31 July 2022

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 MANCHESTER UNITED XI

Above: Marcus Dinanga, left, is congratulated on his second goal by Egli Kaja, Harlan Rodgers Morris and Tom Pugh.

United's youngsters had taken the lead on the hour mark with a shot from twenty yards by Forson.

But Alty dominated the final period and levelled in the 81st minute when Amaar Hussain and trialist right-winger Kaja combined to get the ball to Dinanga who smartly poked the ball home (81 mins).

Wave after wave of attacks then produced the winner as Kaja got forward again and located Dinanga. He turned smartly before scoring with a left-footed effort (87 mins). Kaja is an Albanian who has been on AFC Wimbledon's books.

New signing Samizadeh was also much involved in the closing stages.

Match report here.

NEXT: MAIDSTONE UNITED

Kent Online reports that "There’s nothing non-league about Maidstone United’s pre-season preparation and new signing Henry Woods should know.

The midfielder has spent the past four years as a professional at Gillingham but feels as fit as ever under the guidance of the Stones set-up.

'I have been really impressed with training, it has been hard in pre-season but I have loved it,' said the 22-year-old former Southampton youngster. 'The set-up is a league set-up, the gaffer [Hakan Hayrettin] and [assistant manager] Terry Harris have been around Football League clubs and National League clubs for years, with the experience they have got they know what is needed.

'Everything has been good and there is no difference between what we’ve done and at a league club. I feel just as fit, definitely...

'The league itself is a professional league, clubs are full-time, professional, it will be tough this season'...

Woods spent last year on loan at Dover. He had a year left on his contract at Gillingham but the taste of regular action in the National League last season convinced him it was time to move on. Maidstone was an easy pick'...

Maidstone beat the traffic chaos to play Folkestone away last Saturday, winning the match 2-1... Goals from Roarie Deacon and Hady Ghandour, from the penalty spot, put the Stones two goals up before Invicta got one back through Ade Yusuff...

Maidstone won 5-0 away at Cray Valley on Tuesday. An own goal put the Stones ahead, Jack Barham doubled the advantage after being fouled for a penalty and Regan Booty made it three before the break. Ghandour’s header was turned in by a Cray player to make it four and Perri Iandolo completed the scoring...

Maidstone complete[d] their pre-season programme with a home game against National League South Dulwich Hamlet".

.

ALTY TRIALISTS

Right: Mitch Rose.

The other trialists named on Saturday and deployed during the second half were...

No. 15. Kwame Boateng. He played at right-back for Alty in the second half on Saturday.

London-born Boateng was at Bradford City for four years. In 2016-17 he made two appearances in the Football League Trophy but then dropped into the Leeds Combination League, before joinging Harrogate Town in summer 2018. Next came a spell at Guiseley in early 2019 from where he went on loan to Farsley Celtic whom he joined on contract in summer 2019.

He was dual registered with Ossett United before a spell with Goole in early 2020. Next came a spell with The New Saints, till summer 2021. He joined the under-23s at Sheffield Wednesday but was released in March 2022.

Mitch Rose (pictured, right) played with no number on his shirt on Saturday. A midfielder, he had played previously against Trafford in pre-season. Aged 28, he was at South Shields last season after playing for several EFL teams including Rotherham United, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town, Newport County and Grimsby Town.

No.19. Egli Kaja. Egil played on the right-wing for Alty. An Albanian, he had been with AFC Wimbledon. He had joined Kingstonian in 2006 before signing for AFC Wimbledon, where he had a trial with AC Milan

Kaja made his Wimbledon debut in 2015 but in late 2016 he went on loan at Lewes before moving, again on loan, to Livingston in Scotland in summer 2018. A free transfer took him to Northampton Town in September 2019.

Late in 2021 Wimbledon re-signed him on a short-term contract.

30 July 2022

MARRIOTT OUT FOR "MONTHS"

Isaac played in the 2-0 friendly win at Trafford and was an integral part of an Alty midfield that dominated possession in a free-flowing 5-1 victory over FC Isle of Man in Douglas four days later.

But he had the misfortune to sustain a knee ligament injury in training soon after and has been out of action since", writes John Edwards.

The good news is that Isaac does not need an operation, but the recuperation period required for a return to full fitness is likely to last for a few months... The 22-year old Huddersfield Town Academy graduate, who has been a revelation at the heart of Alty’s midfield since arriving from Bradford (Park Avenue) last December.

As with Matty Kosylo, who is also sidelined by a knee ligament injury, everyone at the club looks forward to seeing Isaac back in Alty colours as soon as possible...

It will be interesting to see how they fare against what will be pretty much the Old Trafford club’s under-23 team... There are suggestions their line-up may well contain some members of the squad that secured the club’s 11th FA Youth Trophy...

Whether Argentina under-20 winger Alejandro Garnacho... will be amongst the visitors to Moss Lane remains to be seen...

From an Alty perspective, will we see an early run-out for James Jones, on his return to Phil’s squad, and Alex Samizadeh", who both joined Alty this week.

DEREK WILSHAW'S FUNERAL

The funeral will be followed by a"wake" at Altrincham FC at 3.15pm. Friends and supporters are welcome to pay their respects to a well-respected servant of the Club.

ALTY OLD BOY TO FACE THE ROBINS

Ogle has featured quite regularly in pre-season under Hartley owing to a number of injuries and a lack of numbers within the squad, with the 23-year-old also covering at centre-back.

But Ogle has now put pen to paper on a permanent deal with the Iron with Hartley admitting the strength in-depth available to him at right-back was a deciding factor...

Explained Hartley, 'I spoke to him about three or four weeks ago. He hasn't played a lot of football over the last period of time and... he’s going to find it difficult to get game time. He’s been a top professional. He’s a lovely boy. He works hard, he’s a good athlete. But we felt we’re really strong in that area'...

The deal, which Scunthorpe have disclosed as a free transfer, sees Ogle make the step down to the National League...

'I had a good chat with the gaffer and Tony [McMahon] and their pitch to me was that they’re looking to bounce back into the League and are throwing everything at it. I thought it was too good of an opportunity to pass up'"£.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

We are also at an advanced stage to purchase Boundary Park stadium, hopefully within the course of the next week.

Headed by our new chairman, Frank Rothwell, the Oldham-based owner and founder of Manchester Cabins which has long-standing local ties, the deal will ensure that the club and stadium will be consolidated under one ownership.

This is a significant and hugely exciting development in the proud history of Oldham Athletic and ensures the club can now approach the new season and beyond with a genuine sense of anticipation".

According to Devon Live, "Torquay United assistant manager Aaron Downes says it is important to understand the character of players before signing them, with a whole host of new faces at Plainmoor this season...

United [have] added another new face to the squad, completing the signing of former Sutton united left-back Ben Wyatt...

Downes, manager Gary Johnson, and head of recruitment Pete Johnson have worked hard to make sure they have brought in the right players, with Downes saying...'What's really important is the character of that player. We do a lot of homework and a lot of research on the background of that character as well. So don't just look at them at a match or on Wyscout, the platform we use to watch their games, we speak to people who have worked with them, and we speak to players who have worked with them...

'We also do social media background checks and things like that so we know the character we are getting,hopefully. It is not very often that we have got that wrong'...

Gary Johnson...[said] 'The signing of Ben is a good one, he’s experienced at this level, and also experienced a promotion at this level. The beauty of Ben is he is a left-sided player, who can play left-back, left wing-back or left wing, and with us, he’s going to have to play all of them'.

The squad is now 22 players strong. That number doesn't include midfielder Gabby Rogers who hasn't featured in pre-season and is likely to be looking for a new club.

That number does include 12 new players, plus two new young pros, and only eight who were at the club last season. Dan Martin, Hall and Lapslie have all missed a sizable chunk of pre-season with injuries".

The Southend Echo reports that "Former Southend United midfielder Michael Klass has joined Aldershot Town. Klass made 17 appearances for the Shrimpers before being released in 2021.

But he has now joined the Shots where he will reunited with former Blues boss Mark Molesley who is pleased to have the 23 year-old on board...

Molesley told the club’s official website, 'He’s got a lot to offer our squad and we believe he can play a big part for us this season'".

Meanwhile, Chesterfield "have signed Jesurun Uchegbulam from Matlock Town for an undisclosed fee...

The winger signed after impressing during Chesterfield’s recent pre-season fixture...

The player said 't’s a surreal feeling. Obviously, I played against Chesterfield and I didn’t think too much of it. The next day I spoke to the manager, and it has all just gone from there. I’ve got no words. It’s my first time signing for a club this big and I just can’t wait to get going.

'I would describe myself as explosive, very quick, a bit of a flair player. I like to entertain the crowd. I’ve got an eye for an assist; I’ve got an eye for a goal'...

Uchegbulam was born in Nigeria but started his career in the youth ranks of Italian giants AC Milan... The forward moved to England and had trials with the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic and Brentford. He also had spells with non-league sides Mossley and Stockport Town before joining the Gladiators in the summer of 2021.

In the 12 months that Uchegbulam spent with Matlock, the 21-year-old became a fans’ favourite".

TWO NEW SIGNINGS AT ALTY

He joins former Alty loanees, Chris Conn-Clarke, Jake Cooper, Josh Lundstram and Jordan Hulme in joining the squad for 2022-23, all having had a previous spell at Moss Lane.

James (d.o.b. 13 March 1997), pictured right, first played as a trialist for Alty in July 2017 but, in August, decided to try his luck elsewhere. However, he returned to sign for Altrincham in time to make his competitive debut on 23 August 2017.

Before joining Altrincham, James had spent three seasons with Welsh Premier club The New Saints, progressing from their Academy to first team. His first season at Alty was slightly curtailed by a hamstring injury shortly before the end of the campaign.

But 2018-19 saw him establish himself as the regular partner for Tom Hannigan at the heart of the Altrincham defence.

That season he was a virtual ever-present and started 2019-20, once more, as first choice in the right-sided centre-back role until illness briefly cost him his place in New Year 2020. However, what turned out to be an excellent 2019-20 season culminated in his decision to leave Altrincham for Barrow in the Football League, a decision announced on 19 July 2020.

He had made 108(+7) appearances for the club and scored 13 goals.

The other signing announced today is of Iranian striker Alex Samizadeh (d.o.b. 10 November 1998), who started out with Bolton Wanderers for whom he made his EFL debut in 2016.

A loan at Chorley (2016) was followed by a move to Kilmarnock in Scotland the following year. In summer 2018 he joined Curzon Ashton but, by December, he had joined Wealdstone before moving on to Burgess Hill Town in Sussex in early 2019.

Next he joined Lancashire club Colne in September 2020 before returning south to Leatherhead in summer 2021.

Alex played as a trialist in Alty's game at Trafford this summer, a match in which he was a used substitute.

The last time our Borough of Trafford neighbours sent a team to Moss Lane was back on Tuesday, 31 January 2017 when Alty defeated an Under-18s' team 2-1. Alty's goals came from Tom Hannigan and a Dutch trialist called Diego Sedoc, who recently was playing in Sweden.

The match was played in a rain-sodden J. Davidson Stadium, involving an Altrincham team which utilised nine substitutes (including five trialists) during the second half.

Right: Trialist Michael Bakare leaves the pitch at the end of the game. Behind him are the then Alty manager, Matt Doughty, and former Alty striker Colin Little, who was a coach with United.

Altrincham took a 19th minute lead when Tom Hannigan back-headed a goal from a fine ball into the box by Andy McWilliams.

Having made three changes at the interval, Alty had not settled when United equalised in the 47th minute through Angel Gomes (47 mins). But, although United had more of the attacking play in the second half, it was Alty who scored again when substitute trialist Diego Sedoc superbly lobbed United's keeper Fojkicek just before the hour mark.

Sam Heathcote limped off leaving Alty with ten men to see out the final two minutes and four more of added time.

Altrincham fielded a starting eleven which excluded the Yorkshire trio of Reeves, Clee and Cyrus and which was supplemented by ten substitutes, six of whom were trialists. Alan Goodall made his return from injury on the bench, along with Laurence Taylor, Andy Owens and goalkeeper Andrew Jones.

ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks) 1. Tim DEASY, 2. Sam PATTERSON, 3. Andy McWILLIAMS, 4. Jake MOULT (c), 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Sam HEATHCOTE, 7. Simon RICHMAN, 8. Kyle BROWNHILL, 9. Oluwatomisin ADELOYE, 10. James LAWRIE, 11. Elliot NEWBY. Subs 12. Brice HERESON, 14. Michael BAKARE, 15.Laurence TAYLOR, 16. Emilie BIYEK, 17. Diego SEDOC, 18. Andy OWENS, 19. Max ALLEN, 20. Andrew JONES, 22. Alan GOODALL, 25. Sam DOWNEY.

MANCHESTER UNITED UNDER-18S (Blue shirts, white shorts). 1. Alex FOJKICEK, 2. George TANNER, 3. Lee O'CONNOR, 4. Tyrell WARREN, 5. Regan POOLE (c), 6. Callum WHELAN, 7. DJ BUFFONGE, 8. Ethan HAMILTON, 9. Josh BOHUI, 10. Angel GOMES, 11. Zak DEARNLEY. Subs: 12. Max DUNNE, 13. Max JOHNSTONE, 14. Jake BARRETT, 15. Harry SPRATT, 16. Aidan BARLOW, 17. Indy BOONEN, 18. Kayne DIEDRICK-ROBERTS, 19. Tom SANG.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Minihan, 28, began his career with Rochdale, making one senior appearance. In 2012, Minihan made 14 appearances on loan at Droylsden. In 2013, Minihan was released from Rochdale and signed for Loughborough University FC in the Midland Football League...

After two years with Loughborough, Minihan made the move to the National League North side Worcester City... In June 2016, the defender... joined Stockport County... The defender made almost 200 appearances during his time with Stockport".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United's inability to offer Josh Kelly full-time football this season appears to be one of the motivating factors behind the striker's move to Solihull Moors this week.

Kelly's move to Moors was announced on Friday...

The 23 year-old broke into the [Maidenhead] side... and went on to become a fans' favourite, notching 17 times in the league last season... He had a year left on his contract so the Magpies will net a healthy fee from Moors for the player...

Currently, the Magpies have Sam Barratt, Emile Acquah, Shawn McCoulsky, and Adrian Clifton in their attacking ranks...

Said Devonshire 'He wanted full-time football and we couldn't offer that to him. Solihull Moors could so the deal was done... Nothing has been done, to the point of a [replacement] signing being done or being close but, at the end of the day, that could change tomorrow. There's not a transfer window for the National League'..

The Magpies... faded in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to National League South side Hungerford Town...

Said Devonshire.... 'Will De Havilland had his first minutes for a few weeks, so did Sammy Beckwith and Sammy Barratt, so it's all pluses on that front'">

In the Derbyshire Times we learn that "Chesterfield have sold around 3,500 season tickets for the upcoming season...

Last season the club sold 2,800 season tickets and 400 half-season tickets at Christmas. Many fans who have not bought a season ticket for a while have got one this year following Paul Cook’s summer rebuild.

'We have already smashed what we did on season tickets last year,' chairman Mike Goodwin told BBC Radio Sheffield.

In other ticket news, the club hopes to fill the North Stand as many times as possible this season with schoolchildren from the local area."

Boreham Wood "announce the arrival of midfielder Jack Payne... following the mutual cancellation of his contract at League Two side Crawley Town.

Jack arrives at Meadow Park with... nearly 450 senior appearances to his name across spells with Gillingham, Peterborough United, Leyton Orient, Blackpool, Ebbsfleet United, Eastleigh and Crawley Town.

The ball playing defensive midfielder began his career with Gillingham... and would go onto make 113 total appearances for Gill’s over five seasons... before an initial loan move to then-Championship side Peterborough United was made permanent in 2013.

Three-and-a-half seasons at London Road saw Payne rack up 91 appearances in a Posh shirt across the Championship and League One, a period which included a loan spell with Leyton Orient, before spending a successful single season with Blackpool in League Two...

A return to his native Kent saw Jack.... signing for Daryl McMahon’s big spending Ebbsfleet United ahead of the 2017/18 season, making 61 appearances... before an initial loan move to... Eastleigh during the 2018/19 season was made permanent ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

Jack would make 87 appearances for the Spitfires... before a deserved return to the Football League with Crawley Town materialised... Despite recently signing a new contract with the Red Devils in April 2022, Jack mutually cancelled his contract with the West Sussex side this week.

Gaffer Luke Garrard [said]...'Jack is a player I have admired since his time at Ebbsfleet United and he will bring a wealth of experience'... Jack has signed an initial two-year contract with the Wood".

LEAGUE OPPONENTS: MAIDSTONE UNITED

In preparation for this season's clash, Maidstone announce that they are planning to run a coach to the fixture. "The cost is £30 for members or £35 for non-members. The coach will leave from the bus stop on Royal Engineers Way at 07:30 (please arrive for 07:10)...

The supporters' club need 40 people to make this coach viable. A decision will be made at noon on Tuesday 2nd if the coach can run... Please wait until coach is confirmed before buying any admission ticket online".

A MIXED PRE-SEASON

And the home match against Stoke City under-23s, scheduled to be played before spectators at the J. Davidson Stadium, was switched into an away game behind closed doors on a weekday afternoon. Stoke then included a number of first-teamers in their line up which made their team much stronger than had been envisaged. A 5-1 defeat for Altrincham resulted.

The other pre-season games included three away matches against NW Counties Football League clubs which brought mixed results. Alty lost to West Didsbury & Chorlton and drew with another NWCFL Premier side at Wythenshawe Town before beating NWCFL First Division side, Isle of Man, 5-1 in Douglas.

The only home friendly played to date was last Saturday when EFL2 club Stockport County came to Moss Lane and won 2-0.

Pre-season has also been disrupted by the loss of key players. Not only has Dan Mooney decamped to Southend but Matty Kosylo has been ruled out by an ACL injury and midfielder Isaac Marriott (above, left) is also sidelined by injury.

Altrincham will be hoping that this Saturday's final pre-season game, against a Manchester United XI, will provide a boost to their confidence as the young Reds visit the JDS.

NEXT FRIENDLY: MUFC

It will be Altrincham's second, and final, home friendly as Phil Parkinson looks to finalize both his squad for 2022-23 and his line-up for the opening league fixture on 6 August against Maidstone United.

Matty Kosylo and Isaac Marriott are ruled out of that game by injury

So, based on the previous summer games a line-up for the National League first game comprising the following names seems as good a guess as any.

New keeper Ollie Byrne should start, whilst Aidan Roxburgh and Liam Brockbank have played several times this summer as the full/wing-backs, with Lewis Baines (right) and Toby Mullarkey the centre-back pairing, assuming that Mullarkey remains at the club amidst persistently rumoured interest from Chesterfield. Jake Cooper would be a third candidate for one of the centre-back positions, whilst Ross Barrows is also a potential starter at full-back.

Central midfield is likely to comprise Josh Lundstram and Elliot Osborne. Chris Conn-Clark has arrived on loan from Fleetwood and will probably be the no.10 with the wingmen being Ryan Colclough and either Brad Jackson (if fully fit) or current trialist Callum Gribbin if he is signed up.

Up front will be captain Jordan Hulme. The bench will necessarily include a number of Academy graduates as well as keeper Matt Gould, assuming that Phil Parkinson breaks with his normal practice of omitting a substitute keeper.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Spireites have brought in 10 new additions this summer. Town are in need of another goalkeeper with Lucas Covolan the only one on the books currently. The Blues have been linked with a move for Altrincham centre-back Toby Mullarkey in recent weeks...

Cook said...'You will very rarely get a manager who says "that’s us finished" [as regards signings]... Have we got some deficiencies? Yes. Can we solve those problems today? Let’s wait and see.'

The rebuild has included players from both the Football League and National League, with all but one of the new boys in their 20s.

And Cook says... 'When you bring in new lads the first quality they give you all the time is enthusiasm because they just want to get better. We have brought quite a few different players in now, the little friendship groups have developed in the squad now which is great to see, but the biggest factor of all is that they have got to be behind each other'...

Chesterfield complete their pre-season schedule with a trip to National League North side Boston United this Friday... 'I think Boston will cause us a lot of problems on the night, probably different problems to what we had against Bradford and it is up to our lads to navigate those waters'">

One club which has already signed an Altrincham player this summer is Southend United where the slub now is "deighted to announce four youngsters have committed their futures by signing new contracts at the club.

Goalkeeper Collin Andeng Ndi, defender Tommy Davis and midfielders Oli Coker and Jon Benton have all put pen to paper with:

• Andeng-Ndi - 2 years + club option
• Coker - 2 years + club option
• Benton - 1 year + club option
• Davis - 1 year + club option

Andeng Ndi made his debut in the Buildbase FA Trophy last season... Coker and Benton have also made first team debuts for the club, Oli’s coming two years ago in the EFL Trophy and Jon’s against Weymouth in the National League...

