the taxman".

More comes from the Nuneaton News which says that "Nuneaton Town owner Ian Neale insists the club is on a sound financial footing despite the players being paid late this month. The squad will get their salaries in full today after being kept waiting for sponsorship cash to come in the club say, while they have vehemently disputed any suggestion the team were late being paid last month's wages.

Neale said, 'We aren't talking weeks here. It's a couple of days. The club remains stable. We don't owe HMRC money, we are up to date with the Inland Revenue. Our accounts have been approved. The only debt we have is normal trading debt, such as coach travel'.

One of the major sponsors, Fortec Pallet Distribution, who are run by former chairman Neil Hodgson, have withdrawn their funding for next season, Neale confirmed. He says... 'We've already sold more than 100 season tickets and the golden tickets are going well. We are hoping to raise £45,000 from that. Fans absolutely shouldn't be concerned'"

NW NEWS

Only two clubs increased their attendances. Airbus UK Broughton's best-ever season on the field brought 36.2% more spectators flocking through the turnstiles, while Newtown attracted 26.1% more...

Evidence supports claims from some quarters that the Super 12 format with its mid-season split just is not appealing to fans. The average attendance at first phase games this season was 291, which dropped to 250 for the Championship Conference and Play-Off Conference fixtures after the split, when the format was designed to generate more excitement and interest.

Recently, Aberystwyth boss Tomi Morgan said, 'When you're playing teams four times in a season it's hard to maintain the interest of supporters. If you meet teams in the cup, clubs can end up playing each other up to six times'... The best-supported club was again Bangor City, but attendances at Nantporth were down by 19% from 727 to 589, while Aberystwyth's average was second-best at 332".

LEE PRAISES TEAM'S SPIRIT

Trailing to a second-half goal but spurred on by almost 1,600 Alty fans in a crowd of 1,618, Sinnott's side roared back, on an electrifying night, and edged in front with a Simon Richman header and last-gasp Moult volley.

Once one of non-League football's most famous venues finally stopped rocking, the Alty boss assessed a pulsating encounter and called for more of the same in Saturday's return at St James Park. Brackley manager Jon Brady claimed Alty would ‘think they already have one foot in the final', but Sinnott was having none of it, as he said:

‘Maybe his boys think they've got one foot in the final, because they are only one behind and are at home in the second leg. It makes no odds to me at all, because unless one side are six or seven in front in these situations, nothing is settled and there is still everything to play for.

‘It is nice to have an advantage to take down there with us, but it won't change our planning one iota. The mentality will be exactly the same, that there is still a job to be done.

‘But I was delighted with the way we kept plugging away, even after hitting the woodwork three times in 10 seconds and then going behind against the run of play. I have never seen anyone hit the bar and post three times in such rapid succession, but there was no feeling sorry for ourselves. If anything, that got us going, and it was a measure of how far we have come, in terms of self-belief, that we finished the night with a lead. We showed a lot of character.'

Sinnott saluted the way Moult rose to the occasion, despite being on the bench in recent weeks.

‘That's the reaction you want when you have to leave a player out of the starting line-up, and I thought it was wonderful technique and a wonderful strike with enough pace to beat the keeper's dive,' he said. ‘Billy Turley was flying across his line but couldn't get there because it was struck so cleanly, so full marks to Jake. It was a nice moment for the supporters as well. You could tell what it meant to them from the way the place erupted.'

An incident-packed encounter between two committed sides full of attacking endeavour, played out in a vibrant atmosphere, showed the Conference North in the best possible light, and Sinnott added, 'It was some spectacle for the neutral, a very entertaining, high-tempo, end-to-end game, with great backing from an excellent crowd to go with it. It was nice as well that we didn't succumb at 1-0 down and surrender our unbeaten home record this calendar year. I thought that was important.

‘It really was two sides going at it from the off. They had a good opening 20 minutes or so, playing at a high tempo and putting us under a lot of pressure. They didn't let us get our passing game going, but in that situation, you need to rise to the challenge and quicken things up.

‘We did that and could count ourselves unfortunate to go behind when we did. That can happen in football, though, and the great thing was, we kept plugging away. We didn't lose heart, and that is down to the self-belief that has been running through the squad for a while now. You get performances like this one when you've got that level of self-belief.

‘I just thought the lads showed so much character, and, to me, that was another little box ticked and another step taken. The energy levels did not drop when they scored, and neither did the quality of our play. In fact, it probably edged a little higher, and that's very pleasing for a manager.

‘Don't forget, there was still something like 110 minutes of football to be played when we went 1-0 down, so it was a case of keep doing what you're doing. It was good we had that mentality, and it brought its rewards.'

Danny Boshell faces a late test on a hamstring injury for Saturday.

‘He just felt a little twinge in the hamstring, so we will evaluate it as the week goes on,' said the Alty boss. ‘I thought he did really well, picking us up and getting us playing our football, especially in the second half. He was in the thick of it, and he epitomised how, if you keep passing the ball crisply and sweetly, you can open the game up a bit. He helped us do that, but he is that sort of player. We'll just have to have a roll call on Thursday and take things from there.'

