Pen Pictures

• WEALANDS, Jeff: 34 year-old goalkeeper who made a total of 391 Football League appearances beginning with his home town club, Darlington. After lengthy spells at Hull City and Birmingham City, he moved to Manchester United before joining Altrincham last August and has been first choice ever since. An insurance consultant, he has been beaten only twice in five Trophy outings.
• GARDNER, Phil: Liverpool-born full-back who joined 'Alty’ from Everton in October 1981 having played in the Youth and A teams. He scored the winner in that season’s Cheshire Cup Final victory over Runcorn but was not in the side beaten by Enfield at Wembley. 25 years of age, a technical officer, he has now played more than 200 first team games.
• DENSMORE, Peter: A former Liverpool junior who was signed last October from the North West Counties League side Ford Motors. He made his debut soon after and has retained the left-back spot with some impressive displays. One of four ever-presents in this season’s Trophy run, he is a scaffoider aged 26.
• CUDDY, Paul: 27 year-old defender who joined the Robins from Chorley in October 1981 and appeared at Wembley against Enfield in his first season. He is now approaching his 200th game but has been sidelined with a leg injury since the end of January. His previous experience includes Rochdale, Huddersfield and Bolton.
• FARRELLY, Mike: 23 years of age, he signed for Altrincham at the start of the season from Preston North End for whom he made 82 Football League appearances, having joined them from school. A midfielder who has moved back into defence recently, he played for England Schoolboys. Currently unemployed.
• JOHNSON, Jeff: Since he came to Altrincham from Hyde United he has made close to 500 first team appearances in virtually every position. Having scored nearly 150 goals, he is now in the middle of the defence. 35 years old, he was in both the Trophy Final sides, scoring in 1978, and has 16 Semi-Pro caps. An engineering manager.
• DAVISON, John: Club captain and also skipper of the England Semi-Pro team for whom he has a record 21 caps. He holds Aitrincham’s individual appearance record having passed 650 in February, and was a member of the previous two Wembley sides. He came to the club in 1972 from Burnley and had a short spell with Bangor City four years later. Aged 33, with a cultured left foot, he is a schoolteacher.
• CONNING, Peter: 21 year-old midfielder who is in his second full season with the Robins and is approaching 100 first-team games. Former England schoolboy international, he played in Liverpool’s junior teams before moving to Wigan Athletic. A student, he is sitting his Finals at Liverpool University next month.
• NEWTON, Doug: Midfield man who joined Altrincham last October from Burton Albion having started his career at Chesterfield and then moving on to Eastwood, Alfreton and Belper. Starred in Burton’s F.A. Cup run and won three England Semi-Pro caps last year. Aged 27. He converted two Semi-Final penalties against Enfield.
• ANDERSON, Gary: Now in his second spell with the Robins, following manager King back from South Liverpool, he operates on the left side of midfield. He has played in all this season’s Trophy matches, scoring twice at Ryhope. Aged 26, with over 100 first team appearances, he is a builder.
• REID, Paul: 30 year-old striker who was transferred to Aitrincham last August from Northwich Victoria, for whom he appeared in the 1983 and 1984 Trophy Finals. Came to prominence with Nantwich Town and now tops Aity’s goalscoring charts including a Second Round hat-trick. A vehicle builder.
• ELLIS, Ronnie: 28 years of age, he is a former Runcorn player who has now played over 100 first team games for Altrincham in the past three years. He also played for Burscough and Winsford United, and scored in the famous FA Cup victory over Birmingham City as well as in the Trophy semi-final against Enfield. An electrician.
• BUXTON, Steve: Midfielder who joined Wrexham as a junior and made over 100 Football League appearances. Joined Altrincham from Stockport County in the close season and also played for Witton Albion. His only Trophy appearance was at Cheltenham. Unemployed.
• McMAHON, John: Midfield player who came to Altrincham in October from South Liverpool. He played regularly for Everton’s reserves before moving to Southport and is a brother of Liverpool’s Steve. 21 year old leisure centre officer, he is ineligible for today’s game.
• JACKSON, Phil:. Second-choice goalkeeper who has made his mark with the North West Counties League side Cheadle Town and proved an able deputy for Wealands. A gas board clerk, he made his debut in the Trophy defeat of Bangor City.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The club offered him new terms and a guaranteed testimonial in recognition of his great service, but he's decided that he wants to play elsewhere. He spoke to manager Alun Armstrong on Saturday morning and told him that he was moving to another club.

Thommo joined us from Durham City early in the Northern League season in 2012, and became our joint record top scorer last season when he scored his 100th Darlington goal, against Spennymoor.

He helped us to win three promotions into National League North, and scored some memorable goals along the way, perhaps the most memorable of the lot being the opening goal at Whitby in the EvoStik League season on the night we clinched the title."

At Chester FC "City Fans United has produced a draft strategic plan setting out a five-year vision for Chester FC and is now asking members and supporters for their views to help shape the final plan...

The consultation, which runs until Monday 1st June, includes an online survey and a series of interactive virtual workshops.

Developed in collaboration with Chester FC Community Trust, the draft plan aims to provide a blueprint for the future and establish the Club as a successful, sustainable force for the long-term.

It is based upon six strategic pillars which will enable the Club to achieve its ambitions: Football Excellence; Membership & Fan Engagement; Better Facilities; People & Culture; Finance & Governance; and Community.

Andrew Morris, City Fans United Chairman, said 'The final strategic plan will reflect our shared vision and ambitions for the Club so the contribution of members and supporters is of vital importance... All clubs are having to respond to overcome new challenges, but we believe our ownership model is an asset and means we are better placed than many to do this.

Given the uncertainty about when football will resume, what it will look like when it does and whether crowds will be permitted, the Board has adopted a flexible business plan model which is an ongoing process. The strategic plan is a high level summary that will guide the Club for the next five years and enable us to move to the next level... We are asking every supporter to take part in the consultation and tell us what is important to them.”

The Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan has revealed the club are set to announce their retained list next week...

Chairman Andy Pryce previously said that the majority of the squad were out of contract at the beginning of May... and Cowan says they have been working on who to keep, after previously admitting they will have to cut their budget due to the coronavirus pandemic.

'We’re keeping in touch with them (the players) on a regular basis and we’re talking about which lads will be with us next year,' he said.. 'We’re going to prepare as normal and it’s time to start conversations with players. We’ll be speaking to our players and making announcements next week on who we will have retained. I’m speaking to other players who are out of contract because I want to have a really good year next year.

'We’re progressing and trying to be proactive.'

Issues are still circling higher up the football pyramid with players out of contract on June 30... Cowan believes that may provide an opportunity for the Bucks to pick up free agents in the summer.

'Some players probably don’t know about the business element of football clubs and will try and demand higher wage, but I think they’ll be found wanting and there will be a lot who don’t get contracts this year,' he added. 'There will be plenty spread around and I endeavour to get the best players. If I was a player in this moment in time I’d want to get myself fixed up pretty quickly.'"

The Sunderland Echo announces that "Durham City have confirmed that former Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade has joined Didier Agathe’s managerial team... The 60-year-old has worked across the North East non-league scene for a number of years and has undertaken scouting duties for England C manager Paul Fairclough.

But it was with Spartans where he hit a career high after he led his hometown club to the third round of the FA Cup in 2015. The famous FA Cup giant-killers saw off the likes of Darlington, Altrincham and Hartlepool United before exiting the competition with a brave 3-2 defeat against Championship club Birmingham City.

Wade left Croft Park in September 2016 and had spells with Northern League clubs Ashington and Newcastle Benfield. He has been out of the game since his departure from Benfield was confirmed in February 2019".

ROB BACK AS 'DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL'

As founder and managing director of sports data specialists TSZ Data Services and TSZ Content, his knowledge and input has always been highly valued by manager Phil Parkinson and assistant Neil Sorvel, and the pair are as delighted as the rest of the board at having his particular brand of expertise at their disposal on a regular basis once more.

Rob’s scouting network and analysis team provide Phil and Neil with a constant flow of up-to-date, relevant information on players and opponents that is unmatched in non-League football and helps keep Alty’s management duo one step ahead of their rivals...

Reflecting on his title as Director of Football, and his excitement at rejoining the board, Rob said ‘There’s no real change from last time to be honest, because I’ve always worked closely with Phil and Neil, and my role will be to continue supporting them to take our team and club on to the next level'".

END OF SEASON: THE PLOT THICKENS

It means bottom club Stevenage are set to stay in the fourth tier next season. Three teams will go up [to League One] plus a fourth via a play-off, but the situation is slightly complicated by the fact that League One is one club short following the demise of Bury.

That could mean that the National League could still promote into League Two but the question Lynn will want answering is whether the National League decide to relegate its bottom side [Chorley]. If they do, then there are two vacancies which would be filled by the winners of National League North and South.

The Linnets are currently second in National League North, two points behind leaders York with two games in hand, while Wealdstone top the south division. League Two are using a points per game calculation to settle its final positions so the hope would be that the National League do as well, in which case Lynn would finish top of the North and would expect to join Wealdstone in going up.

However, if the National League opt not to relegate and there is only one vacancy, that might mean either a play-off or, if points per game was used, Wealdstone would go up as theirs is better than Lynn’s.

That scenario would be strongly opposed by Lynn; the South division is generally regarded as the less difficult of the two regional divisions, and using statistics from two different divisions to decide superiority would be regarded as unfair. The League Two decision still needs to be ratified by the EFL and Football Association."

The Yorkshire Post adds that "English football's fourth tier has decided how to resolve the final placings, setting a precedent for the divisions above and below still to reach a decision.

A weighted points-per-game formula will see Swindon Town crowned as champions, with Crewe Alexandra and Plymouth Argyle finishing in the other automatic promotion places. The division still plans to hold play-offs, but until League One votes to have relegation, it remains to be seen if they will be needed...

The National League has been waiting on the Football League to reach decisions before making their own... In a weighted points-per-game table... Conference North leaders York City would drop to second, meaning they too would have to play off for promotion. But if League Two is successfully in saving Stevenage, play-offs might not be needed. One extra team was already needed to return the Football League to its normal 72 clubs next season, although it is far from inconceivable others could go bust.

Rather than use a straight points-per-game formula, League Two's solution takes into account how many home and away matches each team has to play. Early on Friday afternoon, a meeting between the bottom two divisions ended without agreement. The situation was outlined to the clubs, who were asked to consider them over the weekend ahead of a vote at another meeting on Monday.

Six League One clubs (Peterborough United, Oxford United, Sunderland, Fleetwood, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town) released a joint statement saying they had 'no desire for voiding the season, points-per-game scenarios or letting a computer decide our footballing fate'. But League Two clubs then held an independent meeting where they decided they cannot complete the 2019-20 campaign."

ALTY OLD BOY

David brings a wealth of playing experience from NPL level to Conference level and, when interviewed, showed complete passion and desire to drive the club forward and continue the great work already started by Phil Brown. David brings with him former Premier League, Championship and England U21'S player Chris Holland as his assistant manager...

Chairman Lee Sharples had this to say 'David has been a true professional since first making contacted about the manager's role. David's desire and passion to not only work for the club but to help the club grow and succeed both on field and off field working in line with the clubs new recruitment process was a delight to hear'.

David is keen to get going in his first managerial role and has already outlined how he and Chris would like the team to play...

David said on his appointment 'This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. As previous club captain I understand the passion the fans have for the club and the level of expectation demanded from every player that pulls on the blue shirt. I have some fantastic memories of playing for Clitheroe Football Club and I look forward to making many more as manager'".

27 year-old David was a left-sided central midfielder at Altrincham, having joined under Neil Young on 23 May 2016. A former Burnley player, he was Burnley's young Player of the Year for the 2010/11 season. In 2013/14 David played for Workington and has also played for Burscough. He joined Clitheroe in summer 2014 and became captain there. He made his Altrincham debut on 6 August 2016 at home to Darlington and was aregular starter before the arrival of Jim Harvey as manager. On leaving Altrincham, David signed for FC Halifax Town. For Altrincham, he made 9(+1) appearances.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Whilst we are still awaiting an announcement from the National League on how the season ended will be determined, in the short term, Leamington FC will be unaffected as we sit outside both the promotion and relegation positions. Moving forward to next season is a total unknown. Will there be promotion or relegation for the season ended? What will the EFL do? Will clubs go out of business in the interim? How many clubs will there be in the National League North? Quite simply, at this moment in time we have no answers and no idea when football could potentially return.

As stated in our previous club update on Covid-19, the Board of Directors made the decision not to approach fans for any financial support at this early stage of the pandemic as we were of the view that you all had other priorities with regard to your health, safety, well-being, work and financial situation.

The club’s financial team have efficiently minimised outgoings where possible, but there are still some considerable expenses we need to pay regularly. A few staff have been furloughed, whilst all activity across the club has ceased with the exception of our groundsman Idris Elms who is currently carrying out pitch reparation supported by former director Nigel Hodgkins.

You will be pleased to hear that the players and management have played their part in accepting wage reductions for the last seven weeks of the season for which the Board of Directors offer our sincere thanks for their co-operation and understanding.

You fans have been very supportive too with not one request thus far from any individual for any refunds on season tickets, plus numerous enquiries asking what could be done to help the club financially and with offers of donations. Our current thoughts are that we will address issues of potential refunds, season tickets for Season 20/21 and what financial support you can give, once we have greater clarity from the National League on processes and timelines for the league. We anticipate that we will be able to come back to you with a more meaningful update in the next few weeks.

One great piece of news this week is that our Programme Editor, Sally Ellis and her team of contributors won the Soccer Club Swap Shop 'The Catalogue' Programme Award Season 2019/20 for the National League North and finished joint second with Chelmsford City behind winners Stockport County in the national competition that comprises clubs within the entire Non League Pyramid.

This is a truly wonderful achievement on the part of Sally and her team who are all volunteers. They continually strive for excellence and produce a match programme that is envied by many clubs".,

Gateshead report that "Trevor Clark is to step down as Vice Chairman of Gateshead Football Club with immediate effect.

Trevor took up the role in May 2019 during a period of change on Tyneside, playing a significant part in securing the club’s future.

Despite relinquishing his role as Vice Chairman, he will remain an active shareholder in addition to retaining his involvement with Gateshead Football Club Foundation".

In the Northants Telegraph, Poppies' manager "Paul Cox believes it will be a 'club’s market' once the hunt for new players gets fully under way this summer.

The Kettering Town boss got his preparations for next season under way this week with eight of last season’s squad being offered new deals.

The Poppies confirmed both Aaron O’Connor and Dan Nti have been released while Connor Kennedy, Tre Mitford and Michael Richens remain under contract. The Poppies manager confirmed he has targets in mind but insists he will be working to the 'wage structure' the club’s board has put in place. 'We have made players offers and what I have said to them is to have a really good think about it,' Cox said".

The Northants Telegraph elaborates on the above, saying that "The Kettering Town boss got his preparations for next season under way this week with eight of last season’s squad being offered new deals.

The Poppies confirmed both Aaron O’Connor and Dan Nti have been released while Connor Kennedy, Tre Mitford and Michael Richens remain under contract.

The likes of Michael McGrath, Lindon Meikle, Ben Milnes, Brett Solkhon, Gary Stohrer, Paul White, Luke Graham and Marcus Kelly have all been offered fresh terms after playing key roles in the club’s battle for survival in the National League North.

Cox revealed he hopes to have answers, one way or the other, from those players at the start of next week before he begins the task of adding new faces to his squad...

'We have made players offers', Cox said. 'I usually give players a week to digest what is on offer. I have been a player myself so I understand they might want to look elsewhere and do the figures and everything else. I want players to be here for the right reasons and not because they can earn £25 more here or there...

'I will be expecting an answer from them by early next week and that way, I can plan accordingly in terms of what needs to be added to the squad... At this present time, there’s not a lot of movement in the system but I do feel that because of the economic climate out there that there will be a lot of players available this summer... 'I don’t want to be down where we were this season... However, I think it will be a club’s market and not a player’s market from now on. Hopefully we can get some good players in and maybe some lads who are learning their trade and can be assets to the club'".

NL Daily says that "King’s Lynn Town have confirmed the departure of defenders Ryan Fryatt and Nathan Fox from the The Walks.

It follows the news yesterday that defender Chris Smith and midfielder Sonny Carey had agreed new deals with the National League North promotion challengers.

Fox joined the club last summer from Hednesford Town, while long-serving Fryatt had made 349 appearances for the Linnets."

We learn from the Shropshire Star that "AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan has revealed the club’s transfer and wage budget will be cut due to the impact of the coronavirus...

Despite having to re-evaluate the costs, Cowan insists he is not using it as an excuse...'We’ll have to cut accordingly,' he said. 'The only reason I mention it is that I want people to understand the reality that we’re in. There’s masses of pressure on the board and myself, which I completely understand and, to be honest, I completely thrive (under) and relish [it].