Tall centre back Davis continues to impress the coaching staff in pre-season after spending valuable time on loan with Heybridge Swifts and Welling United during part of last season".

The Nottingham Post reports that "Notts County boss Luke Williams is "confident" that the club will be able to keep star man Ruben Rodrigues despite revealing that 'a number of substantial offers' had been made for the forward.

The 25 year-old Portuguese ace produced a man of the match performance against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening. He was simply untouchable during his 80-minute performance at Meadow Lane on Tuesday evening, grabbing an exquisite assist for Macauley Langstaff... His movement across the pitch was also key in Magpies' second goal...

But with that performance, comes interest, with Notts fans knowing that feeling all too well after recently losing winger Cal Roberts to Aberdeen earlier this week, whilst also losing joint-top scorer Kyle Wootton to Stockport County earlier in the window...

Williams was confident that the club can keep Rodrigues at the club for the upcoming season... 'Ruben I thought was excellent at times, I think he could have played for them to be quite honest,' said Williams.

'I'm confident he will stay, but of course there is going to be interest... 'He knows he is at a club where he's valued very highly, his team-mates think the world of him, the fans adore him, so you have to be careful when you trade that'...

Rodrigues's contract expires next summer and the Magpies could end up losing him on a free transfer, but potential promotion back to the Football League could entice the Portuguese midfielder to sign a new deal at Meadow Lane...

Williams has confirmed 'we have had a number of substantial offers for Ruben. But of those offers, it is nothing that can blow this football club out of the water, and be impossible for him to walk away from'">

"FC Halifax Town have completed the signing of striker Rob Harker from Burnley" reports the Halifax Courier

"Striker Harker, 22, moved across the North West to join Burnley in July 2018, signing from Bury FC.

Physically strong, he signed for the Clarets having come through the academy ranks at Gigg Lane... He then spent the second half of the 2019/20 campaign on loan with then-National League side Hartlepool United, failing to score in seven appearances...

The frontman had been captaining the [Burnley u-23] side at the beginning of last season before suffering an early injury setback... [for] seven months".

BIG NAMES FACED ALTY

The Stoke Sentinel reports that "New recruits Dwight Gayle and Will Smallbone have both scored their first goals for Stoke City.

Striker and midfielder were selected to play for Stoke City under-21s as they defeated National League side Altrincham 5-1 this afternoon.

The friendly took place behind-closed-doors at Clayton Wood as the Potters came back from a goal down. Several first team players were handed minutes in addition to Gayle and Smallbone, who arrived from Newcastle United and Southampton (loan) respectively last week.

Emre Tezgel, D'Margio Wright-Phillips and Jack Griffiths also got on the scoresheet for the Potters".

Footnote: Alty have, of course, faced Dwight Gayle previously. As long as a decade ago he scored for Bishop's Stortford when they won at Moss Lane in 2012. But he also had a penaty saved by Stuart Coburn in that game.

STOKE CITY XI 5-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham lined up as follows: Byrne, Roxburgh, Baines, Mullarkey, Brockbank, Osborne, Pugh (trialist, see below), Pringle, Conn-Clarke, Colclough, Hulme.

Trialist Tom Pugh (right) was released by Scunthorpe United at the end of last season, having made his debut in the EFL Trophy in 2018. However, after signing a contract for last season, he missed the last few months of the campaign with an injury sustained in February 2022 by a challenge which earned him a second yellow-card.

At the time, the BBC reported that "Scunthorpe midfielder Tom Pugh is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury that requires surgery.

The Wales Under-21 international picked up the injury making a tackle in their League Two win over Walsall, for which he received a second yellow card.

Pugh, 21, is an Iron academy graduate who has made 28 appearances for the club in all competitions this season".

Pugh played for Alty as an unnamed trialist last Saturday against Stockport when he was deployed as a substitute. He was on the field for the last fifteen minutes and picked up the only booking of the match.

In the match at Stoke, loanee Chris Conn-Clarke put Altrincham ahead with a fine shot from 20-plus yards, only for Stoke to level the score soon afterwards.

Half-time was reached with the score one apiece. Roxburgh and Brockbank were replaced by two trialists in the second half whilst Stoke made multiple changes.

The hosts took the lead after nine minutes of the second half when a low ball was played into the goalmouth and, although Byrne blocked an initial attempt, and a defender halted a follow-up, a Stoke man netted from close range.

Stoke went 3-1 up in 57 minutes and two minutes later it was 4-1 as Alty conceded three times in a short spell.

With Alty 4-1 down, Alty had Dinanga, Cooper and a number of trialists on the pitch and only Byrne, Pugh, Conn-Clarke and Colclough remained from the starters.

Next, Academy players Morton, Hussain and Gould replaced Conn-Clarke, Colclough and Byrne. And then Pugh was replaced by Rodgers-Morris as Stoke added a fifth.

NEXT GAME

ALTY OLD BOYS

John Johnston scored Guiseley's third goal as they enjoyed another good pre-season result, beating Darlington 3-0.

ALTY FC SUMMER FESTIVAL

During the meet and greet, players from both teams will be giving out autographs.

Fans can also enjoy a visit to our retail shop throughout the day.

Summer festival schedule:

• Thu July 28 Alty FC open day 4-6pm – Meet the teams (men’s & women's first teams), player autographs, and retail shop open
• Sat July 30 Manchester United XI -

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

But speaking to North Wales Live, Parkinson said there was no truth in the rumours... The Dragons have only recently returned home after spending a week over in Spain...

The Reds faced Spanish side CD Leganes and Nottingham Forest Under 21s at the Hotel de Golf Campoamor resort in south-east Spain. Parkinson's men fell to a 2-0 defeat against the Segunda División side before earning a 1-1 draw against Forest.

Parkinson... did insist that he and the club were working hard to bring in more additions".

Yeovil Town "welcome Phil Osborn to our coaching staff as our first team goalkeeping coach.

Osborn began his coaching career as part of Plymouth’s academy... before moving across Devon to join Torquay United... with his goalkeeper Lucas Covolan even scoring...

After parting ways with the Gulls at the start of last season, Osborn worked with Tiverton Town... Osborn now ventures to Somerset, as a member of the new-look Yeovil Town coaching staff!"

At Oldham Athletic, "Nathan Sheron believes it is important that Latics do everything to hit the ground running when the new campaign begins in a fortnight.

The 24 year-old, who arrived at Boundary Park in the summer from Harrogate... completed the game in the centre of the defence {against Mansfield] after operating at the back and in midfield during previous games...

'We’re three weeks into pre-season and... things have been going well in training...

'It was a frustrating afternoon today [they lost tp The Stags]... It was disappointing that we let our standards drop'...

After starting out as a youngster at Liverpool, Sheron made his breakthrough into senior football at Fleetwood. He became a regular in the Harrogate team as last season progressed".

Solihull Moors "announce the signing of midfielder Callum Whelan on a one-year contract.

The 23 year-old has spent the last few weeks on trial with the Moors, playing in three pre-season friendlies and scoring in his first of those... Whelan began his career at Manchester United and spent a total of 12 years at Old Trafford, which included a brief loan spell with Port Vale...

In 2019, Whelan signed for Watford and made his professional debut... The midfielder was snapped up by Oldham Athletic following a short trial period in August 2020 and went on to make over 70 appearances for the Latics...

Whelan said... 'I wanted to sign a contract, I wanted to be here. I’d heard a lot about the club before I came on trial'...

Manager Neal Ardley added 'Callum has trained and played with us for three weeks now and impressed us with his technical abilities and clever play'">

26 July 2022

DEREK WILSHAW R.I.P.

He was first involved with the club's operations more than 25 years ago when, at his wife Ann's suggestion, he became the person who staffed the front door of the club on matchdays. Here he was the face of the Football Club, welcoming visiting teams, match officials and others to the stadium.

Ann had already been involved with the club as she provided secretarial services to former manager Graham Heathcote.

Derek's voluntary work developed into a more administrative role, culminating in his membership of the Board and his Club Secretary role.

A man of excellent dry humour, Derek was known to thousands of Altrincham supporters over the years and he will be sadly missed by all. We extend our condolences to Ann and to his family at this sad time.

PHIL BELL R.I.P.

As well as being a popular figure in the Golf Road End at Moss Lane, Phil was also a regular attendee at away matches, often travelling on the supporters' coach, where he habitually occupied the front seat behind the driver.

A friendly and knowledgable man, Phil was also a keen follower of cricket and he will be missed by so many people at the JDS as well as by his family and non-footballing friends. Our deepest sympathy is extended to them all.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

The date remains the same, July 26th, but the game will now be staged at Stoke's Clayton Wood training ground and Academy centre, rather than The J.Davidson Stadium, and will kick-off at 3pm, instead of 7.45pm.

In addition, it has been agreed that the match will now be played behind closed doors... Full coverage will be provided by Radio Robins, subject to permission being granted by Stoke."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Spireites dominated large periods of the game and got their rewards in the second-half thanks to a brace from Joe Quigley before Liam Mandeville added a third...

Hughes said 'We were not very good today. Credit to Chesterfield, I thought they were a lot better than we were... They were better on the front foot and at anticipating things. We have to match teams’ physicality...

'They were very good at pressing which caused us problems'".

Boreham Wood tell us that "An own goal from Connor Essam and a strike from Femi Ilesmani either side of half time saw the Wood come out with a 2-2 stalemate against National League South side Dartford, cancelling out early goals from Maxwell Statham and a Trialist.

There was nothing much to separate the two sides during the opening stages, but it was certainly Dartford who looked more effective in possession. An early lead was secured through Statham... This would soon be doubled less than 15 minutes later... The Wood controlled much of the half though and were rewarded for their persistence, when Essam powered George Williams’s delivery into his own net on 35 minutes. This sparked a resurgence in the second half, and Ilesamni made their dominance count... firing a low strike beyond Dan Wilks and into the far corner...

The Wood continued to dominate proceedings as the game reached the final ten minutes...

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Kelly-Evans, Ricketts, Evans (Ilesamni 60’), Stephens, Egan (Rees 60’), Ndlovu (Marsh 60’), Fyfield, Elliott (Newton 60’), Lewis, Williams. Subs Not Used: Murphy, Joyce

Also from Boreham Wood we read that "Boreham Wood FC are delighted to announce the arrival of midfielder Zak Brunt... on a season-long loan from Championship outfit Sheffield United... The 20-year-old play making midfield player now arrives at Meadow Park with previous National League experience having spent time on loan at Southend United and Notts County last season.

In addition to his senior experience with the Shrimpers and the Magpies at the top tier of Non-League football, Zak also has two senior Blades appearances to his name in the EFL Cup".

According to the Nottingham Post "Notts County winger Cal Roberts has joined Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee, the club have confirmed.

The 25 year-old moves to the Scottish Premiership side after two seasons with the Magpies. In that time he made 52 league appearances, scoring 20 goals, after arriving from non-league side Blyth Spartans.

Aberdeen met Notts' valuation of the Newcastle-born forward over the weekend and Roberts has now completed his move north of the border. His departure will come as a blow to the Magpies, who have already bolstered their attacking ranks with the additions of Macaulay Longstaff and Cedwyn Scott this summer.

A statement released by the Notts County board of directors said that [after] 'extending his deal until the end of the 2022-23 season... we have rejected a number of bids from several clubs for his services. However... what Aberdeen have been able to offer both us and Callum, who departs to play top-flight football with the potential to compete in Europe in future seasons, leaves us in no doubt that the correct decision has been reached'".

Eastleigh "announce the signing of defender, Corey Panter, following his departure from Luton Town FC.

The 21 year-old joins the Spitfires following a successful trial period at the club and becomes Lee Bradbury’s eighth new signing of the summer window.

Panter is a product of Luton’s academy, having spent over ten years in the Hatters’ set-up...

Panter said... 'I came into my trial period with open eyes, the standard in games and training has been good... [I'm] confident on the ball, but I don’t mind putting a tackle in. I always try to be aggressive when defending'...

Eastleigh Manager, Lee Bradbury, added... 'Corey impressed us massively since the first day he arrived as a trialist in pre-season. He’s going to add some extra pace, energy, and versatility to the defence for us'".

Dorking Wanderers "lost their second game of pre-season as Mole Valley rivals Leatherhead won the Surrey Advertiser Trophy at Fetcham Grove.

Jordan Cheadle, Callum Kennedy, Ed Harris and Alfie Rutherford were all back in the squad for today's game...

Muitt was starting to get involved... and assisted Wanderers taking the lead in the 12th minute...[through] Seager... Unfortunately Muitt picked up a knock and had to be substituted approaching midway through the half, Nicky Wheeler coming on as his replacement... Marc White confirmed post-match that Muitt had suffered a groin injury and would now likely miss the start of the league campaign.

Bobby-Joe Taylor doubled Wanderers lead... Wanderers dominated play for the majority of the first-half, but... Leatherhead... pulled a goal back just past the half-hour mark...

Marc White explored his tactical options by opting for a back four after the restart, with Rutherford playing as lone striker... Within five minutes of the restart, 'The Tanners' equalised...

'The Tanners' man of the match Tarpey would play a key role in his side grabbing a third goal with just under a quarter of an hour remaining...

Naturally Wanderers raised their tempo in response to being behind for the first time in the game, but couldn't find a way back...

Wanderers 1st Half XI: Huk, Fuller, Gallagher, Cheadle; Muitt (Wheeler 18'), Jebb, J Taylor, McShane, BJ Taylor; Rutherford, Seager".

Southend United "announce the signing of Chris Wreh. The striker has penned a one-year deal which includes a club option.

Wreh joins following a successful trial with Blues... The 25-year-old was in prolific form for his former club Banbury United last season, scoring 23 goal...

On his seventh signing, Head Coach Kevin Maher said... 'He’s a strong boy and there’s plenty of room for improvement. He’s jumping up a couple of leagues, but we think the potential is there to be a good striker;...

Wreh, the son of the former AS Monaco, Arsenal and Liberia international striker, added 'Since I’ve come in the training has been very intense and I’m just very happy to sign now... I had a rocky beginning to my career but I’m at the right age now where I’m more mature'".

25 July 2022

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Four were making full debuts after joining in the summer (Oliver Byrne, Liam Brockbank, Aidan Roxburgh, Lewis Baines) whilst a further three were making second debuts (Josh Lundstram and Chris Conn-Clark had both previously been loanees, and Jordan Hulme was arguably making a third debut, having been an Alty player then a loanee last season, and now an employee once again).

The four totally "new" faces at Moss Lane were curiously all in the club's defence; goalkeeper Ollie Byrne, right-back Aidan Roxburgh, left-back Liam Brockbank and centre-back Lewis Baines.

Above: Alty's back four at the start of Saturday's match against Stockport included three new faces. Here we see, left to right Aidan Roxburgh, Toby Mullarkey, Lewis Baines and Liam Brockbank, with Mullarkey the only one who was at the club last season.

ALTRINCHAM 0-2 STOCKPORT COUNTY

At Altrincham FC, John Edwards writes that "There are times when you have to doff your cap and admit the opposition were too good, and it was just such an occasion against Vanarama National League champions Stockport County at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday...

Right: Ollie Byrne had an impressive first start at the J Davidson Stadium.

They were on the front foot from the first whistle, with that familiar combination of quick movement and passing and harrying the opposition when they didn’t have possession...

Alty fans... were rightly up in arms about the validity of County’s 12th minute opener. One of the referee’s many shortcomings on the day was somehow failing to see or at least failing to act on a series of aerial challenges by County defenders that entailed tearing the shirt of their opponent’s back.

Either way, it was inexcusable for an official placed in charge of such a fixture... When the ball was played forward, a goal-line clearance by Elliot Osborne looked to have saved the day until, in the scramble that followed, the referee’s whistle sounded and he pointed towards the spot.

For a second or two, the decision was unclear, even to the players, let alone spectators, until it dawned on a disbelieving Alty side that a penalty had been given, presumably for the ball brushing an arm from point-blank range as the Robins eventually cleared their lines.

When the protests died down, Paddy Madden stepped forward to despatch the kick low to his left...

Alty found themselves further behind with a set-piece goal...

Substitute Ollie Byrne capped an assured performance with an exceptional reflex save in the 52nd minute, reacting brilliantly to keep out a close-range header from Kyle Wootton...

Osborne was industrious, doing his best to wrest some of the initiative from the visitors, but the pick of the bunch, from an Alty perspective, had to be Josh Lundstram."

ALTY OLD BOYS

Joel Senior was not in Carlisle United's squad at Morecambe and James Jones did not feature for Barrow in their home defeat by Salford.

However, Kyle Ferguson was a 72nd minute substitute for Harrogate Town at Gateshead.

Elsewhere, Warrington Town beat AFC Telford United 3-1 with Tom Hannigan allegedly at fault for the visitors' goal but appears to have had a good game.

Andy White and Sean Wiliams also started for Warrington. However, they have now cancelled their planned midweek friendly at Nantwich Town due to "Covid, knocks and niggles".

Meanwhile, Nantwich won 2-0 at Caernarfon with A-Jay Leitch-Smith scoring the clinching second goal.

Salford City confir that several ex-Alty players or loanees are in the Ammies' Elite Development Suqad for 2022/3 saying that "Retained from last year we have Joel Torrance, James Melhado, Kevin Berkoe...

There have also been... new arrivals to the EDS...

Our third EDS arrival is midfielder Adam Porter, who has signed after being released by Championship side Stoke City in the summer. The 20-year-old... spent time on loan at Altrincham in the National League".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The new LED fittings replace the previous lamps which, having been installed in 2014, were reaching the end of their lifespan.

This investment introduces technology used at top-class football venues such as Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena and Rotherham’s New York Stadium, a host ground for this summer’s Women's European Championships, and carries several benefits for the club including:

• Reduced electricity charges
• Minimal maintenance costs
• Brighter white light with reduced glare
• Reduced carbon footprint.

The Southend Echo reports that "Southend United are still in transfer talks with trialist striker Chris Wreh.

The former Banbury United forward has scored twice in three pre-season friendlies for Blues... Boss Kevin Maher has not ruled out the striker signing on a permanent basis.

'Something may happen with Chris Wreh but he wasn’t available to play for us today,' said Maher.

'The start of next week might be possible and we’ll have a look at that.'

However, trialist striker Ibby Akanbi and winger Maxime Addo will not be offered deals by Blues.".

Also from the Southend Echo we learn that "Kevin Maher felt Southend United are another step towards being ready for the start of the season following Saturday’s pre-season clash with Gillingham.

A second half header from Mikael Mandron saw the Shrimpers suffer a 1-0 defeat at Roots Hall...

'It’s another step towards being ready for the start of the season'... said Maher.

'We know the areas we’re looking for but I’m pleased with the work-out against a team in the league above and in the first half I thought we were good'.

However... Maher is still on the look out for another striker...

Said Maher, 'Harry Cardwell is out and so is Murph (Rhys Murphy) so it’s that area we’re in short in.'"

24 July 2022

ALTRINCHAM 0-2 STOCKPORT COUNTY

Above: Alty leave the field at half-time. Left to right, Toby Mullarkey, Lewis Baines, Elliot Osborne and Liam Brockbank

Watched by 2,119 spectators of whom almost exactly a half came from Stockport, Altrincham lost their first home friendly of the summer. They fell behind to a twelfth-minute penalty awarded, rather harshly, for handball. Madden netted from the spot though Gould almost kept it out.

The lead was doubled by Horsfall's unmarked back-post header from a corner just ten minutes later. It looked as if Alty would be in for a drubbling at that stage but they got to half-time without further mishap.

The second half, during which Alty deployed eight substitutes, was goalless but Alty scarcely troubled Hinchliffe in the County goal throughout the afternoon. Lundstram was arguably Alty's man of the match.

Match report here.

Right: Chris Conn-Clark made a second debut for Alty on loan from Fleetwood Town.

ALTRINCHAM: Gould, Roxburgh, Brockbank, Mullarkey, Baines, Lundstram, Osborne, Conn-Clarke, Hulme, Gribbin (trialist), Colclough. Used subs: Byrne, Cooper, Pringle, Jackson, Dinanga, and three trialists.

SQUAD NUMBERS

1. Oliver BYRNE, 3. Liam BROCKBANK, 4. Isaac MARRIOTT, 5. Toby MULLARKEY (vice-captain), 6. Lewis BAINES, 7. Matty KOSYLO, 8. Josh LUNDSTRAM, 9. Jordan HULME (capt), 10. Elliot OSBORNE, 11. Ryan COLCLOUGH, 12. Amaar HUSSAIN, 14. Ryan MORTON, 15. Joe COONEY, 17. Brad JACKSON, 18. Ben PRINGLE, 19. Jayden MATTHEW, 20. Aidan ROXBURGH, 21. Matthew GOULD, 22. Ross BARROWS, 23. Jake COOPER, 25. Harlan RODGERS MORRIS, TBS Ryan FORDE.