Brady seemed intent on playing the sort of psychological warfare referred to by Neil Tolson when the Alty assistant-manager appeared on BBC Radio Manchester on Wednesday morning.

Apart from claiming Alty's players ‘felt they had one foot in the final', the Brackley manager bizarrely made a point of singling out referee Andrew Miller for praise, mindful that a series of debatable decisions had infuriated the home crowd almost from the first whistle.

I joined two Brackley press representatives in interviewing Brady by the side of the pitch roughly 15 minutes after the final whistle, and he said: ‘It is still all to play for. I thought we started really well and kept them penned in their own half, though I'm still not sure how the ball stayed out when they hit the woodwork three times in a row.

‘It was an exciting game for the neutral, though probably not for Lee and me, because there were so many chances either way. We rode our luck a bit with those shots that hit the bar and post, but it was a great header by Jefferson (Louis) to put us in front. We tended to sink a bit, though, after scoring, which was disappointing.

‘We should have built on it and driven on, but instead we allowed them a bit of possession. That was our undoing, but there is still another 90 minutes to play. There is a lot more to come in this tie. Altrincham know how good we are, but we can be a lot better than tonight. We wasted too much in the middle of the park, and there is no doubt we can be so much better in possession and also cause a lot more damage out wide.

‘Were Altrincham good value for the scoreline? Yes, you would probably say they were, but we will see what happens on Saturday. At the moment, it is in their favour at 2-1. We've got home advantage, but they scored those two goals and are the ones who will feel that maybe they have got one foot in the final.

‘What we got from Altrincham was very much what I expected. The line-up was just what I thought it would be. There was always going to be a threat from Damian Reeves, with 35 (?) goals, and Duncan Watmore, who's got every man and his dog looking at him. They have got exciting players, but so have we. My players are more exciting, in my opinion, and I can't wait to see them play with a bit more freedom at home.

‘Our crowds have increased, and maybe miracles do happen and we will get 2,000 there for the return leg, which would be unbelievable. We have started to put Brackley on the map, but we need to tell the whole of Northamptonshire about this game. We have won big this season, and we are going to win big on Saturday.

‘Did I think the game was a good advert for the Conference? Well, one thing you have got to give credit for tonight was the referee. I thought he was very good. He had a very good game. People don't give the officials much praise, but I thought they were very good.'"

PREPARING FOR SATURDAY

Details of the supporters' travel arrangements are here.

Right: Damian Reeves receives an award from Steve Foster for finishing second in the Player of the Season vote.

From the other side, in the Banbury Guardian, Brackley Town boss Jon Brady says "‘It's now or never' for fans to get behind the club and help them make it through to the Blue Square Bet North play-off final.

Saints trail Altrincham 2-1 ahead of Saturday's semi-final second-leg at St James Park, where Brady is urging supporters to back Saints' bid to overturn the 2-1 deficit... Brady said, 'This game could be the catalyst for Brackley Town playing clubs like Luton Town and Hereford United regularly in the future. But we have to get past Altrincham and we will need the whole town to get behind us.

Their crowd lifted them on Tuesday when they needed to get back into the game and my players will be looking for that level of support on Saturday. There have been several games at St James Park this season when our supporters have been outnumbered by the visitors, so it is now or never for them to back us.

Altrincham will probably have around 500 fans coming down so we need to double that number and for our supporters to be more vocal than theirs. We're on the verge of putting Brackley on the football map but the town needs to back us'".

Highlights of the first leg against Brackley are now available on Alty TV.

Saturday's BSBN play-off second leg games are:

HOUSE!

Danny Boshell is the main doubt for Saturday's game but Carl Rodgers returned from his lay off to play a full part in training.

Inside the Noel White Suite, the bingo numbers were called by George Heslop using his patented random number generator. Sarah Rowley is to be congratulated both for organizing the whole evening and providing the excellent cakes. In addition to the bingo prizes, a raffle was also held with proceeds going to the Club's funds.

YOUTHS' BUSY SCHEDULE

Meanwhile, the Manchester FA is yet to rule on the abandoned match between Altrincham FC Youth and NJ Wythenshawe Juniors on 21 April. Nevertheless, Altrincham have been scheduled to travel to Irlam Steel this Sunday in the next round. Details of the lads' fixtures are on the Youth Page.

TRIBUTE TO TONY SANDERS EVENING

Altrincham F.C. are pleased to announce the new date for the 'Tribute Evening to Tony Sanders'. The event will take place in The Manchester Glass Limited Sponsors Lounge at Moss Lane on Thursday May 16th at 7.15pm.

Bookings for the original date are still valid and new bookings can be made by contacting either of the following:-

Tickets are priced at £20, including a two-course meal, plus tea or coffee.

OLD BOY

BSBN NEWS

'He's gone over on his ankle and it's swollen up quite a lot. Unfortunately it is too painful to do any tests on his ligaments so he's just using ice at the moment. We train on Thursday, which is a perfect time for me to assess it and see if it has settled down but it's not looking too likely for Saturday unfortunately'.

Meanwhile, Stallworthy had better news on Adriano Moke. The winger has recovered well from his recent injury woes and could be in contention for the second-leg".

