31 May 2024

ALTY SEASON TICKETS: LAST DAY FOR DISCOUNT

"Early Bird season tickets, available until May 31st, cost £308 for adults, £253 concessions (65-and-over, NHS, students), £108 juniors (12-18) and £54 children (5-11)."

The club has also announced on its mobile site that there will be "categorised fixtures with a small surcharge to Category A pricing to cover the additional costs of GM Police and stewarding. Currently the only Category A fixtures are [those against] Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town".

Also, for this coming season, season tickets will NOT be valid "for FA Trophy, FA Cup, Cheshire Senior Cup or pre-season friendlies". Presumably they are also invalid for the new cup competition involving Premier League under-21 teams.

From 1 June 2024, season ticket prices for 2024-25 are:

• Adult | £320
• Concession | £265
• Junior (age 12-17) | £120
• Child (age 5-11) | £60
• Infant | £ TBA

Individual matchday pricing for 2024-25 will be as follows:

• Adult | Category A matches: £22, Category B: £20
• Concession | Category A matches: £17, Category B: £15
• Junior (age 12-17) | Category A matches: £10, Category B: £9
• Child (age 5-11) | Category A matches: £5, Category B: £4
• Infant | £ TBA

Season tickets cover ALL league games played at the J. Davidson Stadium. They do NOT cover cup matches or pre-season friendies.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Sinclair joins the Minstermen from Rochdale, where he signed permanently in 2022. After 34 games across all competitions last season, the forward ended the campaign with 11 goals to his name.

The 23-year-old began his youth career at Blackburn Rovers before settling at Mansfield Town in 2017... Loan spells with Radcliffe and Basford United followed for Sinclair, between 2019/20, experiencing senior men’s football for the first time...

Dale acquired the attacker’s service after release from Mansfield... A loan switch to Altrincham saw Sinclair feature 14 times between February and April 2023 for the National League side, scoring six goals across all competitions before being recalled.

In total, Sinclair featured 70 times for Rochdale across his two-year spell, scoring 14".

And another player with Alty connections has joined FC Halifax Town who "confirm the signing of midfielder Tom Pugh on a two-year deal following his release from National League North side Scunthorpe United.

Pugh spent time in the Leeds United academy before joining the Scunthorpe academy in February 2017, going on to sign his first professional deal with the Iron in 2019. The midfielder, who is capable of playing in both central midfield and on the right... signed a new one-year deal...in May 2021... Pugh was then released having made just under 40 appearances across four years as a senior player....

In September 2022, the midfielder joined National League North club Scarborough Athletic, however after just two appearances for the Seadogs, Pugh re-joined Scunthorpe, then in the National League. In November 2023, Pugh joined fellow National League North side Hereford on loan until the end of the season, however was recalled by Scunthorpe at the end of January having made 12 appearances.

Upon his return, Pugh went on to make a further 13 appearances for Scunthorpe at the back end of the 2023/24 season... The midfielder was then one of nine to be released at the end of the season".

Footnote: Pugh was a trialist for Altrincham in summer 2022.

Left-sided "defender Lewis Page will be an Ebbsfleet United player in 2024/25 following the 28-year-old’s departure from Dagenham & Redbridge.

A former West Ham academy prospect, Page arrives at the Kuflink Stadium with plenty of EFL experience... While at West Ham – where he featured in the Hammers’ Europa League campaign – he made loan appearances for Coventry City and Cambridge United before a three-year stay with Charlton Athletic.

He made the move to Exeter City ahead of the 2020/21 campaign and continued his stay in League Two with spells at Harrogate Town, Mansfield Town and Gillingham.

He arrived in the National League last summer with a move to Dagenham & Redbridge where he spent the season".

The Deck confirms that "Dagenham & Redbridge have completed the signing of full-back Oscar Rutherford from Eastleigh on a free transfer...

The defender was released by the Spitfires following the expiry of his contract...

Rutherford stated... 'I would say I’m a high-energy player, I like to get up and down, cause defenders problems, and hopefully provide goalscoring opportunities'...

The 20-year-old made 36 appearances in the National League for Eastleigh last season, providing two assists in the process but didn’t manage to find the back of the net... [But he] won their Young Player of the Season award during the 2022/23 campaign...

The 20-year-old’s departure from Eastleigh came as an initial shock to their supporters... Despite being just 20, Rutherford has already made over 75 first-team appearances in his career and is likely to have been targeting regular first-team football in the next chapter of his career".

Also at Dagenham & Redbridge "Josh Umerah has become our second signing of the summer after the striker agreed a one-year deal plus a one-year extension clause with the club.

The 27-year-old centre forward is the second addition to Ben Strevens’ squad... Umerah began his career at Charlton Athletic’s academy... Following his first-team debut, the striker enjoyed loan spells at Kilmarnock, Wycombe Wanderers and Boreham Wood.

After these loan spells, Josh led the line for Ebbsfleet, Torquay and Wealdstone before joining his most recent club Hartlepool in July 2022".

Yeovil Town "announce that Harvey Greenslade has joined... on a two-year deal...after departing Bristol Rovers at the end of his contract.

Born in Bristol, Greenslade joined Rovers at the age of 7... before eventually making a senior appearance for the Gas in an EFL Trophy match against Plymouth Argyle.

During his time at the Memorial Stadium, Greenslade enjoyed loan spells with Chippenham Town, Truro City, and Oxford City. While at Truro, he played a key role in securing promotion to the National League South...

Greenslade then moved to Oxford City... At Court Farm, he stood out in a City side that struggled to adapt to life in the fifth tier".

Barnet FC "is delighted to announce the signing of centre-back, Joe Rye on a long-term deal.

The 20-year-old played 39 National League South games for Worthing last season as they finished 3rd in the league and made the play-off final.

Joe Rye on his move to Barnet FC 'I’m buzzing to be here, he (Dean Brennan) seems like a great gaffer. His vision for the Club is unbelievable, everything from the facilities and infrastructure are massive. I can’t wait to meet the boys.'

Barnet FC Manager Dean Brennan added 'Joe is a player with exceptional defensive abilities, he is your modern-day defender, technically excellent, he reads the game superbly and I am delighted that he chose to come to us at Barnet.'

Worthing, who lost the National South play-off have been deimated by players leaving for clubs in the National League.

Tamworth manager Andy Peaks said, "I am delighted with the way the squad is shaping up. To get as many as we have done over the line so soon is very pleasing. By the end of this week our squad will be 16 strong, but I am still looking to bring in another 8 players to take us up to 24. WIth an increased bench size next season, we will need a minimum of 18 on a match day and then we need room for suspensions and injuries, so to have 6 extra players on top of the 18 will be important.”

We have been able to get a good core of the squad back for next season and with the 4 new players coming in I think we are looking strong. I am still negotiating with some of the current squad and new players for next season, however, 4 who are leaving are Brad Gascoigne, Callum Reilly, Lindon Meikle and Alex Jones...

For the record:

• Alex Jones played 49 games scoring 8 goals
• Lindon Meikle played 31 games
• Brad Gascoigne played 9 games
• Callum Reilly played 14 games"

Maidenhead United announce that the following players have left the club:

Charlee Adams, Daniel Jinadu, Lewis Kinsella, Ashley Nathaniel-George, David Omilabu, Harry Parsons.

In addition, Zico Asare and Sam Beckwith have not accepted offers of improved terms and as they are out of contract they now become free agents, albeit as they are under the age of 24 the club will be entitled to compensation for both players from their new clubs...

All other players who represented the club in 2023/24 – along with Academy players Jamie Davies, Jadyn Dundas and Joshua McMenemy – remain under contract with the club for 2024/25.

OWEN EARNS SECOND CONTRACT

A loan spell at Irlam gave him an early taste of senior football, and when he then received rave reviews for a series of mature performances at the heart of Wythenshawe Town's midfield... it convinced Alty's management team that he was developing along the right lines and good value for his place in the Robins' squad.

After putting pen to paper on his second contract as a senior Alty player, the teenage midfielder... said 'There’s no better place for me to continue my development than at Alty... The gaffer helped sort the loans for me last year and they gave me a good insight into the men’s game'...

Alty boss Phil [Parkinson]... said 'Owen’s progress has been the most impressive out of all the graduates we’ve promoted through the Academy programme.

'He’ll be wanting to... force himself into the first team picture. I’ve no doubt he will'".

Footnote: A "deep-lying" midfielder, Owen made his debut for Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup on 11 October 2022 at Sandbach. Despite only being seventeen at the time, he had already captained the Altrincham FC Academy side on occasions.

Owen is a product of the Crewe Alexandra youth system, having spent more than a decade at Gresty Road before his release by the Railwaymen at the age of sixteen.

In early 2023 he went on loan at Irlam in the North West Counties League Premier Division and in late April 2023 he was an unused sub for Altrincham in the Cheshire Senior Cup Final at Moss Lane.

Despite not having made a league appearance, his promise was such that he was signed up for the first-team squad for 2023-24. However, on 27 July 2023, it was announced that Owen was going on a season-long loan to Wythenshawe Town. However, that arrangement was curtailed owing to injuries to other squad members.

Consequently he was named in three Altrincham National League squads in October 2023 and also played in the CSC tie that month against 1874 Northwich in which he converted a penalty in a shoot-out.

On 20 October it was announced that he was commencing a one-month loan at Warrington Rylands in the Northern Premier League's Premier Division. That loan was extended to the end of 2023-24 season but on 2 February it was announced that he had gone on loan at Stafford Rangers.

To date he has made 2(+1) appearances, all of which have been in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 25 year-old joins Latics on a two-year contract, having spent recent seasons in League Two and the National League with Hartlepool United and Scunthorpe respectively.

Mainly operating at right-back, Reagan can also play on the left of the defence and on the right of midfield...

Ogle said 'I wanted a challenge with my next move, and I’m really looking forward to the chance to step up and test myself'".

Footnote: Reagan Ogle joined Altrincham on loan from Accrington Stanleyin March 2021. Having played four full matches for Altrincham, it was announced on 18 March that an initial month-long loan period had been extended to the end of the 2020-21 season. For Altrincham he went on to make a total of 11(+1) appearances.

He was released by Accrington in summer 2021 and he joined Hartlepool United for 2021-22 before joining Scunthorpe United at the end of that season.

In summer 2023 Oldham tried to sign Ogle but the Lincolnshire club turned down their approach, before the Latics secured his signature this week.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Carl [Dickinson] and I believe we are close to finalising a really productive, tough and character building first two weeks which will set the tone for standards, behaviours, work ethic and professionalism for the next 10 months.

The timing of the Euros has meant that all teams at our level have an elongated summer break, and with that we have an unusually long period for summer recruitment... Now we must be patient to ensure that we get the right players. Very little activity is happening across the industry as a whole at present, however that will quickly change in the coming month.

Our player profiling is very clear and concise - we are looking for a different type of athlete, a different character and one that the supporters can connect and relate to. Players that commit their souls to the pursuit of winning are hard to identify in initial meetings, but it’s a crucial attribute for what we’re trying to build... recruiting where possible from the North East...

It was really pleasing to tie down David Ferguson and Nicky Featherstone as they connect to the town more so than anyone.

I’ve met or spoke[n] to every player now and I’ve enjoyed those early exchanges...

The real work starts late June and it’ll be tough. The message to the players is that they have to return in a conducive condition to work very hard, their bodies must be ready for a tough programme. I want this team to be mentally and physically resilient. Everyone must commit from day one to a level of sacrifice that will give us the best chance of fulfilling our potential'".

PRE-SEASON PATTERNS

1. Sat. 6 July: Colne (NPL 1 West STEP 8) (A) 3pm
2. Sat. 20 July: Warrington Town (National League North STEP 6) (A) 3pm
3. Sat. 20 July: Cheadle Heath Nomads (NWCFL 1 South STEP 10)) (A) 7.45pm
4. Tue. 23 July: Salford City (EFL 2 STEP FOUR) (H) 7:45pm
5. Sat. 27 July: Chester FC (National League North STEP 6) (A) 3pm
6. Tue. 30 July: Curzon Ashton (National League North STEP 6) (A) 7.45pm
7. Sat. 3 Aug: Bradford City (EFL 2 STEP FOUR) (H) 3pm

Pre-season freindlies rarely give a clear pointer to the coming league campaign and the summer of 2023 was no exception.

Last season (2023-24) Alty played eight pre-season games, performing only twice at the J. Davidson Stadium. They lost five of those games and won three, a record which gave no indication of what was to turn into an excellent season.

After losing the first three games at Lancaster City, FCUM and at home to Stockport County, a win at Wythenshawe Town was followed by defeat in the Netherlands at NEC Nijmegen. Wins at Macclesfield FC, at home to a Manchester United XI, and defeat at Runcorn Town wrapped up the pre-season preaparations.

In summer 2022, the same pattern of eight summer games, of which only two were at home, was arranged. However, the planned away game at the Tameside Stadium was postponed by hosts Curzon Ashton as the pitch was not ready to be played upon. Four wins and three defeats were the outcome of the schedule.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Digie joined Altrincham from Hereford FC in summer 2021.

Unfortunately, a cartilage injury curtailed his pre-season with the Robins and he underwent an operation in early September 2021. He finally made his debut in early November 2021 at Gateshead in the FA Cup.

After 8(+2) appearances for Altrincham, his departure, on a month's loan to Farsley Celtic, was announced on 21 February 2022.

He made no further appearances for Altrincham and, in summer of 2022, he signed for Gloucester City. The following summer he moved again, this time to Alfreton Town, from where he has now moved to Tamworth.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Club would like to place on record its thanks to Alfie for his contributions as a Woking player. He is a great professional and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours".

There have also been two recent signings at Kingfield, as Woking "announce the signing of Jacob Jones.

The 22-year-old left wing-back joins from Scottish League One side Cove Rangers. A Swansea City academy product, Jones joined Forest Green Rovers in July 2022, linking up with Michael Doyle, who was Assistant Manager at the club. He was loaned to Bath City and King’s Lynn Town after making two appearances at Forest Green, before departing in summer 2023 to join Cove.

Jones made 26 appearances for Cove last season".

Also signing on at Woking is "Dale Gorman. The 27-year-old central midfielder joins following the expiry of his contract at Barnet.

A Northern Ireland under-21 international,... he joined Stevenage in 2013, making... 71 appearances for the club across three seasons before joining then-National League side Leyton Orient in June 2018.

Gorman made 45 appearances across two seasons, including 22 in the 2018-/19 National League season... before a move to Northern Irish side Glentoran in 2020. After one season, he returned to the National League, joining Yeovil Town.

In 2022, Gorman joined Barnet... making 87 appearances as the Bees finished 5th and then 2nd. He was also given the captaincy in 2022 and retained it until he left the club...

Said Woking Manager Michael Doyle 'He was one of our three main targets for the close season, and we’re well-chuffed to have gotten [sic] this over the line... He’s a great age for what we’re looking to do'".

"When Wealdstone return for pre-season training this summer, Sean Adarkwa will know all about the exciting and progressive move to a hybrid model.

Under manager Matt Taylor, the players will train at new training base at Brunel University on Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings, and Thursday evenings, a schedule that will ensure greater contact time with the squad for our new management team of Taylor and Paul Hughes.

Adarkwa experienced exactly this set up at former club Arbroath...

'Some players came in every day, others less frequently,' said Adarkwa... 'The standard [there] is probably the equivalent of the National League or League Two'...

Adarkwa's deal at Arbroath ran out at the end of that season and the 6ft 3in East Londoner was snapped up by the Stones...

He said 'I have to admit that I didn’t know much about the club, and only recognised the Ruislip area because of driving to QPR for training...

'The way we play you have to be very good technically and it’s been impressive. I like the build-up style, it’s different and much better than most full-time clubs, let along part-time ones... most others play direct football and I find myself just fighting for the ball all the time'...

West Ham released him in 2021 but he impressed in a trial at QPR to win a contract... but then came a fracture of the lower spine...

'It put me out for ten months”' Sean explained. 'Not surprisingly they released me, but Arbroath in the Scottish Championship then came in for me'...

He scored ten goals last season, including a hat-trick against Hartlepool, signed a new deal in February and is now one of the most sought-after strikers in the National League".

Down at Ebbsfleet United the club "can confirm that Chris Haigh will depart the Fleet following three seasons with the club.

Haigh arrived at the Kuflink Stadium from Concord Rangers in summer 2021 and has since played 27 times for the Fleet.