'There has to be a reality, that’s why I mention it; it’s certainly not an excuse. We will have to slash accordingly and, if we start to have a good season, the board might see it fit to increase that'...

'At the moment, I believe in the current climate with what I have and the footballing philosophy,' he added. 'The environment that we’ve created, I believe that players will thrive in that. If we can attract good players, we can get them to buy into what we’re trying to do and then have a good year. I don’t see anything holding us back next season.

'On the face of it, we have a phenomenal ground with a brilliant history but it doesn’t give you a god-given right to attract the best, unfortunately money talks. When I signed as a player I certainly didn’t sign for money. I signed because I wanted to play at that ground every week and I want to get it bouncing again.

'A lot of the players I’m speaking to at the moment are very keen to do so. They have better offers elsewhere, but they’re very keen to come and play for us. It comes full circle with how we treat players and look after people, that gets out and we forge a reputation. We do the right things and act with honesty, integrity; being loyal and trustworthy. Players want to play for those clubs for security and to go out and focus on football.

'I’ve been at football clubs where every day is like an episode of Eastenders and we don’t want that.'”

ON THIS DAY: 15 May

Both sides had reached the Promotion Play Off by finishing fifth in Nationwide North and South respectively and by winning their two away play-off matches. Alty and Borough had never met before, with the Sussex side having progressed to Nationwide South from the Sussex County League in less than five years.

Unfortunately this match was segregated, so there was little chance to mix with the Eastbourne supporters. However, Stoke City hosted the game well with none of the petty officiousness that is sometimes encountered at new stadia, such as at Rushden and Diamonds' Nene Park. The Borough fans were allocated the top tier of the John Smith's Stand whilst Alty had the lower level and with their drum, the Sussex supporters gave as good as they got from the vocal Altrincham supporters.

Above: The scenes after the award of the medals and play-off trophy.

Steve Aspinall returned to Alty's starting line-up after injury, with George Melling dropping to the bench. Mark Maddox had recovered from his head injury but played with his head bandaged over the stitches he had inserted at Kettering last Saturday.

Despite Altrincham having the better of the first half, the score remained goalless at the interval. But two goals in three minutes early in the second half settled the match. Rod Thornley got the first when he drove home a loose ball from 12 yards after Steve Aspinall's well-hit shot had been deflected to him, following a Colin Potts corner (52 mins). The second goal came when Val Owen headed home from Colin Little's chip (55 mins).

Eccentric refereeing saw four Alty men booked and none from Eastbourne and Mr Scarr further upset the Alty fans when he awarded a penalty against Mark Maddox when Yemi Odubade went down easily, not for the first time, inside the box (90 mins). Ramsay converted the spot-kick for the Sussex side but Alty rode out added time to spark delirious scenes amongst the Alty players and supporters. Val Owen was named Man of the Match. A crowd of 2,839 watched the game, with both sets of fans giving great support to their sides.

Alty found only Northwich Victoria, Scarborough, Morecambe, Hereford United, Stevenage Borough and Woking remaining in the Conference National division since they had last played at that level in 2000 but Southport and Kidderminster Harriers were also making a return to that level, along with Alty in 2005-06.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Eddie HUSSIN (capt), 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Lewis CHALMERS, 13. Richard ACTON, 14. George MELLING, 15. Kieran LUGSDEN, 16, Jonathan MITTEN.

In less happy news, on the same date, 15 May 2000 "According to the Sunday Telegraph, former Alty manager (2000-01) and 'former Everton midfielder Mark Ward appeared in court yesterday after a raid on his Merseyside home, where detectives found cocaine and crack cocaine with an estimated value of about £2.5 million'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Clubs are trying to stay afloat financially and Cowan, who has also confirmed he was not paid for his first season at the club, says it is about football and not money for him.

'In times like this I believe the manager needs to make a statement and he has to act accordingly if you're going to ask players and staff to do the same,' he told the Shropshire Star. 'I have taken a 50 per cent pay cut in my contract and that was something I wanted to do not for a pat on the back. That's where I get on really well with the chairman and the board, they know that I would never hold the club to ransom.

'I absorbed my wage in the first year into the player budget because I wanted to attract better players. This isn't about money for me, this is about legacy and success. I want to do the best job possible for Telford and I'm fortunate because I earn a living, so I'm able to make that decision.

'It's very nice to be rewarded with a contract and I have that security but the security is with the football club, it isn't about any individual. I'm very passionate about the football club because I live locally and I want to lead by example. I want the football club to be alive and successful.'

Meanwhile, Cowan insists he is using his time wisely during lockdown by preparing for next season and looking at the squad of players at his disposal... 'It's a case now of trying to regroup,' he added. 'We're trying to make sure that we're preparing for the next season, a lot of conversations are happening in regards to when next season will commence. We're focused on that.'"

According to the Eastern Daily Press, "King’s Lynn Town defender Chris Smith and midfielder Sonny Carey have agreed new deals with the club.

Director of Football, Robbie Back, said 'Both Sonny and Chris had really good seasons and we’re delighted that they are staying with us. Sonny had a particularly pleasing first season at the level, coming off the bench to influence several games, and Smudger was really solid, even after he suffered a really bad injury earlier in the season.

'They are young lads who have good futures in the game. They fit the mould of player we want at this football club.'

Smith and Carey join the trio of Ross Barrows, Rory McAuley and Chris Henderson who penned new contracts before the current campaign was cut short...

Back said,'We’re not rushing into doing anything until we know what league we will be playing in. It’s very difficult for everyone at the club with us now knowing that, but I can assure you that the chairman is doing everything in his power to make sure the club are promoted.

'Saying that, although football has stopped, the management team haven’t and we are planning for both scenarios, if we get promoted and if we stay in the National League North. We are still in negotiations with players who are out of contract and, unfortunately, there might be a couple of them who leave the club in the next week'".

ALTY'S FIRST AND LAST

Above: Alty's first goal of 2019-20 was James Jones's against York on the opening day of the season. James is just off the picture, to the left, as his header beats keeper Jameson to put Altrincham 1-0 up against York City, who recovered to win 3-1.

Below: Alty's last game of the season was Jordan Hulme's against Spennymoor Town at the J. Davidson Stadium, the fourth in a 4-1 win.

DIRECTOR'S INTERVIEW

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Why do I say we’re in a good position now, simply put, we have managed to clear our financial issues and woes. We have paid in full our PAYE and VAT bills, we have paid all our suppliers from the season gone, from Aston Villa to KB Coaches and all players are paid up to date, with no one ever going unpaid. This has been a personally difficult experience for me, spending 12 hours of the day working on the football club and the other 12 working on Soldi, I can truly now say there aren’t enough hours in the day.

I was brought up facing some pretty difficult situations, I’ll never forget the day I opened the door aged 12 to bailiffs after my Mum lost her business, ended up in bankruptcy. This single experience has shaped me for who I am today. In times like we are in, you can even take flight or take fight. I always seem to pick the latter; yes that means things are met head on, but it also means we’re in a stable position as a club in mid-May...

I fully accept that our fans want positive news around players and stories in the club right now, but they are few and far between… The shining light is the new ground, that is progressing and progressing well... When players leave the club, especially fans favourites, I’m as disappointed as you all, that I promise you!

I’ve been dealing with everyone head on money wise, even speaking to players that have been signed for next season to take pay cuts. This then makes it very hard for me to give others improved deals. In fact, the complete truth is, I have refused, I point blank refuse to sign any player today on more money then we paid them last season. If that means we cannot then agree terms with some, all, who knows, then as sad as that is, we move forward.

Some clubs will be signing players now, yes, they might get first pick, but I will not put this club at any debt nor write cheques I cannot afford to be banked. The club and only the club come’s first... The only income into the club since the Farsley game until the 9th May has been from Easty’s Garden Marathon or my personal account. OK we have had next season’s league payment, but that will get spent next season, whenever that may be! Thank you to everyone that has purchased a season ticket this week, so far, we’ve sold 22 and sent out a lot of packs... would I expose myself anymore than the seven (that’s millions) figure sum I’m already in for. Like I said a minute ago, why would I jeopardise all the hard work put in clearing the debt to then labour the club with a bigger wage bill?...

What does the future hold…? I have no idea. Oddly, we are now lean and in good shape. With zero money worries hanging around our neck. Yes, other than six players which are already signed for next season, we’ve a number of free agents or players that can/ have left and sadly I’m sure others will follow. As I will be doing, they all need to do what is best for them, as I need to do what’s best for the club.

I’ve seen some comments criticising our media team of volunteers, please stop... If players then leave, blame me… as I’m the one that won’t authorise the extra budget... I cannot just keep pouring in cash...

To finish on a high... The ground is happening and going well. I might not like what has been done and what I’ve needed to do to achieve the current results. But unlike so many others, we’re safe, stable and ready to act and act we will... I’ll sign players now and announce them this afternoon if they want the same terms as last season. If they want more, sadly you’ll need to wait or move on, as if others are prepared to pay bigger wages, then fair play to them.".

According to the Boston Standard, "Craig Elliott wants unplayed Pilgrims Matt Challoner and Jordan Nicholson to return to Boston United.

The duo were signed by the club in early March as United looked to bolster their play-off chances. But neither player has pulled on a Boston shirt.

After completing just one training session with the Pilgrims, matches against Chester and Darlington were postponed before football was halted altogether due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, manager Elliott is keen for the pair to be part of his future plans.

'I definitely want to keep them, they’re two outstanding players,' he said. 'When they came in I thought we’d made two big signings that could prove a difference as we went for the play-offs. They only had that one training session but they both looked sharp and I was delighted we’d got them.

'It’s a big frustration for me that they haven’t played for the club as I was looking forward to seeing what they could bring. There’s no doubt I want to try to keep them. They’re two good players.'

Elliott thought he had finally landed his man after ‘two or three’ previous attempts to bring playmaking midfielder Nicholson to York Street. The player arrived on loan from Hereford. That loan has now expired. Right back Challoner joined the club after being released by National League Chorley, who he helped to promotion last season via the play-offs".

NORTH-WEST NEWS

At the Northern Premier Division club last month, joint-managers Andy Fearn and [ex-Alty winger] Alex Meechan vacated their roles, with Fearn named director of football.

The club say that they have compiled a shortlist for the role, having initially whittled down the applicants to a dozen. 'It is now hoped to complete interviews within the next week or so, after which, if an offer is ultimately accepted, an announcement will be made'".

Elsewhere, the NL Paper confirms that "BetVictor has opted not to extend the sponsorship of non-league football in the UK and this has opened doors to other potential sponsors in the country. The bookmaker, which has been in control of the sponsorship of the non-league in the country made activation of the break clause in their contrast [sic]. The deal has been active in the Isthmian League, Northern Premier League as well as the Southern League...

There was a league statement that was availed [sic] to different relevant clubs which stated that the bookmaker had reached the decision of terminating their sponsorship due to several laid down reasons. The biggest reason that spearheaded their termination was due to increased compliance conditions and a number of challenges the bookmaker underwent in their fast [sic] quarter of the year deal sponsorship. The bookmaker claimed that the challenges surpassed their returns and due to the demanding compliance conditions that were set and the hefty challenges they faced, they thought it was inevitable for them [?not] to continue with the sponsorship.

The statement from BetVictor added that there was continued negativity that was escalating against football betting which was not of any great help for the bookmaker provider. There was [sic] also compliance breaches that were spearheaded by most of the clubs that are within and without the Isthmian League. This statement was served to three relevant football leagues during early March which included Isthmian League, the Northern Premier League as well as the Southern League. The deal was to go through until 9th July 2020 and according to Isthmian Football league, the pandemic did not spearhead the fallout of BetVictor and the leagues.

This has, however, prompted to [sic] the search of a new sponsorship but there is the pandemic that has hit the entire world... This means that it is a bit tricky for the leagues to reach out for a possible potential replacement for the 2020/21 league season.

The league chairman of Isthmian Nick Robinson revealed his disappointment in the termination of the sponsorship by BetVictor at such a time. He stated that it was quite cumbersome to engage any potential suitors. Although they are actively in search of a new sponsor, Nick Robinson had a swipe on [sic] the overall economic downturn as a result of the Convid-19 [sic]. As it stands, the teams that operate at the 3rd and 4th steps in the league don’t have the 2020/21 season sponsorship.

Before there were total lockdowns in various countries after the outbreak, there was a greater grassroots fan attendance of the non-league football in England... After the immediate cancellation of the EFL and the Premier League, there was great attendance in the local side [sic]. Due to the crisis, all the leagues that are between steps 3 and 6 in the non-league were all cancelled and there was no winner nor were there any promotions and relegations too. The decision by the FA however was met with a lot of criticism from different clubs with more than 100 clubs opposing the decision.

As a result of BetVictor activating the break clause that was within the sponsorship deal, it means that the deal will officially end on 9th July 2020. There is a lot that the Isthmian, Northern and Southern Premier leagues will face before they come up with another non-league sponsor...

However, some clubs have welcomed the departure of BetVictor... include [sic] Scholing FC... The club claimed that there they didn’t benefit anything from the sponsorship held by BetVictor and that it was beyond their ethos as a club that has a youthful and community focus. A Whitehawk fan that is from Isthmian South East welcomed the breakup and wished that the league gets a new sponsorship that is not related to betting...

The sponsorship BetVictor has been estimated to be in with the two leagues is said to be up to £30,000... Without such a sponsorship in the coming days means that the league is going to have some struggles especially the 2020/21 league season... What many are waiting to see is the type of company that will be sponsoring the three leagues and what kind of deal shall be laid on the table."

ALTRINCHAM FC MONTHLY DRAW

• £250 cash | #64 | Ian Roosendaal
• £75 cash | #41 | David Mardon
• £25 cash | #126 | Alan Ford
• Match Hospitality for 2 | #197| John Laidlar
• Home Replica Shirt | #163 | Darren Richardson
• Alty FC Polo Shirt | #461 | Andy Holt

"Congratulations to all six winners, who will be contacted regarding their prize."

ON THIS DAY: 13 May

Right: John Johnston, with Alty manager Phil Parkinson, signs for next season.

Speaking to Alty's club website, Johnston said, 'That was a tough one to take at Halifax but, to be honest, it probably wouldn't have made any difference if we had got through and gone on to win promotion. Once I got the call from Phil, I really didn't need much persuading at all to become an Alty player... I want to be part of it and play a role in getting Altrincham back where they belong.

'On top of that, playing for Parky is a big factor, probably the biggest influence of all. I played for him on loan at Nantwich earlier this year, and he was class. He got the best out of me and really got me going, just as he did with all the lads there. His man-management skills are second to none. You want to play for him, and the time I spent at Nantwich was one of the most enjoyable I've had in football.'"

Johnston went on to make 122(+7) appearances for Altrincham and netted 39 goals before moving on to Chester FC on 24 January 2020.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Chester Standard adds that "Businessman Stuart Murphy has spoken for the first time since it was revealed his plans to take over Chester FC were called off just one week after being announced.

The City Fans United board confirmed the takeover had been withdrawn in a statement issued earlier (Tuesday, May 12)... It means Chester FC will continue to be run as a fan-owned club for the future, as has been the case since 2010 following the collapse of Chester City FC.

Now Stuart Murphy has issued a statement, in which he expressed surprise some of the details of the takeover discussion had been shared publicly, and said he was 'not prepared to invest the significant sums required without having control to ensure that the funds are used wisely'.

He said, 'Following developments over the weekend, I have reluctantly taken the decision to withdraw my offer to take over Chester FC. It is almost two years since I agreed to support the club with a commitment to provide the board with a cash injection of £1m, to assist with infrastructure projects to ensure medium-term financial stability of the club. My donation has gone mainly towards buying new players for the first team to help the club to remain competitive and get us closer to a Football League return, where I believe we rightfully belong.

'It has become clear to me since I became involved with the club that the current model is unsustainable, which is why I have invested a great deal of time and money devising the 1885 Sporting Village. This ambitious project, which includes redevelopment of the stadium and a host of attractions and leisure facilities, will benefit the wider community of Chester and will provide a steady and vital stream of revenue for the club beyond matchdays.

'Clearly the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the landscape for football clubs large and small and it is a fair assumption that we are operating on the sharpest of knife edges. With that in mind, I opened confidential talks with the Board just over a month ago to discuss the possibility of taking over Chester FC, and I fear that without my continued involvement, the club faces an uncertain future.

'I was surprised to see that some of the details of our discussions have been shared with the media without prior warning and while talks are ongoing. I was also surprised to have read comments from Chris Matheson MP this week suggesting that I have his support for a takeover. Our previous meetings regarding the 1885 proposal have been positive and supportive but at no time have I ever suggested that he backs my proposed takeover, which has only arisen over recent weeks.