They have also updated some of their backroom staff, with either new names and/or amended job titles...

• Sports therapists: Jake Cunningham, Thomas Cadmore
• Strength & conditioning coach: Matthew Fox
• Kit man: Steven Foster
• Assistant kit man: John Skelhorn

NEXT GAMES

• Tuesday 23 July 2022, v STOKE CITY U-23 (Away) 3pm
• Saturday 30 July 2022 v MANCHESTER UNITED XI (Home) 3pm

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Blades made the tough decision to cut ties with the youngster at the end of last season...

[Halifax] have been in the hunt for a new attacker following current forward Jamie Allen’s decision to join reality TV show Love Island.

Capello, 20, has risen up through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane and was handed his first professional deal back in 2020 whilst Sheffield United were in the Premier League.

The Belize international never made a senior appearance for the Blades and was shipped out on loan to National League North side Blyth Spartans during the last campaign... He went on to play 12 times for the North East club and chipped in with a single goal."

And the Halifax Courier adds that "FC Halifax Town lost 2-1 in their pre-season friendly at Farsley Celtic.

Town took the lead through a Matty Warburton penalty after 29 minutes when Mani Dierseruvwe was fouled in the penalty box.

But Farsley equalised before half-time through a penalty from Frank Mulhern.

The hosts then scored the winner in the 82nd minute when Ouisney Juwara capitalised on a mistake in the Halifax defence.

Kian Spence didn't play in the game due to an injury, while Jesse Debrah was also absent due to illness.

Halifax team: Johnson, Golden, Keane, Triallist, Stott, Summerfield, Warburton, Cooke, Slew, Triallist, Dierseruvwe. Subs: Hunter, Gilmour, Smart, Capello, Triallist, Triallist, Alli, Senior".

The Southend Echo explains that "Southend United winger Dan Mooney missed Saturday’s pre-season clash against Gillingham due to a slight knee problem.

Mooney has scored four goals in three warm up fixtures so far this summer. But Blues boss Kevin Maher opted not to risk the 23-year-old at Roots Hall.

'He landed awkwardly on his knee in the game the other night,' said Maher. 'He trained yesterday and was OK but it felt a bit tight.

'He wasn’t going to play anyway today, he was going to be on the bench and we didn’t want to take any risks but he’ll be ready for next week.'

Centre-back Louis Lomas was again also absent with a thigh problem while right-back Gus Scott-Morriss has yet to recover from a hamstring injury."

And the Echo adds that "Southend United boss Kevin Maher is looking to bring in a new number two goalkeeper.

QPR shot-stopper Murphy Mahoney played the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Gillingham at Roots Hall...

'I’m looking for a number two goalkeeper who is going to push Arnie (Steve Arnold) and that would allow to get Collin Andeng Ndi out on loan to develop,' said Maher.

'I’ve been here before when we’ve had good keepers... who have been number twos and not played football. For Collin’s development I think it would be good for him to get games but I’ll only allow that if we get someone in'".

23 July 2022

MATCHDAY ARRANGEMENTS

They include the following...

"You will note there remains some areas that are cordoned off by scaffolding or netting for your safety which we kindly ask all supporters to stay clear of. Similarly, you will see developments around the Fan Zone but this remains out of bounds as development has restarted there. We thank all fans for respecting those areas along with any instructions from the stewarding team.

Will the club shop be open and will there be a programme? Unfortunately the answer is no on both counts. The first matchday programme of the season will be published for our opening league game in two weeks. The Puma merchandise has been shipped to the club and is available for pre-order now".

Altrincham FC has also updated supporters on its proposed FanZone development.

ALTRINCHAM v STOCKPORT COUNTY

The previous four matches this summer, all away from home, have resulted as follows:

• Sat.9.7.22 12pm A West Didsbury & Chorlton 0-2
• Sat.9.7.22 3.30pm A Wythenshawe Town 2-2 (Dinanga, Barrows)
• Tue.12.7.22 7.45pm A Trafford 2-0 (Modi, Butler)
• Sat.16.7.22 3pm A Isle of Man 5-1 (Hulme, Gribbin, Pringle, Osborne, Dinanga)

Whilst they look forward to their return to League Two, Stockport County report that, off the field, "Unfortunately, we have been significantly let down by our kit provider, Puma, in the delivery of kits ahead of the new season. It has recently come to light that their shipping partner has mislaid part of the shipment due to be delivered and, as a result, we are unable to fulfil a number of orders placed by fans whilst they try to locate it.

In the event that the lost shipment cannot be located, we will unfortunately have to wait until the next kit delivery is due to arrive with the Club".

Puma is also the official kit supplier to Altrincham but as mentioned above the club's supplies seemingly have not been "mislaid" by the company.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 34 year-old made the move to Nottingham whilst County were still in League Two... Three-and-a-half years on, the historic club are set to enter their fourth consecutive season in the fifth tier, having finished third and fifth twice in the past three campaigns...

'We’ve just had heartache at every turn,' the veteran midfielder told the club's YouTube channel. .. 'After the Grimsby game I don’t think I spoke to anyone for about three days, just in my bed doing my own thing. Curtains were shut. I think we’ve got to use that to drive us forward...

'People in the office, the supporters, the ground staff, people that work around the club and put everything into supporting this club, doing the tough shifts everyday and we know how much the club means to those people and your mind goes there first and you feel as though you’ve let them down...

'In terms of the club it’s in a much better position than when I first arrived. I mean when I first arrived at the training ground we were using other gyms round about the local area. We’ve got all that now, we’ve got all that here.

'It’s certainly a great set up to build on and go forwards... We all know how well the club’s run now in terms of the way it was night and day. It’s going in the right direction'".

According to the Maidenhead Advertiser "Maidenhead United have made an encouraging start to pre-season, winning four of their five matches to date, however, Alan Devonshire... is urging his players not to let their standards slip or become complacent...

United have lost just one of their five pre-season matches so far, a 4-0 defeat to a Reading FC side packed with Premier League and Championship level experience last week. But they bounced back in fine style with a 1-0 win over Brentford's B side at York Road on Saturday... New signing Temi Eweka grabbed the game's only goal...

Then, on Wednesday, the Magpies emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller, beating... Potters Bar Town, 4-3.

Prior to these matches, the Magpies kicked off their pre-season preparations with a couple of thumping wins, and a glut of goals, as the beat Holyport 7-0 and Binfield 4-1... They will now turn their attention to National League South side Hungerford Town on Saturday...

Devonshire also admitted he remains apprehensive about the new season and whether they’ve done enough in the transfer market to ensure another positive season... 'We played well against Brentford, and we got a clean sheet, but the result doesn’t mean anything right now... I want to see who’s ready and who’s not for the new season...

'Devonshire added...'We’re apprehensive [about the new season] because we want to know we’ve got it right with recruitment and things like that. But we always look forward to the new season mostly. We don’t know [if there will be any more signings]. It all depends really on what happens with certain players in the squad and their current injuries etc... but we’re not really planning anything at the moment...

'We’ve been in the National League for five or six years now. We’ve done great to consolidate ourselves in the division and if we can do that again this year, then that would be great. Within two years we will be in the new ground so hopefully we can push on after that.'"

And the Maidenhead Advertiser also reports that "Maidenhead United striker Josh Kelly has left the club to join fellow National League side Solihull Moors for an undisclosed fee.

The 23 year-old has made a big impact since breaking into Alan Devonshire’s side from the club’s academy system. He scored 17 goals in all competitions last season...

He will now play full-time football at Moors...

Devonshire said 'We are obviously gutted to lose Josh and had hoped he would stay for the final year of his contract, but he wanted a new challenge and the opportunity for football time football, so we had to make the difficult decision to let him go'.

Kelly made 127 appearances for the Magpies between 2018 and 2022, scoring 27 goals".

Solihull Moors add that "The 23-year-old arrives on a three-year contract, with the Moors paying an undisclosed fee...

With the Golden Boot, Manager’s Player and Players’ Player, Kelly cleaned up at the Magpies’ 2022/23 End of Season awards...

Kelly said 'This is something I’ve been looking forward to and I’m glad it’s done now... Coming into a full-time set-up is definitely going to help me, especially with the team here'...

Manager Neal Ardley added... 'Josh has been a player that we’ve had to be patient with as there were several clubs in for him and interest from the EFL after his outstanding season last time out'".

CONN-CLARKE RETURNS TO ALTY

The "Fleetwood attacker agreed a second loan spell with the Robins... Chris will be with us until early January... after the club confirmed yesterday that Matty Kosylo underwent successful knee surgery at the start of the week and faces a lengthy lay-off.

Like Matty, Chris is a versatile attacking midfielder who relishes running at defenders and is adept at filling the number 10 role.

Though his initial loan was curtailed by injury in only his second appearance, he made such an impact on his debut against Woking, winning an early penalty and constantly turning close-markers, that Alty have closely monitored his return to action in recent weeks...

‘It’s great to be back with Alty, and I feel I have unfinished business after my last spell here was cut short like that. I’m raring to go... I’ve met all the lads just now;some familiar from last time, some new faces. and I can’t wait to get stuck in'" said Conn-Clarke.

Footnote: Christopher Conn-Clarke originally joined Altrincham on a one-month loan from Fleetwood Town, announced on 3 February 2022. He started out at Linfield and then Glentoran in his native Northern Ireland before joining Burnley in 2018. He played twice during a loan spell with Chorley from October 2020 before joining Fleetwood Town in February 2021.

The Lancashire club extended his initial contract to the end of the 2022-23 season. He made his EFL debut for Fleetwood in September 2021 and has played for Northern Ireland's under 17s, 19s and 21s.

Chris made a promising Altrincham debut, in a no.10 role, on 5 February 2022 against Woking. But early in his second game, at King's Lynn, a foul tackle led to his being stretchered off and the extent of the injury meant that his loan was curtailed, as was announced on 15 February 2022".

TOBY MULLARKEY INTERVIEWED

NEXT GAME: STOCKPORT COUNTY

Alty lost 5-1 at Edgeley Park last Boxing Day and fared only slightly better in the return fixture when the visitors won 4-1 at Moss Lane.

One player who won't be facing Alty this time is the subject of a report from Stockport County which tells us that "Ben Whitfield has eft the Club in order to join League 2 side Barrow AFC on a two-year-deal.

The 26 year-old joined County last summer from Torquay United, enjoying a fine start to life at Edgeley Park before suffering an unfortunate injury that disrupted his season... He made 19 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 season, scoring three times...

He now joins fellow League Two side Barrow on a free transfer, with the Club retaining a sell-on fee as part of the deal...

Manager Dave Challinor said... 'He had two really unfortunate injuries, the first in the act of scoring in my first game at Bolton and a niggle in returning from that fractured metatarsal. He worked his socks off to get back fit but found the team in really good form and couldn’t force his way in'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 56 year-old, who is now entering his 10th season as owner, says... 'People think they're lots of millionaires out there ready to put money into football club's but that's certainly not the case... Me stepping down was really a prequel to going out there to try and find a buyer who can come in and buy everything, which is still the main aim. I don't want to stay where I am not wanted, that's fine I understand that, but its not easy...

'I've been working with a group now for quite a few months and we've agreed a price. We are now waiting for the owner's and directors test to come back and once that does and it all goes the same way it shouldn't take too long to sort.'

With Chief Operating Officer Lee Turnbull now overseeing all commercial operations at the football club, the Iron have recruited well ...

Elliot Whitehouse and Jacob Butterfield have been brought in to bolster the midfield with ex-defender Andrew Boyce also returning to the club for a second spell... Local producer and entrepreneur Ian Sharp had been a name linked with interest in purchasing the club, with excitement gathering following a tweet posted of the side's crest back in April of this year".

In the Southend Echo, "Maidenhaead boss Alan Devonshire says Josh Kelly will not be joining Southend United.

The Shrimpers are keen on signing the 23 year-old who scored 17 goals for Maidenhead last season.

But Magpies manager Devonshire has told the Maidenhead Advertiser Kelly, who is also wanted by Solihull Moors, will not sign for Southend.

The Shrimpers are keen to bolster their forward options with Rhys Murphy and Harry Cardwell both set to miss the start of the season with injuries.

Callum Powell and Sam Dalby are currently the available senior striking options in the Southend squad although forwards Chris Wreh and Ibby Akanbi are both currently on trial at Roots Hall".

In the Daily Post, "Wrexham AFC boss Phil Parkinson was pleased with his side's performance as they fell to defeat against second-tier Spanish opposition. The Dragons lost 2-0 to CD Leganés but put in a decent performance in the searing Spanish heat.

Wrexham are currently staying in the south-east of Spain as part of a pre-season training camp. They will face Nottingham Forest under-23s at the same venue, the Hotel de Golf Campoamor, this Saturday.

Parkinson admitted that whilst happy with his side's performance, he still wants to bring in some more reinforcements... Parkinson said 'The first half was even, second half they got a penalty and we made wholesale changes so it became a bit disjointed. But in terms of playing against a high-quality team in testing conditions, it was a great workout for the group'..

He said 'I think the depth of the squad isn't where we need it to be; we've got to be honest about that. The quality we've got is great but we need more of that, we're trying everything we can to improve that... The deals are proving difficult to get completed'".

The Derbyshire Times reports that "Speedy winger Jesurun Uchegbulam is set to sign for Chesterfield from neighbours Matlock Town.

The young wideman, who is a fan favourite at the Northern Premier League Gladiators, scoring nine goals last season, will become the Spireites’ 11th summer addition. He impressed against the Blues in a pre-season friendly last Saturday.

Born in Nigeria, Uchegbulam grew up in Italy until his mid-teenage years before moving to the UK. He was at AC Milan until he was nine-years-old.

After moving to England, he signed for non-league clubs Stockport Town and Mossley. He has previously had trials at Sheffield Wednesday, Wigan Athletic and Salford City.

Uchegbulam signed for Matlock in May 2021, with manager Paul Phillips saying at the time... 'He’s someone that will excite the crowd, offering us a different dimension with the way he can go past players. He’s the type of lad who can do what he wants, he’ll bring us goals, he’ll offer lightning pace... and there’s also adaptability for he can play as a number 7, 9, 10 or 11'...

Former Matlock assistant manager, Dave Wild... told The Star in 2019 'He’s a wide midfielder, he’s old school in his style of play. His pace is frightening, he’s got a good frame on him and he loves to beat people. He’s got the skills to be developed into a centre-forward or down the middle, I think'".

K.O. FOR KOSYLO

Press Officer, John Edwards, writes, "The 29-year old forward, an integral part of manager Phil Parkinson’s squad since arriving from AFC Fylde in the summer of 2020, had the misfortune to pick up the injury while running soon after the start of pre-season.

After being examined by a specialist, it was decided surgery would be needed, and it took place earlier this week... Matty took to social media to hail the operation a success, though he will now face a lengthy spell on the sidelines...

In the meantime, the club have already launched moves to make up for his absence, and it is hoped there may be news of an incoming loan signing in the next few days.

NEXT FRIENDLY: STOCKPORT COUNTY

The signs are that Stockport will have a huge support behind them...

'Pre-season has been going really well, with signs of improvement game-on-game, and now we’re all relishing stepping out at The J.Davidson for the first time for what is sure to be a tough challenge against a Stockport side who are flying... It would be great to see the ground packed with Alty fans...

'Pre-season is important for making sure we are in the best possible shape for the new campaign, and we want to make the most of each game. It may be classed as a friendly, but it’s Stockport, so we know it’s going to be competitive...

'The players always respond when our fans turn up the volume, and I never tire of saying they are like our 12th man. Everything else is in place; the pitch is looking fantastic and the ground is in great nick after volunteers helped tidy up over the weekend'">

FOYLE CUP PROGRESS FOR ALTY YOUNGSTERS

Altrincham FC report that "Altrincham's youngsters have wasted no time making their mark on the Foyle Cup after flying over to Derry... It's the sixth year that the club have been represented at this prestigious event, and, on this occasion, we have entered both an under-12s' team and a squad of under-15s to under-17s.

It is always a great experience for all the players, both on and off the field, and the opening round of fixtures could scarcely have gone any better for either side. The u-12s announced their arrival in their group with a fantastic performance in their first-ever competitive 11 v 11 game, taking on Rosario on a hot sunny afternoon and running out convincing 4-0 winners. The goals came from Dexter Francis, Billy Sweeny, Louie Skelton and Callum Meppem...

In the under-17s section, Alty beat St Patrick’s Castlederg... keeping possession well and playing through the thirds to rack up an 8-0 scoreline... with the goals being shared between Loui Williams (2), Adam Lynch (2), Tom Jones (2), JJ Kelly and George Raftery".

ALTY OLD BOY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Allen, 27, has played for Halifax Town since 2019, after departing Dover Athletic. The Montserrat international was a first-team regular for Halifax last season, playing in 24 National League matches and scoring one goal.

But Allen will now miss a portion of the club’s pre-season...

Halifax Town said in a short statement... 'Jamie Allen has decided to join the cast of Love Island 2022, making his intentions clear that the opportunity is very important to him. The matter will be reviewed on his return.'”

In the Telegraph & Argus comes news that "Bradford (Park Avenue) finally clicked into gear in pre-season, with a fine 2-0 win over Oldham at Horsfall.

A tough start saw them lose to [Bradford] City 2-0, before it was discovered their West Riding County FA affiliation had not yet come through, meaning they could still be punished by the FA. As a result of that administration issue, their next friendly against Campion was cancelled, before they lost at home to Silsden...

Oldham are in the league above Avenue, but they were not playing their strongest team last night. Even so, there was some real talent in their ranks...

But new Avenue signing Eddie Church looked a real threat up front, and... he opened the scoring after 30 minutes by firing a fierce shot into the far corner.

Sykes-Kenworthy was called into action again soon after, saving from Junior Luamba and Mike Fondop, before Church made it two when he cut inside and cracked an effort into the top corne...

The hosts saw the game out in a quiet second half".

NEXT GAME

ALTY FC SUMMER FESTIVAL

Throughout the festival fans can expect outdoor BBQs, drinks on the terrace and even an Alty FC open day. The open day, which will take place on July 28th between 4-6pm, will allow fans the opportunity to meet with both the men’s and women’s first teams.

During the meet and greet, players from both teams will be giving out autographs.

Fans can also enjoy a visit to our retail shop throughout the day. BBQs and drinks will be available during all our home games during this pre-season, with the opportunity to drink from the terraces during the action.

It all starts with Stockport County FC on July 23rd and finishes on July 30th as we host the Manchester United XI...

Summer festival schedule:

• Sat July 23 Stockport County FC 3pm - Outdoor BBQ and drinks on the terrace
• Thu July 28 Alty FC open day 4-6pm – Meet the teams (men’s & women's first teams), player autographs, and retail shop open
• Sat July 30 Manchester United XI - Outdoor BBQ and drinks on the terrace

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Sheridan says it is a very demanding league in terms of fitness but is hopeful that his side can get off to a winning start.

'We have got a lot of long trips'... he told The Oldham Times. 'It is a difficult start for us, they have got a really experienced manager there. Every game is going to be very difficult, it is a physical league. Fitness wise, lots and lots of teams are very fit so it is going to be a tough season for us, but I do believe we can do well...

'We have got to go down the night before... It is a good test for us first game'...

Hallum Hope was on target against Wigan Athletic over the weekend, and Sheridan is pleased with... 'the first half performance', he added... Several summer signings were in action at the weekend, including Zaine Francis-Angol, Liam Hogan, Chris Porter and Magnus Norman.

The Latics' boss is pleased with the impact that the new recruits have had so far... 'A lot of them are local. Zaine is probably the only one that has come from the south but he lives in Manchester... There are a few of them who are vocal, which I like, and that's going to be an important part of us doing well'.

Latics [were] back in action [on Tuesday] with a trip to Bradford Park Avenue... 'There will be a few younger players getting a bit of game time,' he added. 'It is astroturf, which I didn't know before we arranged the game... Then there is the game against Mansfield, which is going to be a bigger test for us. There were a couple of players missing (against Wigan);Dan Gardner, Lois Maynard, Jordan Clarke.">

Last season Alty started their season with a trip to Plainmoor from where they emerged victorious.

The Derbyshire Times reports that "Spireites assistant manager Danny Webb has eased any concerns about serious injuries in the camp.

Chesterfield had a nightmare with injuries last season...

The likes of George Carline, Jack Clarke, Manny Oyeleke, Danny Rowe and Kabongo Tshimanga were not involved in the squad for the 2-0 win at Matlock Town on Saturday.

Oyeleke is going to be out for a while after having a knee operation... Out-of-contract Carline is aiming to secure himself a new deal, while Clarke played 30 minutes against Rochdale last week.