The 27-year-old played a role in the Fleet’s title winning campaign in 2023 following a swift recovery from his leg break in the early stages of the campaign at Eastbourne Borough. He achieved the rare feat of earning two medals that season, one for the Fleet’s title win and one for Oxford City’s promotion-final victory after being loaned to them for the final month of the campaign.

Last season, Haigh returned to Oxford City on loan featuring 18 times in the National League for the Hoops".

In addition, Ebbsfleet United "welcome midfielder Jim Kellermann to the Kuflink Stadium ahead of the 2024/25 season following his departure from Woking.

The experienced 28-year-old is the first new signing announced this summer...

Kellermann... was with the Shots [Aldershot Town] for two seasons... He had a short spell with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership... During the first half of that 2018/19 season, he was also loaned to eventual promotion finalists AFC Fylde.

The midfielder turned out briefly for hometown club Kidderminster Harriers, moving on to Chesterfield... before returning south to Woking in 2022. He spent the last two seasons with the Cards... He went on to make 60 appearances".

Solihull Moors "announce the permanent signing of Sam Bowen... The 23-year-old arrives at Damson Park on a two-year deal following the expiry of his contract of Newport County.

Bowen started his career with Cardiff City... Bowen made four senior appearances for the Club... The Wales U21 international then joined Newport County in 2022 for an undisclosed fee before a loan move to the National League with Wealdstone.

The technical midfielder... made 40 appearances for the Stones...

Bowen said... 'I like to get on the ball, be creative and try and score a few goals. Defensively, I like to think I’m pretty good at reading the game'".

28 May 2024

MATTY GOULD, THE LATEST TO EXTEND HIS STAY

A more than capable stand-in for Ethan Ross, as was demonstrated last season, Matt's input at Alty extends way beyond simply providing competition for the number one spot.

In his other role as specialist goalkeeping coach, he was instrumental in helping Ethan not only hit the ground running on his arrival from Stockport County but quickly establish himself as a vital cog in a campaign that so nearly delivered promotion to the Football League...

'This will be year number five at the club for me, and it was a no-brainer,' he said. 'I love it here, and I love being a full-time footballer-coach. The gaffer and Sorvs have put a lot of belief and trust in me, and it’s an honour to work and play for them. We are going places as a club and the whole community can feel it, so let’s have another great year'...

Manager Phil Parkinson added, 'He has shown myself and the football club ultimate loyalty to stay with us when he could certainly have gone and played elsewhere in his dual role as coach and player'".

Footnote: Matty arrived at Altrincham from Spennymoor Town in August 2020, having spent two seasons in County Durham. He made his debut for Altrincham in the CSC at Barnton on 4 November 2020 but, despite being a regular at Spennymoor, at Altrincham he did not make his league debut until 3 May 2021 at Solihull and, indeed, over the whole season was only named on the bench for four other league games. In cup matches he played once, in the Cheshire Senior Cup, and was an unused sub for two other ties.

Injury in a pre-season match in summer 2021 was a factor in his exclusion from the first four matchday squads of 2021-22 before, on 24 September 2021, it was announced that he was going to Nantwich Town, on dual registration, to regain match fitness. Owing to injury to Tony Thompson, Matt was recalled from Nantwich on 13 October 2021 before he returned to The Dabbers On his return to Altrincham in May 2022, it was announced that he would be remaining at Alty for 2022-23.

He started the 2022-23 season in goal for the first-team, but suffered a bad facial injury in the second fixture, at Bromley. Having not played any National League game after that, it was announced on Boxing Day 2022 that he would go on loan for a month to Ashton United but by 10 January he had been recalled.

On 7 February 2023 it was announced that Matt was going on loan to Chorley. However, he returned before the end of the campaign to cover for the injured Byrne. So by the start of last season he had made just 18 appearances. Injury to Ethan Ross in 2023-24 meant that he added twelve more starts in that season , bringing his total to thirty appearances.

ANOTHER LOCAL FRIENDLY

Nomads, managed by our very own Academy Manager Paul Fay (right), will host the Robins on Tuesday, July 16 (7:45pm) at the Ideal Building Systems Stadium (SK8 2ET).

Paul took on the role of first team manager last summer, before steering Nomads to a club-high sixth-place finish in the NWCFL Division One South last season, narrowly missing out on a place in the play-offs in what was their sixth season at the level."

PRESSBOX REVIEW

"It has been a tale of onwards and upwards for Altrincham ever since Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel walked through the door seven years ago, progress all the way, but it's fair to say the Robins surpassed themselves during the course of the 2023-24 Vanarama National League campaign" writes John before recounting the ups and downs of the campaign..

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Returning to the club following a strong spell last season, Hosannah joins the Coasters as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Wrexham..

Bryce played regularly for Leeds’ Under-23’s team and spent time out on loan at Bradford City before his move to Wrexham... during the summer of 2021. The club has worked incredibly hard to get this deal over the line...

Hosannah commented... 'We were on an upward trajectory at the end of last season and I want nothing more than to continue that'

Chris Beech commented 'Bryce has been brilliant for us, he’s a great lad, with personality, who’s a really good football player too... He adds great strength to our defensive capabilities... One thing I want our side to improve on is transitions and game management, Bryce definitely makes us stronger in that'".

And, following the announcement that Chris Beech had extended his contract, AFC Fylde "announce Chris Beech and Nick Anderton as the club’s new management team for the upcoming Vanarama National League Season.

The Coasters had a strong end to the campaign under Chris and Nick, so we are delighted to share the extension of their current contracts with the club.

In 2019, Chris was appointed Head Coach of Carlisle United and... he successfully transformed them into a top-of-the-table side before departing in late 2021.

Following the unfortunate end to his career in April 2023, Nick now takes on his first full season as assistant...

Due to early retirement having been diagnosed with a rare form of Bone Cancer in the summer of 2022, Nick has since embarked on a career as a football coach... During his time with Carlisle, Beech made Anderton his club captain...

Chris first took control on a game-by-game basis in October... Nick was first seen on the sidelines of Mill Farm in mid-January... The duo then put together a five-game unbeaten run to assist the Coasters in their turnaround in form and help them move up the National League table".

FC Halifax Town believe their squad is "Looking good. The squad-list so far.

• Festus Arthur, Jimiel Chikukwa, Aaron Cosgrave, Jo Cummings, Jack Evans, Ryan Galvin, Adan George, Florent Hoti, Jack Jenkins, Sam Johnson, Ted Lavelle, Andrew Oluwabori, Adam Senior, Frankie Sinfield, Kane Thompson-Sommers, Max Wright." /li>

Barnet A lot’s been going on at the Hive... Firstly, we’re putting in a new tunnel. This will be located in the East Stand on the halfway line next to the dugout, so player walkouts will be nice and central to the pitch.

Within the stand itself and leading out to the tunnel will be all new changing rooms for our First Team and visiting clubs.

We are also installing a brand new state-of-the-art stitched stadium pitch and lengthening it at the same time. This hybrid system will create an impeccable playing surface for the stadium. These works will take place across this summer...

Finally, we are creating a safe-standing area in the East Stand next to the new tunnel... All of these stadium improvements... will not impact the playing budget for the season.

There is a small increase in our adult and concession pricing this coming season... These small price increases will help bolster the increased playing budget for the 2024/25 season".

At Tamworth "New signing 23 years old Miracle Okafor has become a scoring sensation over the past 2 seasons, netting 27 goals for Sporting Khalsa in the Northern Premier League, and then 21 for Halesowen Town in the Southern League Premier Central. So why choose Tamworth for his next move?

'I have had a lot of offers from clubs in National League and the National League North, but knowing what Tamworth have done over the past 2 seasons, together with the quality of the Manger Andy Peaks, to be honest it was a no brainer. I know some of the lads at Tamworth and they have told me what a great team spirit there is in the camp...

'I was offered a trial at Scunthopre United and went on to have a 2 years spell in their U21 Academy set up. When I was released I came back to Birmingham and had spells at Alvechurch, Guiseley, Stourbridge and then Khalsa, where the manager was really supportive and I had a great season scoring 27 goals. This helped me get a move to Halesowen where I ended up being top scorer again...

'It’s definitely a big step up, but I have been watching a lot of National League Football over the past season and the quality of the level makes it like a league 3.'...

Manager Andy Peaks [said]... 'We have known about Miracle for a couple of seasons and have tried to sign him before but it didn’t happen. I am delighted to get him now and he is a real jewel to be honest. We are fortunate to get him and he has turned down bigger clubs and better offers to come to us'".

Wealdstone Football Club "announce that Brunel University have become our new front-of-shirt sponsor, and made history as the club’s biggest-ever commercial sponsor. The local partnership was made official during a formal contract signing on Brunel’s campus, with the university’s Vice-Chancellor signing on the dotted line.

Wealdstone Chairman, Rory Fitzgerald witnessed the signing...

The deal will see Brunel University feature on the front of the club’s home and away kits for the next 3 seasons...

A substantial number of Brunel volunteers have helped out on match days, and Brunel student interns have worked with Wealdstone over the summer months...

Wealdstone’s Chairman Rory Fitzgerald said... 'There have been a number of areas where the club and University have already been collaborating, most noticeably at our growing academy based at the University’s Sports Park along with our Under-23s'".

News of a playerleaving Wealdstone comes from Sutton United who "confirm the signing of former Wealdstone player Dillon De Silva.

The exciting young forward joins with plenty of pedigree at fifth tier level and will bolster the U’s frontline with his exceptional speed and technical skills, as well as his agility and sharpness on the ball.

Born in Camden Town, London, De Silva had an unsuccessful trial at Arsenal, later beginning his career with rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the age of 11, where he spent three years. After departing White Hart Lane, a brief stint at Barking preceded a move to Queens Park Rangers...

De Silva aided his development with a successful loan move to the National League in 2022/23, with Torquay United signing him... The winger appeared 26 times in all competitions during his debut season in Devon, scoring four times as the Gulls were relegated to the National League South...

[He] returned to the fifth tier when he joined Wealdstone... starting seven of the eight games he was involved in to help the Stones avoid relegation, contributing two goals in the process.

Away from club football, De Silva also represents Sri Lanka on the international stage...

Manager Steve Morison said... 'Our new recruitment process flagged Dillon towards the end of the season and we monitored him and saw exactly what the data had given us. “He is exciting on the ball in 1 v 1 situations and likes to go forward when he gets the ball, but also has excellent defensive qualities being diligent in his work tactically'".

27 May 2024

CCC'S NATIONAL AWARD

In an interview, Chris alluded to rumours of a move from Altrincham saying, "When you have good numbers, you are always going to get interest. I am just focussing on getting back into shape for the new season...

"I had been on loan at Altrincham before under the gaffer (Phil Parkinson) and he gets the best out of me, so it was a no-brainer going back and I am glad I did...

"It's everything about the club, from the top right down to the bottom. It is run brilliantly, the gaffer (Phil Parkinson) and Sorvs (Neil Sorvel), they are good at man-management. They know when to put an arm around you and when to give you a kick up the backside. They just know how to get the best out of me...

"I set myself a goal and an assist target and, if I don't hit it, I need to work harder in the off-season. But I've hit it this year so maybe I can chill out for a little bit".

AND JORDAN WINS AN AWARD TOO

Jordan joked, "I'm six years older, a bit fatter, but luckily I had a good team behind me to set me up!"

SIXTH FRIENDLY ANNOUNCED

Managed by former Alty player Craig Mahon, The Nash reached last season's promotion play-offs in the National North.

So far, the pre-season programme comprises:

1. Sat. 6 July: Colne (A) 3pm
2. Sat. 20 July: Warrington Town (A) 3pm
3. Tue. 23 July: Salford City (H) 7:45pm
4. Sat. 27 July: Chester FC (A) 3pm
5. Tue. 30 July: Curzon Ashton (A) 7.45pm
6. Sat. 3 Aug: Bradford City (H) 3pm

NEW CONTRACT FOR KOSYLO

Fit again at the start of last season, after recovering from a knee ligament injury, he again provided a telling contribution to a campaign that so nearly delivered a place in the Football League...

He will turn 32 when the new season gets underway in August, but it was clear his energy levels and enthusiasm for the game, and Alty in particular, remain undiminished, as he said... 'I feel good and strong, and I'll be leaving no stone unturned in the off-season to make sure I come back and help push all the other younger boys and help the group towards achieving what we all want as a club, which is ultimately promotion after not quite making it this year'"

Manager Phil Parkinson added, "Kossy has been a super servant to myself and the football club. He pushes us forward on and off the pitch, and when fully fit, he's still a force at this level and can contribute goals and assists. He knows his role in the team but has a steely determination to nail down a starting place in the Xl.

'His superb attitude acts as a standard for other players to follow. He is certainly a role model for younger players coming through, and he epitomises everything that this football club and I stand for'".

Footnote: Matty has made 79(+24) appearances for Altrincham, and has scored 19 goals since joining in August, 2020, after leaving AFC Fylde, which had followed a three-year spell at FC Halifax Town.

Earlier in his career, wingman Kosylo had played previously under Alty manager Phil Parkinson. That was back in 2014-16 at Nantwich Town. He left Nantwich for FC Halifax Town, for an undisclosed fee, in July 2016.

At Alty, a pre-season ACL injury meant that he was out of action for the entire 2022-23 season but he returned to action in 2023 pre-season and played 17(+16) times in 2023-24, scoring on six occasions.

ALTY OLD BOYS

CONNOR HAMPSON rounded off the scoring in a 3-0 victory - a "classic header" according to their Facebook page - before the visitors had to play the last quarter of the match with ten men".

Closer to home Colwyn Bay "announce DANNY McGOONA has joined the club’s board of directors.

Danny is a former player with the club and also played for Bangor City... Connah’s Quay Nomads, Altrincham and Caernarfon Town.

He has also managed Conwy Borough, has a vast knowledge of local football and in recent years has been involved with Colwyn Bay FC Juniors.

Brian Madden, director of Colwyn Bay FC said, 'Danny’s made a valued contribution to the club during the last few seasons especially on matchdays.

'His knowledge of the north Wales football scene will be invaluable'".

Dannt is pictured below in the Altrincham side of 1997/98.

BACK: Chris Adams, Michael Moore, Jamie Taylor, Ian Horrigan, George Shepherd, Steve Carroll. MIDDLE: Chris Waring, Andy Brown, Mark Maddox, Matt Dickins, Steve O'Connor, Paul France, Ricky Harris, Mick Carmody. FRONT: Kevin Lampkin, John Toner, Peter Glick, Gerry Berman (Chairman), Danny Adams, Danny McGoona, Niell Hardy.

OLD FOES WITHDRAW FROM LEAGUE

Above: Jake Moult in action for Altrincham at Coalville on 30 December 2017.

Just a few days ago Coalville Town were announcing their recruitment plans for 2024-25 only for the following announcement to be made on Friday...

"Coalville Town Chairman Glyn Rennocks would like to issue the following statement regarding the Senior Men’s team who currently play in the Southern League Central Premier Division.

“I first got involved with the club in the early 1980s when we were in the nearby village of Ravenstone. At the time the club were in all reality a pub team. Over the next 40 years the club has progressed without ever suffering a relegation. Along the way we have enjoyed Promotions, FA & FA Trophy Cup Runs, became the first club from Leicestershire to appear at the new Wembley Stadium but, more than all of that on field success ,we have become a real focal point for the town and local community.

Over the last 2-3 years the costs of running a football club at this level have spiraled and the income has not matched the rise in costs.

Also in recent years the once fantastic support we received from North West Leicestershire District Council has diminished, especially since a certain councilor came to prominence...

As I approach my 70th birthday I can no longer continue to subsidise the club. I have always ran [sic] it in a sustainable way, never cut budgets and the club has no debts, However, after much thought and discussions I have taken the difficult decision to step away. The club will withdraw its men’s senior team and resign from the Southern League with immediate effect.

I have no doubt that this will disappoint a lot of people, no one more so than me, but there is no other alternative... Over my tenure I have registered over £140,000 of director loans into the football club to help with its infrastructure, this I will never get back nor do I want back but I also dread to think of what this total would look like if I included every time I have had put money in to the day to day running. As mentioned I am not getting any younger and right now I am at a point where I would rather spend my time and effort on my family, particularly my two and three year old granddaughters – retirement from work also beckons!...

Current management have been informed earlier today and we wish them all the best moving forward.

The Girls, Juniors, Inclusive, Ladies and Youth teams will all continue as normal and will benefit from the fantastic facilities at the Owen St Sports Ground that have been created over the last few years...

Whilst I appreciate the news will come as a huge shock, I hope one day you will all understand and respect the decision taken. Thank you” .