'In these unprecedented times, it is impossible to devise a cast-iron business plan for the club but I have an experienced team supporting me and I believe we can overcome the challenges that the virus has caused. However, I am not prepared to invest the significant sums required without having control to ensure that the funds are used wisely.

'My priority is to ensure the future prosperity and competitiveness of the club and I believe I have the wherewithal to ensure this. I would be delighted to hear the Board’s plans for ensuring the funding is in place to sustain and grow our playing budget for next season and beyond. I have shown my passion for our great club over the years and have additionally commemorated fine players such as Gary Talbot [NOT the ex-Alty defender of that name] by additionally donating to name a stand after him.

'In relation to the terms of the small outstanding invoice and contributions for some players, I am seeking clarification that the government’s CJRS (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme) has already paid the players since March 24. I want Chester FC to prosper, to remain competitive and to establish the club as a permanent fixture in the Football League. I am not interested in short-term quick fixes that will in any way endanger the club’s future.

'Without my backing, I am not confident that the club can remain competitive and ensure no repeat of the calamitous problems it has encountered in the recent past. If the Board expresses its willingness to revisit discussions about my proposals, I would be happy to discuss them in an open forum. I believe that our supporters should have the right to decide for themselves whether my long-term commitment is right for the club.'"

And Cheshire Live quotes the Club as saying that “Chester FC would like to place on record its appreciation to Stuart for his financial support and donations received since his association with the Club commenced in 2018 and we wish him well for the future. The board will provide further updates to members over the coming days and weeks, and is committed to fully engaging with the membership in developing a revised strategy to ensure we can overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, continue to function sustainably and remain competitive when football returns as a 100% supporter-owned football club.”

According to NL Daily "Gloucester City have announced six players who have committed to the club for next season.

Having ended the 2019/20 campaign (prior to the season cancellation) in 19th place in the National League North, ten points clear of relegation with games in hand, the club have agreed extensions for the following players: Liam Daly, Jack James, Josh Thomas, Fabien Robert, Bernard Mensah, Matt McClure".

Meanwhile Gloucester City themselves report that "Joe Hanks Leave City". Hanks and joint chairman, Alex Petheram, wrote "We wish to confirm that Hanksy will be leaving Gloucester City. Due to the current times we find ourselves in we had to put the club and our friendship first.

With the club looking to change their model into hybrid football, and with Joe starting to work up his own career with the Gloucestershire Police, we just couldn’t find a fit that suited both parties. Alex went on to say 'I’m personally gutted to see Hanksy leave the club. He’s been a great friend to me and his goals this season will be missed, but more importantly, his personality and nature within the club will be missed the most. We currently are not in a position to sign players at the club and my advice to Hanksy was you need to do what’s right for you.

'He only wanted to do what was best for the club, this made a very difficult conversation become very easy, as this is the right thing for us both at the present time. I am sure he will stay at this level somewhere and hopefully he will be able to find the best work/ life balance that suits him and his family.'

In a personal message from Joe to the fans, [the player wrote] 'With the plans for the club pushing towards a full-time model, I sadly am unable to commit to this. It has been a tough decision, however I have to put my work and home life first'".

Gloucestershire Live observes that "Midfielder Joe Hanks has left Gloucester City after making nearly 200 appearances... The 25-year-old former Cheltenham Town trainee, who made 35 League appearances for the Robins, scoring two goals, joined City on loan in 2014 and again in 2016 before making the move permanent".

At Bradford (Park Avenue), "After an initial six-week review of the Academy, its current state and defining what we aspire it to deliver from an academic and sporting experience, the club have decided to part ways with Des Hazel.

Martin Knight, the recently appointed Director of Football Operations at BPA and former CEO of Ebbsfleet United said, 'We would like to thank Des for all of his hard work'... An exhaustive search will now start for our new Academy Manager. We hope to appoint the right person whom can drive us towards achieving our long term aims for the Academy, in the very near future."

The Telegraph & Argus adds that "Bradford (Park Avenue) have decided to part company with academy head coach Des Hazel. Bradford-born Hazel, who has coached at Premier League champions Manchester City in the past, joined Avenue last October and was tasked to build a successful academy.

The 52-year-old has a wealth of experience after amassing 274 professional appearances as a player for the likes of Rotherham United, Sheffield Wednesday, Grimsby Town and Chesterfield. Before lockdown, the former Bradford City and Leeds United coach was hosting trials to find players suitable for Mark Bower's first team plans".

ALTY'S UPDATE

'The fans have been magnificent and helped us raise £30,000 with their generosity over the last two months,' said director Bill Waterson. 'However, we know times are tight for everyone at this time, and we don't want to overdo the requests for money from our fanbase.

'We will continue to seek ways to entertain the fans in the coming weeks, including an end-of-season awards show, but our fundraising will be focused elsewhere.'

Director Lawrence Looney takes up the story, explaining: 'We are now turning our minds to seeking investment in the club. We do not want our ambition for the club to be dampened by the impact of Covid-19. So, we are actively looking for investment now to enable us to begin to realise that ambition.

'Over the coming weeks we will be announcing investment packages to bring additional funding into the club, and some of our directors will be at the front of the queue to buy shares. We will also be seeking funding for a first wave of ground works over the summer, as part of the 10-year plan for the stadium.'

This revised approach has already borne fruit, with Mornflake renewing their 'back of shirt' sponsorship for the 2020-21 season. 'We are grateful to Mornflake for having taken this step at this time,' added Bill. 'It is a major commitment from them and helps reduce the uncertainty surrounding the club for next season.'

And the good news does not end there. The club heard last week that a grant application to Trafford Council made by chairman Grahame Rowley has been successful, and this has netted an additional £25,000. It goes without saying that the club are absolutely delighted with this additional revenue and extremely grateful to Trafford MBC for their support.

In addition, we can disclose that negotiations are well advanced for Manchester United to continue using our facilities at The J.Davidson Stadium next season."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Mr Murphy, founder of city-based Exacta Plc, first became involved with the Blues in 2018 when he pledged a £1m donation to give the club a new lease of life. Last November he unveiled ambitious plans for a multi-million pound sports village on land at the Deva Stadium and surrounding areas that he hoped would propel Chester FC to League One.

But Mr Matheson... said in a statement 'I have seen the news that Stuart Murphy has tabled a bid to buy Chester FC, but I was unaware he was including me in his statement. As a supporter, I have been very grateful to Stuart for his generous financial support of Chester FC, initially at a time when we faced difficult financial circumstances.

'When I first met Stuart I asked him about his intentions, and at the time he told me he was simply interested in giving something back to the club and the city. He also outlined some of his ideas as to how we could make the club more business-like, and improve the matchday experience to increase club revenues. Stuart is entitled to change his position of course, as the situation changes, but I was not expecting him to bring forward a formal bid to buy the club.'”

For the first time Mr Matheson has publicly revealed his doubts about the proposed sports village that would involve redeveloping the Deva Stadium but also includes a hotel, theatre space, two indoor 3G pitches and a music venue that would double up as a conference centre.

Mr Matheson continued 'Since our first meeting, Stuart has also outlined his plans to redevelop the whole area around the ground at the bottom of Bumper’s Lane. I have expressed some doubts about aspects of this scheme but have never publicly expressed a view either way, as the final proposal has not yet been arrived at... I remain of the view that our fan-owned model is the one I support. ‘Our City, Our Community, Our Club’ resonates because it is true, because we have that sense of belonging and a shared ownership that we can all be proud of.

'But if we are to progress as a fan-owned club we all have to play our part to make that work. My CFU membership is up to date, and I have just renewed for this coming year. I don’t get to as many games as I would like because I work on Saturdays and I am away in London for most Tuesday night home games, but I have to start making time to them. I haven’t bought into any of the lotteries or attended any fundraisers for a while. I need to do that more too.

'Fan ownership means responsibility. We each need to ask, "Are we doing enough?". It may be that in the future the supporters will want to depart from the fan owned model, but for now it is my view we stick with it. I am grateful to Stuart Murphy for his support, but I do not think we should agree to the takeover.@"

Hereford FC's chairman, Andrew Graham, advises supporters that "Your Board has met several times a week since the lockdown with a clear objective to ensure that the Club... was able to give full consideration to the well-being of all Staff and Supporters, secure the Club infrastructure and assets and furthermore, ensure the financial stability of the Club.

I am pleased to say that irrespective of the eventuality that football did not return at all next season, Hereford FC is stable enough to continue...

I note that some clubs at our level, and a few above, have announced signings and management teams for the future. We are not in that position yet. Our position is not as clear. It would be negligent of us to commence this until such time as we are aware of what the horizon looks like. Will our future lie in the North, the South, elsewhere? We will not ‘follow the crowd’ we will do what is right for HFC, our fans and our future!...

No matter how large a part this national sport of ours plays in our lives, it seems slightly self-indulgent, delusional and tactless to pretend for one minute that we should be able to apply pressure on a Government to disregard the science and allow football to return in any guise at this moment... Difficult decisions will be taken, and we will have to see what our 'new normal' looks like in respect of the football environment within which we are placed.

One significant factor... will be how we all pull together, how we all contribute and how we collectively rebuild this Club, with shared and common objectives to determine our own future. We know that those genuine, loyal Hereford fans among us, with our incredible commercial support and sponsorship, together with our tireless, committed volunteers, will always be there, and, as fans ourselves, the Board cannot thank you all enough for that".

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United boss Gavin Cowan is ready to ‘really go for it’ when the 2020/21 season gets under way... with Cowan insisting he had seen ‘improvement’ from his team, despite them being five places lower in the table than the previous season’s eighth-placed finish..

'I know some negative people will want to pick the bones out of what we’ve done, but finishing mid-table with the budget we’ve got is an improvement,' he said. 'I’ve had two years now and I feel like this year I want to really go for it and stick my neck out and give it that big push to try to achieve something that, if everyone can get on board like my first year, I think is a recipe for success.

'With some of the players we’ve got and some of the players I’ve been talking to, I believe everything is there to go and have a brilliant season. It’s just about people’s belief, about getting on board and supporting the football club, everybody has to play their part.

'I’m happy to be the captain of the ship but the captain needs people to tell them [him] when there’s a leak at the back of the boat. I’m all about community, I believe at a club like ours everybody needs to be on board and not trying to be negative at every opportunity. Unfortunately I do see that from time to time, people need to get a level of realism about where we’re at.

'There’s a lot of impulsive comments, although I’m fortunate not to go on social media and see that sort of stuff.'”

At Kettering Town yesterday it was reported that "Manager Paul Cox is having a busy morning, as striker Dan Nti is the latest player from the 2019-20 squad to be released by the club. Dan made 33 appearances for the Poppies scoring 6 goals (1 on his debut against AFC Telford United)".

Earlier, Kettering Town reported that "Manager Paul Cox has announced that striker Aaron O’Connor has been released by the club. Azza made 137 appearances for the Poppies scoring 67 goals including 2 hat-trick (4 goals against Hitchin Town), since his debut in September 2016".

From the Telegraph & Argus we read, "'You will get promoted this year and the guys who beat you on Saturday won’t. Let them have their bit of glory, but I guarantee if you maintain this attitude we will get promoted.'

Those were the words of former boss, John Deacey, after his Bradford (Park Avenue) side responded in style to the club’s biggest ever FA Cup defeat with a convincing West Riding County Cup win. Avenue fans will not want to be reminded of that disastrous day in November 2011, when their team were embarrassed 8-1 in the first round of the competition by Southern Premier Division side AFC Totton.

Deacey decided to use the result as a method of inspiration, helping Avenue gain promotion to the Conference North that season, thanks to a memorable last-minute Tom Greaves strike against FC United of Manchester in the play-off final. Meanwhile, Totton fell at the last hurdle, losing out to Oxford City in their play-off final.

It is a mantra Deacey has used throughout his career, to keep a level head even when things are going well. 'I never used to let the players prematurely celebrate,' he said. 'A lot of teams used to come down and be banging on the doors when they beat us but I would never let that happen. We will do our celebrations when we win something. I always had that levelness.'

The former Farsley Celtic boss spent a total of six years at Horsfall, taking the managerial hotseat on three separate occasions, and became a fans' favourite. His warmth towards the Bradford faithful still remains strong.... 'They are solid people who understood the game. Despite going through hard times, they stuck by the club and that was what stood out for me. Every time you went in the clubhouse they made you feel welcome.

'They understood what I was about. I am a pretty reserved guy. I don’t drink and socialise that much. They understood I wanted to do the football and give them a good afternoon'...

The Harrogate-born manager was last in the dugout when he took charge of Scarborough Athletic last April. Despite his spell only lasting eight months, Deacey... added 'It is the first job that you could ever say I failed in... When I was there we had injuries and it didn’t quite go for me. You sometimes have unlucky seasons'...

When football is safe enough to resume properly.... 'I think it is going to be more of a level playing field because I don’t think clubs are going to have the money. I don’t think clubs are going to get sponsorship from businesses.'

He added:... 'When I took over, they didn’t have the money that they had previously. The budget went right down but that did not bother me. I wanted to attract a side that could play decent football. To me it isn’t all about winning, you have got to have that entertainment factor. The crowd will be more forgiving with you if you play the game the right way.'

Deacey’s time in Bradford came to an end in 2015, and outlining why he decided to leave, the 60-year-old said 'They didn’t want me to step down, they wanted me to oversee all the football. I didn’t agree with who they wanted to do it because I knew Martin (Drury) and Pricey (Jamie Price) weren’t good enough to manage at that level. I like them both but they didn’t last there long. You have to do an apprenticeship first. To come into the Conference North without that is a very tough task.'

Asked whether he could see himself returning to Park Avenue one day, Deacey enthused 'Without a doubt, it is a great club. I just think Mark (Bower) is doing a great job.'".

WHEN ALTY PLAYED WUHAN

On a sunny Thursday evening at the Manchester Regional Athletics Arena adjacent to Manchester City's stadium, Altrincham FC Youth team had been honoured to be invited to play the visiting Wuhan FC under-18s team from Manchester's twin city in China. The game was organised under the umbrella of the Manchester/Thai Sports and Cultural Festival, being held at the impressive Sport City complex adjacent to Manchester City's stadium in east Manchester.

ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH: 1. Stefan FIELDING, 2.Tom BARCLAY (capt), 3. Rick COLULO, 4. Alex MURPHY, 5. Kieran RAYNES, 6. Michael SIMCOCK, 7. Danny BROWNE, 8. Marcus BAXBY, 9. Tom BAILEY, 10. Kyle JOHNSON, 11. Anthony DAVIES. Subs: 12. Reza ZAREH-OURANG, 14. Paul BARRY, 15. TBC.

Above: Before the game, the players shook hands.

Watched by a crowd approaching 200 people, including a sizeable Chinese and Thai contingent, Wuhan kicked off in bright sunshine. As at all athletic stadia where football is played there were inevitable delays throughout the game when the ball went out of play, given the distance between the playing area and the perimeter fencing.

Wuhan continued to look the more likely to score as their ability to hold possession was matched by some direct running at goal. However, the Chinese were not to be delayed for long in taking the lead when a well worked move, finished off by the no.15, made it 1-0 (26 mins).

The interval arrived with Alty just a goal behind.

Above: Manchester City's stadium forms the backdrop as Alty take on Wuhan.

Alty boss George Heslop took advantage of the game being a friendly to rotate his players and at the break Kieran Raynes was rested, allowing Reza Zareh-Ourang to replace him at centre-back. Alrincham started to look more threatening in the opening stages of the second period but had no clear chances in the first ten minutes of the half.

But the Wuhan side doubled its lead soon afterwards when a surge up the middle from their no.14 saw him advance into the box and score well, before he came across the running track to his supporters to indulge in a good natured celebration (68 mins). Wuhan went three up from the penalty spot. The penalty came when Colulo brought down an advancing Chinese player in the box. The Chinese no.10 cheekily used a stuttering run up to commit Fielding to his dive and then dinked the ball into the unguarded corner of the net, to the delight of the Chinese supporters (80 mins).

Later, there was the bizarre scene of an Anglo-Chinese football match being played out to the strains of swirling Scottish bagpipes which were drifting into the ground from the adjecent City of Manchester Stadium where, presumably, they were part of an event in the function rooms; unless they were part of a new training regime devised by Stuart Pearce for his Manchester City players.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Bottesford ply their trade in the Northern Counties East Premier division.

Former Alty forward Oluwatomisin ("Tomi") Adeloye [left] has just been released by Ebbsfleet United. The 24 year-old signed for Altrincham on 12 January 2017. Although born in Sidcup, Kent, he was on the books of Stoke City as a youth player but, before moving to the Potteries team, he had been with London clubs Charlton Athletic and then, from December 2013, Millwall.