According to NL Daily, "Guiseley will go into Saturday's second-leg of their Blue Square Bet North play off semi-final on level terms after drawing 1-1 at FC Halifax... The result delighted the Lions' boss Steve Kittrick. He said, 'I am pleased with 1-1. We came here not to get beat[en] and now we take them back to our place.

I thought we did very well. We kept the ball well and, if we keep it and are a little more patient, we will get a little more success. We tried to force it a little bit tonight, now we have got to come out and pass it about and move it left to right to keep moving them about. I don't think anybody has a psychological edge. If our pitch has got plenty of water on it and we can play our passing game like we can and play a little bit higher up the pitch, we will get more success'" he told the Wharfedale Observer.

BSBN reports that "Gloucester City manager Dave Mehew believes he can get his side into the play-offs next season with the backing of the club's board...

The Cheltenham-based team clinched their highest ever finish in the Blue Square Bet North with an 11th-placed standing, while they progressed to the FA Cup first round for the first time in 23 years... Mehew told The Citizen, 'We've got to be happy with the season as we targeted getting through to the first round of the cup and a highest-ever league position and we achieved both. But while we're really happy with that, now we have to start all over again and do it again next year which is going to be another big challenge. I took a risk last year by going for a smaller squad and adding more quality in terms of Lewis Hogg and Chris Holland and, by and large, it worked out.

We only really got found out right at the end of the season with all the injuries and that can't happen again. We have to have a bigger squad. We need more competition for places and depending on the budget players will have to be realistic when it comes to discussing terms for next season... I would genuinely like to keep everyone that we've got and then add to it with some more quality', he said.

'But that will depend 100 per cent on the budget as I genuinely feel that we can progress with this group of players and a couple of additions. I know it's difficult to get more money in to the budget, but I want to improve us and I keep getting told that the club wants to progress. The club have got to decide if they want to bridge that gap from being 11th to challenging for the play-offs. I honestly think that if I am given a cash input of another 20% on the budget then we will be in the play-offs.

Our form in the middle of the season saw us take 25 points from 14 games, had we done that at the start and end, then we would have been edged out on goal difference this year to Halifax. In Conference South that would have got us in the play-offs, so that's the challenge now and it's one that I'm confident that we are up to, if we have the resources'".

OLD FOES HIT HARD TIMES

Now the Crawley Observer understands that the owners sanctioned considerable further reductions in the wage bill three weeks ago as they look to ease the sale of the club, leaving boss Richie Barker again forced to bring in free transfers and loan signings.

Strikers Tubbs and Barnett reportedly cost the club more than £100,000 before being sold on for close to £2m combined in 2012. Asked whether similar money would be spent before the start of the next season Barker replied, 'Very unrealistic, extremely unrealistic'.

And he added, 'We're not going to be able to have too many (new signings) because we haven't got the budget to do that. So, if we can keep what we've got, we'll not be a million miles away'. Out of the current squad only Mike Jones cost anything in transfer fees, while star midfielder Hope Akpan was sold to Reading for around £300,000 in January.

Observer sources have indicated next season's budget will be one of the lowest in League One, and with club's like Steve Evans's Rotherham coming up with strong finances, with traditionally big clubs Bristol City and almost certainly Wolves coming down, Barker expects League One to be even more competitive next season".

And BBC sport says that "Aldershot Town have gone into administration, just five days after defeat by Rotherham confirmed their relegation from the Football League. The decision was taken after the club failed to pay players their wages for April on Wednesday...

Club chairman Shahid Azeem had been in talks with owner and majority shareholder Kris Machala over acquiring his stake in the club, but a potential deal stalled after the latter demanded proof of funds.

Meanwhile, Andrew Mills resigned as Chief Executive on Wednesday afternoon following the failure to pay players, saying he had been placed in an 'untenable position'".

FLYNNZINE

"Can We Have Our Cake and Eat It?

We have all barely had time to reflect on the Blue Square Bet North league campaign and we are already going full tilt into our first play-off encounter. Saturday was like a Moss Lane carnival as a remarkable crowd of almost 1,300 were treated to another goal extravaganza as the team made it two 6-0 victories in the last two Saturdays.

Finishing on eighty points and scoring a hundred goals has put the icing on the cake of a wonderful season. One of the highlights of the game was another brace from Ryan Brooke who has tripled his season's goal tally in the final three games of the season and finished on six goals, with all of his goals coming in matches where we scored six, seven or eight goals!

The outcome from Saturday is that we now welcome Brackley Town here tonight for a semi-final first leg game, in the hope that we can continue our phenomenal record at Moss Lane in 2013. A dozen wins and a solitary draw against those new world beaters from Colwyn Bay has been a remarkable turnaround for a team that lost five of its first eight home games.

Brackley have also had a fantastic campaign and inflicted our biggest home defeat on us on the opening day of the season with an almost faultless debut performance as the Southern League Champions commenced Blue Square Bet North life in eye-catching style. That victory turned out to be no opening day flash in the pan and their away record has been particularly impressive with fourteen wins and just three defeats on their travels.

None of those defeats came against the top teams with their only pointless trips being to Harrogate Town, Oxford City and Histon.