26 May 2024

ELLIOT OSBORNE EXTENDS CONTRACT

Since joining the Robins from Stevenage in January 2022 the 28-year-old has gone on to make 119 appearances...

The former Stockport and Southport man's expansive range of passing, ball retention ability and unrelenting hard work made him a pivotal part of the Alty team that finished fourth in the Vanarama National League last season".

The midfielder (pictured, right) said, 'I'm really happy to have extended my stay at Altrincham, it's a fantastic place to play and I enjoy every single day. After a much-improved season last year I feel we're a club on the up and I want to continue to be part of that.

'I truly believe loyalty is a massive part of football and the gaffer and club have given me this over the last couple of years and therefore it was an easy decision for me to accept the contract extension'"

INTO A FOURTH SEASON FOR ELLIOT

He is one of Phil Parkinson's many Altrincham signings who had formerly played under him at Nantwich Town. Elliot started out in the youth system at Port Vale but, after the Valiants released him, he joined Staffordshire club Newcastle Town as an 18 year-old in 2014.

In February 2015 he moved across the county border to Cheshire to sign for Nantwich Town where he netted 22 times from midfield. In summer 2016 he signed for Fleetwood Town of League One but in September 2016 he went out on loan to Tranmere Rovers.

In January 2017 he went on another loan, to Stockport County and then Morecambe in League Two at the start of the 2017-18 campaign. However, in early 2018 he was transferred from Fleetwood to Southport for an undisclosed fee.

In late September 2018 he again went on loan to Stockport County and in November he signed for the Hatters, where he went on to record 79 appearances and 11 goals.

In summer 2020 he was signed by League Two Stevenage and played 30 games there in 2020–21 season.

He played every minute of all but two of his 23 league appearances for Altrincham in 2021-22 and was an ever-present starter in 2022-23 by October 2022 but, in the latter part of the season, he was often a used substitute. However, 2023-24 saw him playing well as a regular starter once again.

His appearances to the end of 2023/24 season comprise 106 starts and 13 more appearances from the bench. He has scored twice in those appearances.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A product of the Leeds United academy... the 23-year-old played out every competitive minute bar Dorking’s penultimate fixture away to Rochdale last season.

Male scooped up Young Player of The Year, Supporters Player of The Year, and Players’ Player of The Year accolades at the end of the 2023/24 season... An England C appearance was also picked up in 2023 by Male...

Male’s two-year spell at Worthing between 2021-23 concluded with 105 appearances at the Rebels, and the Players’ Player of the Year award".

In addition, York City "confirm that Joe Felix has agreed to join the Minstermen upon the expiry of his contract. Joe Felix joins the Minstermen from Worthing after a highly successful year-long spell.

Felix started his career as a Fulham scholar before moving across to QPR and heading on loan to Burgess Hill, Woking and Farnborough.

Other spells also saw him land at Hampton and Richmond Borough, Hendon, Maidstone United, Billericay Town and Torquay United in the National League.

Felix is a versatile player who can play across the right-hand flank and at the back... The 24-year-old went from Dulwich Hamlet to Worthing last summer, going on to feature 52 times for the Rebels initially under Hinsh.

Felix setup 15 goals last season, scoring three of his own too".

Next to be announced by York City is "winger Ashley Nathaniel-George... following the expiry of his contract...after a two-year stay at York Road, [Maidenhead United].

The winger spent his youth career at Arsenal, Watford, Wycombe, and Wealdstone, before moving to Potters Bar Town.

After an impressive season at Hendon, he joined League 2 side Crawley Town between 2018-20.

Nathaniel-George joined Maidenhead in September 2022 after spells at Southend in League Two and Torquay".

And finally, York City "are thrilled to unveil that Ollie Pearce has agreed to join the Minstermen upon the expiry of his contract.

Ollie Pearce joins the Minstermen from Worthing following an incredibly successful six-year stint on England’s South Coast.

After several years at Bognor Regis Town, Pearce made the move along the coast in 2018 to join The Rebels.

Six years later, with 245 appearances under his belt, Pearce departs The Rebels with 155 goals to his name...

The 2023/24 campaign was yet another remarkable one for the striker as he scored 46 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, winning the golden boot in the National League South by a distance".

25 May 2024

TWO MORE FRIENDLIES REVEALED

On Saturday, July 20th at 3pm Alty will play against Warrington Town at Cantilever Park.

And a week later, on July 27th also at 3pm, Alty will face Chester FC at the Deva Stadium.

So far, the pre-season programme comprises:

• Sat. 6 July: Colne (A) 3pm
• Sat. 20 July: Warrington Town (A) 3pm
• Tue. 23 July: Salford City (H) 7:45pm
• Sat. 27 July: Chester FC (A) 3pm
• Sat. 3 Aug: Bradford City (H) 3pm

The club says that "Tickets for our home pre-season games will go on sale in due course, with prices announced at the same time".

Alty's last league game at Cantilever Park was an Evo-Stik Premier Division match, played on Saturday, 21 October 2017. The sides also played out another goalless draw at the same venue in December of that year in the FA Trophy.

Above: Warrington crowded Alty keeper Tony Thompson at every corner-kick when the sides met in the NPL in 2017. Tony later had a spell at Warrington before moving on.

On that occasion, the squally wind and heavy rain were the only winners as Altrincham were unable to convert their general superiority into a goal at Cantilever Park and the match ended goalless.

MID-TABLE FINISH FOR ACADEMY

The champions were Guiseley, who earned 57 points, with Farsley Celtic, Blyth Spartans, York City, Chester FC and Boston United also finishing above the Robins.

Altrincham amassed 30 points, winning nine times and losing twelve times in addition to three draws. They scored forty goals but conceded 61 times, leaving a negative goal difference of 21.

Their final four fixtures ended as follows...

• 22/04/24 k.o. 14:00 Altrincham 2-2 Chesterfield DREW
• 17/04/24 13:00 Guiseley 5-0 Altrincham LOST
• 27/03/24 13:00 Altrincham v South Shields WIN (walkover)
• 22/03/24 13:00 Farsley Celtic 4-2 Altrincham LOST

SEASON 2024-25

The date on which fixtures will be released has not been announced yet.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Gateshead’s Liberal Democrats urged the Labour-run council on Thursday to commit that it would compel any external operator who might take over the stadium from the local authority to keep the football club as a tenant...

Gateshead Council is in the process of seeking an outside operator to take over the venue, which Coun Gannon told colleagues is running at an £860,000-a–year deficit...

Lib Dem leader Ron Beadle moved a motion... that any contract that hands over control of the stadium to a new operator must 'compel them to make the commitments required by the EFL for membership of the Football League, namely security of tenure for ten years'...

Coun Gannon hit back by saying the Lib Dems 'clearly haven’t spoken to the football club and certainly haven’t taken any legal advice'. He claimed that inserting a clause into a contract that requires Gateshead FC to remain a tenant of the stadium, would be contrary to the procurement exercise that is already under way and 'would open us up to legal action'...

The council leader said that it would be 'unsustainable' for the local authority itself to continue running the stadium".

Barnet have been busy this summer and now "Joe Kizzi becomes Dean Brennan’s seventh signing of the summer after joining the Club from Sutton United.

Kizzi spent the last 3 seasons at the U’s in League 2... Kizzi hardly missed a minute of play last season and was voted Players’ Player of the Year in each of his first two seasons with Sutton.

The experienced centre back joins Barnet on a 3 year contract for an undisclosed fee...

Kizzi said... 'I needed a fresh start and at a Club that’s only going in one direction and that’s up!...

Barnet FC Manager, Dean Brennan, said 'Joe is player I have worked with earlier on in both our careers. I have tracked him for many years now and know he’ll be a real leader within our team. His attributes suit our philosophy; he wants to defend, he’s very athletic, brilliant leadership skills and reads the game superbly. He is excellent in both boxes'".

Kizzi was formerly at Bromley before he joined Sutton.

Cheltenham Town lost manager Darrell Clarke to Barnsley yesterday and have now appointed former Torquay boss Gary Johnson as Director of Football. In that context, two senior players have quit Cheltenham and headed to The New Lawn as, firstly, Forest Green Rovers "announce that Liam Sercombe has agreed to join the club on July 1. Sercombe has made 579 EFL appearances for Exeter City, Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town.

Sercombe scored 11 goals and assisted twice during the 2023/24 campaign making 45 appearances in League One. The 34-year-old joins the club... following the expiry of his contract with Cheltenham Town...

'I had a really good four years at Cheltenham, but I feel like it’s the right time to turn down the contract offered and find a new challenge... I feel this is the perfect fit for me'".

Also at Forest Green Rovers "Sean Long will... be joining the club on July 1.

Experienced defender Long has made 226 EFL appearances and will be signing following the expiry of his contract at Cheltenham Town. Long made over 200 appearances for the Robins and captained the side for the last two League One campaigns.

29-year-old Long bolsters the defence and... [he] said 'I’ve had six unbelievable years at Cheltenham... It was a privilege to captain the club... but I’m at the stage where it’s time for a new challenge'".

24 May 2024

TWO MORE FRIENDLIES REVEALED

On Saturday, July 20th at 3pm Alty will play against Warrington Town at Cantilever Park.

And a week later, on July 27th also at 3pm, Alty will face Chester FC at the Deva Stadium.

So far, the pre-season programme comprises:

• Sat. 6 July: Colne (A) 3pm
• Sat. 20 July: Warrington Town (A) 3pm
• Tue. 23 July: Salford City (H) 7:45pm
• Sat. 27 July: Chester FC (A) 3pm
• Sat. 3 Aug: Bradford City (H) 3pm

CIVIC RECOGNITION FOR ALTY

The Barony of Dunham Massey & Altrincham Court Leet honoured the football club with... the following words, [stating that they]:

'Do hereby congratulate all involved in Altrincham Football Club on their achievements particularly in the past few months leading up to the National League Play Offs, inspiring the community of their greatness and creating lasting memories through football - one pass, one experience, and one fan at a time'.

The Altrincham Court Leet dates back to 1290, with this month's third ceremony being held at Altrincham Town Hall".

WOMEN'S END OF SEASON AWARDS

Five awards were handed out in total following the conclusion of the 2023/24 North West Women's Regional League season.

• Most Improved Player | Natalie Lowe
• Coaches Player of the Season | Abi Morton
• Players' Player of the Season | Annie Rose O’Donoghue
• Best Trainer | Grace McArdle
• Most Valuable Player | Elise Jones

If you're interested in playing or coaching with Altrincham FC Women next season please contact Women's Development OfficerTom Dore for more information".

BEER FESTIVAL AT JDS

Join us across the Bank Holiday weekend, with fun for all the family. We're open from midday and FREE tickets can be found here.

Our Headliners:

Headlining day one of the festival, in the Community Sports Hall from 8pm on Saturday (16+), are one of the UK's most popular ABBA tribute acts, Abberettes.

The Emirates FA Cup Final... We'll have live coverage across seven screens in our Fan Zone and the CSH - kick-off at 3pm...

Appearing at 1pm and 3:30pm on Saturday, the vocal talents of Andrew Alty.

Appearing on the Saturday afternoon (2:30pm | 4:30pm) of this year's festival are local favourites The Flying Squad.

On the bill early doors Saturday from 1-2pm are Michael and the Weltones.

Joining us on Saturday afternoon between 5-6pm are Thea Kate & The Mob".

ALTY SEASON TICKETS

"Early Bird season tickets, available until May 31st, cost £308 for adults, £253 concessions (65-and-over, NHS, students), £108 juniors (12-18) and £54 children (5-11)."

The club has also announced on its mobile site that there will be "categorised fixtures with a small surcharge to Category A pricing to cover the additional costs of GM Police and stewarding. Currently the only Category A fixtures are [those against] Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town".

Also, for this coming season, season tickets will NOT be valid "for FA Trophy, FA Cup, Cheshire Senior Cup or pre-season friendlies". Presumably they are also invalid for the new cup competition involving Premier League under-21 teams.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Last season, they endured "a transfer embargo which boss Kevin Maher worked under for almost half of the campaign.

The embargo has now been in force once again since May 17th due to ‘non-compliance with National League regulations’...

The conclusion of the deal is being held up between Southend City Council and Martin over the Fossetts Farm Development. Originally the destination for a new stadium, the 70-year-old owns the land and wants approval to build housing... The council have since assured supporters they had agreed with the building element to the site. Due diligence on the side of those in elected power appears to be no closer to a resolution...

A winding-up order brought by Stewarts Law was adjourned for six weeks just recently based on unpaid invoices ironically from Martin for the previous defence of the club. Creditors have been very patient in waiting for monies to be forthcoming whilst waiting for the sale to be completed, with Rees’s consortium releasing a statement a week ago hinting at the frustration of the time taken so far.

Having invested somewhere in the region of £3 million plus to keep the club trading and staff paid, patience is beginning to wear thin on the side of those paying the bills leaving a worry for supporters that the longer time drags on the more chance there is of Martin holding onto the club...

The club are due back in court at the end of June by which time Rees will need to be in control of the club permanently or the fear is real that the Shrimpers could see in the new season under administration or much worse, not at all".

Barnet "announce the signing of 25-year-old goalkeeper Nick Hayes. The 6’4” shot-stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Solihull Moors...

Hayes made 28 National League appearances last season, keeping 9 clean sheets and conceding just 33 goals. Hayes... said 'As soon as I spoke to the gaffer (Dean Brennan) and heard the interest from my agent, I knew straight away I wanted to come (to Barnet FC)'.

Barnet FC Manager Dean Brennan said 'Nick has the right type of character that we have been searching for. His attributes suit our philosophy and he has the correct mentality that we need to bring success to our football club. Nick signs a long term contract with us which is brilliant'".

The East Anglian Daily Times adds that "Hayes was out of contract with Town this summer after he re-joined the Blues in January 2022 from Hemel Hempstead, having previously been in the academy at Portman Road, [Ipswich].

He departs without making a senior appearance for the Blues, fulfilling the role as the third/fourth-choice keeper over the last two seasons".

ALTY RESERVES UPDATE

The runners-up were fellow Altrinchamians, Broadheath Central, 23 points ahead of Alty.

Since our last Reserves' results update the team has played six of its final nine fixtures at home...

• 18/05/24 14:00 Parklands 4 - 2 Altrincham
• 09/05/24 19:00 Whalley Range 0 - 2 Altrincham
• 27/04/24 14:00 Broadheath Central 4 - 2 Altrincham
• 20/04/24 14:00 Altrincham FC Res. 1 - 0 Eagle Sports
• 06/04/24 14:00 Altrincham FC Res. 2 - 1 Denton Town
• 23/03/24 14:00 Altrincham FC Res. 0 - 0 Egerton FC
• 09/03/24 14:00 Altrincham FC Res. 2 - 3 Whaley Bridge Athletic
• 02/03/24 15:00 Altrincham FC Res. 2 - 4 Crewe FC
• 17/02/24 13:30 Altrincham FC Res. 2 - 1 AFC Knowsley

Above, right: Tom Jones

61 players appeared for the Reserves in the Cheshire League in 2023-24.

Several appeared in Cheshire Senior Cup fixtures but none made into the first team although Tom Jones (above, right) did get named in three National League matchday squads but he remained an unused substitute on each occasion.

The 61 players were: 1. Adeniyi, Yusuf, 2. Aldcroft, Lucas, 3. Atkinson, Benjamin, 4. Aziamale, Marcel 5. Bailey, Joel, 6. Barrett, Elliott, 7. Bonney-Phillips, Samuel, 8. Bopda, Ryan Junior Djoam, 9. Brown, Henry, 10. Byron, Dane , 11. Bywater, Blyth, 12. Camara, Sekouba, 13. Cata, Edson 14. Causer, Euan Rhys, 15. Chandler, Jack, 16. Cleary, Matthew, 17. Clulow, Adam, 18. Cooper, Oscar, 19. Cosgrove, Ethan, 20. Denise, Afernee, 21. Dobbie, Benjamin D., 22. Edwards, Lucas William, 23. Fallon, Louie, 24. Fola Taiwo, Richard, 25. Frew, Arlo, 26. Gonzalez-Moghaddam, Kian, 27. Hall, Thomas, 28. Heyes, Tyler Anthony, 29. Howells, Harrison (left), 30. Hussain, Amaar Yousaf, 31. Iacovou, Ruaridh, 32. Igbinake, Alfred, 33. Igeze, Edward, 34. Jarrald, Charley, 35. Jones, Thomas Edward, 36. Killen-Talbot, Thomas, 37. Livingstone-High, Joshua, 38. Lynch, Adam, 39. McGeady, Ewan Charles, 40. Murphy, Henry, 41. Njie, Sheriff, 42. Oluleye, John, 43. Oshodin, Ajani, 44. Osifo, John, 45. Osifo, Joseph. 46. Osifo, Joshua, 47. Partington, Oliver Benjamin, 48. Powell, Kaiden, 49. Raftery, George, 50. Raymond, Remi, 51. Ryan, Finley, 52. Shtyhlian, Vladislav. 53. Smith, Michael, 54. Taylor, Ben, 55. Taylor, Sam, 56. Tek, Tayo, 57. Webster, Kyran, 58. Whittle, Max, 59. Whyte, Thomas, 60. Williams, Loui Jack, 61. Wright, Olly Kai.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Anderson made his professional debut for the Shots last season in our 4-1 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round win over Lewes.