He joined Stoke City in summer 2014 and, whilst there, Tomi had a loan spell with Macclesfield Town, returning to Stoke in February 2015 after making one appearance in the CSC in which he scored twice. He spent almost four months with Dover Athletic from November, 2015 before joining Welling United in February 2016.

He then played for Leatherhead at the start of 2016-17 before he went training with Chester FC. Tomi made a promising debut at home to Gainsborough on 14 January 2017 but was released on 2 February 2017, after three more appearances from the bench. Altrincham appearances: 1(+3) 0 goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

A statement noted that 'this marks a sudden and radical change to the previously negotiated relationship between Stuart and the Club. If agreed, the approach would end supporter ownership'.

Murphy has since issue an open letter to Chester fans in order to reassure supporters that he wants to take charge of the club, whom he donated £1m to in June 2018, with the best of intentions.

The letter confirmed 'I would like to make it clear that things would be different if I took the reins. I believe that I have already demonstrated I have a deep affinity with the club. It is NOT a business opportunity for me, it is a unique opportunity for me to leave an indelible impression on something I care so much about... It is almost two years since the announcement that I had agreed to support the club...

'The objective was to utilise this money to proceed with projects that could develop the infrastructure of the club and its facilities to ensure financial stability in the longer term... It was made clear to me and my representatives that we could have no control over the club beyond assisting with decision making...

'So far, the £625,000 of my donation has been used. Rather than cash-generating projects, it has been use primarily to improve the quality and stability of the first team by attracting new players and to ensure longer-term contractual commitment from both managers and players. Progress has certainly been made on this front, but the core infrastructure and ground improvements remain outstanding.

'Before the coronavirus crisis, the remainder of the money was earmarked for this purpose, £375,000. But this virus has totally changed the dynamics for non-league clubs such as ours... We need to draw upon as many revenue streams as we can to give our managers the best chance of producing winning football. The 1885 Sporting Village will allow us to do that... It will absolutely transform the area... with the football club right at the heart...

'I do not want us to "settle" for being a National League side. I do not even want us to settle for being a League Two side... I am willing to invest more time and money into “The 1885 Sporting Village”... I do not want to end my financial commitment. In fact, my hunger grows stronger... I am willing to help financially, not just next season but on an ongoing basis. But this is not a ‘one-off’ donation anymore, this is an ongoing commitment to Chester FC and for me to be able to drive things forward at a pace I need to take control of the club.'”

NORTH-WEST NEWS

Right: Mark Harris, here pictured with Steve Finney, when Mark was chairman of Altrincham in 2001

A range of initiatives have been launched by NPL clubs over the past two months to help raise funds, not just for themselves but for their local communities too.

Harris said 'I am inspired by the innovative way in which Northern Premier League clubs are reacting to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. From share sales, to simple Just Giving pages and community work being undertaken by clubs like Bamber Bridge, Matlock Town and City of Liverpool to name but three, these are just some of many fantastic initiatives being rolled out by our clubs and their incredible volunteers...

'No one knows how long it will be before we can get back to playing and watching non-league football, so it’s more important than ever that we all stand together.'

Stafford Rangers have raised more than £50,000 via a share sale while Matlock Town’s crowdfunding efforts captured the attention of Hollywood film director Rob Molloy, who has now taken up an invitation to become a Vice President of the club. Clubs have been hosting virtual matches, which has seen the likes of Hyde United, Scarborough Athletic and Runcorn Linnets raise thousands of pounds to support their campaigns.

Ashton United recently launched the Robins' Relief Fund to help support people in their local community, and City of Liverpool have been raising funds and donations for local foodbanks since the outbreak of coronavirus...

Harris added 'The Northern Premier League is acutely aware that our clubs need financial support during these difficult times... We are lobbying hard for that financial support but we have to acknowledge that we are one of many sporting bodies doing precisely the same thing. It was heartening to see Gary Neville make a generous donation to Brighouse Town, for which he is rightly applauded. If only there were 61 others like Gary... There’s no sign of the cavalry coming over the hill yet, but we will carry on asking.'"

ALTY'S PLANS

"You will have noticed Altrincham emerging as one of the most upwardly-mobile outfits outside the EFL... It is all in stark contrast from where they were this time three years ago.

With a clear grasp of what constitutes a progressive ethos, from playing style to finely-tuned club communication, the arrival of manager Phil Parkinson has seen Alty storm right back from successive relegations in 2016 and 2017. For the second season in a row, the Robins have been knocking on the door of the National League, and though a saddening halt has been put on the game, their ambitions continue to burn brightly.

Alongside fellow board member Bill Waterson, Lawrence Looney [right] will step up to replace current chairman Grahame Rowley when next season finally comes around. Just over two years since his arrival, he speaks here about the club’s progression...

'I think the focus at the moment is nearly 100 percent on protecting the club and ensuring that we do get through this difficult time. Where we have an advantage is some of the work we’ve done over the last couple of years; we’ve nearly built up a ‘war chest’ for situations like this. Therefore, when this has arisen, which no one could foresee, we haven’t had the panic, because we know that we’ve got some funding available to support us through this crisis or any other that may have hit us. So, for the foreseeable future, we’re actually in a good position.

'Some of the funding that we’ve received from the very generous donations from our fans I think is one of the biggest at our level... we’re probably on around £28,000. That’s certainly made a huge difference in terms of getting through this difficult period, as well as some of the funding that we’ve been able to get from the government scheme, and a grant that we’ve been able to secure has put us in the best position we could possibly be in at this time...

'Our ambition is to get initially into the National League, and hopefully into the EFL. In order to do so, we need to go full-time at some point. When you look at the income that we bring in today, and the income that we would need to bring in to go full-time, there’s still quite a significant gap. So one of the areas we feel we need, from a long-term point of view, is to build a stadium which becomes a stadium for the community, and brings us in a number of different revenue streams...

'The focus really is to start and build where we can see some clear revenue opportunities. Once they start delivering, that money will then be put back into the next part of the build. There are also a number of grants available to us over the next few years, so we’ll be using those as well...

'We’ve still got ambition to do the first part of the build this summer, depending on the lockdown, and that’s going to come from investment in extra shares being purchased by the board, and we’ve got a couple of new investors coming on board. The first part of it will be the sponsors’ lounge, so we’re going to take that to a high-level function room...

When I left Lancaster City, I came and spent some time at Altrincham... We’ve got a very strong board, and my role on the board has very much been around the strategy and vision, and giving us something to build towards, as well as bringing our fans with us on that journey as well...

'I’ve spent a lot of time with the fans the last couple of years and they’ve been exceptionally good to me...

'Getting into the National League brings a little bit more central funding, but what comes with it is a lot more travel, and our gates wouldn’t go up too much from away fans, potentially. So the driver has to be to hit the revenue target. We kind of understand the number we feel we need to be bringing in on an annual basis to go full-time...

Phil [Parkinson] is eager to go full-time, and I absolutely love his ambition. I think that we’ve got the best management team in the league, but he also is aware that we need to do it in the right way, and he’s fully behind that...

'My plan was always for the first 6-9 months to kind of learn and listen, get to know the club, get to know the people. So that’s gone extremely well. The second part was very much building a strategy and an exciting one for the future of the club. If you’ve seen the reaction to the recent stadium plans, people think it’s very ambitious, and so do we, but we’re giving the club a vision.

'Our aim now is to go after that vision and achieve it'"

ON THIS DAY: 10 May

With virtually the last kick at the end of extra time, substitute Greg Wilkinson, who had just joined the game, secured Alty's place back in the top level of non-League football. The ball fell to him after Kyle Perry had battled well with goalkeeper Steven Drench, now at Alty, to get onto a ball up the middle from Tom Marshall.

Above: Lee Sinnott holds up the trophy for the photographers.

In a close encounter, Alty started the first half the better but the visitors had the better of things as the half wore on. However, Altrincham started the second half well and took a 51st minute lead when James Lawrie converted with a low shot after Nicky Clee had got the ball to Walshaw, who laid it off for the Northern Ireland international.

Guiseley equalized after 70 minutes when Lawlor rose well to head a corner but it was former Halifax man Danny Forrest who was credited with the goal. Neither side could add to the score so extra time was played in which Altrincham had more of the forward momentum. But it looked as if penalties were looming when Damian Reeves was replaced by Wilkinson in the 120th minute. However, with his first touch, the young midfielder earned a place in Alty folklore when he scored just moments later.

In front of Altrincham's biggest crowd for years, 4,632, there were delirious scenes at the end. Guiseley's management duo did their club immense credit in applauding the award of the trophy to Altrincham and their supporters, too, did their club proud. The Yorkshire club had now lost four successive play-offs but were to get promotion the following season.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Jake Moult, 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Scott Leather, 7. James Lawrie, 8. Simon Richman, 9. James Walshaw, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs. 12. Tom Marshall, 14. Matt Doughty, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 16. Kyle Perry, 18. Russ Saunders.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Even with their season over, the Minstermen do not know if they have played their last game at Bootham Crescent, their home since 1932.

Even with the regular Conference North season over, the authorities have yet to rule out the possibility of promotion play-offs taking place. If the final standings are those as of today, York will go up as champions regardless, but with second-placed King Lynn Town having two games in hand, a points-per-game solution would have them in the play-offs if there were any...

'I always thought Brighton’s was a long enough saga moving into a new stadium, but I think ours has surpassed that now,' said vice-president Richard Adams. 'We’ve been looking to move into a new stadium since 2004. There’s still work being done even now but the problem we have is it cannot be tested because to do that you need a crowd.

'You need at least 200 people sat down to a meal to test the hospitality areas, and then you have to test the evacuation procedures. You’ve also got to test the stadium itself, and for an 8,500-seater stadium you need at least 3,000 people in. With social distancing, you can’t do that. It’s costing the club every day.

'We took out a loan to buy back Bootham Crescent and we’re paying interest on it, so every day before we can move into the new stadium is costing us money which we will have to take off what we get for selling Bootham... We could have tried to move into the new stadium for the last two games of the season but did we want to adjust to new surroundings when we were going for promotion? We decided no'"

Gloucester City have an interview with Liam Daly who says "I joined Gloucester midway through the season, in between leaving Solihull and joining Gloucester I had a month of not playing football so I found that my fitness levels were not where I would have wanted them to be. Having said that I thought we hit a bit of form towards the end of the season and on a personal note I was getting closer to where I wanted to be performing...

'It is exciting times, I have been seeing.... the new ground take shape, I think it will be a massive boost for everyone involved next season. With no disrespect to Evesham as they helped us out by letting us use their ground it wasn’t the best surface to play on and I am looking forward to getting on our new artificial pitch and hopefully seeing an increase in the number of fans coming to their new home....

'I already knew the gaffer as we had played together and with the club’s ambition of going full time next season and building the new stadium it was something I could not turn down. The club is in a good position, we have a young and talented manager... When I signed I signed with one eye on the season coming it was a case of making sure we stayed in the league this season...

'With the lads we have already got signed on for next season it is a group of players that in my opinion could and should be playing at a higher level'"

From the Shropshire Star we learn that "AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan has urged for ‘togetherness’ at the club as he prepares for his third season in charge... Having signed a new contract until 2021, Cowan is now looking ahead to his third season at the helm... and is aiming for an open and positive dialogue with fans.

'I’m always available in the bar for at least an hour every game,' he said. 'I’ve even suggested to the chairman that if anyone wants to discuss where the club is at we do one-to-one sessions where people can come and direct their thoughts at me.

'I think that’s the way to do it, I think that’s what people deserve. If the times of this pandemic has taught us anything it’s that togetherness is the way forward. When I had success as a player was when everyone was together on the same page, nobody wanted to play for their own agenda or be negative...

'I believe that next year we could have a big year and I say that with logic and reason. Everybody will have to be on board, supporters involved and businesses continue to back the club. They’ve got to see what I see and trust it. It’s a leap of fate [faith?], if they want to come and back the club then brilliant.'”

And, according to the Shropshire Star, "'Safety has to be the one and only priority'. That is the view of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, who today warned that restarting football during the Covid-19 crisis would pose a serious risk to public safety. He is the country’s first senior police official to speak out against what has been dubbed ‘Project Restart’, which clubs are expected to vote on this month.

It is understood that police have been liaising with the region’s clubs about the safety of their grounds during the crisis.

Mr Jamieson's comments came as John Campion, the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner said... 'Football, along with most aspects of what was previously normal life will need careful management as it is reintroduced'...

However, Mr Jamieson said even if games were played at neutral venues there was a strong possibility that fans would travel long distances to gather in large numbers outside stadiums. This would result in a public health risk as social distancing rules were flouted, he added. He also said games taking place during the pandemic would stretch police resources to their limits, with officers required to be on hand even if supporters did not turn up".

NW NEWS

It is their second deduction this season, having been docked 10 points with four suspended in December for non-payment of salaries and failure to fulfil their fixture with Crewe. That was later reduced to seven points with three suspended after an appeal. But those three points have now been applied to the latest punishment.

The deduction means Macclesfield slip a place to 23rd in League Two and three points above bottom side Stevenage.

Tuesday's Independent Disciplinary Commission hearing also gave them another two-point deduction, but this is suspended on the condition they do not breach any further regulations this season. The financially-troubled club have been blighted by off-the-field issues for much of the 2019-20 season and the latest non-payment of wages applies to February.

That was the fourth time this season that they have paid players' salaries late".

ALTY v GUISELEY THIS AFTERNOON

It will be shown, in full, at 3pm.

Tickets may be purchased here.

ON THIS DAY: 9 May

Stuart, who had been commuting to Altrincham from south of Cambridge, was also leaving.

And on 9 May 2002, the website reported that " A recent chance encounter with an August, 1961 Altrincham FC matchday programme (v Oswestry Town), revealed that, in some respects, little changes in Altrincham's footballing history.

Forty-one years ago, just as today, the national football transfer market was being flooded with players released by League clubs. In 1961, this was due to the abolition of the maximum wage following the George Eastham case in the High Court; today it is due to the ITV Digital collapse.

Also then, as now, according to the 1961 Programme Notes by Wilf Dowding, Altrincham F.C. had recently been "threatened with extinction or alternatively, all amateur action" because of financial problems. But the outcome of the 1961 crisis may not be repeated in 2002-03. The 1961 programme recorded that as a consequence of the flooded transfer market no fewer than "a dozen [ex-professionals] have settled at Altrincham". These included Paddy Fagan, the first player-manager at Moss Lane for more than 25 years, who had been an FA Cup winner with Manchester City and who had played for the Republic of Ireland's national team only three months earlier.

Other arrivals at Moss Lane were two FA Cup Finalists from 1958, Tommy Banks (ex-Bolton) and Ernie Taylor (ex-Manchester United). The prospect of 12 ex-professionals arriving at Moss Lane in the 2002 close season is unlikely as is a repetition of the 1961 practice of listing the Alty playing squad in the programme in two distinct groups of "professionals" and "amateurs".

On the field, having conceded 125 goals and finished 21st out of 22 in the Cheshire County League in 1960-61, the Club would rise to 11th in 1961-62 and win the title just four seasons after that. Off the field, the Club's finances were beginning to be turned round by the arrival of local record-shop owners Noel White and Peter Swales who, in 1961-62, were Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Club respectively".

ALTY OLD BOY

Our build up to the FA Trophy final replay continues today, and who better to interview than the scorer of that dramatic last minute goal, Chris Senior!

Here, Chris chats about the injury that almost ruled him out, his delight at being chosen as a sub, and of course, the goal and celebrations.

Don't forget that the game will be re-played on Saturday afternoon at 3pm."

Right: Chris Senior.

Now 38, Chris signed for Altrincham in July 2007, having previously spent the latter part of 2006-07 season on loan at Moss Lane from Halifax Town, an arrangement which started on 19 January 2007. Halifax released Chris in the summer of 2007.

He started his career at Huddersfield Town as a midfielder but, after being released in early 2003 as part of cost-cutting measures, he played briefly for Wakefield-Emley. After a trial with Halifax Town, in summer of 2003 Senior joined Scarborough, where he stayed till summer 2005. In 2003-04 he set a Conference record by coming off the bench 36 times.

Chris made his Alty debut, at Woking, on 20 January 2007. In 2008-09 he again varied between starting games and being on the bench but, having secured a regular run of starts.

He qualified as a masseur whilst playing for Altrincham and worked in that capacity for Sheffield United. Chris left to join Darlington in May 2010.

Altrincham career appearances: 114 (+31), 42 goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Cowan insists he is not settled with mid-table finishes... 'I’m not one of those people to sit comfortable in a job and be mid-table for 10 years and keep my job,' Bucks' boss Cowan said. 'I’ll stick my neck out because I’m a winner and I want to go and win every game.