Tonight is the first ever play-off game to be played at Moss Lane, therefore an historic event. It's probably unrealistic to have expectations of a champagne footballing display in a game where the importance of the occasion is likely to transmit to many of the players' performances in both teams.

It will probably be even more nervy in the other semi-final at The Shay Stadium as both F.C. Halifax Town and Guiseley experienced the heartbreak of losing in last year's semi-finals. As has happened in this campaign, Steve Kittrick's side finished second but capitulated to fifth placed Nuneaton Town, whilst Halifax finished third but were undone by Gainsborough Trinity.

Guiseley, particularly, may feel the play-off pressure as two years ago they were leading at AFC Telford United in the Play-Off Final, but conceded two late goals to go down 3-2.

Lee Sinnott has very positive memories of the Conference North Play-Offs. Having guided Farsley Celtic to fifth place in 2006/7 season, which in itself was a major achievement, Farsley scraped past Kettering Town on penalties in the semi-finals, before dramatically beating Hinckley United 4-3 at The Pirelli Stadium, Burton, in the final. This was a remarkable game. Three goals inside the first 21 minutes saw Hinckley go 2-1 up and it remained that way until Damian Reeves equalised with 11 minutes to go.

Hinckley regained the lead four minutes later only for Farsley to turn things upside down with goals in the 87th and 90th minute; a Simeon Bambrook penalty sending the Yorkshire villagers into the Conference National!

Finally, a big thank you to James Lawrie's Mum, who provided the Radio Robins team with one of our highlights of the season on Saturday, with a pre-match presentation of cakes and Millionaire's Shortbread! The Northern Ireland international's parents attend home games and listen to Radio Robins when we are away and all we can say is that... Sue Lawrie does make exceedingly good cakes!".

LEE HAPPY WITH CELEBRATIONS

Turley's comments were supported by his manager, Jon Brady, who said 'Some of their celebrations were a little strong and it seemed like they feel that they have won the whole tie".

Lee Sinnott response was 'It was a fantastic match and when you come back from a goal down to score two late goals in such an important game in front of such a large and passionate crowd, you expect the celebrations to be as joyful as they were but, at no point did I detect any sort of indication that any of our players were behaving as if they felt the overall tie was already won.

Brackley are an excellent side and we know that we will have to be at our best on Saturday to reach the final. This morning, I have watched the highlights of the game on Alty TV and, again, I didn't see anything in those that showed any sort of disrespect for Brackley. After Simon Richman's equaliser, the players celebrated with our supporters and Jake Moult's winner was celebrated near the gate where our players come out for the second half, but away from the Brackley bench.

In fact, Jefferson Louis's goal brought equally emotional celebrations from the Brackley players in their bench area, but of course the vast majority of fans in the ground were our fans, therefore it probably didn't seem to have the same intensity. Perhaps one or two of the comments, in those interviews, weren't thought through properly, in terms of the context of the situation, but there is absolutely no way that anyone in my team is going down there on Saturday thinking that the job is done'.

The BBC Radio Northampton interviews with Billy Turley and Jon Brady can be heard 1 hour 54 minutes into the programme to which there is a link here.

GETTING TO BRACKLEY

Brackley Town have advised us that there is very limited parking at their ground and in the immediate vicinity. Therefore, anyone travelling by car is advised to park in the town centre and walk to the ground. It is a five to ten minute minute walk.

Further parking information can be found here.

Brackley's normal admission prices are:

The Altrincham team and supporters' coaches will be able to park in the club car park. These are standard arrangements for Brackley Town's home games. Therefore, with a particularly large crowd expected, it is very important that people driving there allow themselves plenty of time to find suitable parking and then walk to the ground".

PUT YOUR SHIRT ON ALTY

FIRST LEG VIEWS

There is a report in the Manchester Evening News which is a bit muddled but, nevertheless provides welcome coverage. It says "Jake Moult struck an injury time winner to give Altrincham a priceless advantage in their Conference North play-off semi-final. His thunderous volley ensured the Robins will have a narrow lead when they travel to Brackley for a nervy second leg on Saturday.

Altrincham fought back from a goal down to secure the slenderest of leads but manager Lee Sinnott insists the job is only half-down. 'It's only half-time in the tie obviously. Nothing was ever going to be won or lost tonight', he said. 'It would have taken something extraordinary for that to have been the case. It was an intense, high-tempo game. After the first 20 minutes we managed to get our passing game going. We were perhaps the team in the ascendancy after that'.

Right: Gavin Rathbone's superb photo shows Jake Moult's excellent strike which won the game for Alty against Brackley.

It looked like the night would end goalless at Moss Lane, when the woodwork was struck a staggering five times.

Former Macclesfield winger Izak Reid was Brackley's bright spark and he hit the post from a free-kick early on. Altrincham's Shaun Densmore then rattled the bar from a similar position for the hosts just before the break. And, in the second half [actually it was in the first half, immediately after Densmore's strike], Alty's Gianluca Havern [James Lawrie] and Duncan Watmore both hit the visitors' post in a manic 20 seconds.

Brackley midfielder Eddie Odhiambo somehow ballooned an effort over the bar with the goal gaping after Stuart Coburn spilled a routine cross.