The midfielder then joined Sholing on loan where he would stay until the end of the season...

Anderson said, 'I’m delighted to be offered another year at my hometown club!... The loans have been great for my development and now I feel ready to push on. I’ve listened to what Tommy (Widdrington) wants from me and what I need to do and I’ll be doing everything I can to make an impact.”

Tommy Widdrington added...'It was felt collectively a loan last season was the best route for his progression at that time. I’ve told him he’s on the starting line with the rest of the group so he will have an opportunity to stake his claim for a place in our matchday plans from the off at pre-season. Another local lad who’d bleed red and blue for the badge'".

Boston United "announce that promotion-winning goalkeeper Cameron Gregory has signed a new contract at the Jakemans Community Stadium. The 24-year-old, who saved three penalties in United's play-off shootout victories over Alfreton Town and Scunthorpe United in April, will be wearing the number one jersey for the club when the National League campaign kicks off on Saturday August 10.

Gregory, a January 2023 signing from Kettering Town, has been a revelation for the Pilgrims".

Southend United report that "Awarded by the National League’s title sponsors, Blues Head Coach Maher has been selected as their standout boss as we defied the odds to finish ninth.

The gaffer had to work with his hands tied behind his back for much of the season, with the Shrimpers only able to name a couple of substitutes for much of the autumn and winter.

Maher also worked against the 10-point deduction we were given, but helped ensure a quick escape from the relegation zone.

When the transfer embargo was finally lifted and Maher was able to reinforce his squad in late December and January, Blues reached another gear and went on the longest unbeaten run of any National League team in 2023/24.

The 15-game sequence ended on the final day, but the way the Head Coach and his staff achieved such an impressive final position shows why Maher has received this award.

Maher said 'Individual awards are really nice, but I think it’s a reflection on everyone, the players, the staff and everyone connected with the club, that had to dig in and work so tirelessly across the season... To be playing the last game of the season still in with a chance of making the play-offs was unbelievable. We should have been fighting against relegation, so to get into the position we did was a credit to everyone at the football club'".

22 May 2024

THIRD FRIENDLY ANNOUNCED

The EFL League Two Ammies will visit the J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday, July 23rd for a 7:45pm kick-off.

Pre-season schedule so far:

• July 6 - Colne (a) 3pm
• July 23 Salford City (h) 7:45pm
• Aug 3 Bradford City (h) 3pm

Tickets for our home pre-season games will go on sale in due course".

Footnote: After meeting competitively in 2016-17 in the National League North, when the Ammies did the double over them, Altrincham hosted Salford City in a friendly in July 2018. The visitors again emerged with a win.

Above: When Salford City visited Moss Lane for a National League North match in November 2016, the above three debutants wore Alty's special "poppy shirts". The players are (l. to r.) Luis Morrison-Derbyshire, Simon Lenighan and Curtis Obeng.

However in September 2020, a Salford City under-23 side was beaten 5-1 by Altrincham in another pre-season game at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: Billy Sass-Davies

In League One, Morecambe have released no less than sixteen players, including their Player of the Season JOEL SENIOR, one of four senior professionals to reject a new contract".

For details of the sad state of Morecambe FC, see The Guardian.

Closer to home, Crewe Alexandra "confirm the 2024 Retained List following the conclusion of the season.

Five players have been released, while five have been offered new contracts". The five released include former Altrincham loanee, BILLY SASS-DAVIES (above right).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Having returned to Huish Park for a second spell at the start of the 2023/24 season, Rhys Murphy managed to net an impressive 15 goals in 30 appearances...

In his first spell, Rhys netted 34 goals in the 65 appearances he featured for the Glovers... This leaves Rhys Murphy with a tally of 49 goals in 95 games for the Glovers".

Relegated Sutton United "confirm the departures of Harry Smith and Omari Patrick after just a season at the VBS Community Stadium.

They have both decided not to take up the offer of a contract extension following the club’s relegation to the National League.

Smith joined the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign from Leyton Orient... The number nine would go on to feature 42 times in all competitions, scoring a total of 14 goals including 11 in League Two, to become the first Sutton United player to hit double figures in an EFL season.

Patrick meanwhile joined in July 2023 from Carlisle United, scoring five times in 35 appearances for the U’s".

Dagenham & Redbridge announce that "Season Tickets for the 2024/25 season are now on sale, with ALL PRICES FROZEN and a range of NEW benefits added into the season ticket package!

An Adult Terrace ticket purchased during the Early Bird window equates to just £11.95 per game, with seats from just £13.75 per game...

Anyone with a season ticket for this season just needs to log into their account and click the ‘Convert Reservation’ option where your season tickets have been reserved".

Early Bird prices for an adult season ticket range from £275 On the terraces to £355 in the best stand; these prices rise to £365 and £420 after the offer period.

Meanwhile at relegated Forest Green Rovers we also find that "Season Tickets are now available to purchase for the 2024-25 season.

We're excited to tell supporters that season ticket prices have dropped and hospitality prices have been frozen for the upcoming campaign... We've decided to lower our tickets after reviewing the average price in the National League"..

The club announces that "Existing season ticket holders will have their ticket reserved until June 30 before being put on general sale.

Prices have been dropped for the 2024-25 season - allowing for an average saving of £20 for each supporter across the season.

• Adult: £357 (seated or) £289 (standing); benefit 6 games free
• Over 65: £289 or £238; benefit 6 games free
• Under 21: £195 £135; benefit 6 games free

By purchasing a season ticket, you will receive priority access to buy tickets for cup matches we appear in next season - the FA Cup and FA Trophy.

We will also be hosting two open evenings on Thursday, June 13, and Thursday July 11 5-8pm, in a 'try-before-you-buy' offer.

These dates give supporters the opportunity to ask any questions to our ticketing and hospitality teams, get a feel for a particular view or seat and enjoy free tasters in our hospitality section".

Turnstile prices include:

• Adult: £21 (seated or) £17 (standing)
• 65+: £17 or £14
• U21: £13 or £9

21 May 2024

THE ALTY SQUAD, SO FAR

In addition to the names listed below it indicated that five players had not been granted new contracts but had been invited back for pre-season. These players are Justin Donawa, James Jones, Max Haygarth, Amaar Hussain and Sean Lawton.

THose who have been re-engaged or were already contracted for next season are:

GOALKEEPERS:

• Matthew GOULD aged 30, appearances 30
• Ethan ROSS aged 27, appearances 40

DEFENDERS:

• Lewis BAINES aged 25, 79(+4) appearances, 5 goals
• Lewis BANKS aged 27, 45(+2), appearances, 4 goals
• Jake COOPER aged 23, 67(+4) appearances, 4 goals
• Eddy JONES aged 22, 105(+2) appearances, 3 goals
• Sam ROSCOE aged 25, 17(+10) appearances

MIDFIELDERS:

• Owen GERMAN aged c19, appearances 2(+1)
• Isaac MARRIOTT aged 23, 88(+4) appearances, 2 goals
• Elliot OSBORNE aged 28, 106(+13) appearances, 2 goals
• George WILSON aged 23, 17(+10) appearances, 2 goals

FORWARDS:

• Justin AMALUZOR aged 27, 34(+6) appearances, 7 goals
• Christopher CONN-CLARKE aged 22, 79(+5)appearances, 33 goals
• Oliver CRANKSHAW aged 25, 2 appearances
• Matty KOSYLO aged 31, 79(+24) appearances, 19 goals
• Regan LINNEY aged 27, 39(+16) appearances, 23 goals
• Alex NEWBY aged 28, 37(+1) appearances, 13 goals
• Lucas WEAVER aged 22, appearances 0

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 25-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the option of a further year and arrives... fresh from featuring in both this season’s National League play-off and FA Trophy finals at Wembley.

Energetic playmaker Sbarra was in high demand following his departure from Solihull Moors, where he grew his reputation during a four-year spell...

'It’s a quick turnaround and I’m just delighted to get it over the line,' he said. 'Everything he [mnager Grant McCAnn] had to say appealed to me loads. The way he plays suits me and the way he sees me fitting in'...

West Midlands-born Sbarra scored 36 goals in 149 appearances for Solihull, including in both the semi-final and final of the National League play-offs...

He came through the ranks at Burton Albion and made 70 appearances, including 18 in the Championship, prior to his permanent switch to Solihull in 2020.

Rovers manager McCann said... 'We’ve been chasing him for a bit, keeping an eye on him and watching his games and we’re really pleased to get it done'".

AFC Fylde "is delighted to announce that Chris Beech has extended his Mill Farm stay for the 2024/25 Vanarama National League campaign.

The Coasters had an incredibly strong end to the season under the leadership of Chris, so we are over the moon to share the extension of his current deal.

Chris continues the full-time role of Head Coach after taking control on a game-by-game basis in October... Before arriving at Mill Farm, Chris made over 315 appearances as a professional before taking on a coaching role at Bury and then being headhunted by Rochdale AFC, establishing a 12-year association with the club...

Chris was appointed as Head Coach of Carlisle United in 2019... before departing in late 2021.

Then came Fylde, and after transitioning from Director of Football to Interim Head Coach, Chris guided the Coasters to seven points in his first three games... and more points gained secured AFC Fylde’s National League safety as we finished 18th in the table".

Aldershot Town "are very happy to announce that young defender George Milner-Smith has signed a new contract for the 24/25 season!

Milner-Smith signed his first professional contract with the Shots at the beginning of last season, having graduated from our Academy system. A successful loan spell with Northwood in step 4, saw the 20-year-old move on loan to Sholing in step 3 where he finished the campaign and helped the Boatmen to survive relegation...

George said... 'I gained some good experience out on loan last season and I’ll try and prove myself in pre-season'...

Tommy Widdrington said 'George is a lad we all feel has the raw qualities needed in a central defender... He was monitored closely and had a very good run of games for Sholing which we hope has brought him closer to affecting my thinking.'”

20 May 2024

STATISTICAL REVIEW OF 2023-24 SEASON: PART 5

LEAGUE ATTENDANCES

2023-24:

• Highest home league attendnace: 4,578 v Oldham Athletic
• Highest away league attendance: 7,137 v Oldham Athletic
• Lowest home league attendance: 1,274 v Aldershot Town
• Lowest away league attendance: 711 v Oxford City

2022-23:

• Highest home league attendance: 4,865 v Wrexham
• Highest away league attendance: 10,107 v Wrexham
• Lowest home league attendance: 1,147 v Barnet
• Lowest away league attendance: 798 v Gateshead

2021-22:

• Highest home league attendance: 3,900 v Stockport County
• Highest away league attendance: 10,022 v Wrexham
• Lowest home league attendance: 1,009 v King's Lynn Town
• Lowest away league attendance: 905 v King's Lynn Town

2020-21:

Only four league matches in 2020-21 had spectators, one was at Dagenham where only the hosts' supporters, (numbering 773), were admitted and three were at the J. Davidson Stadium.

The largest gate at Moss Lane was 1,032 home-only supporters versus Torquay United on 29 May, 2021.

LEAGUE ATTENDANCE AVERAGES AND TOTALS

2023-24:

• Home avge: 2,340
• Home total: 53,812
• Away avge: 2,697
• Away total: 59,326
• All games total: 113,138
• Overall avge: 2,571

2022-23:

• Home avge: 2,115
• Home total: 48,635
• Away avge: 2,932
• Away total: 67,443
• All games total: 116,078
• Overall avge: 2,523

2021-22:

• Home avge: 2,119
• Home total: 46,621
• Away avge: 2,943
• Away total: 64,767
• All games total: 111,388
• Overall avge: 2,532

2020-21:

Home avge: 844 NB most games were behind closed doors due to Covid

Away avge: 773 - only one game had spectators and they were home fans only.

CUP ATTENDANCE TOTALS

2023-24:

Only six cup ties were played, with gates totalling 7,301.

2022-23:

Altrincham played eleven cup ties in 2022-23 and reached the semi-finals of both the FA Trophy and the Cheshire senior Cup. However, they exited the FA Cup at the first hurdle, albeit after a replay.

• Home total: 10,417 over five ties. Highest 4,771 v FC Halifax Town (FA Trophy)
• Away avge: 6,149 over six ties. Highest 3,867 v York City (FA Trophy)

2021-22

Altrincham played only five cup ties, winning only once.

• Home total: 1,666 over two ties. Highest 1,390 v Gateshead (FA Cup)
• Away avge: 3,700 over three ties. Highest 1,386 v Southport (FA Cup)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Southend United report that club "legend John White has today announced his retirement. Long-serving captain White made more than 250 appearances for Blues and scored eight league goals between 2013 and 2022...

the 37-year-old became a Blue in the summer of 2013. White had previously been at Roots Hall on loan in 2009, but this second spell saw him blossom into one of our finest defenders of the modern era...

Not many players can say they’ve represented both Colchester and Southend with such pride and loyalty. Thank you, John and the very best of luck for your retirement."

Wealdstone "announce that influential midfielder Max Kretzschmar has signed a new one-year contract, securing his place at the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Kretzschmar, who joined Wealdstone in the summer of 2022, has been a crucial part of the squad over the past two seasons, making 68 National League appearances and scoring 14 National League goals. His impressive performances in the 23/24 season saw him finish as joint top goalscorer for The Stones, netting 10 goals across all competitions...

Said Kretzschmar... 'I'm really looking forward to a new era under our new manager and believe we can achieve great things together.'"

19 May 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Cannons have played 14 games this season, and have won nine, drawn four games and lost just once in the league.

Closer to home in the League One Playoff Final, "including his initial loan spell at Bloomfield Road, OWEN DALE (right) featured in 38 Championship games for Blackpool, scoring 4 goals before being allowed to leave, and join Oxford United....but he'll be back in the Championship next season after his new club defeated a very disappointing Bolton Wanderers 2-0 at Wembley, with the former Robins loanee playing the whole game".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Taylor, 42, was announced as the club's new gaffer last week after signing a 2 year contract...

The former Luton, West Ham, Portsmouth and Burnley left-sided player held more discussions with Chairman Rory Fitzgerald about the plans for next season – and said it was an initial three-and-a-half hour meeting with the Chairman that convinced him to resume his coaching career and step outside the EFL for the first time...

'It's been well documented that we will still be a part-time club but we'll be running more of a hybrid model... This football club is stable, they have a specific way they play and they enjoy keeping the football...

'We are on a massive recruitment drive here to complement the very good core we already have'".

Daniel Hall, Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge has issued a statement saying that "As we await final approvals to formalise our group’s entrance in the Daggers family, we are already hard at work to prepare for an exciting season and, most importantly, to build a bright future for the Daggers.

Peter Freund and his team have been extremely supportive and helpful in the transition and have given us effective operating control of the Daggers immediately...

We will have lots to announce in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, I wanted to provide you with a few exciting updates:

• Sporting Staff: we have hired a sporting director, to be introduced next week, to enhance our sporting department along with consultants from our network in Italy and other markets. We believe this will be a great addition to our sporting team, bringing together local expertise whilst expanding our recruiting and scouting base across the world.
• Fan Event: we have scheduled a press conference and fan event on 19 June in Dagenham
• Pre Season and First Home Game: we are working hard on the squad for the new season and on some fantastic pre season friendlies to be announced soon".

Eastleigh confirm that "Concerts are coming to the Silverlake Stadium, the home of Eastleigh Football Club...

The music from two global household names, Queen and ABBA, will be performed live on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th May 2024.

Stars from London’s West End, including former cast from the smash hit musicals ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ will take to the stage set up on the Silverlake Stadium pitch...

Eastleigh Events will kick-off with An Evening of Queen on Friday 17th May 2024. Backed by a phenomenal West End band and featuring dozens of hits from an astonishing back catalogue, this is a unique and stunning concert...