'I want to win every tackle, hit the target every shot, complete every pass. That’s why I work around the clock. I’m more excited and optimistic about this third season.'

The Telford manager has said he is aiming to find the perfect balance between continuity and a fresh impetus in his squad this summer... 'I have to utilise our strengths and one thing I’m good at is trying to paint a picture of what the football club are trying to do and where we’re trying to go,' Cowan continued. 'Players won’t sign if they don’t think you’re going to be successful and they have to believe that you believe it. I have a lot of belief in our game strategy and philosophy.'

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Nathan Blissett, George Carline, Callum Coyle, Harry Flowers, Terry Hawkridge, Luke Maxwell, Jordan Murphy, Ryan Nesbitt, Jamie Reckord, Shaun Rowley, Matt Stenson, Dan Sweeney, Lee Vaughan, Danny Wright and Andy Wycherley are all being let go at the end of their contracts.

Club captain and academy manager Darren Carter is also out of contract, but the Moors hope that the former Birmingham, Preston and West Brom midfielder will stay at Damson Park."

SATURDAY VIEWING

It will be shown, in full, at 3pm.

Above: Taking part in the post-match celebrations are, left to right, Shaun Densmore, Adam Griffin, Matt Doughty, Simon Richman, Mike Williams, Damian Reeves, Carl Rodgers, Russ Saunders, Luke Pickering (kitman) and Stuart Coburn.

Altrincham FC explains that "A £5 ticket entitles you to an entry in the prize draw, whilst a £10 ticket gives you 2 prize draw entries... With total donations to Altrincham FC reaching an astonishing £29,000 during the Covid-19 pandemic, let's see if we can break the £30,000 threshold by Saturday.

This was the final Altrincham match played in front of the old 'Flaggers' terrace, which had a capacity of about 300 people, so wouldn't it be great if we can sell 300 tickets for Saturday's televisual extravaganza!"

Tickets may be purchased here.

ON THIS DAY: 8 May

The following news was reported on the Altrincham FC website on 8 May in other years...

8 May, 2002: QUAYLE MOVES ON

Mark Quayle [pictured, right foreground], who made a big impact in a short stay at Moss Lane in 2000, has now signed for Nuneaton Borough, from Telford United. Nuneaton, beaten by Alty in this season's FA Cup, have released five players including well-known strikers Lee Charles and Marc McGregor. McGregor missed a penalty in the FA Cup match at Moss Lane.

8 May 2003: FAIR PLAY

The UniBond League Fair Play chart for 2002-03 has Altrincham in 20th place of the 23 teams in the Premier Division. Frickley, Blyth and Colwyn Bay were the only teams below us.

8 May 2004: FINAL PLACE

Subject to ratification tomorrow by the Conference, the make-up of Conference North was resolved today when Redditch United won 3-0 at Merthyr Tydfil to secure the last place in the division. Dorchester Town won the other play off, 3-1 at Tiverton, and will enter Conference South. Redditch were champions of the Dr Martens West (equivalent to UniBond One). Redditch were founder members of the Alliance in 1979 alongside Altrincham but the two clubs' paths diverged at the end of that season when the Midlands side was relegated. In the Ryman play-offs, where there had been a farcical switch and then re-switch of the final ties this week, one place went to a team from outside the Ryman Premier when Sussex side Lewes beat Kingstonian at the Dripping Pan ground. St Albans City won the other Ryman "final", 5-4, at Bedford to clinch a place in Conference South.

Conference North should comprise: Alfreton Town, Altrincham, Barrow, Bradford PA, Droylsden, Gainsborough Trinity, Harrogate Town, Hinckley United, Hucknall Town, Kettering Town, Lancaster City, Leigh RMI, Moor Green, Northwich Victoria, Nuneaton Borough, Redditch United, Runcorn FC Halton, Stafford Rangers, Stalybridge Celtic, Southport, Vauxhall Motors, Worksop Town.

Of those clubs only Alfreton Town, Altrincham, Bradford (PA), Kettering Town and Southport remain in the division in 2020, whilst only Barrow and Harrogate Town operate at a higher level.

8 May 2011: NEW CLUB SPONSORS

Following the end of Go Goodwins' sponsorship of Altrincham FC, the Club is pleased to announce that its new sponsors will be the well-established local company of J. Davidson, scrap metal merchants. Based in Broadheath, the area of Altrincham from which Altrincham FC emerged at the turn of the last century, Davidsons' strikingly painted vehicles are a common sight on the local roads. And there are also echoes of the 1960s when the successful Altrincham FC boss was Fred Pye, owner of the Pollitt and Pye scrap metal business.

Davidsons have signed up for a three-year sponsorship of Altrincham and the Club looks forward to a productive relationship with them

8 May 2016: NEIL'S FIRST SIGNING

Joint Press and Media Officer at Altrincham, John Edwards, writes that "Neil Young has made his first signing as Altrincham manager after confirming the capture of midfielder Charlie Joyce [right] from Southport.

When Southport visited The J.Davidson Stadium just over a month ago, Joyce was described, in the visitors' pen pics section of the Robins Review match programme, as being an 'ultra-fit, committed midfielder' who 'forged his way into the manager's thinking in 2014-15', and Young clearly believes those qualities can help him make a favourable impression in the Vanarama National League North next season.

'Charlie fits the profile of the type of player we are looking to add to the squad to bolster it for the new campaign,' he said. 'He's an energetic, hard-working midfield player with over 60 games under his belt in the Conference at only 22 years of age.'

Liverpool-born Joyce joined Southport from Morecambe nearly four years ago, after a successful trial at Haig Avenue, and is expected to be followed by more new arrivals in the coming weeks, as a revamped Alty squad begins to take shape".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Forsyth will need no introduction to Harriers' fans as one of the most popular players in its history, with over 300 appearances under his belt in the 1980s and 1990s.

The 49-year old, who later went on to play for Birmingham City, Stoke City and Blackpool, has returned to assume an integral role at the club after discussions with Interim CEO Neil Male.

As Director of Football, Richard will be acting as the link between the first team and its Academy and Junior football operations. This will include ensuring all areas of the club support one another and that the Academy and Junior Foundation have a clear presence within the local community.

In addition, he’ll provide support to the first team management in regards to scouting and recruitment moving forward, analysing opposition and maintaining a network of contacts at all levels that can benefit the team and club as a whole...

'I spoke to Neil on a number of occasions over the past couple of months and his determination to bring me here made this an offer I could not refuse.... I will be overseeing the entire Academy and Junior sections of the club, assessing and developing the talent within those age groups. I’ll also be setting up a scouting team that will support recruitment at the club...

First Team Manager Russ Penn said 'We need to surround ourselves with people who are passionate about the club, and Richard fits that bill perfectly. Like me, he’s played hundreds of times here and knows what the fans and the town expect. The link between the first team and the Academy is a vital one, and Jimmy and I are looking forward to working with him on that front. He’ll be a big help to us in regards to scouting@".

According to the Chester Standard, "The Board of City Fans United have today revealed that it has received an approach to take over the running and control of Chester Football Club.

This marks a sudden and radical change to the previously negotiated relationship between Stuart Murphy (Exacta Plc) and the club. If agreed, the approach would mark the end of supporter ownership at Chester FC... Any decision to change the ownership model can only be taken by the membership at an Extraordinary General Meeting...

The board has therefore asked Mr Murphy to provide:

• A detailed three-year business plan which can be shared with members.
• Full settlement of outstanding financial commitments which remain outstanding for the 2019/20 season by Monday 11th May and an undertaking that future commitments for 2020/21 will be maintained as per agreements already in place.

A statement released by the club read 'This approach has been received during a time of unprecedented uncertainty for the game and the economy. We believe the absolute priority for the Board and everyone involved in the Club should be to focus on ensuring that we can navigate through these immediate challenges together... We have asked Stuart to respect the wishes of the board on this matter and work with us as we plan our forward strategy'...

The board has also thanked Mr Murphy for the support that he has given the club but note that the timing of the takeover approach presents the board with real challenges. The statement added 'Given the current lockdown restriction it is impossible to engage meaningfully with our membership in face-to-face discussion and deliberation about a potential change in ownership and the implications (positive and negative) that any change in the model would bring to the club while social distancing measures remain in place'".

The Eastern Daily Press reports that "King’s Lynn Town owner Stephen Cleeve has questioned why National League teams with no direct interest in possible play-offs were asked for their views on them as a way to end the current campaign.

The National League board admitted they have yet to decide how the cancelled season pans out and heard the views of 65 of the 68 clubs that make up its three divisions when they met on Tuesday.

A number of clubs, including the Linnets, want to retain the play-off places which could see them earn promotion to the National League... But the National League say it cannot take the next step until the Football League announces its own procedure...

Cleeve advocates settling final positions using a points per game method, which leaves Lynn top and automatically promoted. 'I believe the play-offs should be played but, if they can’t be played, I believe the second team, which would be York City, should be promoted as runners-up,' he said...

Cleeve questions why those without direct interest have had an input. 'I thought that was odd', he said, speaking on his I Bought a Football Club podcast. 'The National League asked every club what their view was on the play-offs and I don’t understand why they did that. I think that every club that could be involved in a play-off, either on points per game basis or on a basis of where we are now, who is in play-off positions and who could be entering the play-offs with points per game, should have been asked the question and I understand that.

'But what on earth is the relevancy of a club that finished rock bottom of the league, no disrespect to Bradford, but why would they ask them whether there should be play-offs or not? Why ask them? It is of no consequence to them and it is pointless.

'We voted there should be play-offs if it was humanely possible. It could be used as a pre-season opener, I don’t think people should be able to sign extra players, we disagree with that, we felt people should have to go with the same teams they started off with and there should be contract extensions if necessary, where the FA accept those players can’t move on until they have played those games. Nevertheless I accept that could be fraught with legal difficulties. But it is not right someone can boost their team for one game, it makes it all lopsided.'"

According to the Shropshire Star, "AFC Telford United have taken the first steps to completing crucial off-season work on their New Buck's Head playing surface.

The club have scheduled the important renovation work for this summer after rainy spells caused havoc... Telford yesterday tweeted an aerial image of a tractor at work digging up the playing surface, with work to remove ‘collapsed’ drainage and replace it with a fresh system expected to follow over several weeks."

ON THIS DAY: 7 May

Altrincham overcame Kettering 3-2 thanks to an own goal in the 113th minute, the match having ended 1-1 after 90 minutes. Both teams had overcome higher-placed opposition away from home to reach this stage, in Kettering's case this was Droylsden and in Alty's it was second-placed Nuneaton Borough.

Above: The Altrincham team celebrates after the match, as director Graham Rowley and kitman Dave Mitten look on.

After their hard-fought game at Nuneaton on the previous Tuesday, Alty were without Steve Aspinall but centre-back Gary Talbot was back after missing that game. On the bench, Richard Norris stood down as Alty brought in Richard Acton as sub goalkeeper. So, George Melling moved to right back to replace Steve Aspinall and Gary Talbot returned to partner Mark Maddox in central defence.

Having overcome Nuneaton Borough to get to this Northern play-off final after extra time and penalties, Altrincham now reached the national promotion play-off final with another pulsating extra-time win against Kettering.

Watched by 2,285 spectators, Altrincham were second-best in the first half. In contrast, Kettering started the game well and deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes during a period of 10 minutes when Alty were reduced to ten men, Mark Maddox having had to leave the field for six stitches to be inserted in a head injury.

Whilst Maddox was missing, Jamie Patterson fired his side ahead with a left-footed shot from outside the box. But Patterson himself had been patched up to play and was unable to carry on and was substituted after 19 minutes.

For Alty Lewis Chalmers replaced the injured Maddox at the interval and Alty were much brighter in the second half. The Robins levelled through Val Owen's 20-yard shot following the clearance by Brown of a long throw from Chalmers (53 mins). No further goals meant that the game went into extra time.

Eleven minutes into added time, Val Owen put Alty 2-1 up, again following the half clearance of a Chalmers long-throw (101 mins), but Kettering then hit the post. However, from a well-contrived cross by Danks, Burgess equalised for the Poppies in the second half of extra time (109 mins) before, seven minutes from the end, Matthews put through his own goal with a diving header from a Potts corner from the left, a sad end to his testimonial year.

Alty were the better side in extra-time and deservedly ran out 3-2 winners.

For this match, Alty brought three coachloads of supporters and many others made their own way. In all, probably 400 fans travelled in support of The Robins. Kettering too had very strong support.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. George MELLING, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Eddie HUSSIN (capt), 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Lewis CHALMERS, 13. Richard ACTON, 14. Kieran LUGSDEN, 15. Jonathan MITTEN, 16. Kirk HILTON .

PARKINSON SALUTES SUPPORTERS

He was quick to give credit to supporters for the Robins' latest success story, after an appeal for funds reached £29,000 earlier this week and looked set to top £30,000 with the screening of one of the greatest days in the club’s recent history this weekend.

The National League North promotion final against Guiseley in 2014 was certainly one of the most dramatic, and a rerun of the entire game will be shown at www.altrinchamfc.com at 3pm on Saturday.

'I don’t regret a single moment of my time at Altrincham,' said Parkinson. 'There have been so many great moments, from being history-makers as the first club to go down and bounce straight back up to the promotion challenges in the National League North and FA Cup second round at Portsmouth.

'But special mention has to go to the fans, who have been incredible. For the Alty community to raise nearly £30,000 is fantastic and just shows what the club means to them and what they are willing to do to keep it afloat. Make no mistake, without them, we would have been in financial trouble. They always step up to the plate as and when needed.

'Alty fans know the history behind the club and have a pride in the place, and the way they have responded to the current crisis makes me want to do better than ever for them. They are magical and make the club what it is.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The Pilgrims' midfielder topped the dressing room poll, with captain Luke Shiels second and Brad Abbott taking third place. While Platt would normally have collected the Barbara Singleton Memorial trophy in front of supporters after the final home game of the season, he had to make do with an announcement via the club's Twitter account...

'It's a lot different to how it would normally be. But in these times it's a boost to be honest,' Platt said. 'There's not a lot of positive news at the moment. It would have been great to collect it in person in front of the fans, but things are different at the moment. It's nice when your teammates vote for you, it makes you feel like you've done your job well. But this season's been a big team effort this year.'

Platt, who signed from Alfreton Town in the summer scored twice in 40 appearances with the Pilgrims this season...

'It was a nice surprise. We've had a brilliant squad and a lot of good players, so to get the award was nice,' Platt added... 'Probably seven or eight of the lads have been mainstays in the side. Once we got to know each other and gelled it worked really well'".

Shildon report that "Michael Sweet has signed for Shildon after being released by Blyth Spartans. Sweet joins on a two-year contract.

He signed for Blyth in the summer after scoring 128 goals in four seasons at Consett AFC. Leading the Spartans attack regularly last term, he registered 30 appearances and had a goal return of five.

Shildon say they are delighted to secure him ahead of the new season ‘to help with our promotion push, as he is a proven goalscorer at this level.’

NORTH-WEST NEWS

Several sources had suggested to The NLP that the part-time Magpies, who were cut adrift at the foot of the top-flight when the season came to an early halt, preferred to head back to National League North. There was also talk that ground grading issues could be a factor for the Lancashire club...

But Wright has insisted... 'I don’t know where that talk has come from. “It’s certainly not come from anybody in a senior position at the football club. If it’s ultimately decided that there will be promotion and relegation and we were to go down, we would have to accept that and get on with it.

'But if the season is declared null and void, we would like to stay at this level. We worked hard to get to that level again and we’ve enjoyed the experience'...

As for their Victory Park home... he said 'We have an issue with one part of our stadium which we had to close down and affected our covered accommodation. The reality is that there are some things that still need to be done, but haven’t been completed because of the lockdown. What we need to do can be done very quickly once we have access to labour, it’s as simple as that.'

Stalwart Wright had two spells as Chorley manager and led them to promotion to Non-League’s top tier in the late 1980s. He became chairman in 2003 and part-owner alongside Graham Watkinson three years ago.

'We’re pursuing one or two different avenues,' explained the 76-year-old.. 'We have no benefactors, myself and Graham aren’t wealthy people. But I’m proud to say in my time at the club since I’ve been chairman, we have always been able to pay our way. We have found it a struggle sometimes but we’ve achieved it... As for football, in the long-term, it [lockdown] might be good for the game, with the wages that are being paid. It’s a reality check for ourselves irrespective of what league we are going to be playing in.'"

ON THIS DAY: 6 May

Right: Before kick-off, Alty saluted the champions-elect as they came onto the pitch.

When the reverse fixture had been played at Aggborough, just eight weeks previously, Altrincham had gone into that match in the top half of the table, lying tenth. Indeed, they lost only eight times in the first 34 league matches of the campaign.