Altrincham's 40-goal striker Damian Reeves, who has scored just once since the beginning of April, then clipped the woodwork again when he struck the bar from Nicky Clee's cross...

Sinnott's side turned the game on its head in the final 13 minutes. Watmore's tenaciously [tenacity] won back a loose ball before firing in a perfect cross for Simon Richman to head in the equaliser. And the winner came two minutes into stoppage time when Moult lashed in a fierce strike.

'We said on the bench that, if you keep creating chances, you will score goals. Sometimes you have those nights where it doesn't drop for you', added Sinnott. 'Both defences were pretty secure; it was one of those evenings'"

Altrincham (4-4-2): Coburn 6; Densmore 7, Leather 6, Havern 7, Doughty 6; Lawrie 5 (Moult 74 - 7), Richman 7, Boshell 6 (Lacey 80), Clee 7; Watmore [no mark given], (Brooke 84), Reeves 6 Subs not used: Hall, Lacey, Moult, Brooke, McMillan".

From the other side, Buckingham Today says that "Jake Moult's stoppage time volley earned Altrincham a slender 2-1 advantage over Brackley Town heading into the second leg of the play-off semi-final.

Brackley worked hard throughout the 90 minutes... The match looked to be heading for a fair draw but Moult popped up two minutes into injury time to drive a superb volley low into the bottom corner...

Saints' boss Jon Brady was without influential winger Tom Winters for the game... On a gorgeous summer's evening at Moss Lane, Brackley began confidently and had all of the early possession with Altrincham struggling to string two passes together...

Then came Brackley's best moment of the match as some neat link-up play saw Walker's brilliant flick find Odhiambo clean through but Stuart Coburn denied the midfielder. A remarkable 30 seconds then followed as Altrincham hit the woodwork three times in a matter of seconds.

First, Shaun Densmore's free-kick rattled the crossbar and Gianluca Havern hit the post from the rebound before Duncan Watmore struck the post for a third time in 20 seconds. Immediately, Saints went straight up the other end and almost took the lead themselves but Odhiambo spurned a glorious chance from eight yards when well placed...

After the break, Altrincham began well and enjoyed the majority of possession but Brackley remained solid... The home side hit the woodwork for a fourth time when Reeves hit the bar from Nicky Clee's cross, and that was followed by another Reeves header that went narrowly over moments later.

But then came the breakthrough and it was Saints who took the lead when, against the run of play, Story whipped in a pinpoint cross that was brilliantly headed into the corner by Louis...Altrincham piled forward in search of an instant reply and they got it through Richman, who headed in Watmore's cross...

But Altrincham secured a precious lead when, two minutes into the four added on, the ball dropped perfectly for Moult to smash into the corner, giving Turley no chance".

And the Banbury Guardian reports that "Spirited Brackley Town were stung by a late strike..

Saints controlled proceedings in the first half... Altrincham's fervent support were crying out for something to cheer and just before the break they hit the woodwork three times in the same move... And 13 minutes into the second half, Clee clipped the ball across goal and Damian Reeves' looped header came back off the bar. But Saints broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, Owen Story sent the ball into the box and Louis planted a fine header into the corner of the net.

Altrincham... levelled in the 77th minute, Watmore won the ball well in the Saints area and floated in a fine cross for Richman to head past Billy Turley... The home side had their winner two minutes into added-time as substitute Moult smashed home an unstoppable volley".

The same source adds that "Brackley Town boss Jon Brady says 'It's only halftime', after seeing his side lose out to a late winner... 'I don't see it as a defeat, it's only halftime', said Brady. 'You've got to take it on the chin. It's 2-1 and it's finely poised, they've got to come to our place and we can be amazing at our place and I look forward to us really taking the game to them. I think the boys will be hurt but there'll be a bit of motivation there about a few things. I think at the end we didn't do ourselves justice, for probably the last five or ten minutes'".

Meanwhile the Northampton Chronicle tells us that "Both sides could be left to rue missed chances as Altrincham hit the woodwork four times during a frantic encounter, while Brackley dominated possession for long stages. But, ultimately, it is the Greater Manchester outfit who will hold the upper hand going into the second leg thanks to Moult's fine winner...

Saints were extremely lucky to escape just before the break as Altrincham hit the woodwork three times in the same move... Reeves, who had netted 40 goals already during the campaign, was everywhere, but the finish was eluding him as he steered the ball wide".

James Lobley advises us that he has images from the Brackley game on his site.

BRACKLEY GAME RECORDED

THANK YOU

TASC END OF SEASON DRAW

The winners were

A BIG thank you to everyone who has participated in this year's scheme. We will be running a similar scheme next season and hope that everyone rejoins and new members are also welcome to take part.

We are pleased to confirm an improved prize structure for next year's scheme for every 10th goal scored. Each winner will have a choice of one of the following three prizes:

In addition there will be the end of season draws for a signed matchball and shirt and, if we can achieve a minimum total of £30 per goal in pledges and Altrincham score 100 goals in all competitive league and cup matches, then our chairman has again agreed to donate a free season ticket for the 2014-15 season."