On Saturday 18th May, more former stars from London’s West End led by Mamma Mia’s former touring musical director will present a one-night concert spectacular celebrating the music of ABBA.

These two concerts are the start of many more concerts and events to come to the Silverlake Stadium".

At Forest Green Rovers "The Club is excited to announce that work has begun on a full pitch reconstruction this summer.

This includes replacing the current playing surface with a 'SISgrass Hybrid Pitch' that will be important for the durability of the surface moving forward. The work will also see improved drainage and pitch quality as well as a brand new irrigation system that will keep the pitch fresh.

The renovation will bring the pitch in line with our new training facilities located at junction 13 of the M5 ready for the 2024-25 season.

Director of Projects Dane Vince said... 'This work will help protect our pitch from heavy downpours and extreme weather events that will only become more frequent'".

18 May 2024

CONN-CLARKE STORY WAS FICTION

The Daily Mail claimed this week that the club had bid for the 22-year-old forward... The report claimed that Posh’s bid had been rejected although [club chairman] Darragh MacAnthony took to his Hard Truth podcast to deny any interest in the player.

He said... 'We have an Ephron replacement in mind but not some of the rubbish that has been put out about for us bidding for players, that is not true.... We will be looking to add in the forward area depending on some business of players going out.

'We have had no bids rejected for players. We are at the point where we are assessing players and whether they want to come to us and we’re not going to get into auctions'".

BANTAMS RETURN TO MOSS LANE

Right: Bradford City's new signing Dan Petrescu, a Romanian international, contests possession with Alty player-manager Mark Ward during the game in August 2000. The Bantams won 1-0.

The League Two side are our second friendly opponents to be confirmed ahead of pre-season, with our opening summer bout scheduled for North West Counties side Colne on Saturday, July 6 (3pm). [That is an away game].

A reminder - season tickets do not include entry to pre-season home games in 2024/25 - admission details for the Bradford City game will be announced in due course."

Footnote: This will not be the first pre-season game against Bradford City. The clubs met in August 2000 and 2003 when Alty chairman Geoff Goodwin arranged the matches, via his provision of team-coaches to the Bantams who, at the time were a First Division (Premiership) club.

ALTY OLD BOYS

It extends his stay in DY10 by another season, with the former Wolves youngster first settling here five years ago.

He bagged 15 goals in all competitions in our 2023-24 term...

'It’s amazing,' he said of his new deal. 'I think everybody knows how much Kidderminster means to me, joining in 2019. It’s been a great ride and I want to continue that...

'For me, being a local lad as well, I want the best for the club. I know last season we got relegated but I can see we’ve got another opportunity to get promoted and I want to be involved in that... The fans will stick with us,' he added."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The league today confirmed Blues have again been banned from making signings due to ‘non-compliance with league financial regulations'...

Blues also had a winding up petition, issued by Stewarts Law, adjourned by the High Court for six weeks on Wednesday.

The consortium headed up by Justin Rees agreed exchanged contracts with current club chairman Ron Martin just before Christmas but the deal has yet to be officially completed".

The National League reports that "The FA have confirmed the National League System club allocations for the 2024/25 season.

In Step 1, Forest Green Rovers and Sutton United join following their relegation from the EFL last season.

They will be joined by Tamworth, Boston United, Yeovil Town and Braintree Town following their promotions from the National League North and South respectively.

Relegated Kidderminster Harriers and Oxford City drop into the National League North while Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers are allocated into the National League South.

Eight new sides join the competition this season from Step 3.

Marine, Leamington, Needham Market and Radcliffe will compete in the National League North.

Chesham United, Hornchurch, Enfield Town and Salisbury will compete in the National League South.

All allocations will take effect following the National League AGM on June 8."

Footnote: Oxford City find themselves once more in National North, where they competed from 2012 to 2015, a spell during which they met Altrincham. Last summer they were promoted to the National League from National South.

And geography also dictates that Suffolk side Needham Market make their Step Two debut in the National North.

Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of talented young goalkeeper Pat Nash on a permanent transfer from Farnham Town!

The 19-year-old has signed a deal until the end the 24/25 season... For Farnham Town his 31 clean sheets helped the side to win the Combined Counties Premier Division South with an unbeaten record.

With his Farnham side part-time, Nash spent most of the 23/24 season training with the Shots...

First-Team Manager Tommy Widdrington said... 'Pat, whilst young, is a goalkeeper who managed to play every game in a very successful season at Farnham and we monitored him right through the 50 odd games he played!

'He’s got all the tools required in the modern game to push on and compete for the Number 1 jersey here at Aldershot and being a local lad I’m sure he’ll be giving it a right good go.'”

Across the border in Surrey, Woking "announce that Dion Kelly-Evans has signed a new contract.

The versatile 27-year-old defender made 13 appearances for the club following his arrival in January and has become a fan favourite for his tough tackling and work rate.

A Coventry City academy graduate, Kelly-Evans made 40 appearances for the Sky Blues across three seasons, making the bulk of those appearances in 2017/18. He then joined Kettering Town... before joining Notts County in August 2019, where he made 97 appearances...

After a short spell at Boreham Wood, Kelly-Evans unfortunately broke his collarbone in October 2022, leaving the club in August 2023 and joining National League North side Banbury in November 2023... until Michael Doyle made an approach to bring him to the Cards...

Said Woking Manager Michael Doyle 'Our form as a team picked up when Dion joined the club, and for me, he was one of our most important players during the 2nd half of the season'".

Global News 24 reports that "Avon and Somerset Police based in Portishead have issued a warrant to arrest Martin Hellier, the current Yeovil Town Football Club owner and Chairman...

Hellier who has just celebrated one year of football ownership at the Non League Somerset Club, was arrested by Avon & Somerset police force after threatening to kill a Ukrainian Refugee and her children, as well as harassment and malicious communications.

It's understood Hellier has been released on bail, whilst the police send their investigations to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Recently Hellier took to ITV to deny the accusations, claiming it could be Artificial Intelligence".

There has been a trio of sgnings in the past 24 hours at Barnet starting with the news that "Defender Nik Tavares becomes Dean Brennan’s third signing of the summer.

Tavares spent the last 2 seasons at fellow National League side Dagenham & Redbridge and joins the Club on a 2 year contract.

The centre-back who hails from South Africa, spent his youth career at Brentford and Crystal Palace followed by a season at Wealdstone and then the Daggers...

Tavares said... 'The ambition and the style of play; that’s big for me. It felt like a bit of a no-brainer! I’m a defender that likes to play out from the back. I’ve always looked for clubs that can help bring that out in my game'...

Barnet FC Manager, Dean Brennan, said... 'His stats are immense; second best defensive duals last season in the league and [he] will bring a calmness to our defence. His distribution is brilliant and he reads the game really well.;”

Also joining the Bees is "Defender Joe Grimwood... Grimwood spent last season at newly promoted National League side Braintree Town and joins the Club on a 2 year contract.

The 22 year old centre-back previously spent 6 seasons at AFC Sudbury before making a move to The Iron, where he played 90 minutes in 45 out of 46 league games last season...

Grimwood said, 'I run through brick walls for my players, gaffer and the Club. I enjoy the art of defending; that’s what I do best'...

Dean Brennan, said 'Joe is a really good one-on-one defender. He had a fantastic season at Braintree, reads danger really well and wants to defend. He’s strong and aggressive; he’s a beast!'"

And, finally, Barnet reveal that "Attacking midfielder Finley Wilkinson becomes Dean Brennan’s fifth signing of the summer.

Hailing from Cambridge, 22 year old Wilkinson spent the majority of his youth career at Ipswich and scored 16 goals for Hitchin Town last season. He joins Barnet on a 2 year contract...

Wilkinson said 'I like to get around the pitch and ultimately I love to score goals'...

Dean Brennan, said 'I was tracking Fin for the whole of last season. He’s got a good frame and running style and is very powerful on and off the ball. He’s also got a great eye for goal and really good vision'".

17 May 2024

HEAD OF FOOTBALL ADMINISTRATION

It is a part-time (18hr/week) role, which is described as "a pivotal role at the club, managing all player contractual obligations and administration, always ensuring the club’s adherence to football rules and regulations, managing fixture scheduling and being a key person within the club’s football operations and matchday processes across our First Team, Reserves, Academy and Women’s teams.

Duties will include "the registration and re-engagement of all players in accordance with the regulations by which the club is bound. This will include all player contracts, registrations, loan agreements and transfer documents".

The appointee will also "Ensure that the Financial Department is provided with all the necessary contractual details of payments due to and from players, other clubs, agents and governing bodies" as well as "Co-ordination and maintenance of player disciplinary matters and records, including the preparation of FA appeals and highlighting when a player is approaching a suspension".

The postholder will also "Manage the scheduling of all First Team fixtures including the arrangement of match officials for all First Team home fixtures... [and] Maintain live player records including player appearances, contractual obligations, disciplinary and financial costs across all players registered with the club".

ALTY SEASON TICKETS

"Early Bird season tickets, available until May 31st, cost £308 for adults, £253 concessions (65-and-over, NHS, students), £108 juniors (12-18) and £54 children (5-11)."

The club has also announced on its mobile site that there will be "categorised fixtures with a small surcharge to Category A pricing to cover the additional costs of GM Police and stewarding. Currently the only Category A fixtures are [those against] Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town".

Also, for this coming season, season tickets will NOT be valid "for FA Trophy, FA Cup, Cheshire Senior Cup or pre-season friendlies". Presumably they are also invalid for the new cup competition involving Premier League under-21 teams.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The following players remain under contract for the 2024/25 season: James Clarke, Alex Whitmore, Kyle Morrison, Joe Newton, Kade Craig, Matt Warburton, Jon Benton, Tahvon Campbell, Jack Stevens

The following players remain under contract but are available for transfer: Mark Beck, Gus Mafuta, Connor Hall

The following players have been offered new terms and talks are ongoing: Callum Maycock, Joss Labadie, Jamey Osborne, Finn Howell, Max Martin, Kian Ryley, Joel Shambrook, Aaron Flahavan, Morgan Owen, Tyler Bruck

The following players will not be offered a new contract when their current deal expires. The club wishes to thank those players for all their efforts and wishes them well for the future: Joe Sbarra, Richard Stearman, Max Brogan, Jack Myatt, Harry Chesterton, Luke Carsley, Finn Barker, Leo Wood, Taylor Eades, Ashton DeMulder...

In particular we would like to place on record a special thanks to Joe Sbarra for his service to the club over the past 5 years".

Barnet report that "Jermaine Francis becomes Dean Brennan’s second signing of the summer after joining the Club on a 2 year contract.

Francis spent last year at Chelmsford City in the National League South, who finished their campaign in second place... [He scored] 11 goals in all competitions with 12 assists.

The tricky winger joins Barnet having previously played for Hashtag United in the 2022/23 season where he scored 18 goals in 43 league games...

Francis said 'I know what to expect now and I know what the Manager expects from me'...

Barnet FC Manager, Dean Brennan, said... 'Another exciting player with power, pace and an eye for a goal. His work rate is infectious and he can play in several positions. His versatility is imperative to us.'"

And Barnet also "announce that both Jerome Okimo and Ben Coker have each penned a new 1 year contract...

Jerome said... 'Let’s improve on the last 2 seasons and make it a memorable one!'

Ben Coker added... 'Just fell short last season so this time we get it done; let’s get promoted!'” <> Barnet FC Manager Dean Brennan said of both players, 'These lads are stalwarts in the squad and bring so much on and off the pitch. They’ve both got so much energy, passion and determination and set the bar very high as senior players'".

From promoted Boston United we learn that "manager Ian Culverhouse has issued an update in relation to his playing squad...

Offers have been made to the majority of United's promotion-winning squad, although Michael Gyasi, Keziah Martin, Ethan Sephton and Sam Smart have all been released at the end of their contracts – and depart with the club's thanks and best wishes for the future.

• UNDER CONTRACT: Jacob Hazel
• NEW CONTRACT TRIGGERED: Michael Bostwick
• CONTRACT OPTION ACTIVATED: Keaton Ward
• U24 PLAYERS OFFERED TERMS OF RE-ENGAGEMENT: Dylan Hill, Jimmy Knowles, Tom Leak, Jai Rowe
• OFFERS MADE: Cameron Gregory, Jake Lovelace, Zak Mills, Kelsey Mooney, Brad Nicholson, Jordan Richards, Martin Woods
• RELEASED: MICHAEL GYASI (ex-Alty loanee), Keziah Martin, Ethan Sephton, Sam Smart

NB: Updates on the club's U23 players will follow in due course".

THE CONN-CLARKE SITUATION

A previously reliable source reported on Wednesday on "X" that the Northern Irishman had agreed a three-year deal at Peterborough United. The Posh have just missed out on promotion from League One, losing the play-off semi-final to Oxford United.

However. no confirmation of any deal has come from either Altrincham or from Peterborough United. Further confusion arose when Peterborough United owner, Darragh MacAnthony posted on "X" the following one-liner, albeit without specific reference to CCC, "Don't believe all the nonsense you read at this time of year".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: Ashley Hemmings

Talisman Hemmings and shot-stopper Dibble have recently put pen to a paper on new contracts with the club...

On securing Hemmings, who re-signs having first arrived at Aggborough in 2019, the boss added 'Hemmo, at this level, and the next level in the National League, is a massive asset to us with his creativity.

'He’s exciting when he gets on the ball and is a fans' favourite, he knows how to get people off their seats.

'I wouldn’t say he’s a great goal scorer, but I would say he’s a scorer of great goals.

'So long as he can bring that to the party next season, and I’m undoubtedly sure he will, we’ve got a fantastic acquisition.'”

And with apologies for the delay in relaying the news from Phil Jordan, in Australia's NPL Victoria, CONNOR HAMPSON returned to the Oakleigh Cannons team last Friday as they won 0-2 at Hume City, leap-frogging their opponents into 4th place.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ross stepped up to manage the Men’s First Team in January 2022 and subsequently guided the club to the National League for the first time in our history. The club would like to thank Ross for his hard work and commitment, and we wish him well for the future.

Owner Justin Merrit said 'Ross will always be remembered fondly here as the Manager who helped us reach the highest level we have ever played at. To keep us in contention for much of last season, despite the obvious challenges in the higher league, was commendable and it is no surprise that he attracted interest from other clubs: he is a very good coach and I am sure he will go onto have an outstanding career.

'He leaves on very good terms and we have already begun the process of finding his successor'...

Ross... said farewell to the club.. 'I can’t thank Justin enough for giving me the opportunity to lead this club and the support of the fans has been incredible'".

It then emerged from fellow relegated club Boreham Wood that they had apppinted "Ross Jenkins as our new Head Coach, Following the expiration of his contract with Oxford City. We are also delighted to announce the return of club legend Mark Ricketts as our first-team Assistant Manager following his decision to hang up his boots at the end of last season.

Lloyd Doyley will complete the management team as our First Team Coach, continuing to bring his wealth of experience to the table, having made over 400 appearances for Watford FC. He also played alongside Jenkins during that time."

At Solihull Moors, "chairman, Darryl Eales, has penned the following message to the supporters...

'After a challenging couple of days, I wanted to write to all supporters to thank each and everyone for their fantastic support, both at Wembley and throughout the season.

To come so close is heartbreaking but this should not detract from a wonderful season which has created so many memories and new friendships...

Hopefully, there will be a halo effect from the Wembley appearances and more families will come and support the team next season'".

At Barnet "Rhys Browne becomes Dean Brennan’s first signing of the summer after putting pen to paper on a 2 year contract.

Browne arrives at the Hive having spent the last 2 seasons at Woking FC, to further bolster Dean Brennan’s attack...

Rhys has previously played for clubs such as Port Vale, Sutton United and Grimsby Town to name a few...

Browne said 'I have come here to get goals, assists and to contribute to a winning team; that’s what I’m about, winning.'

Barnet FC Manager, Dean Brennan, said...'He’s the type of player that will get our supporters off their seats..

'He joins us at a great time and his previous experience is perfect for us.'”

Meanwhile, Woking "announce the signing of Ben Wynter as Michael Doyle's first signing of the close season.

The 26-year-old right sided defender joins the club following his departure from Barnet... Doyle [sid] 'He’s a winner, and he’s always been involved with teams in the top end of the table. Ben is a leader on and off the pitch, and – at 26 – we feel like we’re getting him as he heads into his best years'...