Tshimanga is back training after his serious injury and Rowe (health issue) had an operation earlier this summer. 'I think Manny will be a bit of a long-termer,' Webb said... 'Danny Rowe hopefully will be sooner than later, Kabs hopefully sooner than later and George Carline hopefully sooner than later'.

He added... 'The gaffer’s pre-season has been really tough, one of the toughest I have seen but without breaking them and pushing them beyond the point of fitness. It is all very well getting them fit but we don’t want fit lads who are on the treatment table.'"

We learn from the Leader Live that "Elliot Lee is looking forward to making up for lost time during Wrexham's pre-season training camp in Spain... in the Alicante region, with friendly matches due to take place on Tuesday and Saturday.

The Reds reported back for pre-season training a fortnight ago, with Lee taking part in his first session a week later after joining Wrexham on a three-year deal following his release by Luton Town... Lee spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Charlton Athletic...

'I am building up my fitness levels,' said Lee, who featured in Saturday's friendly at Nantwich... 'Going to Spain is a really good chance for all the lads to bond well, especially me being new... I am a week behind the lads having come here a week later so it is a good chance for me to get up to speed with the lads'".

Southend United "announce the signing of Wes Fonguck on a two-year deal, with a club option for a third year.

The 25 year-old midfielder makes the move from Barnet for an undisclosed fee. Born in south east London, Fonguck joined the Bees in 2014 and made his debut two years later against Crawley Town in a League Two fixture.

He’s since gone on to play over 150 games for the north London club and previously also represented England C in September 2018, as he became an ever-present in the Barnet side making 42 appearances and scoring eight goals that year.

'He’s someone who can link the midfield to the attack,' said Head Coach Kevin Maher on his new arrival... ' think he will provide something different to the midfield area, and he can play in a wider area at times as well...

'He’s played a lot of games and he’s at an age where we think he can get better'...

On joining, Wes said... 'I played under Darren [Currie] before and that makes things easier. I know his ideas and how he likes to play and the gaffer too sounded very similar, so there was really no reason for me to hesitate.

'I’m more attacking minded, I can play midfield, in the number 10, even out wide on the left. I’m a technical player and like to make things happen, dribbling, passing, just creating things on the pitch'".

Stoke City report that "Will Goodwin has joined National League side Torquay United on loan until January.

The 20-year-old will spend the next few months competing for a place in Gary Johnson’s side.

It’s the second loan move of Goodwin’s time at Stoke City having spent the first half of last season with Hartlepool United".

Gloverscast reports that "Yeovil Town have announced the signing of Chiori Johnson on a one-year deal.

The 24-year old has made starting appearances against both Taunton and Exeter during pre season as a trialist and now puts pen to paper on a contract which will keep the former Arsenal and Torquay man at Huish Park for the upcoming season.

Speaking to YTFC.net,Yeovil manager, Chris Hargreaves said 'Chiori has really stood out and impressed us during his time on trial.

'He boasts a strong background, having spent such a long period of time at an elite club like Arsenal, it has given him a great grounding'".

19 July 2022

NEXT ALTRINCHAM GAME

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Former AFC Bournemouth youngster O’Connell made 28 league appearances for The Gulls last season after joining the Club last summer, however with United having bolstered their squad with a number of new additions recently, Keelan will now be lining up for the Terras instead next term.

'Keelan O’Connell has agreed to join Weymouth on a permanent deal,' confirmed boss Gary Johnson.

'We appreciate his time that he had here at Torquay but both myself and Keelan agreed that he needed to play regular[ly] every week to develop his game.'”

From Leader Live we learn that "Reece Hall-Johnson is set to miss the start of the National League campaign due to a thigh injury.

The wing-back was one of a number of players who was absent when Wrexham kicked off their pre-season programme with a 5-2 win at Nantwich Town on Saturday.

Reds' boss Phil Parkinson named a different side for each half at The Weaver Stadium, with youth graduates and two trialists getting 45 minutes...

Goalkeeper Mark Howard was the only one of the three summer signings to get a run-out as Jordan Tunnicliffe and Elliot Lee sat out the contest...

'Unfortunately Reece got injured at the start of pre-season and he is going to have to have surgery', said Parkinson. 'He has damaged a tendon in his thigh and that is a big blow for us...

'Elliot is a little bit behind in terms of his preparation'... said Parkinson...

Added Parkinson... 'The squad isn't where we want it to be yet and we’ve got work to do on that.'"

We learn from te Maidenhead Advertiser that "The Magpies maintained their impressive pre-season form with a 1-0 victory against a Brentford B team on Saturday afternoon with new signing Temi Eweka notably scoring his first goal for the club...

Magpies ‘keeper [and former Alty trialist] Dan Gyollai [was called] into action after 19 minutes before the linesman raised his flag for offside... Alan Devonshire’s men were much more clinical and, in the 25th minute, Eweka was able to turn the ball into the back of the net from Dan Sparkes’s free kick.

They could have doubled their advantage on several occasions in the opening 45 minutes...

The Magpies continued their intensity in both attack and defence after the break... Josh Kelly found the back of the net only for the referee to blow his whistle for a foul...

Now between the sticks, new signing Alexis Andre Jr kept the Bees out with an incredible reaction save and ensured his new side would finish the game as victors... Eweka [said] 'It was tough, it was hot, and they kept passing it around. But the gaffer said if we kept the clean sheet, we’d go on to win the game and that’s what we done...

'It’s been tough [stepping up from Bracknell Town] and I did a lot of work during the off-season to ready myself for the change... [This is] a lovely club. It’s literally everything I was told about from the gaffer. It’s a family club and very welcoming'".

"have completed the signing of experienced midfielder Jacob Butterfield.

The 32 year-old signs after impressing on trial and reunites with his former Barnsley boss Keith Hill to become our sixth signing of the summer.

Butterfield came through the renowned Manchester United youth academy before joining Barnsley and making over 100 appearances for the Oakwell side.

Permanent spells at Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Huddersfield Town, Derby County and Luton Town followed... Butterfield, who has most recently been at Melbourne Victory in Australia and St Johnstone in Scotland, has also enjoyed loan stints at Bolton Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City in his career to date

18 July 2022

NEXT ALTRINCHAM GAME

Last weekend County took 700 fans to Chorley so they will, no doubt, be well supported at the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

County's recent friendly fixtures have seen them win 2-0, behind closed doors, against Manchester United under-21s and, with a completely different starting eleven, win 5-0 at Chorley.

Against Chorley Stockport County reported that "A goal from Ben Whitfield shortly after the half-hour mark put the Hatters ahead following a first half in which they had been largely dominant, before Scott Quigley, Ollie Crankshaw, Ryan Rydel and young substitute Cody Johnson all added to the haul after the break...

County took to the field... with on-loan goalkeeper Vit Jaros donning the gloves as a Hatter for the first time. Chorley old boy [and Alty ex-loanee] Elliot Newby, who had appeared for the hosting ‘Magpies’ between 2018 and 2021, featured on his old stomping ground.

Off the field, Stockport County report that "Former player James Jennings has been appointed as the Club’s new Head of Professional Player Support.

The newly created role will see JJ offer crucial support to all Stockport County players off the pitch, from 17 year-olds signing their first contract to our seasoned pros, and he will be working closely with both the first-team and the Academy.

James has been heavily involved in all aspects of the Club over the last 12 months since having to retire due to injury, throwing himself into work in all departments to develop a real understanding of everyone’s roles and the demands each area of the Club faces".

ALTY OLD BOYS

"It was one of those mad years" said Sam. "I got a few deflected goals and the gaffer [Chris Rowley] suddenly put his faith in me on free-kicks and penalties... It was just a fantastic team to be part of", as they won the NWCFL Division One title.

Added the 24 year-old, "When I started off coming through the ranks at Altrincham and broke into the first team, it was all a bit too much for me at that age. I'm big enough and old enough now to admit that I wasn't physically or mentally ready for the demands of the Conference.

"I'm a completely different player now. I'd like to think that I'm much more of a leader and that I've been able to refine my game by dropping down a few divisions.

"I'm hopefully on an upward trajectory now and I feel ready to test myself as high as I possibly can".

The Linnets are at Step Four in the NPL Division One West, whilst West Didsbury were promoted to step five for 2022-23.

Leaving "West" has been difficult, "It's bittersweet because I had so much fun last season. West is like one big family and I have genuinely never experienced anything like it in football before.

"It's such a welcoming place and I would recommend anyone in the area to get down there to watch a game because the atmosphere is really special" concluded Sam who is still only 24 years of age.

Elsewhere, Dylan Mottley-Henry conceded a penalty as South Shields lost at home to Barrow in a pre-season friendly. Both Yusifu Ceesay (above right) and Ashley Hemmings scored in Kidderminster Harriers' 5-1 win at Hednesford Town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL NEWS

Akinola had to be taken off just before half-time at Latimer Park... 'It's a muscle injury,' said [manager, Kevin] Maher. 'He felt his hamstring as he was trying to take off to jump. He’s bitterly disappointed but fingers crossed it won’t be as bad as we first feared.

'He was due to play 45 minutes and it happened right before half-time but we will assess it and see how he is.'

Akinola had not played since suffering a serious knee injury against Eastleigh back in October and was not offered a contract by Blues when his previous deal expired at the end of the season".

Wrexham announce that "Following the cancellation of our proposed friendly against the La Guajira Region XI on Tuesday July 19, Wrexham AFC can confirm [that]... despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find new opposition for the game, and will instead now host an in-house practice game at Hotel Golf Campoamor... open to supporters...

Wrexham AFC manager, Phil Parkinson, said 'I’m looking forward to spending time in Spain with the players. I know there’s been disappointment with one of the games getting called off, but that was out of our hands. We have a fantastic training camp ahead and I hope it will benefit us'".

FC ISLE OF MAN 1-5 ALTRINCHAM

Fielding a strong side for this game, Altrincham took a sixth minute lead when captain, Jordan Hulme, got free and lifted the ball over the keeper.

Trialist Callum Gribbin doubled the lead on 40 minutes when he got past Maitland inside the penalty area and his low shot found the net

After 57 minutes sub keeper Kearne's was beaten by a Pringle shot which found the top corner of his net from 18 yards, making it 0-3.

Jacob Cook pulled back a goal from a Crook feed after 77 minutes to reduce the arears to 1-3.

But Alty netted twice in the closing stages. First, an Elliot Osborne curler found the top corner of the home net, before substitute Marcus Dinanga (right) turned well and netted with a firm shot (90+1 mins).

FC ISLE OF MAN 1. Matt Quirk, 2. Karl Clarke, 3. Chris Cannell, 4. Sean Quaye, 5. Alex Maitand, 6. Jack Camarda, 7. Lee Gale, 8. Ronan McDonnell, 9. Furo Davies, 10. Luke Murray, 11. Dab Simpson. Subs: Kearne, Baines, Cooil, Burns, Hoigginbotham, Crook

ALTRINCHAM (All blue) 1. Matt Gould, 2. AIdan Roxburgh, 3. Liam Brockbank, 4. Elliot Osborne, 5. Toby Mullarkey (c), 6. Jake Cooper, 7. Brad Jackson, 8. Josh Lundstram, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 10. Isaac Marriott, 11. Callum Gribbin. Subs: 12. Ben Pringle, 14. Marcus Dinanga, 16. Lewis Baines, 19. Hayden Campbell

ALTY OLD BOYS

Wythenshawe Town keeer Elliott Wynne was at fault as a Warrington Town side won 3-0 at Ericstan Park. Warrington included Tony Thompson and Sean Williams in their starting eleven whilst Andy White played twenty minutes as a substitute. However, two more ex-Robins, Tom Hannigan and Josh Amis, did not feature>

Former Alty trialist Connor Kirby has signed for Buxton.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

AFC Telford United add that "The 22-year old... signs a one-year deal keeping him the New Bucks Head until May 2023

McLintock signed for Halifax in January 2022 having previously been at Alvechurch since October 2020 after impressing for Coleshill Town".

Wrexham report that "Phil Parkinson was pleased to see his Wrexham AFC side make a winning start to pre-season with an entertaining 5-2 victory at Nantwich Town...

The Reds fielded a different XI in either half at the Swansway Stadium, giving the squad vital minutes in preparation for the new campaign, as goals from Aaron Hayden, Trialist A, Kai Evans, Liam McAlinden and Paul Mullin earned the win in front of just under 1,500 fans...

'I was pleased with the workout. I always like coming to Nantwich because the pitch is great and it’s a lovely set-up, so I thought it was a decent first friendly for us...

'Today was just about fitness really and getting minutes under the belt. We thought about playing the senior players in the first half and younger ones in the second half but wanted to integrate the youngsters, in order to give them a chance to shine. I thought they did that; Dan Davies in particular in the first half and Kai Evans in the second...

'Obviously we had a few players that weren’t with us today as well, but that [strength in depth] has got to be the aim... I’m looking forward to spending a week in Spain with the players now...

'Reece Hall-Johnson is unfortunately going to need surgery, and will miss the start of the season. Jordan Tunnicliffe missed today as he's suffering a little tightness... Elliot Lee, meanwhile, is not yet ready. He's further behind the others having only just signed', concluded the manager.

Bromley "announce the signing of defender Reece Hannam, on loan from Crystal Palace.

After trialling with the Eagles, Hannam soon became a regular in the U23s' set-up during the 2020-21 season after joining from West Ham...

Our newest signing primarily plays on the left side of defence".

16 July 2022

ALTY'S ISLAND FRIENDLY

Altrincham FC have advised that "The match itself is on Saturday, July 16th, kicking off at 3pm at the National Sports Centre in Douglas, with the squad setting off from Liverpool on the 11.15am ferry on Friday the 15th and returning on the 17th on the 3pm sailing.

Though Alty romped to a 6-0 win, with a Jordan Hulme hat-trick, in July 2018, they seem sure to face a tougher test on their return to the island after the home team’s recent promotion from the North West Counties League First Division South.

They reeled off six straight wins to finish second behind West Didsbury & Chorlton".

From Manx Radio we read that the "FC Isle of Man will face a giant of English non-league football as part of a hectic double-header of games this Saturday (16 July)... The Ravens will take on Altrincham in one of two games on the same day at The Bowl.

The Island side will then take on Shifnal Town of the Midlands League Premier Division during the evening.

In terms of results, in a been a mixed start to pre-season for FC Isle of Man.

After beating Nostell Miners Welfare 2-1 at The Bowl on 2 July, they narrowly lost out 1-0 to Widnes on Manx Soil last weekend (9 July)...

FC Isle of Man vs Atrincham FC gets kicks-off at 3pm at The Bowl this Saturday...

FC Isle of Man Squad News, provisional squad for Altrincham:

Dean Kearns, Matt Quirk, Karl Clarke, Alex Maitland, Sean Quaye, Chris Cannell, Dan Simpson, Lee Gale, Jack Camarda, Chris Bass Jnr, Luke Murray, Furo Davies, Ronan McDonnell, Ash Higginbotham, Jacob Crook, Adam Cooil, Sam Baines, Ryan Burns".

ALTY FAN'S MAGNIFICENT FUNDRAISING

However, five years on and his cancer has been brought down to complete stability.

He believes on top of his tremendous response to treatment, a lot is thanks to his passion for exercise, which includes him running 5k everyday to help raise money for charity.

Tony will now also join hundreds of football fans on the Greater Manchester ‘Football March’, which will start here at Alty FC and finish at the home of Manchester City on the 22nd of September.

It’s one of four walking marathons which will take place across the country that week to help raise money for Prostate Cancer UK, finishing in the capital on the 25th.

Tony explained the importance of charity events such as the ‘Football March’ saying 'Fundraising events like this are important because it will help develop new drugs that will buy me more time to spend with my grandkids when my current treatment stops working.'

The 65 year-old has previously raised around £40,000 for prostate cancer UK...

Tony described the event by saying 'It’s 26 miles, it’s quite a challenge but it tends to go at a very steady pace (3mph). There’s plenty of breaks where you can get tea, coffee, and lunch. It’s superbly guided by the organisers, keeping everyone safe with road crossings, it’s very well organised'...

'Football is a means of escapism to get away from the day-to-day horrors of living with incurable cancer. I also get to meet people at the ground, and we get on well'

If you wish to join Tony on the walk to help beat prostate cancer along with hundreds of others you can sign up here. A minimum target of £350 is recommended, however, there are prizes to be won for those who go above and beyond.

Additionally, Tony is currently undergoing a yearlong fundraiser, running 5k every day. If you wish to donate to his just giving you can do so by clicking the link here".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 22 year-old joined the Terriers on a two-year deal this week having most recently played for National League side Solihull Moors.

Hudlin scored 15 goals in 62 games for Solihull, including in the play-off final defeat by Grimsby Town in June.

'It's a great opportunity to showcase my talent in league football,' Hudlin said.

'I want to help Wimbledon to kick on and get back into League One'".

And Southend United tell us that "Blues boss Kevin Maher was pleased with his side’s performance in Southend’s latest pre-season outing as they thumped Isthmian Premier side Canvey Island 7-0 at Park Lane..

The visitors were 3-0 up at the break with Dan Mooney scoring either side of Trialist A tapping in... Maher made nine changes on the hour and Southend ran wild with four goals in 19 minutes, including a hat-trick from Callum Powell...

The Southend manager continued, saying 'Pleased with everyone, and how they’ve been in pre-season has been first-class'...

After putting four past Kings Langley on Saturday, Blues are already into double-figures for goals this pre-season and have yet to have been breached with back-to-back clean sheets..

'We’ve got some new players and they’re integrating with the ones that have been here... A lot of them are coming from part-time football and it’s their first full pre-season of day-in, day-out and it’s tough', [said Maher]...

The Blues boss will continue to run the rule over the two in the coming days with the striker position a particular area Maher feels Southend would like to strengthen in...

Powell would score twice from the penalty spot, either side of a wonderfully taken effort from the edge of the area, and Maher is delighted with what he’s seen so far this pre-season from the former Kettering man".

According to York Press, "Paddy McLaughlin has insisted that he has 'never gone into a season looking at anything other than promotion'...

York ascended back to the fifth-tier of English football after beating Boston United 2-0 in the National League North play-off final in May... Manager John Askey was adamant that his side would be pushing for another promotion and McLaughlin confirmed that going up was his aim...

He insisted, 'At every club I’ve played for, that’s always been the aim. It’s never been to survive in a division, or to hit mid-table, the goal has always been to be promoted and we’ve always been fighting at the right end of the table...

'We know that’s going to be difficult, there’s some big clubs and massive budgets in the league, but we’ve assembled a good squad of players'...

The Minstermen have recruited 15 new players across the summer, while also securing the returns of striker Lenell John-Lewis, centre-back Sam Sanders, defensive midfielder AJ Greaves and left-back Mitch Hancox, who all spent time last season on loan at the LNER Community Stadium.

McLaughlin, meanwhile, is the longest-tenured player at York currently. He has been at the club since 2019, having previously played for City between 2011 and 2013...

'Just after a (training) session, all you can hear laughing and joking coming from the changing room,' noted McLaughlin...' It seemed to take no time at all for people to relax in each other’s company'">

FC Halifax Town "announce the signing of Millenic Alli following his release from Stockport County.

Formerly of Bury FC’s youth team, South Shields signed the forward in 2019. The following season however, Alli made the switch to Ashton United in the Northern Premier League. Again, he spent just one season at the club before being signed by Stockport County. Alli was sent straight out on loan to Chorley in the National League North and spent the entirety of last season there helping them to reach the playoffs".

Elsewhere, Woking "announce the signing of Jim Kellermann. The midfielder joins the Cards from Chesterfield, on a two-year deal through to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Kellermann, 26, came through the Wolves academy before joining Aldershot Town in 2016.

The central midfielder made 67 National League appearances across two seasons before making a switch to St Mirren.

He has since had spells at AFC Fylde and Kidderminster Harriers before joining Chesterfield last summer, where he played 36 times in all competitions...

'Jim Kellermann was one of the first targets we approached after announcing the retained and released list,' said Manager Darren Sarll".

RYAN COLCLOUGH INTERVIEW

Brian Flynn recently interviewed Ryan at the club's new training centre at Egerton Sports Club, Knutsford, and the video can be seen on Alty TV.

ALTRINCHAM FC MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | #38 | Niall Flynn
• £75 cash | #215 | D Johnston
• £25 cash | #272 | T Cooke
• Robin Polo Shirt | #98 | Alan Pennycook
• Replica Alty FC Home Shirt | #223 | D Gibson
• Alty FC Polo Shirt | #19 | Dianne Swindells

Congratulations to all the winners!

SUMMER CAMPS AT ALTY

Run by the club’s academy coaches Paul Fay and Ross Speight, and supported by first team players including Ben Pringle, this is a golden opportunity for any young players between the ages of 6 and 16 to get involved.

All bookings must be made... [via the above link] and take advantage of the early booking discount which is available until Monday, July 18th offering a £10 discount on the full week".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Football Insider (Transfer Live, 14.07.22) have claimed that a deal has been reached for Halifax Town midfielder Green.