Despite an excellent draw in March at the champions elect's ground, Alty were not to win another game all season, going on to complete their slide with defeats in six of their final eight fixtures. Indeed their final eleven fixtures earned them just five points, all from drawn games.

The final whistle on that final day of the season saw Alty in the relegation zone for the first time since the opening month of the season, when they had spent just nine days in that predicament.

Manager Bernard Taylor played Andy Lovelock and Keith Russell up front, with Dickie Landon reduced to the role of substitute, where Leroy Chambers joined him on the bench, along with the dropped Mark Maddox. Mick Morrell and Ian Senior were the other deputies. Chris Timons was restored to central defence after his previous outing at right-back and was captain, as Simeon Hodson resumed in that position after injury.

The match was refereed by Mark Clattenberg, who at 25, had recently become one of the youngest referees to be promoted to the Nationwide League's list.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Lance Key, 2. Simeon Hodson, 3. Danny Adams, 4. Chris Timons (capt) 5. Gary Talbot, 6. Steve Hawes, 7. Jason Gallagher, 8. Phil Power, 9. Andy Lovelock, 10. Keith Russell, 11. Kevin Ellison. SUBS: 12. Richard Landon, 13.Ian Senior, 14. Mark Maddox, 15. Leroy Chambers, 16. Mick Morrell

Altrincham needed to win this match to ensure their Conference survival and came within one goal of doing just that in what ended as a goalless draw. The nearest they came to a goal was to hit the post but, after failing to win any of their last eleven games, their fate was really sealed before today. In this match they played quite well but, as so often, rarely threatened to score. So, the first goalless draw at home this season meant that Altrincham would start the 2000-01 season in the Unibond Northern Premier League.

SATURDAY PREMIERE

Above: 10 May 2014: Alty celebrate promotion.

It offers supporters the chance to relive one of the great days in Altrincham Football Club's history and it has the added attraction of prizes for anyone buying a ticket as a donation towards the club's current fundraising effort.

A £5 tickets entitles you to an entry in the prize draw, whilst a £10 ticket gives you 2 prize draw entries. For details follow the above link to Altrincham FC...

With total donations to Altrincham FC reaching an astonishing £29,000 during the Covid-19 pandemic, let's see if we can break the £30,000 threshold by Saturday.

This was the final Altrincham match played in front of the old 'Flaggers' terrace, which had a capacity of about 300 people, so wouldn't it be great if we can sell 300 tickets for Saturday's televisual extravaganza?

You can get your ticket by donating here".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Owner Gareth Roberts said 'We are lucky to have local lads with great coaching ability and whom [sic] understand and know the club. After a tumultuous season we wanted to steady the ship and have some strong foundations to build on’

Mark Bower added, ‘I’m pleased to get this deal agreed. After what has been a difficult last 18 months, I’m positive that we now have a structure in place that can build a long and sustainable future both on and off the pitch. The proposed ground developments are exciting and it feels like we are entering a new beginning with a real focus and professional approach behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to the challenge... in the knowledge that there is a solid plan and commitment in place to grow the club over the next few years’

Ex-Alty midfielder, assistant manager Danny Boshell said, 'It shows the commitment of the club long term and their trust in our ability. It will allow us to further test those abilities at a club that is close to our hearts as two Bradford-born lads growing up a stone's through [sic] from the ground. Its not going to be easy, but we [are] up for the challenge in these new and testing times’"

The Telegraph & Argus adds that "Bower, who rejoined Avenue last September in an attempt to save them from the drop, will now remain at the club until 2023. Assistant Danny Boshell has also signed on for the same duration...

Bower initially joined the club in 2016, achieving two playoff finishes, before departing last summer. He was unable to reverse Bradford's fortunes when he was re-appointed though, winning only four out of 20 league matches, as his side remained rock-bottom of the Vanarama National League North... With relegation looking unlikely due to there being no promotion from the league below, the club believe the 40 year-old is the right man to lead them forward."

We learn from the Boston Standard that the "Pilgrims' boss says play-offs [are the] fair way to resolve promotions, if National League clubs vote to settle tables via points per game..

Boston United manager Craig Elliott... believes his squad feel they have unfinished business to attend to... United were fourth in the National League North table but intent on closing the gap on leaders York City and early pacesetters King’s Lynn when the coronavirus forced all action to be stopped...

'We had a really good season and I felt we were moving in the right direction,' he said. 'We wanted to win promotion and I think a lot of the lads will definitely be eager to prove they can do it when they get another chance. That will definitely be a huge motivation for the players'...

Elliott’s gut feeling was to expunge all results, as has been the case in steps three to seven of the National League System. However, if the clubs in the three National League divisions agree to go with points per game then the United boss believes his team should be given their chance via a play-off system.

He added 'I wouldn’t like to second guess what will happen. I’ve heard all sorts of rumours. Personally, I thought the season should have been made null and void. But, If they do decide to settle the season on points per game with teams getting promoted then I definitely think there should be play-offs involved. We’d finish the season third (via PPG) and we deserve a chance of winning promotion that way'".

The Shropshire Star reports that "The Bucks' chief feels that Telford’s ‘strange’ location can prove a difficult factor in negotiations.

Cowan said his side punched above their financial weight to finish 13th in National North before the season was cancelled last month due to the coronavirus and that it was likely his budget will drop for next season. The ambitious boss has lofty targets for the Bucks but maintains that... 'Location-wise, we’re in a bit of strange place, geographically,' Cowan said.

'When you look at our level, it’s quite difficult to recruit just because of where we are, that’s another thing people need to take into account. The further people are travelling, the more they are having to pay.'

One of Cowan’s priorities this summer is to recruit a permanent goalkeeper rather than the money-saving loan route Telford have taken in recent years. He said 'It will be difficult and it is a position I do feel the need to get someone as a permanent. The purpose previously was about saving money. I was very lucky to play in front of very good goalkeepers and it was a big part of the belief in what you do.

'Unfortunately sometimes you have to play the cards you’re dealt. There are a lot of good goalkeepers out there and I felt we could get someone good enough. And I feel like we did. Joe Bursik is playing in League One and will be going back to Stoke now and be challenging for a place. Max (Bramley) did well as did Yatesy (Matt Yates) as well. But I do feel that continuity needs to be there.

'It’s a difficult one, there are a couple of positions we really have to get our heads down on.'"

NORTH-WEST NEWS

The Coasters owner’s plans include the development of their youth academy, gym, extra parking spaces and the North Stand... Chairman Haythornthwaite revealed he has completed the purchase of the remaining 11 acres of the original farm site, adding to the 30 he had previously bought.

He said: “It’s always been my ambition since the development got going to eventually try to get the rest of that land, which will enable us to tidy up the whole site and a number of opportunities go with it.' The development of the football academy would enable Fylde to 'bring in students from all over the country and put them in digs', Haythornthwaite added...

'We now have a temporary gym in the away concourse and it isn’t very professional when you want to be a professional club. We’ve earmarked one of the buildings on there to become a permanent gym for the club... We have a three-sided ground at the moment. We wanted to wait to see what happened and we’re pretty clear now on what we want to do. It’s not the time to build it now. We haven’t got the money but, in the future, when we come through this, hopefully the next phase we start on will be finishing the ground.

'It is Football League standard now, so should we be fortunate enough to be promoted in the next couple of years we’ll be fine but obviously we want to complete the ground... We need to have a little bit more permanent parking than we’ve got. This allows us to develop that... At the moment we have to conserve every piece of cash but once we see some light at the end of the tunnel we’ll begin to see some developments down there'".

ON THIS DAY: 5 May

Having beaten Blyth Spartans the previous Wednesday by netting seven successive penalties in the shoot-out, as well as one in normal play, ironically it was to be spot-kicks which proved to be Altrincham's undoing at Chorley.

Altrincham had already lost talismanic striker Jordan Hulme to injury early in the second half only to take a 68th minute lead when Josh Hancock scored impressively after a good move on the right. But, just five minutes later, Hancock, Alty's leading goalscorer in the league, was sent off for a tackle in a challenge on Carver in midfield. The referee, Mr Swallow, had also been the man who sent off Jordan Hulme against Stockport County earlier in the season.

So Alty's two top scorers were now out of the game for differing reasons. The ten men valiantly held their lead till the 83rd minute when Wilson tapped home at the back post after Meppen-Walter had nodded on Blakeman's long throw from the right.

Above: Tony Thompson gathers the ball in a crowded first-half goalmouth at Chorley.

Altrincham's ten men played very well in the half hour of added time to reach a second penalty shoot-out of the week.

First up in the shoot-out, Alex Newby saw his effort saved by Thompson before Moult likewise saw Urwin stop his penalty. Next, Blakeman blasted his penalty over the bar before Densmore also failed to beat Urwin. After four misses in total, Meppen-Walter at last was successful, for the hosts, from the spot. James Poole then incredibly made it three missed Alty spot-kicks in succession as Urwin again saved the ball.

Next, Alex Newby made it 2-0 for Chorley before substitute Max Harrop converted his kick to make it 2-1. When Wilson beat Thompson to make it 3-1, it was all over in anti-climactic fashion for Altrincham.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Shaun Densmore, 3. Connor Hampson, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Josh Hancock, 11. Yusufi Ceesay. Subs: 12. Max Harrop, 14. James Poole, 15. Simon Richman, 16. Ben Harrison, 20. Elliot Wynne.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Fenwick moved to Croft Park last summer having returned to the North East following a spell at National League South side Chelmsford City. However, the former Hartlepool United striker was restricted to just 12 appearances in a campaign sadly dominated by injuries.

Sweet, who joined from Northern League Division One side Consett around the same time, was a regular in [his] solitary season at Blyth. The 25-year-old featured 30 times for Blyth and scored five goals before being loaned out to Shildon in February.

Summerly arrived from North Shields in January but his only outing in green and white followed as a substitute against King’s Lynn Town.

Meanwhile, Horner’s second spell with Spartans comes to an end. He departs the club having made 81 appearances in total... The rest of the remaining squad is currently under assessment, where further announcements will be communicated in due course."

In the Shropshire Star we learn that "Gavin Cowan believes AFC Telford were seeing improvements in top scorer Marcus Dinanga before the coronavirus brought the season to a close. Dinanga, in his second spell at the New Bucks Head, finished as leading marksman with 13 goals having played parts of the season as second or third fiddle after, at times, being ‘not good enough’, according to the boss.

The 22-year-old finished the campaign in good form, netting six goals in six games. 'He finished really well but on the whole not good enough, I think Marcus would be the first to admit that,' said Cowan.

'There was a reason he wasn’t in the team for such large periods, but he got his chance and finally decided to do what we were asking of him. That’s more your out of possession stuff. Marcus comes alive when we have possession of the ball, out of possession it can be really difficult to get him to engage. But you saw what rewards came to him when he decided to start doing that...

Cowan said of the work ahead of him this summer 'I have in my head exactly where I want to go and do... I’ve formed my own opinion and I’ll include my staff on that. Over the coming weeks we’ll be speaking to the players and making some decisions.'”

Also at AfC Telford United, "Darren Acton is going back to where it all began, again. When AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan and interim chairman Andy Pryce held a fans' forum on Twitter recently, one of the responses that had fans hitting the ‘like’ button was the news that Acton was re-joining the club’s coaching staff as goalkeeping coach, following his departure from Solihull Moors.

For Acton, it will be a third spell at Telford, the place where he began his career, making his debut as a 17-years old YTS trainee some thirty years ago, and his return means the Bucks once again have a goalkeeping coach on the coaching staff, for the first time since Darren left the club in October 2018...

'I spoke to Gav (Cowan) about it; when I was here before he said that he’d never really had a goalkeeping coach, but to me, a goalkeeping coach and a physio are the most important things you can have at a football club, but especially a goalkeeping coach. Going back to my day, I never had one, so I know how important a role it is in helping keepers to develop.'

My impression was that coaching the last line of defence isn’t simply about the technical and physical aspects, it’s also about the psychology of the position, something on which Darren readily agreed.

'It’s about making them believe that they’re a good keeper... It’s about having that mentality, of wanting to win games. For me, it’s about clean sheets; that’s something I stress to not just my players, but to defenders as well... There’s also the side of it where you can drop a clanger and be the one to cost your side games, so you have to try and get that mentality over to keepers as well...

Darren also feels that Gavin possesses the qualities to succeed... 'I think he’s got that mentality to go higher, whether that’s with Telford or elsewhere, but hopefully with Telford. I believe in him. Wherever he and I have been, we’ve achieved something, as coaches or as players, whether it’s been an FA Cup run or winning the league, we’ve always had that mentality of winning, and I think that’s why we connect'".

At Chester FC, Cheshire Live reports that "Uncertainty surrounds the club but its board has paid tribute to the tremendous reaction from supporters. Chester FC is facing financial losses of around £100,000 as a result of the coronavirus crisis...

Many fans have already made it clear they will not be taking up an offer of refunds on their current season tickets which in itself would have left a £40,000 hole in Chester FC’s finances. However... the club has made it clear they continue to face an uncertain future during ‘extreme and unprecedented times’...

The club statement said, 'While it is not possible to put an exact figure on the cost of the pandemic to the club, the cancellation of five home matches and several fundraising events mean a potential £100,000 worth of revenue has been lost. We have placed the majority of club staff on furlough leave and accessed the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). The board decided to continue to pay all staff, including those furloughed, 100% of their salaries up until May 2.

'At present the CJRS is due to run until June 30. We are in continuing dialogue with HMRC regarding the scheme; however, given the uncertainty around when football will resume there may well be more difficult conversations to take place as time goes on. The club has a number of ongoing running costs and annual outgoings to consider over the coming weeks and months including insurances, utilities and VAT. Where possible, we have taken steps to defer or postpone these payments, including the negotiation of payment holidays which means the club does not have to pick up the cost later in the year.

'The club has applied for a Coronavirus Business Support Grant (£25,000) and club has received business rates relief for this tax year (£11,700)... In April we supported a resolution asking member clubs to end the season and cancel remaining matches. The league has since asked member clubs whether the play-offs should be cancelled or postponed; the outcome of this vote has not yet been confirmed.

'We are due to receive circa £13,000 which is the advanced annual solidarity payment from the Premier League for the 2020/21 season. The virtual matchday initiatives have raised £4,000 which will cover of the costs of improving the pitch over the summer. We have contacted sponsors and supporters who had booked hospitality packages for cancelled matches and we are extremely thankful to those who have generously advised the club to retain these funds'...

Chester FC has taken the decision not to start season ticket sales for next season due to the ongoing uncertainty... The next few months will be extremely challenging and we have to continue to fundraise to ensure the future of Chester FC. We would welcome fundraising suggestions and ideas. We know we ask again and again, however this is your club and the more we can raise, the stronger we are... However we are confident that together we can emerge from these unprecedented times and look forward to a positive future'".

CHAIRMAN'S VIEW

"It would be wrong of us to say they should be cancelled. That's what we've told the league... It's down to the government, the scientists and, ultimately, the EFL. If they decide they can't finish the season... any votes we cast will mean nothing.

Hand on heart I just can't see it [play-offs] happening"...

He added, "We have to protect our clubs. I was talking to a guy from Trafford.. He put out an appeal for help, saying they might not even be here next year.That's what we should be concentrating on, making sure that next season the National League still has 68 clubs...

"It's not important that everyone finishes this season; it's that everyone starts next season... The FA or the government need to have some balls and say 'It's not going to happen, end of story, let's start planning for next season'"

GRAHAM KEPT THEM GUESSING

Both ex-Alty keeper Stuart Coburn and current defender, Shaun Densmore, recall their days playing under Graham's managership, whilst John King praises his former team-mate's ability.

Stu said, "Sometimes.. he'd completely blank you... He always kept you guessing. It meant that every time you did something, you did it to your maximum because you never knew what was going on in his head...

"Put Graham in front of an audience, he was hilarious... But if we got beat or played badly, he'd sit at the front of the bus, put his head down and sulk...

Playing Luton away... Twenty minutes before kick off he was walking round the changing room doing this shopping trolley dance... Everyone was laughing and joking... Then at 3pm it was 'Right, stop messing about'... We got beat and he came in at the end going 'You lot don't f***ing care, you don't take it seriously...

"A top bloke, a good friend, but you could never gauge him".

Shaun Densmore added that "Whenever I told my dad, [Peter, who played with Graham for Alty], that Graham had accused us of not getting stuck in, he'd laugh and say 'That bugger never made a tackle in his life!'"

John King, a former team-mate and Alty manager, who had Graham as his assistant, added "Technically Graham was brilliant. He had vision, pace, he could see a pass and his dead balls were as good as anything in non-League".