Wynter joined National League side Bromley in summer 2017, making 14 appearances before being loaned to National League South side Hampton & Richmond in December 2017. A successful loan was made permanent in March 2018, but Wynter opted to leave the club to join Torquay United in July 2018..

Wynter left Torquay in summer 2022 to move closer to home, joining Barnet, where he would make 50 appearances across two seasons".

Having narrowly missed out on the play-offs, Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of exciting prospect Haydon Vaughan on a permanent transfer from Bracknell Town!

The attacking midfielder has only just turned 18... and has signed a two year deal with the Shots.

After a successful loan at Combined Counties League side Sandhurst Town during the first half of the 23/24 season, in which Vaughan scored 17 goals and got eight assists, he was recalled and impressed with nine goals and nine assists as Bracknell reached the playoffs.

First-Team Manager Tommy Widdrington said... 'It again shows we are looking at all levels of the game, near and far, to add to what we feel is a really good core group... I’m sure we’ve beaten quite a few clubs who felt they’d entice him but we’ve tracked him for some time and felt doing this early was important'...

Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges added... 'He’s quick and direct, a great 1v1 dribbler, and has technical ability well above the level'">

15 May 2024

STOP PRESS: CCC AND THE POSH

Following that report, comes a tweet on "X" by a source "TC9", (who had pre-empted the Daily Mail in reporting Peterborough's interest in the Northern ireland forward), which claims that "Peterborough United have agreed a deal to sign Altrincham star man Chris Conn-Clarke on a three-year deal... for an undisclosed fee".

As of late afternoon, neither club has announced a deal.

ALTY'S FIRST SUMMER SIGNING

Lucas Weaver underlined his unerring eye for the back of the net last season by racking up no fewer than 42 goals in all competitions in 43 appearances for Colne".

Press and media officerJohn Edwards goes on to say that "It made him one of the most sought-after prospects around, and no wonder - he's not even a striker!

That exceptional tally of goals... was delivered from the flanks, where Lucas's lightning pace has also troubled opposing defences on a regular basis...

In welcoming him to The J.Davidson Stadium, we can also announce that our first pre-season friendly will be away to his old club Colne at their Holt House Stadium on Saturday July 6th, kicking off at 3pm.

Lucas, who is 22, has always had goals in his locker and earned a move to Colne in July 2022 after a season in which he scored 20 times for Fulwood Amateurs in the West Lancs League Premier Division".

NEW HEAD GROUNDSMAN INTERVIEWED

POSH BID FOR CHRIS CONN-CLARKE

Conn-Clarke is a man in demand this summer after finishing the season with 23 goals and 12 assists, as well as being selected in the National League Team of the Year...

Mail Sport understands they are pushing to bring Conn-Clarke to London Road this summer. The 22-year-old is not short of offers this summer, though, with interest from across Europe as well as in Scotland.

Conn-Clarke only joined Altrincham permanently last summer when Phil Parkinson picked him up for a club record deal from Fleetwood Town".

NEW GROUNDSMAN AT ALTY

After conducting an interview with Alty's press and media officer John Edwards tells us that "David Jones [is]... our newly-appointed head groundsperson... He began work at Moss Lane on Monday, with an extensive programme of improvement and renovation to the pitch already well underway.

As a sign of the thoroughness that has marked his time with other clubs and, most recently, the Welsh FA, David is well aware of the drainage-related problems we encountered last season and is well versed on the exact nature of the work currently taking place...

'I felt ready for a new challenge after enjoying my time at the Welsh FA, and I'm relishing the opportunity to take this pitch forward and help prepare the best possible playing surface for Phil and the squad,' Jones said. 'I know there were difficulties with the pitch last season. I did my research on that and the work being done at the moment, and I just thought it added up to an opportunity I really wanted to take.

'The drains are actually working fine, and I don't think it was all down to that, as such. I think the problem stemmed from the top layer of the pitch. If that gets too much organic material in it, then water can't easily pass through it...

Above: The pitch at the J. Davison Stadium needed plenty of sand on its surface by mid-March when Alty entertained Woking.

'So we have addressed that by taking off the top 20-22ml and getting rid of all the old organic material, and everything seems to be working really well'...

It was when David's dream of making it as a player was thwarted as a youngster at Wigan Athletic that he began to turn his sights towards tending pitches rather than starring on them...

He said 'I ended up stumbling across a part-time job at AFC Fylde. It was three days a week, and it really developed my interest in looking after pitches. I then had two-and-a-half years at Blackpool, much of it at their Squires Gate training ground... Those experiences at Fylde and Blackpool stood me in good stead...

'I then had three years as head groundsman at Bootle, with their hybrid pitch... Everything at the FA of Wales was spot-on, absolutely immaculate, but I'm delighted to have been granted this opportunity at Altrincham'".

Footnote: More on David Jones's football background will appear in due course.

STATISTICAL REVIEW OF 2023-24 SEASON: PART 4

Compared with 2022-23, which was the club's first full-time season, 2023-24 saw more squad stability but there were fewer matches played as poor cup results meant just six cup ties were played compared with eleven during the previous season.

During 2023-24 only 30 players were named in a league squad and 45 players were named in either a league or cup squad.

That compared with 42 players named in a league squad in 2022-23 and 53 in all competitions in that season.

Before that, across the two seasons of 2021/22 and 2022/23, in all competitions, Altrincham used 82 different players! In the league alone that total was 72. In short those two years were tumultuous as the team moved from part-time to a full-time model of operations.

Only Matt Gould, Ben Pringle, Matty Kosylo and Brad Jackson remained at the club at the end of 2022-23 season who had also been at the club at the start of 2021-22. And none of those four made more than five league starts for Altrincham in 2022-23. Today, just Gould and Kosylo remain.

APPEARANCES IN ALL COMPETITIONS

In 2023-24, 54 competitive games were played (47 in the league, inclusive of the play-offs, plus 6 in cups)

Right: Lewis Banks

The leading appearance numbers were:

• 50 Chris CONN-CLARKE (44+3 in league, 2+1 in cups)
• 48 Elliot OSBORNE (44+1 in NL, 3 in cups)
• 47 Lewis BANKS (42+2 in NL, 3 in cups)
• 45 Eddy JONES (42 in NL, 2+1 in cups)
• 44 Leiws BAINES (40+2 in NL, 1+1 in cups)

In terms of game time, Elliot Osborne, Eddy Jones and Lewis Banks all had more time on the pitch than Chris Conn-Clarke, as he was substituted more often than them.

In 2022-23 more matches were played both because the Vanarama National League ran with 24 clubs compared with 23 in 2021-22 and also because Altrincham reached the semi-finals of two cup competitions so played eleven cup ties in all.

• 53 Josh LUNDSTRAM (46 league, 7 cup)
• 50 Eddy JONES (40 league, 9+1 cup)
• 47 James JONES (35+1 league, 11 cup)
• 47 Elliot OSBORNE (32+7 league, 5+3 cup)
• 44 Oliver BYRNE (37 league, 7 cup)
• 41 Jordan HULME (23+7 league, 8+3 cup)

2021-22:

• 42 Toby MULLARKEY (39 league, 3 cup)
• 39 Tony THOMPSON (37 league, 2 cup)
• 39 Josh HANCOCK (23+11 league, 4+1 cup)
• 38 Dan MOONEY (33+3 league, 0+2 cup)
• 38 Ben PRINGLE (12+23 league, 2+1 cup)
• 37 Jake MOULT (26+6 league, 4+1 cup)
• 36 Matty KOSYLO (28+4 league, 3+1 cup)

2020-21:

• 44 Tony THOMPSON (all starts, 42 league, 2 cup)
• 41 Joel SENIOR (39+1 league, 1 cup)
• 41 Jake MOULT (38+1 league, 2 cup)
• 38 Josh HANCOCK (33+3 league, 2 cup)
• 36 Yusifu CEESAY (24+9 league, 3 cup)
• 36 Tom PEERS (12+21 league, 3 cup)
• 34 Tom HANNIGAN (33 league, 1 cup)
• 34 Matty KOSYLO (29+3 league, 2 cup)

PLAYERS USED IN LEAGUE

2023-24

Not only were fewer players used in 2023-24 but markedly less use was made of the loan market.

Named in a league squad incl. play-offs: 30 players, the lowest number since Alty returned to the National League in 2020 (see below). Just 27 of those players got onto the pitch in National League games.

Loanees named in league squad: 2; this was the first time that fewer than 10 loanees had been used in a season since Alty returned to the National League in 2020. The two loanees were Marcus Dackers and Gerald Sithole (right). Sonny Aljofree was also signed on a loan arrangement but was never named in a matchday squad.

Named in a squad but never got on pitch in a league game: 3 players, (Ollie Byrne, Owen German, Tom Jones)

2022-23

Named in a league squad: 42 players Loanees named in league squad: 16 (Bennett, Burgess, Cashman, Conn-Clarke, Ferguson, Gyasi, Hugill, Jennings, E. Jones, Malone, Mee, Newby, Oyedele, Quitirna, Sinclair, Welch-Hayes ) Named in a squad but never got on pitch in league game: 5 (Forde, Hussain, Quitirna, Rodgers-Morris, Roxburgh)

Used as a sub but did not start a league game: 3 (Burgess, Harrison, Sami)

In 2021-22:

Named in a league squad: 46 players Loanees named in league squad: 10 (Campbell, Conn-Clarke, Cooper, Ferguson, E. Jones, Kirby, Peritt, Porter, Walker, Whitehead)

Named in a squad but never got on pitch in league game: 3 (Butchart, Higgins, Osigwe) Used as a sub but did not start a league game: 2 (Campbell, Morton)

In 2020-21 heavy use was made of loan players...

Named in a league squad: 39 players Loanees named in league squad: 10 (Bell, Dales, Gibson, Holgate, Kirby, Ogle, Robbins, Sass-Davies, Smith, Zouma)

Named in a squad but never got on pitch in league game: 2 (Will Hall, Rowan Roache) Used as a sub but did not start a league game: 2 (Jamie McDonald 0+3, Curtis Miller 0+6)

PLAYERS USED IN ALL COMPETITIONS

Players named in any matchday squad, league or cup:

2023-24

Right: Loui Williams

45 players were named, of whom 18 did not make a league appearance and 15 were not named in a league squad (Aldcroft, Andrade. Bailey, Chandler, Douglas, Howells, Hussain, Lawton, Lindley, Partington, Powell, Raymond, Shtyhlian Williams [right], Wright) .

2022-23

52 of whom 14 (Aljofree, J. Bailey, Billingsley, Cooney, Forde, German, Hussain, Jordan, McGeady, Matthew, Morton, Quitirna, Rodgers-Morris, Roxburgh did not make a league appearance and nine of whom (Aljofree, J. Bailey, Billingsley, Cooney, German, Jordan, McGeady, Matthew, Morton) were not named in a league squad.

2021-22

46 of whom 3 (Higgins, Miller, Osigwe) did not make a league appearance and one of whom (Miller) was not named in a league squad.

2020-21

46 of whom 10 (Gavanagh, Graham, Hall, Howarth, Mercurius, Potter, Roache, Salmon, Taylor, Torrance [pictured, right]) did not make a league appearance and seven of whom (Gavanagh, Graham, Howarth, Mercurius, Potter, Taylor, Torrance) were not named in a league squad.

DISCIPLINE: YELLOW AND RED CARDS

2023-24 was Altrincham's worst year for cards and dismissals since returning to the National League in 2020.

The following totals of red and yellow cards were issued in 2023-24:

• Red: 4 in league, 1 in cups
• Yellow: 76 in league, 6 in cups.

The following totals of red and yellow cards were issued in 2022-23:

• Red: 3 in league
• Yellow: 59 in league, 9 in cups.

The following totals of red and yellow cards were issued in 2021-22:

• Red: 3 in league
• Yellow: 66 in league, 5 in cups.

The following totals of red and yellow cards were issued in 2020-21:

• Red: 3 in league.
• Yellow: 66 in league, 1 in cups.

RED CARDS

In 2023-24 individuals receiving red cards were:

• 1: Matty Kosylo [right], Elliot Osborne, Regan Linney, George Wilson

In 2022-23 individuals receiving red cards were:

• 2: James Jones
• 1: Ross Barrows

In 2021-22 individuals receiving red cards were:

• 1: Kevin Berkoe, Brad Jackson, Ben Pringle

In 2020-21 individuals receiving red cards were:

• 1: Connor Hampson, Tom Hannigan, Jake Moult

YELLOW CARDS IN ALL COMPETITIONS

Right: Elliot Osborne

In 2023-24

• 10: Lewis Banks in 45+2 appearances
• 9: Elliot Osborne in 47+1 appearances
• 8: Isaac Marriott in 36+1 appearances
• 7: Matty Kosylo in 17+16 appearances
• 7: Jake Cooper in 44 appearances
• 6: Justin Amaluzor in 34+6 appearances

In 2022-23

• 8: Jordan Hulme in 31+10 appearances
• 6: James Jones in 46+1 appearances
• 6: Eddy Jones in 49+1 appearances

In 2021-22

• 7 Ryan Colclough in 39+3 appearances
• 6 Toby Mullarkey in 42 appearances
• 5 Matty Kosylo in 31+5 appearances

In 2020-21:

• 12 Matty Kosylo in 31+3 appearances
• 8 Jake Moult in 40+1
• 6 Tom Hannigan in 34
• 5 Tony Thompson in 44
• 4 Ryan Colclough in 23+5

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

None of the last five permanent appointments lasted more than 12 months but Sarll, who has led both Yeovil and Woking to the National League play-offs, insisted he didn't need to be given any guarantees...

'No, I never need that,' he said. 'We're in a results business, especially at this place...

'I do believe, and we have to believe, that self-confidence in management is so important; that I'm going to be the one that can get it right, like Dave (Challinor) did. You have to believe that you're going to be the next guy, and that's what I believe.. It's got such an unbelievable history and status...

'This is one of the biggest jobs in the National League'".

14 May 2024

ROB ESTEVA TO LEAVE ALTY

Right: Rob Esteva (far right) with management duo of Neil Sorvel and Phil Parkinson.

A growing workload away from Alty was one of the main considerations behind the decision.

Founder and managing director of TSZ Data Services, Rob has been responsible for football operations at the club since initially joining the board in 2017, barring a brief period away in 2019-20 when his second daughter was born.

During his time at The J.Davidson Stadium, which kicked off with the appointment of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel back in 2017, Rob's remit has been working on football matters on a daily basis to ensure every aspect of the playing side is functioning to maximum efficiency...

Rob said 'This was never going to be an easy decision to arrive at. I've been mulling it over and giving it plenty of thought in recent weeks and months, essentially since my detached retina in January last year.

'On top of that, I have a young family that I want to spend more time with, and work away from the club is getting busier and more demanding than ever.. There really was only one course of action open to me... but I'm going to be around for a little while yet. It is now time for somebody else to take things forward, but I'm happy to assist with a transition period while the board look for the right candidate to step in and join us'".

STATISTICAL REVIEW OF 2023-24 SEASON: PART 3

DRAWS IN LEAGUE

Eleven league matches ended in draws for Altrincham in 2023-24, three fewer than in the previous season which had been the joint highest total since 2009-10. Of the eleven draws in 2023-24, three were goalless, three ended 1-1, four games finished 2-2 and there was a single 3-3 draw, at Fylde.

Right: The 2023-24 season started with a draw, 1-1, at home to Dagenham & redbridge. Here, Chris Conn-Clarke is concealed beneath his bedraggled team-mates after his goal at a sodden J. Davidson Stadium.

All three goalless matches were away from home; at Wealdstone, Halifax and Dorking.

In 2022-23, as in the previous season, only one game ended goalless. The highest scoring draw was the 4-4 encounter at Torquay United. Seven of the draws ended two apiece. Nine of the draws were away from home.

2021-22 brought ten league draws, with just one being goalless (away at Maidenhead United). The highest scoring draws were 2-2 at Chesterfield, at Aldershot Town and at home to Woking.

Goalless draws in league: 1

In 2020-21, for the first time in three seasons, Altrincham played a goalless draw in the league; in fact they played two, one in the opening match versus Weymouth and the other in the final fixture against Torquay United. Both were games at Moss Lane.

Goalless draws in league: 2

As for other scoring draws in 2020-21: 9 in league (4 home, 5 away). Seven of the draws were 1-1, the other two were 2-2.

CUP RESULTS

2023-24 It was a poor season for cup progress. Six cup games were played, three in the Cheshire Senior Cup, two in the FA Trophy and one in the FA Cup.