BSBN NEWS

On 57 minutes the Lions were awarded a free-kick thirty yards out. Andy Holdsworth floated the ball to the far post and Danny Ellis outjumped everyone to plant a header into Glennon's far corner...

The home side will probably feel aggrieved that they didn't win this one, but one feels that had Guiseley taken the game to the Shaymen in the second half, as Josh Wilson did late on, they might have sewn it up against some tired legs. Still, it leaves the tie nicely balanced for Saturday's return at Nethermoor". The site also has Steve Kittrick's post-match interview.

The Football Conference tells us that "Following the completion of the 2012/13 season, Dennis Greene, manager of Boston United, has confirmed his retained list. Six players have been released, Jason Field, Anton Foster, Dan Haystead, Paul Lister, Gary Silk and Phil Watt. Three players, Marc Newsham, Ian Ross and Spencer Weir-Daley, are already contracted for season 2013/14, while offers have been made to seven others". They are Ben Fairclough, Conor Marshall, Greg Mills, Ben Milnes, James Reed, Nathan Stainfield and Tom Ward.

THE LAST OF THE FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL PLAY-OFFS

Barry writes, "Although just a little over eight months have elapsed since Brackley Town made their debut at Moss Lane, I suspect that, for many Alty supporters, that deflating 4-1 defeat on the opening day of the 2012/13 Blue Square Bet North (BSBN) season now seems like a lifetime ago. Alternatively, in my case, it could just be that the counselling for post-traumatic stress which I was prescribed in the aftermath of that particular debacle has proved to be exceptionally therapeutic.

The comparative ease with which they overcame the somewhat flimsy resistance of the misfiring Robins on that August afternoon must have both surprised and delighted Brackley Town on their introduction to the BSBN. However, unlike Joe Dolce, the Saints certainly proceeded to prove that they were no one-hit wonders, as they duly won eight and drew one of their ensuing nine league fixtures. Indeed, the Northamptonshire club have never been outside the top three positions in the league all season.

Last Saturday's 4-3 victory at Boston United saw Brackley Town conclude their inaugural season in the BSBN in third spot with the following record: played: 42; won: 26; drawn: seven; lost: nine; goals scored: 76; goals conceded: 44 and points amassed: 85. The Saints have accumulated the sum of 46 of those points in their 21 away fixtures, during which their only three reverses have occurred at Harrogate Town (1-6); Oxford City (1-2) and Histon (0-3) respectively.

Meanwhile, Jon Brady's men have suffered a total of six home defeats, including Alty's 1-0 triumph at St James Park back on Saturday, 15th December 2012, which is chiefly remembered for Damian Reeves inflicting a mortifying blow to the ego of the home side's goalkeeper, Billy Turley. In the 23rd minute, the Brackley Town No. 1 endeavoured to shepherd a long ball over the white line for a goal kick, only for the enterprising Robins' crack goalscorer to make a right Charlie out of Turley by stealing in, pilfering the ball and then slotting it into the vacant net from an acute angle to send the Alty supporters in the crowd of 330 into ecstasy.

From an Alty perspective, the sole saving grace from the two teams' initial encounter at Moss Lane on Saturday, 18th August 2012 had, of course, been Duncan Watmore's superb 26th-minute goal, during which he demonstrated an impressive body swerve that was recently emulated by none other than his mentor, the Altrincham FC Youth Team manager, George Heslop, when taking evasive action against a scrambler motorbike on a Wythenshawe playing field.

Left, above: Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography captures the celebrations after Simon Richman's equalizer against Brackley on Tuesday.

It was certainly no surprise to witness Duncan Watmore almost complete a clean sweep of the awards on offer at the club's presentation ceremony after last Saturday's vanquishing of Droylsden: Player Of The Season; Young Player Of The Season and Goal Of The Season (for that mesmerising solo effort which clinched a 2-1 victory over Corby Town at Moss Lane on Saturday, 9th February 2013). All entirely deserved, too, and his acceptance speech was admirably concise and refreshingly devoid of any Gwyneth Paltrowesque blubbing.

Alas, I believe that, yet again, my horse in the TASC Race Night failed to cover itself in any glory whatsoever. In fact, someone described it to me as running with all the pace that Lee McEvilly would be able to muster after he had devoured one of those gargantuan portions served up at the legendary Eric's Chippy in Shildon.

That annihilation of an admittedly wretched Droylsden side transpired to be immensely satisfying on a several levels. Primarily, we didn't appear to incur any injuries during the match and, secondly, it gave Lee Sinnott the opportunity to refresh his team and field a few fringe players from the squad plus a couple of debutants in Tony McMillan and Callum Mooney. When was the last time that Alty ‘rested' their two leading goalscorers and still won the game 6-0 then?

Thirdly, we maintained both our current momentum and our truly marvellous record at Moss Lane since the start of 2013, which comprises the following statistics: played: 13; won: 12; drawn: one; lost: none; goals scored: 35; goals conceded: seven and points collected: 37 out of a possible aggregate of 39. Let's hope that successful run of form is duly extended this evening.