Another team-mate, former Manchester United keeper Alex Stepney said that Graham could have played "for many a League side and at a good level".

Shaun Densmore recalled that "We were underdogs every game but he'd have us so well drilled... We went out to frustrate. I think Graham loved that". Stuart added that "We'd go to these big full-time clubs and they'd moan about us being boring. But Graham would say 'We're not here to entertain you'"

Stuart concluded, "Publicly, he always said 'We're part-time, we're doing well'. But behind closed doors he wanted the club to show more ambition... He's a legend at Alty though and I'll always think of him as a friend not a manager".

ALTY SURVEY

Following the recent announcement by the Board about the redevelopment of The J.Davidson Stadium, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring the club is inclusive and accessible to all, it’s important that we get as many views from our loyal supporters as possible. Your views could really make a difference to the future plans.

Everyone who completes the survey and leaves their contact details will be entered into a free prize draw to win a pair of Altrincham FC season tickets for next season, whenever that may be. The survey will now remain open for the rest of this month, until May 31st.

You can access the survey here".

LOCAL NEWS: TRAFFORD FC

Every single penny will help our little club to survive this current crisis; that’s why we’re keeping the page open for those who would still like to donate. Please keep sharing our page - the more we can raise, the better our chances of being here for our". The club has now lifted its target to £7,500.

The NL Paper reports that "Witton Albion and Northwich Victoria have extended their ground-share agreement to the end of the 2025-26 season but flatly deny any suggestions of a merger....

It is solely a business decision asscording to Witton chairman John Salmon....

'We receive much needed income and asistance with the maintenance of the ground whilst they have a stable home. Our fierce football rivalry will remain; there is no question of a merger'" he said.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

{Manager] Kevin Wilkin said,'"It would be totally unfair to promote anybody by a vote or a mathematical formula... Any one of the top eight could feasibly win the league... You either run an eight-team play off or you null and void the season... That's what we've told the league...

'Contracts are running out. Players want to know where they are going... Are they going to play a play-off? At the minute, I can't tell them'".

We learn from the Boston Standard that "Craig Elliott wants to keep the majority of his Boston United squad together next season.

The Pilgrims' boss finds himself in a bizarre situation of possibly having to prepare his squad for a play-off push, while also attempting to strengthen his squad for a new campaign when football can resume. The National League clubs have voted not to play this season’s outstanding fixtures, halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it is yet to be decided whether the campaign will be declared null and void or settled on a points per game basis. If the outcome is the latter then Boston look likely to be moved up to third spot in the National League North and could be involved in some form of play-offs for promotion.

Either way, Elliott is adamant he doesn’t want to break up his team and start afresh. 'That’s the priority first and foremost', he said. 'We don’t want to let a lot of players leave. Naturally, 20-25 per cent of the squad will move on, but really we want to keep 75 per cent of the squad. The league table showed how good the lads are. We’d like to keep the core of the squad together'...

Due to United possibly seeing further action, the playing squad’s contracts have been extended. However, most league rivals have seen their players’ contracts come to an end this week, leaving a number of free agents.

Elliott and chairman David Newton have identified potential targets... 'I’ve spoken to some players about coming in,' Elliott continued. 'But it’s difficult as we could still be involved in the play-offs'".

Darlington "manager Alun Armstrong says that Darlington fans have responded magnificently to the club’s Boost the Budget campaign.

Generous fans have dug deep and invested £50,000 in Boost The Budget, reaching the halfway mark in less than three days, a phenomenal effort.

Alun said 'It’s a fantastic effort in these difficult times. It’s amazing that our generous fans are buying into what we’re trying to achieve. They have responded magnificently.'

The scheme opened on Friday morning, with the intention of raising at least £100,000 for the playing budget by the end of May."

ON THIS DAY: 3 May

The Skrill North Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match against The Pitmen came after a 2-2 draw at Keys Park in the preceding midweek, in which Damian Reeves had put Alty ahead before James Walshaw levelled the scores after Alty had conceded two goals.

Right: Tom Marshall hoists Greg Wilkinson aloft at the end of the play-off game against Hednesford, as Neil Tolson looks on.

The second leg, at Moss Lane, featured the league's two highest-scoring teams but they remained locked at 0-0 with just twelve minutes remaining. But, with extra-time looming, a crazy seven minutes saw the Pitmen take the lead through Tom Thorley's 78th minute header, before two goals in little more than a minute, from Damian Reeves and James Lawrie (84 and 85 mins), transformed the outcome. It was harsh on Hednesford who had probably shaded the second half after Altrincham had had slightly the better of the first 45 minutes.

Town's goal came after James Lawrie had lost possession near halfway; Hednesford worked the ball up the left and a cross found Thorley, unmarked, as he headed home from close range. Alty levelled in similar fashion after 84 minutes, when James Walshaw's cross from the left was nodded home by Damian Reeves. The winner came a minute later, from another ball from the left, which Reeves headed back across the box, from where it was half-cleared to James Lawrie, who fired home confidently, from the edge of the box, with the aid of a slight deflection.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Jake Moult, 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Scott Leather, 7.James Lawrie, 8. Simon Richman, 9. James Walshaw, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs: 12. Tom Marshall, 14. Matt Doughty, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 16. Kyle Perry, 18. Russ Saunders.

2019-20 STATISTICAL REVIEW, Part Two

DRAWS IN LEAGUE

• Goalless draws in league: 0
• Other league draws: 9 in league (4 home, 5 away). Seven of the draws were 1-1, the other two were 2-2.

In 2018-19 Altrincham had eleven draws in the league proper plus two more in play-offs which were settled by penalty shoot-outs. Until the end of the season Alty had never drawn two successive league matches under Phil Parkinson but they finished the campaign with a run of four draws if the play-offs are included!

• Goalless draws in league: 0
• Other league draws: 11 in league (6 home, 5 away), 2 more in play-offs

BIGGEST WINS IN CUPS

In 2018-19:

• 5-0 at home to Whitley Bay (FA Cup)
• 4-0 at home to Bradford (PA) in FA Trophy

HIGHEST AGGREGATES IN LEAGUE GAMES

• 7: Altrincham 5 AFC Telford United 2
• 5: Boston United 5 Altrincham 0
• 5: Altrincham 5 Hereford FC 0
• 5: Spennymoor Town 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Altrincham 4 Spennymoor Town 1

In 2018-19:

• 8: Spennymoor 4 Altrincham 4
• 8: Altrincham 5 Chorley 3
• 7: Alfreton Town 0 Altrincham 7
• 6: Curzon Ashton 0 Altrincham 6
• 6: Altrincham 3 Darlington 3

APPEARANCES IN ALL COMPETITIONS

• 42 Jordan HULME (all starts, 32+1 league, 8+1 cup)
• 37 Tom HANNIGAN (28 league, 9 cup)
• 36 Josh HANCOCK (26+1 league, 9 cup)
• 36 James JONES (27+2 league, 7 cup)
• 36 Anthony THOMPSON (27 league, 9 cup)
• 35 Jake MOULT (25+1 league, 9 cup)

Stability was a key factor in 2018-19. 12 players made 37 or more starts:

• 49 Jake MOULT (all starts, 44 league, 5 cups)
• 46 John JOHNSTON (44+2, comprising 40+1 in league, 4+1 in cups)
• 46 Josh HANCOCK (39+7, comprising 36+5 in league, 3+2 in cups)
• 44 Tom HANNIGAN (all starts, 40 league, 4 cups)
• 44 James JONES (43+1, comprising 39+1 league, 4 in cups)
• 41 Connor HAMPSON (38+3, comprising 35+2 league, 3+1 in cups)
• 41 Max HARROP (28+13, comprising 25+12 league, 3+1 in cups)
• 40 Simon RICHMAN (20+20, comprising 16+20 league, 4 in cups)
• 39 Jordan HULME (36+3, comprising 31+3 league, 5 in cups)
• 37 Anthony THOMPSON (all starts, comprising 34 league, 3 in cups)
• 37 Andy WHITE (all starts, comprising 33 league, 4 in cups)
• 37 Sean WILLIAMS (30+7, comprising 26+7 league, 4 in cups)

PLAYERS USED IN LEAGUE

• Named in a league squad: 31 players
• Loanees named in league squad: 4 (who are included in total above; they were Yusifu Ceesay, Ashley Hemmings, Josh Lundstram, Ethan Walker)
• Never got on pitch in league game: 2 (Lewis Archer, Joel Torrance)
• Used as a sub but did not start a league game: 2 (Curtis Miller, Ethan Walker)

In 2018-19

• Named in a league squad: 37 players
• Loanees named in league squad: 9 (who are included in total above; they were Yusifu Ceesay, Owen Dale, Brendon Daniels, Ashley Hemmings, Josh Langley, Joe Piggott, Chris Sang, Billy Sass-Davies, Nathan Waterston)
• Never got on pitch in league game: 3 (Ben Elliott, Josh Langley, Charlie Scott)
• Used as a sub but did not start a league game: 5 (Bay Downing, Dontai Gabidon, Callum Harris, Billy Sass-Davies, Nathan Waterston)

PLAYERS USED IN ALL COMPETITIONS

• 38 of whom 9 did not figure in a league squad (Liam Blackburn, Dontai Gabidon, Callum Graham, George Howarth, Billy Matthews, James Matthews, Raheem Mercurius, Jack Ryan, Dre Taylor)

2018-19:

• 44 of whom six did not figure in a league squad (Louie Barratt, Reece Coley, Matt Cook, Callum Jones, Pat Savage, Ross Woodcock)

CARDS - OVERALL

• Red: 4, all in the league
• Yellow: 42 in league, 8 in cups.

In 2018-19:

• Red: 4 of which 3 in league (inc. 1 in play-offs) (Jordan Hulme away at Leamington, Andy White away at Telford, Josh Hancock away at Chorley in play-off). 1 red in cups: Jordan Hulme, home to Stockport County)
• Yellow: 61 in league, 6 in cups

RED CARDS

In 2019-20 individuals receiving red cards were:

• 1: Tom Hannigan, Max Harrop, Simon Richman, Sean Williams

• 2 Jordan Hulme
• 1 Andy White, Josh Hancock

YELLOW CARDS

• 7 Jordan Hulme in 40+2 appearances
• 5 Andy White in 31+1
• 4 Max Harrop in 9+17
• 4 James Jones in 34+2
• 4 Jake Moult in 34+1

• 11 Max Harrop in 28+13 appearances
• 8 Jordan Hulme in 36+3
• 7 John Johnston in 44+2
• 6 Andy White in 37+3
• 5 Sean Williams in 30+7
• 5 Simon Richman in 20+20

LEAGUE ATTENDANCES

• Highest: 1,879 v York City, 3 August 2019
• Lowest: 614 v Blyth Spartans, 7 Jan 2020

AWAY

• Highest: 2,153 at Chester FC 6 August 2019
• Lowest: 305 at Gloucester City, 10 August 2019

2018-19 League gates:

HOME

• Highest: 3,383 v Stockport County, 26 December 2018
• Lowest: 695 v Nuneaton Borough, 30 October 2018

AWAY

• Highest: 4,549 v Stockport County, 1 January 2019 and 3,446 v Chorley in play-off semi final, 5 May 2019
• Lowest: 454 at Bradford (PA), 15 September 2018

ATTENDANCES

In 2019-20, of course, attendances were hit by the incompleted fixture list but home gates stood up well despite several big games not being played.

• Home avge: 1139
• Away avge: 938

In 2018-19, excluding play-offs:

• Home avge: 1137
• Away avge: 1198

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The 23-year-old joined from Newcastle Benfield last summer having previously spent time in Scotland with Queen of the South and St Johnstone. Evans stepped up from the Northern League to become a regular name in the Blyth starting XI. He, alongside Robbie Dale, made the highest number of appearances (37) for 2019/20.

And after signing up for the 2020/21 campaign under new manager Michael Nelson, Evans expressed his delight 'I am delighted to be here for another year and I can’t wait until football resumes. Last season didn’t go as well as any of us wanted, however I enjoyed playing week in week out during my first season at the club.

'I am very excited for the new season under the new gaffer and hopefully it’s more successful than the last... I can’t speak highly enough of the fans. They were superb last year'...

The right-back can look ahead to another campaign at Croft Park. He added 'I can now concentrate on getting as fit as possible and ready for next season without worrying where I am going to be playing. It’s a great group of lads in the changing room too. Obviously football is always a revolving door and I am sure the gaffer will be working on bringing new lads in'".

The Shropshire Star says that "Gavin Cowan believes that learning to be ruthless is the biggest lesson AFC Telford United can take from the 2019/20 season...

Telford finished 13th in the standings, 12 points from a play-off positions, but Cowan says he cannot remember a season where such dominant spells have not resulted in points...

'In the last month we were in winning positions until the last kick of the game. Ultimately, that can defy [?define] your season,' Cowan said of the late setbacks. 'I know it’s ifs and buts, but if you see the last kick of the game out, which is all about mentality and having a strong underbelly and experience, we’re three points off the play-offs.

'It’s fine margins and all about turning performances into results. I’d use the word ‘schooled’. I think we schooled other teams without getting results. But there’s no point at putting all that work in when you don’t get to bring home the three points.'

Cowan continued 'I suppose you want to make your home ground a fortress. Other than the Leamington game at home, Nantwich and Chester games, it’s about turning the performances into results. It’s all about us being ruthless'".

2014 PLAY-OFF GAME REVISTED

Above: 3 May 2014, Damian Reeves receives his team-mates' and the crowd's acclaim.

We are not asking for donations for this broadcast, we just want you to watch and enjoy this exclusive, never previously broadcast footage, with commentary, of one of the most memorable days in Altrincham Football Club's proud 117 year history".

2019-20 STATISTICAL REVIEW, Part One

SEASON COMPARISON

• 2019-20: Conference North P33 W16 D9 L8 F62 A40 PTS57 POSN 5th*
• 2018-19: Conference North P42 W20 D11 L11 F85 A56 PTS71 POSN 5th plus playoffs, in which: P2 W1 D0 L1 F3 A3

With the season not completed, had Altrincham acquired points on the simplistic points per game basis they were on course for 72 points in 2019-20 season. Below is the league table as it stands and with the PPG positions also shown.

GOALS

• 19 in all competitions: Jordan HULME (14 league and 5 in cups) in 40(+2) appearances.
• 16 Josh HANCOCK (14 league and 2 in cups) in 35(+1) appearances.
• 8 Tom PEERS (4 league and 4 in cups) in 16(+17) appearances.

Right: Jordan Hulme headed the league goalscoring charts. He is seen here with Elliott Durrell.

In 2018-19 Altrincham scored 85 league goals plus 3 in the play-offs and conceded 56, plus 3 in the play-offs. The individual goal scorers were led by...

• 20 in all competitions: Josh HANCOCK (19 league) and Jordan HULME (17 league)
• 15 John JOHNSTON (14 league)
• 7 Max HARROP

GOAL TIMES (LEAGUE exc play-offs)

In 2019-20:

• First half: 24 (38.7%)
• Second half: 38 (61.3%)

In 2018-19:

• First half: 33 (38.8%)
• Second half: 52 (61.2%)

Right: Josh Hancock

CLEAN SHEETS

LEAGUE SEQUENCES

• Wins: Five, games 18 to 22
• Unbeaten: Seven, games 17 to 23
• Draws: Two (games 12-13)
• Losses: One (eight occasions)

• Wins: Four, games 16 to 19
• Unbeaten: Eight, twice. Games 12 to 19 and games 31 to 38
• Draws: Two in main season (games 41,42) or 4 if the two play-offs are added.
• Losses: Two, twice (games 4,5 and 8,9)

POINTS ACCRUED

• Games 1-21: 33 points
• Games 22-33: 24 points

• Games 1-21: 35 points
• Games 22-42: 36 points

Right: Jake Moult

LEAGUE HAT-TRICKS

In 2018-19:

• 1: Joe Piggott at Curzon Ashton

BIGGEST WINS IN LEAGUE

• 5-0 at home to Leamington
• 5-1 at home to Hereford FC

• 7-0 at Alfreton Town
• 6-0 at Curzon Ashton
• 4-0 at home to Nuneaton Borough and at home to Chester FC

HEAVIEST LOSSES IN LEAGUE

• 0-5 at Boston United
• 1-3 at home to York City
• 0-2 at Kidderminster, Bradford, Gateshead

• 1-4 at Chorley
• 0-3 at Leamington

MANAGER INTERVIEWED

ALTY'S SPONSORS

We would never underestimate the importance of our financial backers, and, with that in mind... The Board would like to place on record our sincere thank you to everyone who plays a part in our great football club

• Smart Storage
• J.Davidson
• Marc Darcy
• FootyAccumulators.com
• Principal Energy Supplies (PES)
• Mornflake
• Manchester Glass
• SK Kits

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The former Hartlepool United defender was appointed on a permanent basis... having originally stepped in until the end of the 2019/20 season back in March. Nelson initially joined Blyth as a player but was soon placed in charge of the first-team, [and] oversaw just one game after the coronavirus brought the campaign to a premature end.