Three cup wins were recorded. Curiously, however, just one cup tie was won in normal time, a 4-0 win over Stalybridge, though two other ties were won on penalties, one in the CSC and one in the FA Trophy.

The FA Trophy was exited without Alty scoring a goal other than in shoot-outs and the FA Cup was exited at the first hurdle.

2022-23 was a much better year for cup-tie results with five rounds played in the FA Trophy as well as the Cheshire Senior Cup, albeit one CSC round was a walkover. Only two FA Cup ties were played, however.

The biggest cup wins were two 4-0 successes in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Sandbach United and Runcorn Linnets.

The three cup defeats were all after ties which had finished level after ninety minutes. In the FA Cup that led to a replay defeat at Gateshead, whilst both the FA Trophy and the CSC exits were the result of penalty shootouts after ninety minutes.

In 2021-22 the only cup win was 3-2 at Southport in the FA Cup.

In 2020-21 the biggest cup win was 3-0 v Barnton in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

HIGHEST AGGREGATES IN LEAGUE GAMES

Seven goals in a league game were recorded in 2023-24 on three occasions, all of them being 6-1 home wins!

• 7: Altrincham 6 Ebsfleet United 1
• 7: Altrincham 6 Solihull Moors 1
• 7: Altrincham 6 York City 1.
• 6: AFC Fylde 3 Altrincham 3
• 5: Woking 2 Altrincham 3
• 5: Altrincham 3 Barnet 2
• 5: Hartlepool United 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Altrincham 2 Gateshead 3
• 5: Wealdstone 4 Altrincham 1

Above: In the first 6-1 game of the season, at home to Ebbsfleet United, Lewis Baines (no.4, far right) netted Altrincham's second goal with a fine glancing header which found the far corner of the net.

In 2022-23 Alty were involved in no fewer than ten league games in which five or more goals were netted. Eight of those games were away from home:

• 8: Torquay United 4 Altrincham 4
• 6: Barnet 4 Altrincham 2
• 6: Solihull Moors 5 Altrincham 1
• 5: Altrincham 4 Dorking Wanderers 1
• 5: Dagenham & Redbridge 4 Altrincham 1
• 5: Maidstone United 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Maidenhead United 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Altrincham 4 Solihull Moors 1
• 5: Eastleigh 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Dorking Wanderers 3 Solihull Moors 2

In 2021-22 Alty were involved in eight league games in which five or more goals were netted:

• 6: Stockport County 5 Altrincham 1
• 6: Altrincham 4 Wealdstone 2
• 5: Altrincham 3 Dover Athletic 2
• 5: Altrincham 4 King's Lynn Town 1
• 5: Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Altrincham 3
• 5: Altrincham 1 Stockport County 4
• 5: Solihull Moors 5 Altrincham 0
• 5: Altrincham 5 Weymouth 0

In 2020-21:

• 7: Altrincham 4 Yeovil Town 3
• 5: Altrincham 3 Chesterfield 2
• 5: FC Halifax Town 3 Altrincham 2
• 5: Altrincham 2 Boreham Wood 3
• 5: Altrincham 2 Barnet 3

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Last season Oli Coker starred in midfield for Kevin Maher’s side having joined the Club’s youth system in 2011... Collin Andeng Ndi, another academy product, recently won the Young Player of the Season award...

On relegation from the EFL in 2021, the Centre of Excellence ran for two years as a Category 3 Academy, albeit with reduced EFL funding. On the second anniversary of our relegation, we lost our Category 3 status and could therefore no longer operate as an Academy and, as such, all funding came to an end. That meant that we were no longer able to run an elite programme or employ scholars, and our infrastructure had to be cut significantly.

Given this backdrop, and the rules forbidding us from paying scholars, we chose to run a non-elite U19s programme only in the 2023/24 season... From July onwards it will be run exclusively by our Community Foundation. When we return to the League, we will resurrect the elite programme with a view to regaining our Category 3 status.

CEO Tom Lawrence said, 'Moving the Youth programme to our Community Foundation will enable us to concentrate our efforts and resource on exiting the National League... I hope we make a return to the EFL soon so we can resurrect our elite programme and continue to develop local talent'".

Eastleigh "announce the signing of Luis Fernandez for an undisclosed fee, on a permanent deal from Hampton & Richmond FC... where he won the Players’ Player of the Season award for the 2023/24 season...

Last season, the central-defender found the back of the net three times and kept ten clean sheets in his 42 league appearances.

He began his career with Stevenage... making ten appearances for them, with five of those coming in League Two".

At Braintree Town report that "Manager Angelo Harrop and Chairman Lee Harding met up at the Rare Breed Meat Co Stadium on Thursday evening to discuss the forthcoming National League season.

A positive discussion followed with the Club offering Angelo a new improved contract and support for his recommendation to switching from part-time to full time training.

'With the important support of our sponsors, we are able to reward Angelo with the job security he deserves and to support his suggestion about switching to full time training'[said Harding]...

Matchday and season ticket prices were agreed at a board meeting and it was decided to increase prices to give the squad the resources necessary to be competitive at the higher level.

Harding said... 'We have kept our admission prices unchanged for six years, despite inflation. But we want to help Angelo build a squad that can be competitive and I do believe that we will once again be one of the best priced at our level, with season tickets offering even better deals!..

'We continue to negotiate with Braintree Council about relocating to a new stadium to match the Club's long term ambitions'...

As in previous seasons, season ticket holders who purchase on or before 1 June 2024 will be rewarded with five games free of charge".

Tamworth reveal that "Jas Singh has committed to the Lambs for a 7th successive season. The former Shrewsbury Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Solihull Moors, Gloucester City and Telford United keeper joined the club in the summer of 2018...

Last season Jas set a new club record of going 910 minutes without conceding a goal, and only let in 27 goals in the 45 league games he played. He was selected as the Vanarama National League North Goalkeeper of the Season and he was Andy Peaks’s choice as Manager's Player of the Season too".

News of an interesting scheme comes from York City where "Based on the success of initial sessions, York City FC is proud to announce additional stadium familiarisation sessions that welcome and support individuals of all abilities and conditions, with a focus on making everyone feel included in our community.

These free sessions are designed for supporters who, for various reasons, may have hesitated to visit the LNER Community Stadium in the past. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of sports in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The familiarisation sessions are open events that invite you to explore the stadium with the guidance of our club staff and volunteers. You will be led along a designated quiet route into the stadium, and we will show you the locations of key facilities such as toilets and concession stands. Additionally, we will take you to various areas of the stadium, allowing you to experience different entry and exit points as well as different viewing spots. Our goal is to help you find the best areas that suit your specific needs and preferences...

We hope that these familiarisation sessions will provide a positive and comfortable experience for those who attend, ultimately encouraging them to return for a match in the future.

The familiarisation sessions are designed for families and individuals who may benefit from this offering, including but not limited to:

• Individuals with learning disabilities.
• Those with sensory sensitivities.
• Families with children who require a quieter and less crowded environment.
• Supporters who may have physical mobility challenges.
• Anyone who simply wants to familiarise themselves with the stadium before attending a match.

13 May 2024

WOMEN'S TEAM SCRAP PLAYER FEES

The move comes after a thorough review of how the team struggled last season and whether players having to pay a £40 signing-on fee and £25 per month for the duration of the campaign might have had a detrimental effect.

As a consequence, the club can announce that fees will no longer apply to any player representing the women's team, with any costs being absorbed by Altrincham FC and Altrincham FC Community Sports...

The players [are] continuing to train twice a week at Broadoak Academy’s fantastic new 3G facility and Cheadle Hulme School".

Last season the Women's team was relegated from the Northwest Women’s Regional League South. "A series of issues and disruptions affecting the playing and coaching side of the women's team did not help... As we await confirmation of which league we will be in next season, meetings have taken place to discuss the future of the women’s team and how the club can ensure it has the best chance of turning round their fortunes and emulating the success of the men's team".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Andy Peaks has expressed his desire to keep many of the current squad for next season, however, this depends on budget, negotiations and the players' own plans for next season.

Speaking this week Andy said 'I have had some really good chats so far and some of the key players have already committed for next season. We are in negotiations with some of the others and also new faces I want to bring into the club. I want to the majority over the line as soon as possible and hopefully we will have news for supporters next week on some of the names committing for next season'.

Meanwhile some important news for the club is that the pitch and the ground have passed their inspections for the National League which enables us to compete at step 1 next season.

Work is going on at the ground and you may have seen on social media that Eddie Hughes (MP) arranged for H.D Ricketts to deliver a truck load of stone to help repair the potholes in the car park...

Training for the first team will start w/c 24 June with the first friendly booked for Saturday 6 July... Fixtures will be played against a League 2 outfit and clubs that play at steps 2,3 and 4 of the pyramid".

At Dagenham & Redbridge "Club Underdog, a subsidiary of North Sixth Group, today announced it has reached an agreement in principle to acquire historic East London-based football club Dagenham & Redbridge (“Daggers”). The club was previously owned by a group led by New York Yankees minority owner Peter Freund.

At York City "Scottish winger Kai Kennedy’s contract has been mutually terminated.

The 22-year-old signed in August 2023 following his departure from Rangers, going on to feature 19 times for the Minstermen across all competitions.

Kennedy setup Quevin Castro’s equaliser against Boreham Wood back in September 2023, a game which ended in a two-all draw.

We wish Kai well in his future endeavours and thank him for his efforts whilst with the Minstermen".

Relegated Forest Green Rovers have announced that "The Club will begin next year with the following players under contract: Harvey Bunker, Charlie McCann, Tyrese Omotoye, Fiachra Pagel, Amadou Bakayoko, Kyle McAllister, Jamie Robson, Marcel Lavinier, Ryan Inniss, Christian Doidge, Alfie Bendle, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Jamie Searle, Emmanuel Osadebe, Jacob Maddox and Teddy Jenks".

Hartlepool United "announce Academy player Max Storey has signed his first professional contract with the Club.

The young attacker, who turned 18 in January, scored 22 goals in 31 appearances for our Academy side in the 2023/24 season.

He was rewarded with his first team debut, coming off the bench at home to Dagenham & Redbridge, and has now signed a professional deal ahead of the 2024/25 campaign...

Academy Manager, Ian McGuckin, added, 'We're really pleased for Max... He follows Louis Stephenson and Campbell Darcy who signed contracts in December, which shows the strength and potential in our Academy set-up'".

Rochdale "announce that the following individuals have purchased Ordinary Class A shares at a subscription price of £0.29p per share.

Ordinary A Shares Purchased:

• Cameron Ogden 2,284,420 shares @ £0.22 = £666,666.80, 23%
• Edward Ogden 2,284,419 @ £0.22 = £666,666.80, 23%
• Tiffany Chawner 2,284,419 @0.22 = £666,666.60, 23%
• Simon Gauge 1,991,697 @0.22 = £581,000.00, 21%
• Richard Knight, 152,205 @0.22 = £44,400.00, 2%

Cameron Ogden will join the Board of Directors as Co-Chairman, alongside current Chairman Simon Gauge, with Jamie Willoughby and Adam Saul also joining the Board as Directors. Jamie and Adam both work for the Ogden Family business. The FA Licensing and Sanctions department has permitted all of the above to act as an Officer of the Club in accordance with 3.1.2 of the ODT (Owners and Directors Test) Regulations.

Jan Wormald has stepped down from the Board...

Cameron, Edward and Tiffany are the children of Sir Peter and Lady Ogden and have jointly committed that if any profit is ever made from the shares, such profit would be held for the sole benefit of the Rochdale AFC Community Trust.

As indicated in their offer to the Club, the Ogden Family intend to introduce a Golden Share which will be held by the Dale Trust. The introduction of this share will require changes to the Club’s Articles of Association and these changes will be presented to shareholders for approval in due course.

Cameron Ogden stated 'I am delighted to join the Board of Directors as Co-Chairman of this great Club. Our family has a deep connection to Rochdale, and we envisage the Club becoming an integral part of the local community'...

The new Board has already met and established its key aspirations, which are:

1. To make the club sustainable within five years, with or without sporting success.
2. To achieve promotion to the EFL within three years.
3. To significantly increase the social value we bring to the local community, via the Club and Community Trust...

We have reluctantly increased prices this year after several seasons of price freezes but are confident they will still be amongst the most competitive in the league".

12 May 2024

FA TROPHY WIN FOR GATESHEAD

• FA Trophy: Gateshead 2-2 Solihull Moors (aet, Gateshead won 5-4 on pens)
• FA Vase: Great Wakering Rovers 0-3 Romford

The FA reports that "Gateshead defeated Solihull Moors in a dramatic penalty shootout to lift the Isuzu FA Trophy title after a four-goal thriller at Wembley...

A fantastic run down the line from Dajaune Brown led to a superb low driven cross to the right foot of Regan Booty, who made no mistake from a yard out, putting Rob Elliot’s team ahead before the break.

The second half began with the Moors dominating possession, and all their work on the ball eventually paid off as in the 69th minute, a superb cross from Joe Newton found the head of target man Mark Beck, who equalised for Solihull, making things all square...

Solihull continued to pile on the pressure, aiming to grab a winner but Gateshead held their own, and 90 minutes proved not long enough for the National League outfit...

The beginning of extra time once again saw Evans’ effort saved from close range, but just five minutes later and the Moors took a 2-1 lead through a Beck penalty...

Brown poked the ball over the bar with an early chance after the extra time interval, although just three minutes after, he made up for his error, tapping the ball home thanks to a Tom Allan square pass, to make the score 2-2...

It was time for penalties, which was settled with a winning penalty from Brown to seal the FA Trophy title for Gateshead, reversing their loss here last year".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The game ended 2-2 and went to a penalty shoot-out which required 16 spot-kicks before The Heed prevailed 5-4.ss. Dinanga impressively netted his penalty during this process.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Taylor, 42, arrives at Wealdstone with rich experience in the game having managed Swindon Town, Walsall and Shrewsbury Town on the back of a stellar playing career that saw him amass more than 300 Premier League appearances for Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United, and Burnley...

Said Wealdstone FC Chairman Rory Fitzgerald... 'Matt's vision for the team, his clear principles for how he wants us to play and his track record of developing young talent are exactly what we need'...

Joining Taylor in this new chapter will be Paul Hughes, who has been appointed as Assistant Manager... A former professional footballer with more than 100 appearances for clubs including Chelsea and Luton Town, Hughes transitioned to management with significant impact.

Most notably, he led Kings Langley to three consecutive promotions and achieved impressive feats with Hayes & Yeading, including a standout Isthmian League South Central Title in 2019 and a memorable run in the FA Cup...

First Team Coach Sam Cox has left the club... Under his guidance in the last five games of last season, the club successfully maintained its position in the National League for a fifth consecutive year, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions."

Also at Wealdstone comes "our retained list for our First Team squad.

Sean Adarkwa and Brandon Mason are confirmed to be under contract for the 2024/25 season.

Furthermore, we have successfully secured new contracts with Jack Cook, Mason Barrett, Kallum Cesay, Luke Dreher, Trae Cook-Appiah and Deon Woodman, who have all signed on for the new season.

The club has also exercised the option to extend the contracts of Charlie Barker and Micah Obiero for another year.

Discussions are currently ongoing with Max Kretzschmar, Dillon De Silva, Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Tarryn Allarakhia, Alex Dyer, Dominic Hutchinson and Declan Phillips regarding new deals...

We have been unable to agree new terms with or released Jaiden Bartolo, Manny Duku, Corie Andrews, Marcus Dewhurst and Nathan Ferguson".

Barnet report that "Following recent media speculation, Barnet FC would like to update supporters regarding Dean Brennan and the managerial position at Swindon Town FC.

Earlier this week, Barnet FC made Dean Brennan aware that they had received an approach from Swindon Town requesting permission to speak with him.

Dean would like to assure supporters that he remains fully committed to achieving Barnet FC’s goal of promotion to the EFL, and a significant amount of work has already taken place to enhance the squad for the new campaign.

Dean and the Club continue to look forward to the Season ahead".

11 May 2024

ALTY TO GO THE EXTRA MILE, OR 170!

All six "new" entrants have previously played at national level and all have also met Altrincham previously.

So, trips to Chesterfield, Bromley, Boreham Wood, Dorking Wanderers, Kidderminster Harriers and Oxford City are replaced next season by jaunts to Forest Green Rovers, Sutton United, Tamworth, Boston United, Yeovil Town and Braintree Town.

Right: One of the "new" clubs in the National League next season is Tamworth. Altrincham's last visit there came in April 2017 in their final match in the NPL, watched by manager-elect Phil Parkinson. Here we see James Lawrie being congratulated on Alty's goal in a 2-1 defeat.