Fourthly, and perhaps most impressively, that 6-0 trouncing dished out to Dave Pace's motley crew signified that the Robins had attained the impressive feat of scoring 100 league goals in a season for the first time since Freddie Pye's team netted a total of 108 goals in the club's final campaign in the Cheshire County League back in 1967/68. This laudable accomplishment denotes only the fifth occasion since the Second World War on which the Robins have registered a century of league goals in a season.

Those 100 BSBN goals have been compiled by an array of 13 different goalscorers (there are no own goals in that final total either) and a quarter of them have been accrued against just two clubs: Hinckley United (8-0 and 6-0) and Droylsden (6-0 and 5-0) respectively. We've also stuck a joyous cumulative figure of 10 league goals past Boston United this season (in addition to drinking in the rapture of eliminating them from the FA Cup), a statistic which will particularly warm the hearts of all those Alty supporters of a certain vintage who endured the Pilgrims' success during the 1970s, not to mention those two bitter FA Trophy defeats at their hands in 1985 and 1999 respectively.

By my reckoning, there are six individuals in the Robins' existing squad who actually possess experience of playing in a Nationwide Conference/Blue Square/Blue Square Bet North Play-Off Final (plus one, in the shape of Danny Mitchley, who has been an unused substitute in such a fixture i.e. for Nuneaton Town in their 1-0 win over Gainsborough Trinity in the 2011/12 BSBN Play-Off Final).

One who immediately springs to mind is Stuart Coburn, who was a member of the Alty side who secured that unforgettable 3-2 triumph at Kettering Town in the 2004/05 Nationwide Conference North Play-Off Final.

After having tasted defeat as part of the AFC Telford team which lost 1-0 at Gateshead in the 2008/09 Blue Square North Play-Off Final, Carl Rodgers experienced the euphoria of promotion two years later on his 200th appearance for the Shropshire club, when Guiseley were conquered 3-2 at the New Bucks Head. Also participating in that particular fixture were James Lawrie, who came on as a second half substitute for AFC Telford, and Danny Boshell, who operated in midfield for the team from West Yorkshire.

Then there's Jake Moult, who appeared in the Alfreton Town team which lost 2-1 at Fleetwood Town in the 2009/10 Blue Square North Play-Off Final.

The last member of this elite group is Damian Reeves, who scored the second Farsley Celtic goal in their 4-3 victory versus Hinckley United in the 2006/07 Nationwide Conference North Play-Off Final, which was enacted at Burton Albion's Pirelli Stadium on Monday, 14th May 2007 in front of 2,495 spectators. It is, undoubtedly, well worth noting that the then Farsley Celtic manager was a certain Lee Sinnott.

Incidentally, has anyone else noticed that there has been something of a father and son theme pervading Moss Lane this season? Of course, since September 2008, we have become accustomed to the sight of Shaun Densmore regularly being watched from the Main Stand by his father, Peter, that magnificent former Alty left full back of the 1980s and early 1990s. However, that particular section of the ground now includes yet another luminary in the guise of the erstwhile FA Chief Executive, Ian Watmore, who can be seen habitually monitoring the progress of his 19-year-old son - the Manchester University student and Alty Wunderkind, Duncan.

Back in October 2012, the former Ely City goalkeeper, Jamie Greygoose, was recruited and undertook a brief spell as Stuart Coburn's understudy. Notwithstanding being named as a substitute in several games, he never actually managed to make a first team appearance for the Robins. His father, Dean, had recorded a total of 27 (+1 as sub) appearances in goal for Alty during the 1999/2000 Nationwide Conference season, having joined the Robins on loan from Northwich Victoria as cover for the injured Stuart Coburn.

Strong family ties were also in evidence at Moss Lane in early December 2012, when Lee Sinnott signed his son, Jordan, on loan from Huddersfield Town, thereby evoking thoughts of a Brian and Nigel Clough-type relationship. The then 18-year-old midfielder went on to clock up the sum of six appearances for the Robins before returning to his parent club.

Moreover, we've even had Gianluca Havern's father, John, acting as the master of ceremonies at the Altrincham FC Sportsman's Dinner featuring Paul Merson as the guest speaker, which was staged at the Cresta Court Hotel back on 21st February 2013.

However, possibly the most sinister paternal development concerns the insidious stratagem being employed by Brian Flynn to orchestrate the gradual monopolisation of the Radio Robins commentary team by his own family.

In a surreptitious tactic reminiscent of a North Korean autocrat, the Radio Robins supremo, Flynn Senior, made his initial gambit to ensure the eventual succession of his multilingual son, Niall, by appointing his heir apparent to the Radio Robins commentary team for the away fixture at Guiseley on Thursday, 11th April 2013. Before you know it, Niall will be conducting the Radio Robins commentaries in Spanish and his expert summariser will be that long-suffering wife of Brian and grande dame/superior mother of the Flynn clan, Carol….

At this juncture, I'd just like to take the opportunity to salute the indomitable Mark Maddox's superhuman exploits in becoming the first runner with Motor Neurone Disease to complete the London Marathon, raising over £6,000 in donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association in the process. What a man.