The 25 year-old has been with the Shaymen for two years now, notching up six goals in 76 appearances for the National League side after arriving on a free transfer from York City two years ago. He has been plying his trade outside of the EFL for much of his career but Grimsby Town look set to give him the chance to make the step up...

The midfielder will be hungry to impress after landing a chance back in League Two. He previously played twice in the Division during his time as a youngster with Hartlepool United".

Another impending move is reported by Football League World which tells us that "Swindon Town are set to complete the signing of midfielder Saidou Khan from Chesterfield, journalist Will Unwin has reported.

The 26-year-old joined Chesterfield last summer, completing a move from Maidstone United, and went on to impress during his debut campaign with the Spireites.

Khan scored seven goals in 42 appearances in all competitions".

The Daily Mirror informs us that "The documentary detailing Wrexham's journey following their takeover by a Hollywood duo is to be screened next month.

The series, titled 'Welcome to Wrexham', will be first broadcast in the UK on the Disney+ streaming service and will be available to watch from Thursday, August 25. It will chart the experiences of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the A-list pair who completed a deal to buy the Welsh club back in February 2021.

A synopsis promoting the release date said 'Rob McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) teamed up to purchase the team in the hopes of turning the club into an underdog story the whole world could root for. The worry? Rob and Ryan have no experience in football or working with each other. That said, they are serious about their investment in Wrexham, improving the club and doing right by the townspeople.

'From Hollywood to Wales, the pitch to the locker room, the front office to the pub, Welcome to Wrexham will track Rob and Ryan’s crash course in football club ownership and the inextricably connected fates of a team and a town counting on two actors to bring some serious hope and change to a community that could use it.'

It is unclear on how many episodes the series will contain...

Reynolds and McElhenney have not been shy about their long-term aims, with the latter touching on what would be a remarkable rise to the Premier League, saying 'I don't understand why, if that you can theoretically get there, we clearly have the structure and the system potentially to allow for us to grow at scale, why not dream big?'"

Meanwhile, Lynn News reports that "King’s Lynn Town have completed the signing of striker Jordan Ponticelli from Wrexham.

Ponticelli was one of eight players released by Reds boss Phil Parkinson... Ponticelli joined Wrexham on loan in the second half of the coronavirus-affected 2019-20 season and made the move permanent in the summer".

At Boreham Wood the club salutes the "arrival of midfielder George Williams... following his departure from League Two Barrow this summer.

George began his career with his hometown club MK Dons... After just three senior appearances at Stadium MK, registering a single goal, George was on the move, signing for Premier League Fulham for an undisclosed fee. During at six-year period at Craven Cottage, George would make 16 appearances for the West London side...

George qualified for Wales through his mother’s lineage... graduating to the senior side in 2014, making seven total appearances for the Welsh national team between 2014 and 2018...

George has been with Luke Garrard’s squad throughout pre-season".

From Wealdstone we learn that "Striker Josh Umerah has joined EFL League Two side Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

The 25 year old striker scored 17 goals in 45 appearances for the Stones last season and has attracted interest from EFL clubs for the duration of the summer with the club turning down three previous bids.

Stones chairman Rory Fitzgerald had this to say... 'When it became clear Josh would not extend his stay beyond the end of next season, the board felt it was its duty to the club and the fans to obtain the best possible fee for a player we did not want to lose, and we feel we've done that...

'While we very much understand as a part-time club we will always have to sell our best players, any want-away player will largely leave on our terms and in no way does any player departure detract from our desire to continue to establish ourselves as a National League club.

'Money from the sale of Josh will be reinvested in the playing budget and we will back our recruitment strategy to unearth the next one and or use the loan market to ensure Stuart has the necessary firepower in attack this season.'"

And Wealdstone "can confirm it is aware of the not-guilty verdict from Snaresbrook Crown Court in the case involving player Ashley Charles.

The club can also confirm it only became aware of the incident on Monday evening via the national media and immediately made the player unavailable for selection.

The club will now sit down and discuss the matter with Ashley and look to support his integration back into the playing squad in due course."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62172091 Hartlepool have signed forward Josh Umerah from Wealdstone for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old scored 17 goals in all competitions for the National League side last season. Umerah began his career at Charlton and joined Wealdstone from Torquay last summer. "As soon as I heard about the interest and I spoke to the manager, there was only one place I wanted to be," Umerah told the club website. Find all the latest football transfers on our dedicated page.

PARKINSON'S VIEW

The Alty manager also explains why Ryan Colclough has not been seen in action this summer. Colclough limped off with a hamstring injury in Altrincham's final match of the 2021-22 season (right).

TRAFFORD 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham's first win of pre-season was won by two goals by trialists in a second-half side which contained just two of the Altrincham squad for 2022-23.

Match report here

The opposition view is on the Trafford FC website.

And the Altrincham FC view is here

ALTY'S TEN TRIALISTS AT TRAFFORD

• Callum Gribbin (dob 18 December 1998): The winger was considered a star of the future at Manchester United but the Reds released him after eleven years. He joined Sheffield United but did not play for their first team and spent 2020-21 at Barrow but most recently he has been playing for Radcliffe FC

  He also appeared for Alty in last weekend's pre-season fixture at West Didsbury and Chorlton.

• Zak Mills (dob 28 May 1992) is a centre-/right-back who was at Walsall last season having started out at Histon for whom he played against Altrincham several times.

  He made 124 appearances for the Cambridgeshire club and then joined Boston United in 2014. Two years later he moved into the EFL with Grimsby Town and, a further two seasons later, arrived at Morecambe in 2018.

  Although Player of the Year he moved on to Oldham Athletic in summer 2019 before a season apiece at Port Vale and then Walsall.

  He also appeared for Alty in last weekend's pre-season fixture at West Didsbury and Chorlton.

• Scott Butler (dob 30 December 2002) is a young centre back who was recently at Swansea City.

• Mitch Rose (dob 4 July 1994) was a midfielder at South Shields last season after playing for several EFL teams including Rotherham United, Crawley Town, Mansfield Town, Newport County and Grimsby Town.

  He has also played for non-League clubs Stamford, Ilkeston, Notts County, Boston United and Yeovil Town.

• Isaac Modi (born 26 January 2004) is a local lad from Wythenshawe who was with Oldham Athletic last season.

• Hayden Campbell spent part of last season on loan at Altrincham from Salford City.

• Alex Samizadeh (dob 10 November 1998) is an Iranian striker who started out with Bolton Wanderers for whom he made his EFL debut in 2016.

  A loan at Chorley (2016) was followed by a move to Kilmarnock the following year. In summer 2018 he joined Curzon Ashton but by December he had joined Wealdstone before moving on to Burgess Hill Town in early 2019.

  Next he joined Colne in September 2020 before returning south to Leatherhead in summer 2021.

• Harry Bunn (dob 21 November 1992) turned out for Alty last weekend at West Didsbury on the left wing having been at Scunthorpe United last season.

  However, he is from Oldham and started out at Manchester City before joining Huddersfield Town for three years in 2014. He moved on to Bury and has had loan spells with half a dozen northern EFL clubs.

• Jack Hindle (dob 29 October 1993), from Warrington, most recently has been a forward at Radcliffe, a club he also played for earlier in his career. His other non-league clubs include 1874 Northwich and Colwyn Bay.

  In 2018 he played for Barrow where he was the leading scorer before joining Gateshead in early 2020. A loan move to South Shields followed and, in 2021, he moved to play in Malaysia.

  Early in 2022 he signed at Matlock Town but weeks later rejoined Radcliffe.

• Ryan Grant (dob 12 May 2003)is a young centre-back who has been at West Bromwich Albion and Blackpool. He has spent loan time at Hyde United.

BEN PRINGLE INTERVIEW

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

New signing Scott also missed last Saturday’s game against Leicester City. Speaking to Pies Player, Harley said... 'He should be hopefully okay for Saturday but we’ll see how he is tomorrow... He’s recovering. He had a bit of an illness but should be back soon, hopefully.'

New signing Macauley Langstaff had also missed the Leicester friendly through illness, but returned to action on Tuesday evening...

In a dominant display away at the National League North outfit, the Magpies were excellent with a Cal Roberts penalty and a close-range Ed Francis finish either side of half-time proving the difference between the two sides.

The result continues County’s 100 per cent record during pre-season with a 5-1 win at Basford and a 2-1 victory against Premier League outfit Leicester also recorded as part of Luke Williams’s side’s preparation... The former Swansea City assistant took over at Meadow Lane last month... and has been implementing new ideas into his squad alongside assistant Harley...

Next up is a trip to St Neot's Town on Saturday to take on League One outfit Cambridge United, with Williams’ side set to play two 70-minute matches against the Us".

"Kyle Hudlin has today joined the Huddersfield Town B Team from Vanarama National League side Solihull Moors!

The 22 year-old striker, who stands at 6’ 9” tall, has agreed a two-year contract with the Terriers that runs until the summer of 2024, with the Club having the option of a further year’s extension... Town will pay an undisclosed fee for Kyle as he is under 24 and was offered a new deal by Solihull Moors...

Kyle only joined Solihull Moors in October 2020 after catching the eye with his prolific goalscoring record for lower league sides Boldmere Sports, Social Falcons and Solihull United. He has subsequently netted 16 goals for the fifth-tier club, most recently scoring in the Vanarama National League Play-Off Final against Grimsby Town".

Gloverscast says that Yeovil manager "Chris Hargreaves has confirmed that Josh Staunton will be named Captain for the 2022/23 season... It is likely that new left back Jamie Reckord will don the armband should Staunton ever miss out.

'Josh [Staunton] will be the captain, he’s a leader, a winner and a top character, but since Jamie [Reckord] has been in the building he’s been excellent...

'At the moment, we have a young squad, there’s a group of players that I’ve managed to keep hold of (from last season)'".

According to the Daily Post "Wrexham AFC's latest signing Elliot Lee has spoken about his reasoning for dropping down into non-league to join Wrexham after his contract at Championship side Luton Town expired. The 27-year-old arrives at the Racecourse with an impressive reputation, having played nearly 200 games in the Football League.

Lee told North Wales Live that Phil Parkinson was a major factor in his decision... Lee also spoke of the club's ambition being a major draw.

The forward, who is the son of former Newcastle United midfielder Robert Lee, can play in midfield or in attack. The Durham-born man spent last season on loan at League One Charlton Athletic...

He said... 'You can tell that for the level we're at the squad is going to be really strong... I think everyone knows that promotion is the aim and we won't accept anything less than that'...

Lee... also revealed he turned down offers from EFL clubs...

He said 'I prefer to play in behind the strikers and I had a good chat about that with the gaffer, I wanted to come to Wrexham and really thrive in my position... I'll play where I'm needed but the big thing for me was how much the gaffer wanted me and how ambitious the project is for me here at Wrexham.

'I had EFL offers, I didn't want to just go anywhere; I'm approaching the prime of my career and I want to settle somewhere and achieve something big'".

13 July 2022

TRAFFORD 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham fielded two separate eleven in each half. The second half team largely comprised trialists, nine in fact.

The first half team was (numbers TBC): 1. Oliver Byrne, 2. Ross Barrows, 3. Liam Brockbank, 6. Jake Cooper, 5. Toby Mullarkey (c), 4. Josh Lundstram, 8. Elliot Osborne, 10. Isaac Marriott, 9. Marcus Dinanga, 7. Trialist (Callum Gribbin), 11. Ben Pringle.

Gribbins (right), who was not identified by name on Saturday, when he played on the right wing against West Didsbury and Chorlton, was named tonight. After spending time at Manchester United, more recently he has been at Radcliffe FC.

Trafford started with 1. Matt Cooper, 2. Matty Morgan, 3. Glen Matthews, 4. Bradshaw, 5. Harry Norris, 6. Adam Rooney, 7. Matty Barlow, 8. Astley Mulholland (c), 9. Tom Bentham, 10. Max Hazeldine, 11. O' Shea.

The first half was completed without a goal from either side. Alty had more of the possession but created few openings whilst Trafford won several corners. Trailist Gribbin had a good forty-five minutes on the left wing for the visitors.

For the second half Alty fielded only Gould and Roxburgh from their squad plus nine trialists. Altrincham Second Half: 1. Matt Gould, 2. Aidan Roxburgh, 3. Zac Mills, 4. Ryan Grant, 5. Scott Butler, 6. Mitch Rose, 7. Isaac Modi, 8. Hayden Campbell, 9. Alex Samizadeh, 10. Harry Bunn. 11. Jack Hindle.

Mills, Rose, Campbell and Bunn were all in the squad at West Didsbury last Saturday; the rest of the trialists were appearing for the first time.

Despite being a side of unfamiliar faces, the second-half Alty side started well. Trafford too, fielded a new side after the interval but the game remained goalless at the three-quarter time drinks break. But Modi's back-post header finally broke the deadlock (75 mins) following a move involving Campbell and Hindle.

From a Bunn corner Butler made it two for Alty with an impressive volley in the eightieth minute and that is how the game ended.

NEXT GAME

ALTY FC SUMMER FESTIVAL

Throughout the festival fans can expect outdoor BBQs, drinks on the terrace and even an Alty FC open day. The open day, which will take place on July 28th between 4-6pm, will allow fans the opportunity to meet with both the men’s and women’s first teams.

During the meet and greet, players from both teams will be giving out autographs.

Fans can also enjoy a visit to our retail shop throughout the day. BBQs and drinks will be available during all our home games during this pre-season, with the opportunity to drink from the terraces during the action.

It all starts with Stockport County FC on July 23rd and finishes on July 30th as we host the Manchester United XI...

Summer festival schedule:

• Sat July 23 Stockport County FC 3pm - Outdoor BBQ and drinks on the terrace
• Thu July 28 Alty FC open day 4-6pm – Meet the teams (men’s & women's first teams), player autographs, and retail shop open
• Sat July 30 Manchester United XI - Outdoor BBQ and drinks on the terrace

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Given the warm temperatures in London this week and the even hotter temperatures forecast for Portugal, they may be rueing their decision!

In the Derbyshire Times "New Spireites signing Armando Dobra believes Chesterfield’s fans are in for an exciting season.

The attacking midfielder has put pen to paper at Chesterfield following a free transfer move from Ipswich Town...

He said, 'I just want to enjoy my football and push on this year... I’m happy to be here. Chesterfield shouldn’t be in this league, it is a big club and should be way higher'...

Dobra has linked up with two familiar faces in Paul Cook and Bailey Clements following their time together at Ipswich.

'Working with Paul Cook is massive for me,' he added. 'He's helped me a lot at Ipswich and I think he is a great manager. It is good to see Bailey again. I've known him since I was 15 and it’s nice to have him there to show me around and help me with the move'...

The Albanian U21 man hopes to give his international aspirations a boost... 'One of my dreams is to play for the Albanian first team'" said the new Spireite player.

Promoted Dorking Wanderers tell us that last weekend "Wanderers hit five past Farnborough at a sunny Meadowbank...

Similarly to the two previous pre-season games, Marc White rotated heavily between the two halves, with only a select few getting a full ninety minute run out. Bobby-Joe Taylor, one of Dorking’s stand-out performers on the day, was one of those select few. Interestingly, the number three played the first half at left midfield and the second half on the right, where he picked up two very similar assists.

Wanderers started the first half as they were to continue, dominant in possession, and precision in each action. In his post-match interview, [manager] White described his teams first-half performance as 'as dominant as you’re going to see'...

Dorking’s relentlessness was too much for the visitors to contain... It was Seager who opened the scoring, a deep cross from Mekki found the number nine at the back post who had time to touch and finish...

The visitors continued to threaten as Parker... attempted to take it round Huk, the Wanderers number one brought him down for a penalty. Parker stepped up to take the penalty... but saw his shot well saved...

Shortly after, Josh Taylor left the visitors stunned with a wonderful solo goal...

Farnborough started the second half with more impetus... Just two minutes from the restart, Kasimu pulled one back for the visitors... However, it didn't take long for Dorking to restore their two-goal advantage, after switching to the right hand side, B.Taylor found great joy in creating space to cross... [and] found the ever-elusive Rutherford in the six yard box who headed home... [Dorking] won a foul around 25 yards from goal. Jordan Cheadle stepped up and curled home a tremendous effort to make it four for Dorking...

Despite being three goals down Farnborough’s belief never wavered... Another Rutherford goal... all but put the game out of reach for Farnborough... Not long after the goal, the visitors managed to win a penalty after some nice work from Kasimu who was brought down to win an indisputable penalty. Hodges stepped up but hit his shot high over the bar. Fernandes, who caused problems all day for Dorking’s defence, did however make amends, with a smart finish past Huk to pull one back for Farnborough in the 83rd minute".

The match ended 2-5 to Dorking.

Wanderers 1st Half XI: Huk, Fuller, Harris, Kennedy, Gallagher, Mekki, Jebb, J.Taylor, B.Taylor, Rutherford, Seager

Wanderers 2nd Half XI: Huk, Philpot, El-Abd, Cheadle, Moore, B.Taylor, Jebb, Mcshane, Wheeler, Rutherford, Ottaway".

Confirmation comes from the Halifax Courier that "FC Halifax Town have completed the signing of Jordan Keane from Stockport County.

Keane, 28, can play in central defence or central midfield and made 24 appearances for County last season... Keane started his career at Stoke...

He joined Alfreton on a free transfer in the summer of 2014, before a loan spell at Lincoln... There were then spells at Nuneaton and Worcester... He then joined Stockport and... has been a first-team regular at County in his four seasons at the club".

Torquay United/A> "is delighted to announce the double signing of defender Ollie Tomlinson and forward Corie Andrews.

Having already made six exciting new additions to his 2022/23 roster, manager Gary Johnson has today bolstered his squad further by securing the signing of former Plymouth Argyle centre-back Tomlinson, 20 and former Crystal Palace striker Andrews, 24.

The former made seven first-team outings for Devon rivals Plymouth... whilst Corie enjoyed a prolific spell in the National League with Aldershot last time out, netting 9 goals in 20 appearances before joining EFL side Colchester on a similar loan deal.

'Ollie has great potential, he was about to go somewhere else... He’s got what it takes to become a very, very good player... Obviously Corie is a lot older, and a lot more experienced, he’s got great pace and we play the sort of game that will suit him, because he likes to get in behind'".

12 July 2022

RADIO ROBINS LIVE ON RADIO ALTY

The broadcast starts at 7.30pm and the commentary team is Brian Flynn, Niall Finnegan and Mark Simpson.

You can listen to Radio Robins on Radio Alty in any of the following 3 ways:

• Listen live on Radio Alty
• Download and install the Radio Alty app on Android devices from The Google Play Store.
• Download and install the Radio Alty app on Apple devices from The App Store".

The pre-existing Radio Robins site is here.

INTRODUCING LEWIS BAINES

In the video interview, the ex-Chorley and Fleetwood Town left-sided central defender, and England C international, spoke about his background, his move to Altrincham and the excellent facilities in Knutsford for the club's training.

In the discussion with Brian, Lewis also praised his Chorley captain, the ex-Alty centre-back Scott Leather.

FRIENDLY FIXTURE CHANGED

The date remains the same, July 26th, but the game will now be staged at Stoke's Clayton Wood training ground and Academy centre, rather than The J.Davidson Stadium, and will kick-off at 3pm, instead of 7.45pm.

In addition, it has been agreed that the match will now be played behind closed doors... Full coverage will be provided by Radio Robins, subject to permission being granted by Stoke."

ALTY OLD BOYS

Watch the full interview on Blues TV".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wrexham took the title race down to the wire and... saw the promotion challenge finally end following a 5-4 play-off semi-final defeat to Grimsby Town.

It wasn’t the outcome Young wanted but the Wrexham captain, who has signed a new two-year contract, feels Parkinson already has a quality squad at his disposal which will only get better with the addition of new signings, with goalkeeper Mark Howard, centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe and attacker Elliot Lee already snapped up...

Said the midfielder, 'When you look back over the season as a whole, from where we were at the start of the season and only appointing a manger not even a week before we were due back in for pre-season, and only having 14 players I think, we didn't sign anybody until two weeks into pre-season.

'You are never going to be able to hit the ground running as much as what you would like straight away when you have a bit of uncertainty over who is coming in and the way the manager wants to play. But we are in a position this year 10 times stronger than where we started pre-season last year because we have got a great platform'...

Young, who joined Wrexham from Torquay in the summer of 2018 and is a back-to-back Player of the Season winner, says... 'We had the three bad results in a row at a crucial time in the season but it wasn't through not working hard and no effort... The aim this year is 100 per cent to go one better'">

# And from Young's former club, Devon Live reports on a pre-season friendly win over Buckland Athletic by Torquay United, who "will add more quality to their squad before season starts.