Indeed, it has been a surreal start for the 40-year-old at Croft Park... Nelson said, 'It was a pretty crazy start, a whirlwind. I remember first coming in as a player, the first game I was meant to play in was called off. I was then asked to manage the Brackley game before being asked to take it until the end of the season and just see what materialised.

'Unfortunately, we couldn’t play any games because of the coronavirus, so I saw very little of the lads. It was three or four training sessions and one game, that was it. I must say, the people at the club have been brilliant. All the backroom staff have helped me enormously'...

Preparations are underway for next season, despite Blyth still unaware of when it will begin or what division they will be in.

He added 'We’re still waiting to find out more information from the National League on our league status and start dates for next season. The club have been quite proactive in making this appointment in such uncertain times. That is a credit to them for looking to the future and trying to move forward'".

NL Daily adds that "Michael Nelson is aware of the ‘significantly lower’ budget he will have to work with, says chairman Tony Platten.

Platten explained 'What compounded the financial situation for us was that the last home game at which income was generated was against Altrincham on February 15. This meant that wages were continued to be paid despite there being no income, putting severe pressure on funding...

'The Executive Committee is under severe pressure to keep the club afloat but is determined to ensure that we continue to fly the flag for the town of Blyth and Northumberland.'

Michael Nelson was confirmed today as the club’s manager... Platten added 'Micky has a wealth of experience at all levels of football. He has already started work on the squad he would like for next season. He is aware that the budget he has to work with is significantly lower than previous seasons because of the severe financial situation that exists.'".

And the Eastern Daily Press also reports that "Former Norwich City favourite Michael Nelson has been named as the new manager of Blyth Spartans... He had taken over following the departure of former Canaries assistant manager Lee Clark.

Nelson said 'I’m just pleased to get it done, especially with all the uncertainty'...

This will be Nelson’s first managerial role following a long and successful career in professional football. He has since completed his UEFA A Licence... He moved to Careow Road in the summer of 2009... and made 35 league starts, scoring five goals... Prior to moving to Croft Park, Nelson was a player-coach at North East rivals Gateshead before becoming assistant manager at League Two side Stevenage."

We learn from the Northern Echo that "Almost one year ago, over 500 other dedicated fans played a part in increasing the playing budget for a local football club, now the team are asking for further donations through pledges.

Darlington FC's appointment of manager Alun Armstrong coincided with over £100,000 in pledges from loyal football fans, which smashed the original target of £80,000 required to boost the playing budget of the squad.

After the initial success of the Boost The Budget project, which allowed the Club to compete at National League North level by supplementing the playing budget to the tune of around a third of the total budget, the club are asking for a further cash injection from fans to ensure players can continue to compete at this level...

Mr Armstrong has promised donators [sic] that he will use the funding to 'fine tune an already talented squad of players with a clear remit to play an exciting brand of football', calculate a playing budget and tie down the contracts of current key squad members and new arrivals...

A spokesperson for the club said 'If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to invest this season it would help the Club massively if you could make or continue your pledge'...

Last season the club delivered a series of popular rewards to those who pledged, such as photo opportunities with the first team squad and manager in pre-season, unique memorabilia and gave some pledgers the opportunity to be kit man for the day.

Mr Armstrong said 'To the fans, I’ll make sure I’ll bring players in that are value for money, players that want to play for Darlington Football Club, and who want to progress and move up the league and show the fans that passion'".

Meanwhile, "Darlington have released Chris Elliott and Simon Ainge. Keeper Elliott joined the club last summer and made 29 appearances before the lockdown occurred.

Ainge was signed in the summer of 2018 from Harrogate Town, making 35 appearances and scoring four times. He played in two positions for the club, starting the 2018-19 season up front but later switching to the back because of injuries. He spent last season on loan at Boston United"

The Shropshire Star reports that "Award-winner Adam Walker has won praise for being a model of consistency in his first season with AFC Telford United...

The midfielder was a regular in Gavin Cowan’s side after arriving from league rivals Brackley and last weekend was voted players’ and supporters’ player of the season. The 29-year-old played in 32 of the Bucks’ 34 National North fixtures before the season was cancelled due to the coronavirus. Cowan picked out Walker, alongside fellow prize-winner Brendon Daniels, for their consistent performances.

'He’s a fantastic pro, someone who I knew wouldn’t drop his standards,' Cowan said of his former Nuneaton team-mate. 'Although at times I feel like the team may have done so, it was a very strange season, one I’ve never really encountered. There were some fantastic highs, some really strange lows, but to have some fantastic performances not matched by results has proven to be really difficult.

'If you talk about consistency, him and Brendon really epitomise that and they deserve to be rewarded, because they were both so consistent. They’ve demanded standards from themselves and each other as well'.

Walker is one out-of-contract player set for talks with Cowan over his future.".

According to the Northants Telegraph, "Paul Cox insists keeping Kettering Town in the National League North ranks as his best achievement as a manager.

Kettering Town manager Paul Cox completed the task of keeping the club in the National League North despite the season ending early. The former Poppies centre-half was appointed as the club’s new boss at the end of October after Nicky Eaden was sacked following a poor start to the campaign that left the team entrenched in the bottom two.

Cox’s impact was immediate and while the season was cut short by the Covid-19 outbreak, the Poppies looked to be right on course to securing safety...

'I am over the moon to be honest,' the Poppies' boss said. 'I said earlier in the season that I thought this would be my toughest test since I have been in management. I have had an immense sense of pride in what we have achieved because it has been really, really tough. It ranks up there as my best achievement. People will look at that and look at a championship, a promotion or big FA Cup games and stuff like but this has been different.

'When I came in, the owner (Ritchie Jeune), the chairman (David Mahoney) and Neil (vice-chairman and secretary Griffin) all said "Just keep us up this year". I looked at it when I first came in and I probably felt like it was something we could do without too many worries. But once I was in the scenario, it was always going to be harder than I imagined and that’s why it ranks so highly.

'It would have been nice to finish the season and to have caught up with a couple of games in hand to see if we could have finished a bit higher. But.... we have done what we set out to do. Even if they use the points per game ratio, I don’t think there’s any way we could be relegated.. The next phase which is getting the club back to where I, at least, feel it should be.'

Cox looks set to remain at Kettering for the next season... Indeed, the Poppies boss admitted that as far as plans for next season are concerned, everything remains 'on hold' for the time being. 'I have spoken to a lot of managers and clubs from top to bottom and no one actually knows when things will restart,' he added. 'There have been rumours that nothing will start until September and there’s even been rumours that it won’t be until Christmas time.

'So, in terms of planning and talking to our players and others, everything is on hold at the moment... We had planned out our pre-season in terms of training sessions and start-back dates but we don’t know if we can implement that now'".

NORTH-WEST NEWS

It could well be that no team is relegated from League Two which would affect how many teams win promotion from the National League. All is set to be revealed early next week once the league’s Board have digested the clubs’ wishes.

'Obviously from a selfish point of view, we want to play in the best league we can and so we want to stay in this league,' said Vermiglio. 'If we are going to null and void and start again, it’s going to benefit our club. But if I was on top of the league then I would be telling you something different, of course. When you look at it with a common sense head on it, I just don’t think you can relegate anybody.

'I think it is near impossible to be able to do that because even we could have gone on a run and avoided relegation but, especially, more the clubs who are two or three points off it. If you were going off points per game, you would be basically predicting a fifth of the season.

'If you look at teams like Barrow, Harrogate and York who are going for promotion, you would be distraught if the season was null and void. If this was to have happened to us this time last year, I would be thinking,"Arrggh, we have done so well this season and worked so hard".

'But with my common sense head on, I would look at the bigger picture and see what this virus is doing... It’s easy for me to say that with us being rock bottom of the league, but it just feels like the most common sense thing to do.'”

ON THIS DAY: 1 May

Back in 2000, Altrincham travelled to Southport in the Nationwide Conference but lost 2-0.

Although it did not seem so at the final whistle, things really could have been far worse. Altrincham only lost 0-2 when a margin of four goals could easily have been achieved by Southport but for some woeful finishing by their forwards in the first half. Rarely can so many one-on-one situations between attackers and goalkeeper have gone unconverted.

Also, in matches elsewhere, although Kidderminster let slip a three-goal lead in the last 20 minutes of their game against Alty's relegation rivals Forest Green Rovers, Welling United lost and Altrincham's fate this season therefore remained in their own hands. One win from the last two games would have ensured survival and two draws would have been enough unless Welling or Forest Green were to their last game by a large margin. But, after nine games without a win, Altrincham's optimism was muted. And so it proved as Alty gained just a single point before their relegation was confirmed on the last day of the campaign

Altrincham fans had feared the worst before kick-off when it was discovered that Keith Russell was out injured with a calf strain, Kevin Ellison was only fit enough to be on the bench and Jason Gallagher took to the pitch with a large bandage round his left knee. The Altrincham bench must have broken the club's old-age record, with Senior, Power, Carmody and Goodwin all keeping a paternal eye on young Kevin Ellison.

The team's plight was underlined when a sorry crocodile of crocked players, comprising Coburn, Crowe, Russell, Greygoose and Morrell, walked past the main stand to take their places on the terrace. On the contrary Southport were in celebratory mood as their Player of the Season Awards were made before kick-off. As if to rub in the difference between the two sides, the two winners of the Sandgrounders' trophies were both ex-Altrincham players, Tim Ryan and Phil Bolland.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Lance Key; 2. Simeon Hodson, 3. Danny Adams, 4. Mark Maddox 5. Gary Talbot, 6. Steve Hawes, 7. Jason Gallagher, 8. Chris Timons, 9. Leroy Chambers, 10. Richard Landon, 11. Andy Lovelock. Subs: 12. Phil Power, 13. Ian Senior, 14. Shaun Goodwin, 15. Mick Carmody, 16. Kevin Ellison

Right: Ellison tries to get in a cross during the second half.

In the match itself, after a scrappy opening few minutes of a game played in warm sunshine, Southport began to dominate after the first quarter of an hour. But Alty got to half time with the score 0-0 thanks to repeated good fortune as the Port missed chance after chance. Indeed, half-time came came as a blessed relief for the visitors who could not have complained had they been two or three goals behind.

In the second half, Southport's Arnold began to shine and after Timons had given the ball away on the half-way line, after some good work by Landon, Arnold scored a softish goal from close-in following Stuart's cross from the left which evaded Key (59 mins).

Immediately Bernard Taylor sent on Goodwin for Hodson, who had been having a torrid time. Hawes moved to full-back on Hodson's departure as Goodwin slotted into midfield.... Phil Power then came on for Gallagher (65 mins) and the player-coach helped his team make more of a fight of a very unequal contest...

A disastrous two minutes followed as Maddox clattered Arnold but with the crowd calling for a dismissal, he received a yellow card. Landon was also booked for his protests (80 mins). A minute later, Elam's fierce shot was well saved by Key, but he could only knock it out to the left-back, Stuart, who crowned a fine display by sweeping the ball home (81 mins).

TRAFFORD FC "STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE"

Weʼre raising £5,000 to save the club so it will still be here next season as like many non-league clubs, Trafford FC is struggling to survive.

Yes it really is that serious. The Coronavirus has caused massive issues for Non-league and community football clubs. Income has dropped to zero yet bills must still be paid. The Government’s business loan schemes are simply not designed for non-league football clubs, and handouts from the FA don’t filter down as far as the Northern Premier League. Trafford FC was formed in 1990 and has a proud 30-year history, but 2020 could easily be the year of its demise…

The Club and its supporters' organisation have been working together since the season was abandoned on 26th March to raise money during these dark times. We’ve run some 'Virtual Match Days' that have raised about £1,000 but it’s vital that we raise more. We want to reach out to our local community, businesses and the greater football family for help and assistance. Anything you can spare will all go into the pot to keep our wonderful, local, friendly, family club going. Thank you!"

The club has set up a Just Giving page".

And Trafford FC earlier announced that "When football returns to Shawe View there will be some changes. Following a communication from the League stating that grass embankments at football grounds are NOT to be used as spectator viewing areas and should be fenced off and marshalled, the grass bankings at Shawe View have now been fenced off and we are issuing this notice to comply.

Spectators are hereby advised that the viewing of matches from the grass bankings is NOT PERMITTED, as this would be a breach of our FA Ground Grading criteria. Failure to abide by this instruction may lead to ejection from the ground.

Please do not watch the game from the grassed areas, do not try to cross the fences that have been put up, and please help our volunteer stewards to ensure that we keep our ground certification... Despite the obvious disappointment that this decision brings, the good news is that this summer, the Trafford FC Supporters Club plans to build a stand at the open end of the ground (Pennybridge Lane End) are coming to fruition. Following a grant from Manchester FA plus money raised by the SC, the first phase (concrete terracing) will go ahead this summer".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Former Port Vale man Daniels, 26, claimed two awards at the club’s virtual end-of-season presentation last weekend after some inspired performances and spectacular goals from the wings.

But Cowan, who initially took the Stoke-born flyer on loan before making the deal permanent in January 2019, says Daniels has made great strides in losing his ‘ego’ after the duo initially endured a ‘rocky’ relationship... Cowan will conduct talks with Daniels and the rest of his Bucks squad regarding their futures in the next two weeks.

'Brendon would argue with this but as a person, for where he’s at, he’s starting to match his ability now,' said Cowan. 'He had his year as a pro and thought he could just turn it on when he wanted... We had a rocky start when he first came on loan from Port Vale. To say he’s matured as a person over his time with us is an understatement.

'He’s a fantastic human being. If we can take how good he really is and then get him as a person to match that ability then you’ve got someone to speak very highly of, because everyone knows his undoubted ability. He’s got to match the two now. He’s lost that ego and has decided he’s going to work for himself and the team.'”

The Hereford Times says that "Hereford FC chairman Andrew Graham says that everybody's requirements have to be met when appointing the next permanent manager of the football club.

Josh Gowling finished the season as the Bulls' caretaker boss with his side winning two, drawing four and losing three of his nine league matches at the helm.

'There are a lot of discussions with the board across a number of topics', said Graham. 'We need to make sure that we have the right people in to take us forward. Josh (Gowling) has been brilliant for the club and continues to be brilliant building up a relationship with the fans... His requirements, our requirements and the budget all has to meet'...

'There is a lot of talk in football about when the league and our level will start again', added Graham. 'To be honest the question is bandied around quite a lot and I understand the passion football fans who want normality, but I find it a bit crass... Talking about a return feels insensitive for me. We have to ensure there is football to return to and there is a football club for supporters.

'I have seen other clubs put plans out of what they are doing but some need to get a sense of perspective and reality. Our club will survive and we are working hard to maintain the club. We have a lot more overheads than other clubs at this level but we will make sure the club will be there. We can't be pushed by other people or their timetables. We have to do what is right for Hereford...

'We can't play football without a team so we have to look after the footballing side'".

In NL Daily, "Bradford (Park Avenue)’s director of football operations Martin Knight has spoken of the satisfaction the club feel over the National League’s decision to cancel the remaining fixtures for 2019/20.

Avenue were 12 points adrift of safety in the National League North... Knight said 'I think as a club, we’re pleased. Obviously 90 percent of the response was to postpone the season, or the rest of the fixtures; technically, the season’s not over, because they still haven’t resolved any promotion or relegation issues, but there’ll be no more matches.

'The reason that I say we’re pleased about it is first and foremost, we’ve got to make sure that, in these very trying times, our fans and our staff and our players, and everybody else involved in the club is as safe as we possibly can. Clearly, a football stadium is a prime potential area for transmission of this virus.

'From a business point of view, what it enables us to do is plan.'".

Darlington are recalling events in their club's past and the latest episode from Paul Hodgson's book "When push comes to shove" recalls a meeting up with Altrincham supporters at Bishop Auckland in 1998/99 season.

It says "we decided on the spur of the moment to order a taxi to Bishop Auckland to see them play Altrincham. On arrival at Kingsway (Bishops’ former ground) we went to their Social Club, where I spoke to several Altrincham fans who seemed pleasant enough to talk to. One recalled the FA Cup tie against Darlo in season 1983-84 when we won 2-0 at their ground after drawing 0-0 at Feethams. The Altrincham fan said that Darlo were lucky on that night all those years ago. However, I held a different opinion, so we agreed to disagree!"

The match in question was presumably the one on 14 November 1998 when Alty fell to a 2-1 defeat at Bishop Auckland but, neverthless, went on to clinch the league title and promotion back to the Football Conference.