Well, I'm anticipating two almighty struggles against Brackley Town for the right to contest the 2012/13 BSBN Play-Off Final against some team from West Yorkshire. All I can say is I hope that the eventual outcome is identical to the last time that Alty played a team from Northants in a play-off fixture.

If Messrs. Lee Sinnott & Neil Tolson do, indeed, proceed to put those smiles back on our faces and pull off the coup of securing promotion for the Robins this season, then will they subsequently be termed ‘The Special Two' in the annals of Altrincham FC? To continue my by now all-too-familiar recurring Morrissey theme: Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want…

BARRY PIKESLEY"

BOOK NOW FOR BRACKLEY

With one coach already full for Saturday's trip to Brackley Town for the second leg of the promotion play-off semi-final, bookings are now being taken for a second coach. Details are here. To book your seat, please ring the club on 0161 928-1045.

Above, we see Alty at Brackley earlier this season, when we emerged with a 1-0 win.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE TWO YEARS MAKE

ALTRINCHAM 2 BRACKLEY TOWN 1

Right: Supporters punch the air as Jake Moult is mobbed by team mates after netting Alty's late winner.

Alty were more positive and played with a better tempo after the interval but substitute Jefferson Louis's header gave them a 70th minute lead against the run of play. The flight of the ball seemed to leave Coburn wrong footed as it drifted into the net after 70 minutes. But good work from Watmore got the ball into the box from the left by-line and Richman did well to stretch and head the ball home for the equalizer after 78 minutes. Despite another effort hitting the woodwork and Reeves twice going close, a draw looked likely to be the outcome till an excellent shot from outside the box by Jake Moult in the third minute of added time sent all but 50 or so of the 1,618 crowd into raptures.

The sides meet again, at Brackley, this Saturday. TASC will be running transport to the game; please ring the club (928-1045) to book your seat.

Match report here

PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS

JACKPOT WON

END OF SEASON AWARDS

Congratulations go to the winners of the 2013 TASC Player of the Season awards, who received their trophies after last Saturday's match. The recipients were:

Right: Duncan Watmore receives his Player of the Season award last Saturday from TASC's Steve Foster. (Apologies for the quality of the photo, which was supplied from a mobile phone).

In addition Damian Reeves received an award for scoring 100 goals for Altrincham since his arrival in 2010.

BEFORE THE MATCH

Before Tuesday's game, Mancunian Matters reported that "Altrincham's players are ready and raring to go ahead of Tuesday's play-off semi-final first leg against Brackley Town...

Captain Shaun Densmore feels they are prepared for the challenge ahead and said it is now up to the players to finish off their good work. 'We've done the first step by making them [the play-offs], now we need to go one further', he said. 'No matter who it was going to be, Guiseley or Brackley, they are different propositions. Brackley are a bit more direct whereas Guiseley like to play, so we know what we are going to expect'.

The Saints put four past the Robins on the opening day of the season but the Alty full-back insisted his side have come a long way since then. 'We've become a lot more solid as a unit', Densmore explained. 'If you look back over the last 20-25 games we're going into the play-offs in good form. In the first few games we conceded eight or nine goals but since then we're only conceding ones and twos. We'll take that solidarity into the play-offs'.

It is not just Altrincham's defence that has impressed this season either, as the sixth goal against Droylsden marked their 100th in the league this season. Young forward Duncan Watmore has netted 14 times so far this campaign and after sitting out the Droylsden victory is raring to go.

'I love it here, I'm contracted to next season and we're just looking to the play-offs now', he said. 'Now we've got Brackley, I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing. But we're going to have to beat whatever is in front of us if we are to progress. Tuesday is important, we're the in-form team and I'm looking forward to it'".

Damian Reeves added, 'We've played 40-odd games up to now and the lads have to pull themselves together and dig it out for another two or three', he said... 'Especially with it being a home leg we would like to get an advantage but it doesn't always happen like that', said Reeves... 'As long as we perform to what we know we are capable of, then we know we've got a really good chance'”.

Also before the game, the Manchester Evening News interviewed Lee Sinnott, who said 'All the lads are confident, as it has been a really pleasing season for us', said Sinnott. 'We have managed to reach 80 points, which is always a nice total, and the fact we reached 100 goals this year means that we are capable of beating anybody. But, the play-offs are a lottery every year, so anything can happen really'...

Questions have been asked about whether Sinnott will be able to keep his squad together if they do seal promotion... 'We actually have six or seven players that are under contract for next season, so the core of the team would remain virtually the same. But, if we do go up, obviously we'd have to re-evaluate our position in the summer', Sinnott said.

The Robins' hopes will be pinned on top scorer Damian Reeves... 'Damian has done incredibly well for us this year but the team as a whole has scored over 100', added Sinnott. 'We have created plenty of chances and it just so happens that Damian has been on the end of them. I am sure if those chances had fallen for anyone else, they would have stuck them away. I think the team as a whole deserves credit'".

STAFF v SUPPORTERS

Above: The Staff team (red) defends its goal.

Below: Neil Tolson becomes the first Alty keeper to win a trophy this season - awarded to him by Stuart Coburn,
who is seen in the background giving an award to a third Alty keeper, Ian Senior, as Ritchie Semple awaits his turn.

OLD BOY