'I promise all these people here we have got some quality to come in that they haven’t seen yet'... Gary Johnson said... And he was sorry that the Torquay United’s fans weren’t rewarded for their numbers with five or 10 goals, rather than just the one. The Torquay boss explained too that some of the missing players should be available for next Saturday’s home friendly against League Two side Newport County, perhaps the team’s first real test after games against Buckland Athletic and Exmouth Town.

Olaf Koszela’s 40th minute goal at Buckland won a game that was a first pre-season outing for both teams. It was competitive without being stupid... Johnson said 'Everyone wants to see five or 10 goals or something; we had five or 10 chances but we couldn’t take them.

'We won the game and at the end of the day it was about just getting a first 45 minutes into most of the players. I think people saw in some of the new lads what they have got and, obviously, there was three or four trialists that we want to look at, because we still need to build our squad.

'And obviously the young lads who we want to involve because there are a couple of good proteges in there; lads with great potential. Obviously we can do a lot better than that and we will do when we get a bit nearer the time'.

The players have been worked-hard so far with exhausting runs up the winding hill from Oddicombe Beach in Babbacombe on Wednesday certainly testing their fitness...

'Some of them we have pushed to the limit,' said Johnson...

Johnson has 18 players in his squad at the moment... and with four trialists and some youth players making up the numbers, he used 18 players at Buckland. Missing were Alex Moyse, Ross Marshall, Ryan Hanson, Keelan O’Connell, Gabby Rogers and Aaron Jarvis...

'We had to give everybody a game today, even the young lads. We had four lads, they are not injured, but it was dangerous to play them,' Johnson said".

WEST VIEW

Right: Oliver Byrne, Alty's new keeper, made his debut at West Didsbury

Ben Elliott and Dontai Gabidon struck in the first half of what proved to be a competitive workout against the National League Robins.

The visitors had the majority of the chances, but Andrew Jones produced a series of fine saves to preserve his clean sheet.

West took the lead when Ezeikel Eme’s shimmy into the box was unceremoniously ended, and Elliott sent the Altrincham keeper the wrong way from the spot.

Elliott turned provider ten minutes before the break, cutting the ball back for Gabidon to convert from close range".

WIN FOR ALTY'S FIRST OPPONENTS

On the hot day on the island, it was the hosts who opened the scoring after just five minutes. Rodney Adamon-Eruotor’s effort from just inside the box deflected past Yusuf Mersin. Adamon-Eruotor had an opportunity ten minutes later to double the advantage but this time his shot went wide.

The Stones were back on level terms on the 20 minute mark. Dom Odusanya struck a low effort, first time from 20 yards out, into the bottom right hand corner.

Maidstone were forced into an early substitution when academy player Bryan Kamate, making his first team debut, went off injured. Academy captain Alfie Giles came on his place and played the remainder of the game...

The Stones were 3-1 up at the break, the third coming two minutes before time...

A fourth goal came ten minutes into the second half. Hady Ghandour getting in on the act as he left Prall rooted to the spot with an effort that nestled into the bottom corner...

With ten minutes to go, Hakan Hayrettin handed a debut to another academy player, with Nathan Jeche getting some minutes under his belt.

Pattisson wasn’t to be denied all afternoon and got his first and Maidstone’s fifth two minutes from time...

Maidstone United first half: Yusuf Mersin, Roarie Deacon, Bryan Kamate (Alfie Giles 25), Joe Ellul, Jack Cawley, Bivesh Gurung, Trialist, Sam Corne, Trialist, Dom Odusanya, Trialist

Maidstone United second half: Tom Hadler, Alfie Giles, Raphe Brown, Regan Booty, Gavin Hoyte, George Fowler, Trialist (Nathan Jeche 79), Henry Woods, Hady Ghandour, Tushaun Walters, Christie Pattisson".

NEXT UP FOR ALTRINCHAM

The corresponding match last season, in August 2021, ended 1-1 with Dan Mooney the Alty scorer.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In the 34th minute Nicke Kabamba almost scored his third goal in as many games... Kabamba did continue his impressive start to pre-season shortly before the break though when he picked up the ball from outside the area and fired it low into the bottom left corner.

In the 68th minute Dean Brennan’s side doubled their lead after Antonis Vasiliou played the ball to Ephron Mason-Clark at the byline who crossed towards Jamar Loza at the back post to head home...

In the 82nd minute Dean Brennan’s side almost found a third".

The game ended 0-2

Bees first-half team: Laurie Walker, Sam Beard, Moussa Diarra, Michael Phillips, Ben Wynter, Dale Gorman, Harry Pritchard, Sam Granville, Daniel Powell, Nicke Kabamba, Louis Walsh. Subs: Trialist A, Trialist B.

Bees second-half team: Trialist E, Jerome Okimo, Trialist C, Trialist D, Jordan Thomas, Ryan De Havilland, Sean Shields, Rob Hall, Ephron Mason-Clark, Jamar Loza, Antonis Vasiliou. Subs: Trialist A, Trialist B.

Boreham Wood report that "Goals from Bryan Mbeumbo and Josh Dasilva saw the Wood open their pre-season campaign with defeat against Premier League outfit Brentford.

An early penalty allowed the former to open the scoring after just eight minutes... The Wood certainly held their own throughout the game, but Dasilva’s late strike just under the glove of Nathan Ashmore succumbed [sic] the Wood to an honourable defeat...

Seven changes after the break saw Dion Kelly-Evans and Danny Elliott come on for their debuts along with the introductions of Josh Rees, Tyrone Marsh, Jamal Fyfield, Connor Stevens and Connor Smith bringing hope of a second half resurgence. However Brentford’s second half XI mounted even more quality in the Bees’ ranks and saw them continue where they left off...

Although the game began to get a little flat, Brentford did eventually find their second goal four minutes from the end, as Dasilva received the ball in the box before firing an effort beyond Ashmore to double the lead and secure the victory.

Boreham Wood First Half: Ashmore, Evans, Stephens, Ilesamni, Lewis, Egan, Ricketts, Trialist A, Mendy Mendy, Ndlovu, Newton

Boreham Wood Second Half: Ashmore, Stevens, Stephens, Fyfield, Kelly-Evans, Smith, Egan, Rees, Marsh, Elliott."

10 July 2022

WYTHENSHAWE TOWN 2-2 ALTRINCHAM XI

The hosts got an early goal in the second half before a late penalty for handball earned them a draw.

Match report here .

WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON 2-0 ALTRINCHAM XI

Above: Jordan Hulme threatens the West Didsbury and Chorlton goal.

Two goals from former Altrincham players saw the Robins kick off their pre-season with a defeat in sunny south Manchester. In fact at least eight of the West's starters were ex-Altrincham youth or reserve players!

In mitigation of the defeat, Alty fielded a starting eleven which included not one player who had started last season with club. Two players, however, captain Jordan Hulme and midfielder Isaac Marriott, had played for much of the latter part of the 2021-22 campaign.

Most of this year's squad were not involved here as they were in the squad for a game at 3.30pm at Wythenshawe Town.

In goal at West Didsbury was new signing, Oliver Byrne from Connah's Quay Nomads, and at right-back was another new recruit in Aidan Roxburgh. Also starting the game was last season's loanee from Salford City, Hayden Campbell. Five trialists also started the game alongside left-back Jayden Matthew from the Academy.

Alty had the majority of the possession but lacked a finishing touch up front. They fell behind after ten minutes when a home player was brought down in the box and former Alty reserve striker Ben Elliott sent Byrne the wrong way from the spot.

Right: A thoughtful Jordan Hulme, wearing the captain's armband, heads for a drinks break during the game at West Didsbury & Chorlton.

And Elliott was involved in the build up to the second goal when Alty failed to clear their lines and former Robins' winger Dontai Gabidon was on hand to net from ten yards, after 35 minutes.

Match report here .

9 July 2022

ALTY'S DOUBLE-HEADER

Last year the two matches were away at West Didsbury and Chorlton and Ashton United

Left: Connor Kirby heads clear as Ben Pringle, then a trialist, looked on in the 2021 game at West Didsbury & Chorlton

At noon today, an Altrincham XI again travels to West Didsbury and Chorlton, who are newly promoted to the NW Counties Premier Division (step five). And then, at 3.30pm, another Altrincham XI faces Wythenshawe Town, also of the NW Counties Premier.

Last year, Altrincham lost 1-0 at West Didsbury (then a step six club), through a Kennedy Digie own goal.

However, Alty won 2-0 at Hurst Cross against Ashton United.

Following Saturday's double, Alty travel to Shawe View on Tuesday night to face Trafford FC.

ALTY LEGENDS: ERNIE CARLESS

ALTY'S NEW KIT

TELEVISED NATIONAL LEAGUE GAMES

• Saturday, August 6: Scunthorpe United v Yeovil Town (5.20pm)
• Saturday, August 13: Oldham Athletic v Dorking Wanderers (5.20pm)
• Wednesday, August 17 Solihull Moors v York City (7.45pm)
• Saturday, August 20 Notts County v Chesterfield (5.20pm)
• Saturday, August 27 Woking v Wrexham (5.20pm)
• Monday, August 29 Barnet v Eastleigh (5.15pm

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The new contract has been signed with White Horse Contractors to develop the new training ground pitches and players’ car parking for the club.

Works will commence on the new facilities, north of Fossetts Way, next week.... The training ground works represent the first phase of the Fossetts masterplan...

About October this year, Blues will move on to the next phases which include the new stadium and a new residential community of 850 homes.

The target is to move into Fossetts Farm no later than the start of the 2024/25 season. But bosses say the fourth side of the stadium... will take longer to construct, with an aim for this side to be ready for the 25/26 season".

The Oldham Times tells us that "Barry Owen has stepped down from his advisory role at Oldham Athletic, with immediate effect.

Owen, who had previously served the club as director from 2004 to March last year, had returned to Boundary Park earlier this year in a voluntary capacity, sharing the responsibility of the day to day running of the club with general manager Steven Brown.

However... after club owner Abdallah Lemsagam and stadium landlords Brass Bank Ltd both agreed to sell to an as yet unnamed local business, Owen took the decision to step back from his role...

'It’s exciting times really. I think anybody who’s going to get a deal and it brings the football club together with the name and the badge and the assets it’s the way forward, because it will allow for a revenue stream to come from the facility'" Owen said.

Port Vale confirm that Aaron Martin has joined Eastleigh on a permanent transfer.

The 32 year-old joined Darrell Clarke’s side last summer and made 36 appearances for the Valiants...

The defender brought a wealth of experience with him upon his arrival at Vale Park...

Martin returns to the club where he began his playing career, in a transfer that sees him move back home with his family... Martin said 'The move is very much a personal choice for me, Eastleigh is the place where it all started for me in my career, and I always said that I would return to them one day. It allows me to be back home with my family, I’ve got kids now and the club is just down the road from where I live, so it just ticked so many boxes for myself.

'I’d have absolutely loved to have stayed at Vale but there just becomes a time where you have to put your family first... My time at Vale was absolutely amazing, one of the best years of my career'".

Wrexham "confirm the signing of Elliot Lee on a free transfer, with the attacker signing a three-year contract...

Lee was available on a free transfer following his release from Luton Town, having spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan with Charlton Athletic.

The former West Ham United academy graduate is now the third new signing to arrive at Wrexham AFC this summer, following Jordan Tunnicliffe and Mark Howard through the door...

He said... 'I'm so excited by the project at Wrexham... I wanted to join somewhere that excited me; I had a few EFL offers...

'We got back-to-back promotions at Luton; I joined them in League Two and left them in the Championship'...

After several loan spells [from West Ham], Lee joined Barnsley in 2016 before first landing at Luton Town the following summer... playing 70 league games and scoring 22 league goals across their back-to-back promotion seasons".

8 July 2022

THIRD TIME LUCKY FOR ALTY?

The Robins will be hoping that for the first time in three seasons, those opening games are played as scheduled. In both of the last two seasons, Altrincham's opening five games have been significantly disrupted.

Last season, all went as scheduled to start with. After a fine opening day win at Torquay, the next match was a defeat at Halifax. Game three saw a win at home to Dover. But game four was a single-goal defeat at Wealdstone and a season-ending injury for Connor Kirby.

Above: In September 2021 Alty walked back to the centre circle after Dan Mooney's equaliser in the first half against Dover.

However, the planned games five and six then had to be postponed owing to a Covid-19 outbreak at Altrincham; the two affected matches were a home game against King's Lynn Town and an away trip to Yeovil Town.

So, the actual fifth fixture to be played was a 1-0 home win over Notts County which left Alty in twelfth place after three wins and two defeats.

The previous 2020-21 season likewise had had a disrupted start.

Again things started as planned; a goalless draw at Weymouth kicked off the campaign and was followed by defeat at Notts County and a draw at Eastleigh.

There were then two postponements, as in 2021-22, when Covid prevented the playing of the planned fourth and fifth fixtures games, at home to Solihull Moors and Bromley.

So the actual fourth game was a creditable draw at Hartlepool United before game five, which was a win at Dover which was later expunged as the Kent side refused to play on to complete the season.

The fifth valid game to be played was a 1-0 defeat Wealdstone, a result to be repeated a year later.

It was not until game eight that Altrincham secured a first valid win of the campaign, when they beat Chesterfield.

Hopefully things will run more smoothly this coming season.

MOONEY SETTLES IN

'It was because of the size of the club and where it should be,' said Mooney. 'If you said Southend to anyone involved in football they would look at it as a League One or League Two club. There are 5,000 6,000 fans onwards watching the games and you want to play on the biggest stage you can so that’s why I came here...

'We’ve been getting the running in but also some ball work to be ready to go for the season and it’s been good so far.'

Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher has looked to vary things up during pre-season. And that saw the squad training on the beach earlier this week...

Said Mooney, 'We worked together and got each other through it rather than it just being about who could run the furthest'...

'I’ve got an apartment in Southend and I’ve moved in quite quickly which is good... The club were brilliant and the lads have been helping me too so it’s all good. I like it here and I’m not used to being so close to a beach!'"

ALTY LEGEND: REG NEAL

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Reds’ boss is still looking to make additions... Centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe and goalkeeper Mark Howard have already arrived at The Racecourse... But although Parkinson has been able to bring in big names like Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer following the takeover of the club by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, he says...

'We have valuations on players and there are a couple of clubs we have offered fees to and a couple of players we have offered contracts to. But at times you have got to stick your guns as well... (advisor) Shaun Harvey has got to run the club with a structure in regards to transfer fees or wages. We are trying to stick to that'..

The Reds’ boss stressed the importance of keeping hold of all his key players, with deadly strike duo Mullin and Palmer, midfielder Jordan Davies and centre-back Aaron Hayden all impressing last term...

'The squad is good as it stands, and we have got four or five youngsters in the group in pre-season as well,' said Parkinson... 'What is great for us is we have retained all our key players from last year... and the squad is not far off where it needs to be'".

On, the Essex coast, the Echo News tells us that "Southend United striker Harry Cardwell will miss the start of the season with an ankle injury.

The 25 year-old had to be taken off at half-time of Blues’ 1-1 draw against Weymouth in May. And Shrimpers boss Kevin Maher will still be without the forward when the National League campaign kicks off..

'There’s still a lot of work to do with Harry,' said Maher... 'He will miss the start of the season and a period just after that too I’d imagine'".

At Scunthorpe United "Summer signing Andrew Boyce is feeling in good shape after playing his first 90 minutes of pre-season in the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Town U23s...

The 32 year-old scored a header...

Boyce told Iron Player... 'It was tough as we've put the miles in during training and are all playing with fatigue from that, but that's what pre-season is about. It was hard towards the end and I felt like I couldn't kick a ball that far, but I'm glad it's in the bank.

'The next time I play 90 minutes, I'll hopefully find it a bit easier, so that's what it's about'...

Talking about Nuttall, Feeney and the squad in general, he added 'I wouldn't like to play against them every game. Joe's a big, strong lad and Feens is clever, can pass and finish. They're a good combination'".

Also, Scunthorpe United "have completed the signing of midfielder Elliott Whitehouse following a successful trial period.

The 28 -year-old pens a one-year contract to become our second addition of the summer.

The Worksop-born player started his career at Sheffield United, for whom he made five appearances... While with the Blades, he enjoyed loan spells at York City and Alfreton Town, before joining Notts County, making eight League One appearances while also going out on loan to Nuneaton Town.

After a brief spell at FC Halifax Town, it was Nuneaton where he scored 20 goals in 45 National League North appearances before Lincoln City swooped for his services in 2016.

While with the Imps, he made 77 appearances and scored ten goals during a two-year spell... Whitehouse moved on to Grimsby Town, where he made 38 appearances and scored three times before switching to Forest Green Rovers two years ago, for whom he played on 23 occasions and scored two goals.

After departing them this summer, he joined the Iron on trial a fortnight ago".

The Oldham Times relays the view that "Lois Maynard hopes his versatility as well as his experience can be influential in helping to get Oldham Athletic back where he feels they belong.

The defence-minded player has arrived at Boundary Park ready to fulfil any role that manager John Sheridan requests of him... 'It's perfect for me in terms of what he's asking, to bring my experience on and off the field, to try to be a key part of the team and cover a lot of defensive positions which I'm comfortable with doing,' said Maynard.

'He sees me playing in a few different defensive positions, which I'm comfortable with because last season I played some games in centre midfield, some holding midfield, but the majority was in defence, be that a three or a two. I'm comfortable in all positions in a defensive role'...

'My first impressions are it's a club that shouldn't be in the National League'... said the 33-year-old... You've got many different teams; teams that play good football, teams that go the other way in terms of route one, there's no right or wrong but you have to be prepared to answer all those different questions.. Experience can obviously be a big benefit to those sort of questions'".

FIXTURES

Alty have seven midweek games; most of them long-distance journyes. They are away on Tuesday nights at Maidenhead United (360 mile round-trip), Gateshead (310 mile round-trip), Barnet (358-mile round-trip) and Scunthorpe United (180 mile round-trip).

They have three visitors to Moss Lane on a Tuesday evening; Scunthorpe United, Oldham Athletic and Barnet. The first two of those three will be visiting the J Davidson Stadium for the first time for a league match.

The Christmas/New Year double-header this season will be against FC Halifax Town, following the promotion of last year's festive foes, Stockport County.

Last season, Covid, cup clashes and postponements led to Alty playing no fewer then ten evening kick-offs, namely:

Right: The floodlights were on when King's Lynn visited the JDS last season.

Home games:

1. KING'S LYNN TOWN
2. GRIMSBY TOWN
3. SOLIHULL MOORS
4. STOCKPORT COUNTY
5. WEYMOUTH
6. CHESTERFIELD

Away games:

1. Yeovil Town
2. Chesterfield
3. Boreham Wood
4. Bromley

ALTY OLD BOY

Sam Heathcote's dad Graham served our predecessor club Runcorn AFC in the mid to late 1980s as assistant to manager John King, having been an outstanding midfield player for Altrincham.

Sam [seen right, in his Alty days] duly followed in his father's footsteps by representing the Robins but he joins us from West Didsbury & Chorlton, who he captained to the North West Counties League Division One South title in 2021-22.

Sam had been with the Mancunians since December 2019. He started as a junior with Manchester United, playing at centre forward... Sam made a remarkable entrance for Altrincham as an 18-year-old to grab a stoppage-time Moss Lane goal against Cheltenham Town with only his second touch of his debut!... He went on to make 50 more senior appearances for Altrincham.

2016-17 saw the player being loaned to Hyde United, where he made six appearances and in 2017-18 Sam played 29 times for Ramsbottom United. Operating as a makeshift striker, he netted 11 goals..

Sam returned to Hyde United, if only briefly, and upon leaving the Tamesiders in August 2018, he appeared... for Trafford... The player subsequently opted to return to Altrincham to play Reserve team football...

Just before Christmas 2018, Sam moved to Wythenshawe Town and in September 2019, he linked up with Widnes... It was from there that Sam signed for West Didsbury & Chorlton, where... he scored an astonishing 30 goals from defence".

ALTY LEGENDS: DAVE LYON

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The right wing-back was snapped up by Blues boss Kevin Maher following an impressive season with Hemel Hempstead last term.

And the 25-year-old, who had been working as a football coach, is determined to make the most of his opportunity... Said Scott-Morriss...'It has been very tough coming into the full-time game from being semi-pro and it’s been full on but it’s been enjoyable at the same time'.

Blues spent yesterday morning training on Southend sea-front...

'You do a lot of hard work and running in pre-season... I think we should be challenging towards the top end of the table. That’s what we all want and it’s every exciting.'”

At Wrexham, "The RR McReynolds Company LLC has provided a further £1.2m of equity into the Club via a new share issue.

In addition, loans of £3.67m for the purpose of meeting capital expenditure, including the purchase of the freehold for the Racecourse Ground and stadium improvements including rebuilding the University End concourse, has also been provided for the period up until June 30, 2022".

According to the Watford Observer, "Former Watford Academy forward Dominic Hutchinson has joined Wealdstone a permanent basis.

The 20 year-old was released by the Hornets at the end of last season, having spent the campaign on loan at National League South side Eastbourne Borough where he scored eight goals in 29 games.

The forward... is now looking forward to getting his first taste of National League football...

Boss Stuart Maynard told the club’s website... 'He’s a young, hungry lad, who has all the tools to go on and have a huge impact for us. He’s had a brilliant upbringing at Watford, and he had a very productive loan at Eastbourne last season. He got eight goals in 17 starts from out wide, so he’s someone that can offer a lot in the final third.

'We’ve got a great record when working with young players by providing them with a footballing platform to thrive, so he fits what we want'".

From the Echo News we learn that "Eastleigh chairman Kenny Amor has resigned amid an investigation into a potential breach of betting rules...

Amor has also stepped down from the board of directors after revealing that he will be charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

Both the club and Amor, who has admitted his guilt, concluded that his position had become untenable and have decided to act now prior to the FA publishing the charge.

Amor said in a statement issued by the club 'With great regret, I must announce today that I will be stepping down as club chairman and removing myself from the board of directors with immediate effect.

'I have taken this decision due to my position becoming untenable. I have made a great error in judgement and feel it is only right for the football club that, as a result, I step down from my position as chairman'.

Amor revealed that he was questioned by the FA in February... He admitted gambling was a hobby that had become a problem.

He added 'My mistake was to continue betting on football matches during the past eight years that I have been working in football. I went from someone who casually placed football accumulators over a weekend, to someone who found himself betting every day in any league all over the world. Over the past few years, betting for me had clearly become a problem'".

FA CUP AND TROPHY DATES

Success at that Round brings a prize of £9,375 whilst failure has its pwn reward to the tune of £3,125.

The EFL clubs in League One and Two join the competition in the First Round Proper which is scheduled for Saturday, November 5, 2022. Round Two is on 26 November and Round Three on 7 January 2023.

As for the FA Trophy, which this season is badged as the Isuzu FA Trophy, Alty start off in the Third Round on Saturday, December 17 and success leads to the Fourth Round on January 14, 2023.

Round Five is on 11 Februaryand Round Six on 4 March 2023. The quarter finals follow on 18 March and the semi-final are on 1 April.

50 GOALS FOR ALTY

With 72 goals for the club, Jordan Hulme is sixteenth in the post-War goalscoring charts for Altrincham and is the leading scorer currently playing for The Robins.

Above, he watches as his superb shot dips into the top corner of the then Spennymoor keeper Matt Gould's net to make it 4-1 in the final match before Covid lockdown in March 2020.

SIX EX-ALTY MEN AT WARRINGTON

The 29 year-old made 16 appearances for the club last season... He spent time on loan at FC United of Manchester during the 2021/22 season before returning to the Robins shortly after the New Year...

His arrival at Cantilever Park provides added depth and competition in the full-back areas, with fellow left-back Eddie Clarke set for a spell on the sidelines due to injury and Mitch Duggan serving a suspension at the start of the new season.

'I was impressed with the manager and knew that Warrington have come close to promotion a few times in recent years, so we should be competing this season,' he said. 'I’ve played with a few of the players for multiple seasons at my previous club and we know each other’s games very well. Supporters can expect a player who will always give 100%. I take pride in my defensive duties but also try to chip in with a few goals and assists'...

White becomes the club’s fourth new signing of the summer, with goalkeeper Tony Thompson, defender Tom Hannigan and attacking midfielder Oliver Putnam joining ahead of the 2022/23 Pitching In Northern Premier League season.

Manager Mark Beesley {another ex-Alty player] said 'Andy is... a player with pedigree of winning this league and having success in the league above. He’s an outstanding defender on both sides and can play at right-back or left-back. He’s got a great use of the ball, he’s played in a great footballing team for years and it was a no-brainer.

'Taking advantage of Altrincham going full time and knowing that Andy possibly couldn’t, we made him a key target'".

As well as manager Beesley and players White, Thompson and Hannigan, other ex-Altrincham players at Cantilever Park are Sean Williams and Josh Amis.

In his Altrincham career, Andy White made 109(+11) appearances and scored five times.

The list of last season's Altrincham players to have joined other clubs this summer now comprises:

• Kennedy DIGIE to Gloucester City
• Kyle FERGUSON to Harrogate Town
• Kole HALL to Chester FC
• Connor HAMPSON to Curzon Ashton
• Josh HANCOCK to Curzon Ashton
• Tom HANNIGAN to Warrington Town
• A-Jay LEITCH-SMITH to Nantwich Town
• Daniel MOONEY to Southend United
• Jamie MORGAN to Chester FC
• Jake MOULT to Buxton
• Ritchie SUTTON to Nantwich Town
• Tony THOMPSON to Warrington Town
• Andy WHITE to Warrington Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The pair have signed on... and have taken the overall first-team squad size to 21.

Luke James, aged 27, can play as a winger or striker and counts Hartlepool United, Peterborough United, Forest Green and most recently Barrow as former clubs, playing the majority of his career in the Football League.

29 year-old Duku started his career in his native Holland before working his way up through the non-leagues in England, most notably scoring 39 goals in 50 appearances for Hayes & Yeading United before going on to play for Cheltenham in League Two and recently Raith Rovers and Inverness in Scotland.

Both will target a starting place in John Askey’s forward arsenal with Scott Boden, Lenell John-Lewis, Maz Kouhyar, Alex Hurst and Olly Dyson already at his disposal".

According to Lincolnshire Live "Lincoln City head coach Mark Kennedy reckons he has a 'real prospect' on his hands after the Imps snapped up young defender Jay Benn from FC Halifax Town.

The 20 year-old full-back has joined Lincoln on a permanent transfer, with Halifax saying he had left the club for an 'undisclosed fee'. Benn came through the youth ranks at The Shay and went on to make 12 senior appearances...

'As a player, I have bundles of energy and get up and down the pitch from full-back. I’m looking to progress here, get better year on year'" said Benn

Kennedy added "Jay is the prototype Lincoln City full-back. He has fantastic athletic and technical attributes, he is forward thinking, forward running, forward passing and will really excite our supporters".

Stevenage FC "has agreed terms with Torquay United for the permanent transfer of Ross Marshall…

The 22-year-old joins The Gulls in the National League after making 27 appearances for Stevenage since signing in July 2020".

Boreham Wood "announce the arrival of Danny Elliott... following a successful season in the National League North with Boston United.

The 26 year-old will have a point to prove after his previous spell in the top tier of non-league of football, and offers plenty of goals after his season at Boston. Born in Nottingham, Elliott began his career in the academies of Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa before moving to America at the age of 19... After five years... he returned to Europe to join Spanish fourth division side CP San Cristóbal, where he remained for three months...

The forward signed for then-League Two outfit Port Vale on a deal until the end of the 2018/19 season where he featured a handful of times, but later dropped into the National League North in search of regular opportunities when he joined Chester. He would depart on loan to Alfreton Town in January 2019... and returned to the Deva Stadium... with the club being knocked out of the play-offs to Altrincham.... [On] departing Chester, [he made] the switch to National League side Hartlepool United...

A move to Boston saw him enjoy a dream season though, with 31 goals in all competitions... Elliott was... named Fans’ and Players’ Player of the Year".

Wrexham "confirm the signing of experienced goalkeeper, Mark Howard, who becomes the Club’s second addition of the summer.

Howard, who will reunite with manager Phil Parkinson having previously worked under him at Bolton Wanderers, arrives after being named Carlisle United’s Player of the Season for 2021/22.

The 35 year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal before joining Cardiff City, and later had spells in Scotland with St Mirren and Aberdeen.

He returned to England when signing for Blackpool, before making over 100 appearances for Sheffield United between 2012 and 2016... Howard joined Bolton in 2016, and has also featured for Salford City and Scunthorpe United in recent seasons".

ALTY LEGENDS: PETER POOLE COWPER

RYAN LEADS THE WAY

Right: Ryan Morton waits in the technical area, alongside Academy manager Paul Fay and first-team boss Phil Parkinson, at West Didsbury & Chorlton in 2021's pre-season game

Press and media officer John Edwards has spoken to Ryan at length and his interview is on the Altrincham FC website.

"Alty’s young penalty box predator is rightly proud of his standing as a Robins history-maker after becoming the first Academy player to break into the first team".

Ryan is one of six Academy players to be signed on for Alty's first-team squad for 2022-23. John Edwards continues, "The path to a professional contract with Alty wasn’t all plain sailing, particularly when growing pains stopped him in his tracks in his mid-teens.. He said ‘I was playing at Sale United... and a couple of years after that, I was invited down to Stoke City as part of their development squad...

'But then I started getting a lot of problems with my knee. It was a growth condition called Osgood-Schlatter, which can affect your knee when you are growing up, and it was really painful... I tore a cartilage in my other knee and ended up having to take six months out. I was 15 at the time, but at least the rest did the trick, and there were no problems after that.’

The chance with Stoke had gone by the time Ryan returned to full fitness, but another opportunity opened up for him at Alty, where an invitation to join the newly-formed Academy...

'I was always a winger when I was younger, and I even had one season at right-back,' he said... 'It was Neil Sorvel, if I remember rightly, telling me to move into the middle as the main striker, which I was more than happy to do. I scored two more goals and ended up with a hat-trick, and I’ve never looked back. That’s where I’ve played ever since, and I love it.

‘I think Paul Fay [Academy manager] had some input as well. I think he and Neil got their heads together and thought I’d be worth a go up front, and I’m glad they did. Paul said he saw something in me quite early on that made him think I would suit the striker role'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Heathcote joined West in December 2019 and made 64 appearances, scoring 37 goals.

Manager Chris Rowley said 'Sam has been great for me since I came to West. He has developed into a real leader on and off the pitch.

As a manager I’m gutted he is going but also proud that we have been able to be a part of his journey back up the football pyramid. I wish him the very best as I know he can go on to so much more in football in the future.'”

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 21 year-old has left Portman Road after coming through the club’s academy and making 30 first-team appearances.

But he spent the second half of last season on loan at Colchester, where he eventually found himself out of the team and then slipped out of matchday squads.

He returned to Portman Road but it became clear he faced a near impossible task to push his way into Kieran McKenna’s first-team, with former [Ipswich] boss Cook swooping to bring him to the National League club.

We understand Dobra has signed a two-year deal with the Spireites... Dobra made three appearances under Cook last summer before being loaned to the U’s. Cook has already moved to sign former Ipswich defender Bailey Clements this summer".

According to the Maidenhead Advertiser "Maidenhead United have made an eighth summer signing in the shape of French goalkeeper Alexis André Jr.

The 25 year-old arrives from former National League outfit Dover Athletic with whom he made 12 appearances... Andy Hessenthaler confirmed that the club intended to retain André Jr however in June 2022 conceded that the club were unlikely to be able to, due to financial reasons.

The goalkeeper also has a TikTok account with a considerable following of almost four million as of July 2022. He also appeared on the Amazon Prime Video dating show, Lovestruck High in May".

The Daily Echo reports that the "Latest Eastleigh recruit, Charlie Carter, revealed how new boss Lee Bradbury had been after him all summer...

Carter arrives at the Silverlake Stadium after a three-season stint with EFL Stevenage Borough, where he made 80 appearances and scored 10 times. An attacking midfielder by trade, 25-year-old Carter... after failing to make the grade at Craven Cottage, dropped into the non-league with Woking as a 16-year-old...

Carter departed Woking after they were relegated to the sixth tier, joining Chesterfield Town [sic] for an undisclosed compensation fee... He showed enough promise in his 20 appearances for the Spireites to convince Stevenage to part with an undisclosed fee... [before] his release and subsequent move to Eastleigh this summer...

Carter told the club’s website 'The gaffer was on my case from day one and showed a lot of interest throughout the summer... I really enjoyed my time in the National League before'".

The Oldham Chronicle says that "Latics boss John Sheridan further boosted his new-look squad by making two more new signings over the weekend.

Goalkeeper Magnus Norman has joined Latics from Carlisle United. The 6’4’’ shot-stopper, who has also been capped by England at U18 level, has penned a one-year contract after leaving Brunton Park earlier this summer.

Norman, aged 25... featured ten times for Carlisle last season after two years in Cumbria. Boss Sheridan said:... 'Magnus will make sure we have competition in that position this season'...

[And, as previously reported], Zaine Francis-Angol arrives at Boundary Park after also signing a one-year contract".

Aso Oldham Athletic "announce the signing of midfielder Lois Maynard on a one-year contract.

The 33 year-old, who won promotion from the National League with Salford in 2020, joins Latics from last season’s champions, Stockport County.

Maynard is another player with vast experience, having also played at the level for Tranmere Rovers and Solihull Moors, where he spent the last campaign on loan...

Manager John Sheridan said 'It’s vitally important we build a squad with quality and experience in key areas and signing Lois is a significant move in that respect'...

A defensive midfielder who can also feature across the back line, Maynard spent the whole of last season on loan at a Solihull side who were narrowly pipped to promotion... He joined Stockport two years ago on the back of an impressive three years at Salford".

Confirmation comes from the Dorset Echo that "Omar Mussa is destined for a return to the National League after agreeing a deal with Dagenham & Redbridge...

Mussa, 21, who has one year remaining on his Weymouth contract, moves for an undisclosed fee, understood to be a significant five-figure sum.

Dagenham are understood to have gazumped a Southend United bid at the final hour, the Daggers having had a bid rejected for the midfielder in January... He played 2,536 minutes across 37 appearances for Weymouth, scoring one goal and creating four assists...

Undoubtedly a rough diamond, Mussa mixed an ability to squirm out of tight spaces in midfield and silky skills on the ball with an inexplicable tendency to concede possession cheaply. Mussa becomes the 14th confirmed exit for the Terras this summer, with the club only announcing four signings".

We learn from the Halifax Courier that "FC Halifax have completed the signing of former Wigan Athletic and Salford defender Tylor Golden.

The right-back will help plug the gap in that position left by the departures of Tyrell Warren and Jay Benn to Barrow and Linclon City respectively.

Golden, 22, made his professional debut for Wigan during the 2017-18 season and, after loan spells at Droylsden and Nantwich, moved to Salford, playing 12 times for them in the 2020-21 campaign".

ALTY'S POST-WAR CENTENARIANS

The full list can be viewed here.

Goalkeeper Stuart Coburn leads the way with the most appearances for The Robins. After no fewer than eight centenarians, (Densmore, Hampson, Hancock, Hannigan, Moult, Peers, Thompson and White), left the club in 2021/22, or at the season's conclusion, just two players with 100+ appearances are currently at the Football Club, namely Jordan Hulme and Toby Mullarkey.

Above: In October 2017 three centenarians, Chris Adams, Gary Scott and Rod Thornley, presented a framed memento to Stuart Coburn to mark his record number of Altrincham FC appearances. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

AMAAR GRADUATES TO ALTY FIRST-TEAM SQUAD

Amaar was the leading scorer as the Academy team won the National League U19 Alliance Division H title in the team's first competitive season. He has also played for Altrincham Reserves.

Right: Amaar (on the right) and Academy captain Joe Cooney parade the league championship trophy at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Brian's interview with Amaar can be seen and heard on Alty TV.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dorking have risen through the leagues thanks to sensible investment and careful planning, making them a small club thriving at the heart of their community.

They finished second in the National League South last season with an impressive 81 points and ended up beating Ebbsfleet United in the play-off final to secure promotion.

In their 40 league games they hit an incredible 101 goals with Rutherford netting 30 of them. D3D4 understands that the club put a value of £200,000 on the player when sides enquired in January and that could be enough, with add-ons, to secure the player this summer.

Pompey are one of the sides to have made contact with the player but Rutherford has attracted a lot of interest, especially from sides in the third tier, which could lead to a bidding war".

According to Hampshire's Daily Echo, "Spitfires boss Lee Bradbury was pleased by his charges’ exploits in their first friendly...

Former Bournemouth and Havant & Waterlooville manager Bradbury, who turns 47 today, began his first full season in charge at the Silverlake Stadium with a 3-0 win over ninth tier Abbey Rangers.

Goals from Ousseynou Cisse, Danny Whitehall and defender Michael Kelly were enough as the Spitfires deployed two different line-ups for each half... Bradbury stated 'I enjoyed it; well, I say I enjoyed it, I don’t really like pre-season to be honest.

'As far as getting minutes into players, no injuries, and it being a competitive game, being played in the right way, (it was) great. We’ve come here today, created a lot of opportunities, should have won by a lot more. No grumbles from me, there’s a lot of room for improvement, but the lads worked hard'...

'Training has largely been running based, with a little bit of ball work so far,' he mentioned... 'We’re still looking to improve, and bring in three or four more players in and there are some trialists there that I’ve had in and around for three or four days'".

There's news of three new arrivals at Boundary Park. Firstly, Oldham Athletic "have agreed a deal to sign defensive midfielder Nathan Sheron from Harrogate Town.

The 24 year-old, who began his career with six seasons at Fleetwood Town, will join Latics on a two-year contract... Sheron started 21 times in the latter part of the Sky Bet League Two season last term having become a regular in the Harrogate team.

Manager John Sheridan said...'He has built up valuable experience in the EFL and lower down the pyramid so he knows the standards that we will have to meet... It is vitally important that our team next year has a solid spine and a competitive spirit'...

Sheron started out in the youth ranks at Liverpool before a move to Fleetwood... he featured 36 times whilst at Highbury Stadium, having spent time on loan in the National League North with Chorley, Chester and Southport... He spent a brief time at Walsall before playing in the Scottish Premiership with St Mirren.

Having left Fleetwood last summer, he joined Harrogate for their second campaign in the EFL...

Sheron said 'Oldham is a massive club and it’s a real honour for me to be here... I’m the sort of player who wears my heart on my sleeve and wants to get stuck in'".

And Oldham Athletic also confirm that "Versatile youngster Jordan Windass has secured a move to Oldham Athletic on a two-year contract.

The right-sided prospect, 22, who has spent the last two seasons with Bradford Park Avenue, is the youngest son of former Latics striker Dean and brother of current Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Josh.

Windass, who can play on the right side of the back-line or midfield, has progressed with a number of non-league clubs in the Yorkshire area during recent years...

Windass... has also featured earlier in his career for Gainsborough Trinity and North Ferriby...

Windass asid, 'I’m a player with good technique, I like to cross the ball, I enjoy beating players and I’ve got good versatility. This is a big step for me personally'".

And the Oldham Times has news of the third arrival "former Everton youngster Luke Burgess on a two-year deal from Salford City.

The 23-year-old, who started out with the Toffees' Academy before moving to Wigan, has been with the Ammies for the last two and a half years...

At Wigan, Burgess made five first-team appearances after signing a professional contract in 2017. He spent time on loan at Chorley and Barrow before switching to Salford in January 2020... Born in Liverpool, Burgess made 21 appearances for Salford, scoring three goals".

The Leader Live reports on "players who left Wrexham at the end of last season... Striker Kwame Thomas and midfielder Dan Jarvis were among eight players released by the Reds...

Thomas has signed for League Two outfit Sutton United...

Jarvis has signed a 12-month deal with Gateshead, promoted to the fifth tier as National League North champions last term, with the option of a second year... Jarvis extended his stay with the Reds last summer for another year... Jarvis either started or came on as substitute in nine successive matches before sustaining an ankle injury ... which kept him on the sidelines for more than two months.

Upon his return in February, Jarvis struggled to nail down a regular place as the 24-year-old made four starts and 10 substitute appearances during the run-in.

Former Wrexham left-back Jamie Reckord has signed for National League rivals Yeovil Town on a one-year deal following his departure from Boreham Wood, who he only joined in January from the Reds.

And ex-Wrexham striker Alex Reid has joined Solihull Moors - a former club - on a season-long loan from Stockport County".

3 July 2026

MOVING ON

• Kennedy DIGIE to Gloucester City
• Kyle FERGUSON to Harrogate Town
• Kole HALL to Chester FC
• Connor HAMPSON to Curzon Ashton
• Josh HANCOCK to Curzon Ashton
• Tom HANNIGAN to Warrington Town
• A-Jay LEITCH-SMITH to Nantwich Town
• Daniel MOONEY to Southend United
• Jamie MORGAN to Chester FC
• Jake MOULT to Buxton
• Ritchie SUTTON to Nantwich Town
• Tony THOMPSON to Warrington Town

The only player to join a higher-ranked club is Kyle Ferguson (above, right) who has moved up to League Two.

ALTY OLD BOY

Nyal has been involved in our three training sessions so far this pre-season and is a player manager Liam Watson has admired for some time.

Nyal is 25 and a tall imposing striker who, after spending his youth career at Rochdale, played for a number of clubs around the North West before enjoying a productive spell at Stockport County between 2018 and 2021.

The 2021-22 season saw Nyal on duty with Kidderminster before going out on loan to Curzon Ashton. He was released by Kidderminster at the end of the season.

Liam said 'Nyal is a player I have been after for some time, he is a player who will fit in well here at Haig Avenue he’ll bring a real threat to the final third for us'".

Footote: Bell joined Altrincham on a month's loan from Gateshead on 19 August 2016. A 6ft 2in. forward, Bell had earlier in summer 2016 joined Gateshead from Rochdale and had penned a two-year contract with The Heed. He had made three appearances for Rochdale's first team but was also loaned to Droylsden and Chester FC in 2015-16. He made three appearances for Chester. His Altrincham appearances comprised two starts and one appearance from the bench; he did not socre.

ALTY LEGENDS: TOMMY CUNLIFFE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The striker, 32, leaves the Spireites after four years at the club following the expiration of his contract... He said, 'My time has come to move on!'...

Denton joined Chesterfield from Alfreton Town in August 2018 when Martin Allen was manager. The towering forward, known for his aerial presence in both boxes...started the 2020/2021 campaign on fire, bagging nine goals in 15 games, before he suffered a serious knee injury which ended his campaign.

He made a return last summer before suffering another knee injury which ruled him out for the majority of last season...

Manager Paul Cook spoke highly of ‘Dents’ and he was set to be offered a new contract but he is now a free agent".

And the Derbyshire Times also reports that "Ollie Banks always had his heart set on returning to the Spireites.

The 29-year-old has re-joined Chesterfield on a free transfer from Barrow, signing a two-year deal.

The central midfielder had his contract cancelled by mutual consent by the League Two club... He scored 12 goals last season and was captain of the Cumbrian side...

'I’m hoping I can bring a bit of experience... We need to get back where we should be'...

Banks reunites with manager Paul Cook, who he played for in his previous spell at the Blues, making almost 100 appearances in three years between 2013 and 2016...

Cook's summer recruitment has so far focused on players in their early 20s so Banks will add some much-needed Football League experience... He becomes the Spireites’ eighth summer signing".

Oldham Athletic "confirm the signing of Zaine Francis-Angol on a one-year contract.

The former Hartlepool United and Motherwell player, who can operate at left back or as a left winger, becomes the seventh summer addition made by manager John Sheridan.

Capped 19 times by Antigua & Barbuda, Francis-Angol featured in Hartlepool’s successful National League play-off quest in 2021, before also playing on loan for Stockport during their promotion...

Sheridan said 'Zaine is another player who knows all about what it takes to be successful in this division and has got attributes we need. He’s an excellent athlete, is versatile, has got pace and is a good competitor. Zaine is a player with a good amount of experience and provides us with different options down the left'".

According to the Chronicle Live, "Newcastle United youngster Dan Langley has signed a season-long loan with newly promoted Gateshead for the 2022/23 campaign. The 21 year-old made his senior debut for the Magpies in pre-season last summer against York City.

The 6ft 7 shot stopper was handed his debut after Karl Darlow tested positive for Covid-19 and Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman were forced to self-isolate after being in close contact with the goalkeeper. Langley becomes Mike Williamson's fourth [sic] signing of the summer after the arrival of former Magpies youngster Tom Allan and former Sunderland defender Kenton Richardson.

The shot stopper was a regular for Newcastle's Under-23s side... The loan move is Langley's first foray into senior football... Langley will provide competition for Gateshead keeper James Montgomery who has struggled with injury problems over the past two season".

Weymouth "confirm the departure of winger Sean Shields to Barnet.

Shields joined the club in 2020 following his spell at Ebbsfleet and made a fantastic contribution... scoring 7 and assisting 20. Shields was named Players’ Player of the Year for 2020-21".

And also at Barnet "Ben Wynter has signed a permanent deal at The Hive London.

The versatile right-back has spent the last four seasons at Torquay United and joins following the expiry of his contract.

After coming through Crystal Palace’s youth system, Wynter enjoyed a brief spell at Bromley before signing permanently for Torquay in 2018... The 24-year-old continued to improve whilst with the Gulls... Wynter scored nine goals and made 23 assists in over 150 appearances for the Devon-based side and was also called up to the England C squad last season.

Dean Brennan said 'Ben is one of the best players in his position at this level'".

Another Barnet recruit si the subject of a report from Gloversacast which expresses "Shock as Gorman doesn't join Woking". It explains that "Former Yeovil Town midfielder Dale Gorman has joined National League rivals Barnet following his departure from Huish Park.

The Northern Irishman, who made more than 40 appearances for the Glovers last season, seems to have been in conversation with Bees’ boss Dean Brennan for some time.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the move is that it does not see him link up with former Yeovil boss, Darren Sarll, at Woking...

The former Stevenage and Leyton Orient player was one of five to depart at the start of last month having turned down an offer of a new contract.

And at Gillingham "Academy graduate... Henry Woods has signed for Maidstone United on a free transfer.

The 22 year-old is a product of the club's youth system and made his professional debut as a substitutein an EFL Trophy tie at Priestfield in November 2018.

He has since gone on to make a further 12 appearances for the first-team, enjoying a loan spell with Concord Rangers in the process.

Woods signed for Dover Athletic on loan at the beginning of last season, which was later extended until the end of the campaign, where he made 30 appearances and scored one goal".

2 July 2022

LEITCH-SMITH AND SUTTON JOIN NANTWICH

Nantwich Town "announce the signing of forward A-Jay Leitch-Smith ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Most recently at Altrincham, 32-year-old Leitch-Smith is best known as a product of the Crewe Alex academy, coming up through the ranks to spend six years as part of the first team at Gresty Road... before departing the club in 2014 with 22 goals in 122 games.

Leitch-Smith remained an EFL player for the following seven years, barring a loan spell in Scotland with Dundee... Spells at Yeovil, a successful season at Port Vale, Shrewsbury and Morecambe followed, before he accepted an offer to play under former Dabbers boss Phil Parkinson at Altrincham in the National League, where last season he scored four goals and assisted one in 19 appearances.

A-Jay spoke to us about his signing, saying, 'It’s great to be here, I’ve been talking to the gaffer for a while so it’s great to get it done. It’s good to be based back in Cheshire agin, there’s a great set-up here'...

And manager Dave Cooke said of A-Jay 'A-Jay’s a class act, lives locally, and we hope he can slot in here. We think he has the potential to be one of the best strikers in this league'".

And Nantwich Town also "announce the return of former Dabbers defender Ritchie Sutton (left) to the Swansway Stadium in a player/coach role.

The 36 year-old centre-back previously played for the Dabbers in the 2009/10 season, making 40 appearances before being snapped up by Port Vale... His early career was spent on loans away from Crewe Alex, where he started as part of their academy...

Two years at Altrincham, have brought him full circle back to the Dabbers... Sutton said 'It’s an absolute pleasure, being a local lad and living in the area, I’ve always followed their results since I left 12 years ago. I know some great people here, always kept in touch with the chairman and Dave, it feels good and the right thing to be back./

Manager Dave Cooke said 'Ritchie lives locally, he’s recently completed his A licence and I think he has the makings of a great manager in future, plus his knowledge of the club from his previous spell and his years in the EFL means he can bring a wealth of experience to the squad'".

THOMPSON AND HANNIGAN JOIN WARRINGTON TOWN

For more on the arrival at Cantilever Park of Tony Thompson and Tom Hannigan see yesterday's news...

• Tony Thompson
• Tom Hannigan

They join Sean Williams and Josh Amis in a colony of ex-Altrincham players at Warrington Town.

ALTY LEGENDS: ALBERT BEECH

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 24 year-old all action central midfield player offers plenty of energy in the centre of the park, as well as having some eye-catching goals in his game, too. An AFC Wimbledon academy product, Egan made his... Football League debut... eventually gaining experience out on loan at Sutton United, East Thurrock United and Kingstonian. He would depart Kingsmeadow at the end of the 2018/19 season... before going on to join Ebbsfleet United shortly after...

gan’s performances in midfield saw him agree a new contract ahead of their National League South campaign. He would return to the National League though... making ten appearances on loan at Maidenhead United during the second half of the season. However, the 2021/22 season proved more successful as Alfie and his Ebbsfleet teammates finished third...

Gaffer Luke Garrard said... 'We monitored Alfie across the season last year, having watched him live on many occasions. He brings great energy and has good ability in possession of the football. He can unlock a defence with his ability in the final third and has a real eye for a goal. He will provide much needed competition in the central midfield position'".

Wolverhampton Wanderers tell us that "Wolves goalkeeper Louie Moulden will spend the first half of the 2022/23 season at Solihull Moors having joined the fifth-tier side on loan until January.

The England under-20 international continues his development in non-league having enjoyed a successful spell with Ebbsfleet United during the second half of last season...

He will now make the step up to the National League with The Moors... Wolves’ strategic player marketing manager, Matt Jackson, believes the move will be another step in Moulden’s progression... as the keeper links up with his former international teammate and Moors boss Neal Ardley... Jackson said... 'We’re chuffed that Louie will also be making a local move as it will allow us to keep a closer eye on him than at Ebbsfleet... I know the manager well from my time with England under-21s'".

Wrexham have procured the "signing of centre-back Jordan Tunnicliffe, 28, who becomes the Club’s first new addition ahead of the 2022/23 season.

The former Crawley Town defender has signed a two-year deal... following the expiration of his Crawley contract, after three years with the Red Devils...

The defender said... 'I’m an ambitious player, and this is an ambitious Club and that’s what I’m looking forward to. The fanbase attracted me, first and foremost. I spoke to the manager and when he told me his ideas I wanted to come straight away. I don’t intend staying in the National League for long, I want to help the team get promoted and it will be a full squad effort to earn that'.

Tunnicliffe leaves Crawley having made more than 100 appearances across his three seasons in West Sussex. He was named in the EFL League Two Team of the Year in 2020/21, alongside new Wrexham team-mate Paul Mullin, and recovered from injury to make 18 appearances last season ...

He previously spent two seasons in the National League with AFC Fylde... Born in Nuneaton and previously part of West Bromwich Albion’s academy, Tunnicliffe also spent time with Barnsley, Sutton Coldfield Town and Kidderminster Harriers, earning an England C cap in 2017 after impressing with the latter...

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said 'I think he’s a strong signing for us with a lot of EFL experience... It’s the first signing in, and we’re working away on several situations... The base and platform we’re starting from is a lot further along than it was 12 months ago'">

Also at The Racecourse, the Leader Live tells us that "Parkinson says keeping hold of key players is just as important as making new signings and the Wrexham boss is confident all his big names will remain at The Racecourse going into the club's 15th campaign in non-league.

The Reds... have been installed as big favourites for the title by bookmakers.

Parkinson already has a strong squad at his disposal but he knows fresh faces are needed... But he also knows it is vital to keep hold of his star turns, with National League player of the season Paul Mullin, January transfer window signing Ollie Palmer, midfielder Jordan Davies and centre-back Aaron Hayden among the players who earned rave reviews last term.

'The key to the summer is also keeping all of our best players,' said Parkinson...

Wrexham will once again be playing in front of bumper crowds... with more than 6,800 season tickets snapped up".

Meanwhile, Bromley "confirm the departure of forward James Alabi following the expiry of his contract.

The 27 year-old arrived at Hayes Lane back in September 2020 and went on to become a firm favourite with fans.

During his time with the club, James made over 80 appearances, scoring 11 league goals.

James also played a vital role in our Buildbase FA Trophy winning run of last season".

According to York Press "Adam Crookes has revealed that York City were 'the first club' he 'looked at' following his release from Grimsby Town.

Crookes joined York on Thursday, alongside fellow Grimsby man Scott Burgess... Both players have previously worked with Minstermen manager John Askey, with Crookes doing so as Port Vale...

'I’m looking forward to... working with him again,' said the 24-year-old. 'I knew of his interest for a while and he was keeping tabs on me last year. When I became available, this was the first club that I looked at'...

Left-back Crookes arrives at York following the news that Scott Barrow, of the same position, is set to miss the entire 2022/23 season with an ACL injury.

'I’m predominantly a left-back or a left-sided defender... I’d say that I’m a hard-working type and I enjoy defending'...

Burgess heads to York on the back of two previous spells with Askey, also at Port Vale and with Macclesfield Town too... He said... 'I feel like I’ve played my best football under him, so hopefully I can kick on again... I play in central midfield and I like to get on the ball and let the team play'".

1 July 2022

ALTY OLD BOYS: TOM HANNIGAN

Hannigan’s capture will help to fill the gap following captain Mark Roberts’s decision to hang up his boots last month.

He will also join former Altrincham team-mate Tony Thompson, whose arrival at Cantilever Park was announced earlier today.

'It feels great to sign for a well-respected club, with good people in charge,' he said. 'I’ve kept track of how Warrington have been doing for a few years, and they’ve been knocking on the promotion door for a number of seasons.. With a couple more additions there’s no reason why we can’t make that final step'".

ALTY OLD BOYS: TONY THOMPSON

Tony explained his decision to drop two divisions as being primarily influenced by location (proximity to work) and by joining a club which has come close to promotion on several occasions in recent years, as Warrington Town have done.

Left: Tony Thompson, pictured in one of his last games for Alty, at home to Wealdstone in April 2022.

There is a video interview with Tony in which he explains his decision on the Warrington Town website, which adds that "The 27-year-old is a former team-mate of Yellows midfielder Sean Williams, who was confirmed to be staying in the club’s recently-announced retention list.

Thompson will add experience from higher up the football pyramid as manager Mark Beesley looks to assemble a squad capable of challenging for promotion again in 2022/23.

He will replace former Yellows keeper Dan Atherton, who recently left the club to pursue an opportunity in the Welsh Premier League. [Atherton has joined The New Saints. Coincidentally, Thompson's replacement at Alty is Oliver Byrne, who has joined Alty from the Welsh Premier].

On his decision to join, Thompson said 'I’ve got to say that Willo had a big influence. It’s so local to where I’m from, it’s ideal...

'I know all about the club. I’ve watched the results for the past two or three seasons because I’ve got a lot of friends who have come here and played. It’s perfect really. When I met Bees [Mark Beesley the manager], I got a real feel for the club. It’s a lot like Altrincham really.

'I’ve had a really good couple of seasons in the National League with my shot-stopping and coming for crosses. I’ve got quite a presence, and I think my distribution can really help us this season'".

At Warrington, as well as Sean Williams, he joins another former Alty player in striker Josh Amis. However, fellow ex-Alty keeper Josh Ollerenshaw has left the Wires this summer.

BROCKBANK INTERVIEWED

PARKY'S KEEPER

He is in no doubt he has found the ideal candidate...

'Ollie is a real coup,' he said. 'He has forged a name for himself at Connah’s Quay and is widely regarded as the best keeper in the League of Wales'...

Parkinson and his players reported back for the start of pre-season training at Egerton Youth Club in Knutsford on Monday...

'We’ve got trialists coming in, and there could be one or possibly two more signings. But I’m absolutely delighted with how the squad is already'" said the Altrincham manager.

ALTY LEGEND: IRA WINSTANLEY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Notts County have confirmed the departure of first-team coach Alex Clapham after a single season at Meadow Lane.

The 33 year-old oversaw the club's set-pieces and also contributed to opposition analysis. Clapham also supported former Notts head coach Ian Burchnall and his assistant head coach Michael Doyle as part of Burchnall's backroom staff.

That role also included assisting with individual player development plans and coaching as well as providing tactical and technical advice on matchday last season. Burchnall and Doyle have both since left to join Forest Green Rovers, but Clapham's new destination remains unknown...

The coach, who already has his pro licence, has previously held head coaching positions overseas with Spanish club Getafe's under-19s' team. During more than seven years spent coaching on the Iberian Peninsula, Clapham attained UEFA's highest coaching qualification as well as undertaking a study placement at the Atletico Madrid academy.

Clapham also led the Swedish fourth-tier side Ytterhogdals IK before becoming part of Burchnall's backroom staff. At Meadow Lane, the infamous 'set-piece coach' oversaw a marked improvement in the club's quality in these situations at both ends of the pitch, as per Notts County Stats".

According to the Daily Mail, the "A takeover of Oldham Athletic has been agreed, in what appears to be a major boost for the crisis club...

A series of protests from fans against deeply unpopular owner Abdallah Lemsagam took place throughout the previous campaign [with] matches disrupted by pitch invasions. And a boycott was arranged for the forthcoming season, with the picture seemingly bleak.

However, a longstanding successful local business has now agreed to buy not only the club, but the surrounding land and stadium.

The identity of the business will not be made public until the deal has been completed and the owner’s and director’s test passed.

Insiders say they aim to complete the deal within the next four weeks. As part of the agreement, the sale of season tickets, sponsorship and commercial activity has been halted and will reopen following the takeover.

The club [also] announced that a compromise between Lemsagam and former owner Simon Blitz has been reached. Lemsagam had taken legal action against Blitz over the ownership of a stand at Boundary Park.

Funds are in place for the takeover which would see the club reunited with the stadium."

We learn from the Derbyshire Times that "Three men have been arrested on suspicion of theft at Chesterfield Football Club... Derbyshire Constabulary...

'On Thursday, 19 May we received reports of a theft at Chesterfield Football Club,' the police said in a statement. 'An investigation was launched, and three men have been arrested on suspicion of theft. They have been released under investigation while enquiries continue'...

Those arrested cannot be publicly named unless they are charged and appear in court".

The York Press alerts us to the fact that "Lenell John-Leiws has admitted that a return to York City was 'always going to happen'.

John-Lewis agreed a permanent one-year deal with York on Wednesday, having spent the final four months of last season on loan at City... with six goals in the final seven matches, including strikes in each of the play-off ties.

It was revealed that the striker was in talks over a new deal with the Minstermen over a month ago...

Said the 33-year-old, 'I think it was probably always going to happen and it’s taken a bit longer (to be announced) because I’ve been away'...

John-Lewis is one of the 11 players York have announced as squad members for the return to the National League. Over the off-season, 17 players have departed John Askey's side and a new-look side will take to the field when the first of five pre-season friendlies commence...

John-Lewis smiled, 'There’s obviously a lot of new lads, so there will be a bit of gelling together, but I’m looking forward to it. For me, I always say that if I play games, I know that I will score goals and my form will come,' said the former Grimsby Town man."

And York Press adds that "York City have signed Grimsby Town's promotion-winning pair Adam Crookes and Scott Burgess.

Crookes played 24 times for Grimsby last season... The 24-year-old left-back was a regular for the Mariners through the first half of the season, but only played four times after January.

Burgess meanwhile racked up 14 league appearances last term after the 24-year-old central midfielder's January switch from Port Vale, although he too did not feature in the play-offs.

Both Crookes and Burgess have previously played under York manager John Askey... Crookes was signed on a permanent deal by Askey at Port Vale in 2019 amid a three-season spell at the Stoke-on-Trent club.

Burgess, who began his career at Bury, has twice before been signed by Askey, firstly during a 2017/18 loan stint at Macclesfield Town and secondly at Port Vale, also joining in 2019 and spending two full seasons there...

New recruits Scott Boden, Alex Hurst and Ryan Fallowfield have joined from Boreham Wood, Port Vale and Harrogate Town respectively. Last season's loanees Mitch Hancox, Sam Sanders and Lenell John-Lewis have all been retained alongside previous squad members Maxim Kouogun, Paddy McLaughlin, Olly Dyson, Maziar Kouhyar and Ryan Whitley".

SB Nation reports that "Young [Chelsea] goalkeeper Ethan Wady signed up yesterday... The 20-year-old goalkeeper has joined non-league Woking FC for the season ahead, where he will compete with the experienced Craig Ross for the starting job...

He’s been assured that he will get a fair chance from manager Darren Sarll... Another Chelsea connection is former prospect Rohan Ince currently playing for The Cardinals.

[Sarll opined], 'Ethan is a very ambitious young man. The one thing you identify with him straightaway, as you look at his pathway, is how he has always chosen to take the uncomfortable route. There is never a comfort zone you can identify with this young player.

'He has always chosen to go out and play in environments that are a lot different to his academy background, so that must be admired straightaway. There is also a fierce ambition in him to really compete with Craig Ross... My environments are always based on meritocracy'...

Wady, who signed a contract extension before heading out, has tried his hand at senior football with Tooting & Mitcham, Dartford, and Hendon in the last few years, without too much to show in the way of first-team appearances however".

In the East Anglian Daily Times comes confirmation that "National League side Torquay United have signed two released Ipswich Town youngsters.

The non-league side have brought in both Brett McGavin and Dylan Crowe, after the academy graduates were let go by the Blues this summer.

McGavin finished last season on loan at King’s Lynn Town, impressing Torquay sufficiently to win a contract for next season...

Crowe, a former England youth international who has previously been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Celtic, Benfica and RB Leipzig, made just one senior appearance for Town...

Dylan Crowe is a former England youth international".