The net result is that 85 miles, (or 170 return) are added to the distance to travel to all of the away venues. The average journey to an away fixture is now 149 miles (297 return) against 145 miles (290 return) last season.

Last season Bromley (229 miles each way) was the most distant trip but, with the Ravens' promotion, the furthest trip is now to Southend-on-Sea (222 miles each way).

In all, Altrincham will travel 3,421 miles to away league matches or, rather, 6,842 miles including their return trips.

ALTY'S PRE-SEASON MATCHES

The list is almost complete, with some exciting opponents pencilled in for home and away friendlies, and full details will be released as soon as we have them...

The club would like to make it clear that admission prices will apply to all spectators for these games, including season ticket holders.

It was a decision that was not taken lightly and only arrived at after some discussion and consideration, but the feeling was that the club had little choice in the matter. Rising costs of hosting friendlies, for stewarding in particular, have been such that the club would incur losses if free entry was extended to season ticket holders [as has been the case for many years].

Additionally, in many cases involving Premier League or EFL teams, the proceeds are split between the two clubs, thereby further reducing takings for Alty for friendlies at The J.Davidson Stadium and increasing the need for as big a turnout of paying spectators as possible...

The Early Bird offer naturally remains the most affordable and appealing way of securing your place at every home league game, as well as benefitting from the many other advantages that come with it. But anyone buying a season ticket after the Early Bird expiry date of May 31st will find that prices have been pegged at the same rate as last year as a gesture of appreciation from the board for this crucial income stream...

Said Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney... 'Our position on pre-season friendlies is dictated by practicalities. If we don't charge admission for everyone, we make a loss, and having to factor that into our summer calculations would only have a harmful effect on how much we could spend on the squad.

'I hope supporters will understand and see where we are coming from with this'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The rumour mill in the shape of Transfer Centre 9 reports that "Rochdale have appeared [as] early front runners to sign former Altrincham and Southend United winger DAN MOONEY.

Mooney had already spoken to Rochdale initially hence his release from Altrincham. Looks to sign a two year deal with an option of a third. Good signing for the Dale".

FA TROPHY AND VASE FINALS

• FA Vase: Great Wakering Rovers v Romford (k.o. 12.15pm)
• FA Trophy: Gateshead v Solihull Moors (k.o. 4.15pm)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Regarding Altrincham it says "The Robins have been on an upwards trajectory in recent years and have gone from strength-to-strength since becoming a full time, professional outfit in 2022. Just missed out on a place at Wembley after losing 3-1 to Bromley in the play-off semi-finals but gained a host of admirers for their fearless football under impressive manager Phil Parkinson.

The Greater Manchester side have retained the core of last season's successful squad but will have a job on their hands to keep hold of 22 year-old attacking-midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke, who top-scored with 23 goals in all competitions and is said to have attracted the attention of the likes of Ipswich, Portsmouth and Mansfield."

10 May 2024

FIVE IN THE ALTY "WAITING ROOM"

Perhaps the most surprising of these names is that of the club captain in 2023-24, centre-back James Jones. 27 year-old James is the senior professional at the club.

However, it is an understandable move in the context of James's being sidelined by injury for the last half of last season.

James (left) played the full 90 minutes of the first seven league fixtures but only started three of the next 14 league games. He then missed the remaining 26 league games including the play-off semi-final through an injury which necessitated a shoulder operation late in 2023.

He first played as a trialist for Alty in July 2017 and signed in time to make his competitive debut on 23 August 2017. He took the decision to leave Altrincham for Barrow in the Football League, a decision announced on 19 July 2020.

However, in late July 2022 he returned to Altrincham after he had rejected a contract renewal at Barrow. To date he has made 166(+10) appearances for Altrincham in which he has scored17 times.

Another player hoping to prove himself in the summer is Justin Donawa (right) who, like James Jones, had an injury-affected season. His absences were exacerbated by international duties for his native Bermuda.

Justin, who will be 29 this June, turned down a contract renewal at Solihull Moors to join Altrincham last June. Injury and international absences with Bermuda limited his appearances in the early part of 2023-24 and on 17 February it was announced that he had gone on loan for a month to Chorley.

He duly returned to Altrincham in March 2024 but, sadly, he suffered a bad ankle injury at Ebbsfleet in the penultimate fixture of the season. So his limited appearances totalled 10(+11) but he weighed in with three goals in the process, being deployed variously as a right-back and right-midfielder.

The other three players in limbo over the summer are all young and made no league starts at all in 2023-24 and none of them featured in more than two matches in that campaign,

Max Haygarth, aged 22, joined on a short-term contract in March 2024. He is a midfielder/winger who started out at Manchester United and Brentford, before joining Northern Irish club Linfield, where he spent just over a year making nine appearances.

He left the club by mutual consent in January 2024 and made his Alty debut as a substitute on 12 March 2024 at home to York City. His only other inclusion in a squad was as an unused sub in the final match of the league season.

Academy-product Amaar Hussain had his progression halted by an ACL injury. He was the leading scorer as the Altrincham FC Academy team won the National League U19 Alliance Division H title in the team's first competitive season, 2021-22. He had also played for Altrincham Reserves before being named as one of six Academy players to join the first-team squad in July 2022.

After impressing in pre-season, Amaar went on loan to Hyde United at the start of September 2022. But on 19 October 2022 it was announced that Amaar had signed dual registration forms with Alsager Town.

Unfortunately, Amaar suffered an ACL injury and was sidelined in December 2022. He reappeared in November 2023, being a used sub in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Stalybridge Celtic.

Amaar then went on loan to Clitheroe, a move announced on 3 January 2024.

The fifth player playing a waiting game is 20 year-old defender Sean Lawton (right). He is a product of Crewe Alexandra's youth system who was released by The Railywaymen at the end of 2022-23 season.

He had spent the start of 2022-23 on loan from Crewe at Nantwich Town but was recalled in the spring. He then experienced another loan, this time at Hereford FC.

As a trialist, Sean played at left-back for Alty on 11 October 2023 in the Cheshire Senior Cup. He was reported as on loan, again at Nantwich, this time from Altrincham, in late October 2023 but appeared again for the Robuins in the CSC in late January 2024.

ALTY'S SEASON IN STATISTICS, 2023-24: PART TWO

CLEAN SHEETS

There were 13 clean sheets in the league in 2023-24, a total which included three goalless draws. This contrasted with 2022-23 when there was just a single goalless draw and a major decline in clean-sheets with only four recorded in 46 matches in 2022-23 compared with ten from two fewer games in 2021-22.

There was just one goalless draw in the League in 2021-22, away at Maidenhead United.

During 2021-22 Altrincham kept ten clean sheets, the same as in the previous campaign. Eight of those clean sheets arrived in the last sixteen fixtures of the season.

In 2020-21 Alty has two goalless draws in the league; coincidentally, these were in their first and their last fixtures. Over the whole season they recorded ten shut-outs (23.8%) excluding the Dover game which would have made it eleven.

LEAGUE SEQUENCES

Above we see the league results in 2023-24 which are colour-coded, with red for a defeat, amber for a draw and green for a win.

For the fourth season in succession results were far from consistent with significant sequences of unbeaten games and equally unsuccessful runs without a victory.

In complete contrast to the previous campaign, which did not produce a win till the tenth fixture, there were just two defeats in the first 18 league fixtures of 2023-24 before ten defeats followed in the next 19 games.

League placings of the opposition did not explain a partuclarly bad run of five straight defeats in games 31 to 35. This dip was similar to a poor run at the same stage of the previous season when six defeats came in ten games from match 27 to 36.

In fact it was the fourth season in succession when a season's worst runs occurred in roughly the same part of the season, approximately between the halfway and three-quarters points of the season...

• 2020-21 match 21-25: five consecutive defeats and 33-36 four consecutive defeats
• 2021-22 match 23-26: four consecutive defeats
• 2022-23 match 27-30: four consecutive defeats
• 2023-24 match 31-35: five consecutive defeats

After that poor run in 23-24, the final eleven fixtures included just two defeats as the season ended with six unbeaten fixtures. The previous campaign had been the opposite, terminating in seven matches without a win!

The longest sequences in 2023-24 were...

• Wins: Five in games 11-15
• Unbeaten: Ten (games 9 to 18)
• Draws: Two (games 3-4 and 9-10 and 16-17, all in the first half of the campaign)
• Losses: Five (games 31-35).

2022-23 was particularly odd as it started with nine winless games and ended with seven more winless fixtures.

Yet in the intervening 26 fixtures of the season, the points per game would have given Alty 74 points over the whole season and a play-off place (fifth).

But even in that mid-table sequence of good results there was a sequence of eight unbeaten games bracketed by three straight defeats beforehand and four successive losses afterwards!

The longest sequences in 2022-23 were...

• Wins: Three in games 31-33
• Unbeaten: Eight (games 19 to 26)
• Draws: Three (games 44 to 46)
• Losses: Four (games 27-30). Coincidentally this was almost the same stage of the season that their worst runs occurred in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns.

Above we see the league results in 2021-22 .

2021-22 was also a season of contrasting sequences. Alty made their best ever start in the national division of non-League, winning six of their first nine games. They promptly won just one of their next seventeen fixtures in the league.

The next 15 matches then saw just three defeats and eight wins, before the season ended with four games without a win.

In the first half of the season, Alty won 7 times, drew 5 and lost 10 matches; in the second half of the campaign they won 8 times, drew on 5 occasions and lost 9 fixtures.

Their longest sequences in 2021-22 were...

• Wins: Three in games 5-7
• Unbeaten: Four, games 30 to 33
• Draws: One (games 10,14,16,18,22,27,31,37,41,43)
• Losses: Four (games 23-26). Coincidentally this was the same stage of the season that their worst run occurred in the slightly shorter 2020-21 campaign.

Above we see the league results in 2020-21.

2020-21 was a curious season insofar as the first seven games (excluding the expunged win at Dover) witnessed no wins, whilst the next 13 matches saw eight wins, three draws and only two defeats! Well over half of the season's points' total (27 out of 46) was gained in just those 13 fixtures.

In the first half of 2020-21 Alty won nine, drew six and lost six. In the second half they lost twice as many games (12) and won just four times, drawing the other five fixtures.

Their longest league sequences in 2020-21 were...

• Wins: Three in games 11-13
• Unbeaten: Five, games 16 to 20
• Draws: Two (games 3-4, 16-17, 41-42)
• Losses: Five (games 21-25)

Next, we look at...

LEAGUE POINTS ACCRUED

For the past three seasons, points have been won fairly evenly in each half of the campaign.

In the 46 fixtures of 2023-24 points were accrued as follows:

• Games 1-23: 39 points
• Games 24-36: 38 points

In 2022-23, unlike in 2021-22, slightly more points were earned in the first half of the season than the last. Two more fixtures (46) were played in 2022-23.

• Games 1-23: 29 points
• Games 24-46: 27 points

2021-22 witnessed Altrincham garner more points in the second half of the season than the first, the first time that had happened since 2018-19.

• Games 1-22: 26 points
• Games 23-44: 29 points

In 2020-21 Altrincham performed far better in the first half of the season than in the second half.

• Games 1-21: 30 points
• Games 22-42: 17 points

LEAGUE HAT-TRICKS

For the fifth season running there were no league hat-tricks scored by any Altrincham player in 2023-24.

The last hat-trick in the league came in 2018-19 from loanee Joe Piggott at Curzon Ashton.

BIGGEST WINS IN LEAGUE

2023-24 was quite remarkable as Altrincham's biggest winning margin occurred three times in 6-1 wins at home against Ebbsfleet United, Solihull Moors and York City.

In 2022-23: 4-1 at home to Dorking Wanderers and Solihull Moors

In 2021-22: 5-0 at home to Weymouth

In 2020-21: 3-0 at home to King's Lynn Town

HEAVIEST LOSSES IN LEAGUE

A sign of defensive improvement was that no team put more than three league goals past Altrincham in 2023-24. The heaviest defeat was 3-0, recorded at Barnet and Rochdale

Having thrashed Solihull Moors in 2023-24, curiously the biggest defeat in 2022-23 was, for the second season running, against... Solihull Moors, who oddly were also the same team that Alty beat by the greatest margin that season too!

In 2022-23:

• 1-5 away to Solihull Moors
• 0-4 away to Wrexham and Wealdstone

In 2021-22

• 0-5 away to Solihull Moors
• 1-5 away to Stockport County

In 2020-21

• 0-4 at home to Sutton United

ALTY OLD BOYS

Whilst SAM HEATHCOTE is on the retained list, both OLLIE BYRNE and SAM GRIMSHAW have been released.

The Halifax Courier lists "10 players that FC Halifax Town could target as potential new signings this summer". The list includes ex-Altrincham players JEFF KING, MARCUS DINANGA and DANNY WHITEHEAD.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Sarll has named Carl Dickinson as his assistant manager, having managed the former defender during his time at Yeovil Town where they made the 2020 National League play-offs... Pools midfielder Nicky Featherstone has also signed a new dual contract at the Suit Direct Stadium to become a player-coach for the upcoming campaign...

Former Pools manager Ronnie Moore, who most notably masterminded the Club's survival in the Football League in 2015, will hold the position of Chief Scout... Finally, Lennie Lawrence will remain in a supporting role and as mentor to the football staff".

Hartlepool United also "confirm that Antony Sweeney’s first-team coaching contract will come to an end this month... Sweeney has been involved with Pools for over 20 years...

Sweeney, who was later named club captain by Colin Cooper, departed Pools at the end of the 2013/14 season having made a total of 444 appearances... He returned to the Suit Direct Stadium in 2016 as an Academy coach before taking the step up to the first team staff under Craig Hignett in 2019".

My London News tells us that "Bromley FC's first ever promotion into the English Football League (EFL) is being celebrated this weekend with an open-top bus parade... through Bromley town centre on Saturday, May 11 before celebrating back at Hayes Lane with fans...

The open-top bus is expected to leave from outside the ground by 11.50am on Saturday...

A spokesperson at Bromley FC said... 'We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received throughout the whole season, including Sunday’s win at Wembley. It is so great to have this opportunity to bring these celebrations back to Bromley and we thank everyone all those who have supported us over the years leading to this remarkable time in the club’s history'".

PARKY "WON'T BE AMAZED" IF CCC LEAVES

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, John Edwards writes that "Altrincham have included Chris Conn-Clarke on their retained list for next season, but are growing increasingly fearful they may lose him to a Football League club before the campaign gets under way...

But, predictably, his exceptional form in an outstanding campaign for the team as a whole has attracted mounting interest from clubs who have closely monitored his ability...

His 23 goals gave him the best attacking stats in the league, which should at least ensure a substantial fee for Alty if he does move on 12 months after arriving on a 'free'.

Manager Phil Parkinson [said]... 'I would love to reassure everyone that Chris will still be with us next season but, in all honesty, I can’t.

'When a player does what he has done, in terms of goals and assists, the bigger clubs are going to come calling, and it’s very difficult to stop that natural next step happening.

'If he is still with us at the start of next season, I will have the biggest smile on my face you have ever seen. If not, I won’t exactly be amazed.'"

CCC'S REPORTED SUITORS

"Ipswich Town, Mansfield Town, Peterborough and Portsmouth are all monitoring the development of Altrincham attacker Chris Conn-Clarke...

The Robins’ star, who joined in a club-record [sic] move from Fleetwood Town last summer, has drawn the attention of several clubs ...

We are told that newly-promoted Ipswich are keen on the Altrincham man, while Mansfield and Portsmouth believe that he can slot into their first-team ahead of next season.

Conn-Clarke is contracted to Altrincham until 2026 but is expected to depart Moss Lane in the forthcoming window."

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Current Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin had been confident the consortium headed up by Justin Rees would officially be in control of the National League club by mid-May.

But the transaction will not be completed within that time-frame due to two outstanding conditions.

The [new] consortium continue to fund the club and paid April’s wages and VAT to take their outlay to £3.5million since agreeing terms with Martin for the sale of the Shrimpers back in October.

The club are due back in the High Court on Wednesday May 15 to face another winding up petition".

8 May 2024

ALTY'S RETAINED LIST

Departing are six players plus three ex-Academy players who are not being retained. Five players have been invited to join pre-season with captain James Jones one of these being required to prove his fitness after long-term ijury.

The club states that "Chris Conn-Clarke, top scorer with 23 goals, and winger Olly Crankshaw, working his way back to fitness after a long-term injury, are on a nine-man list of players who are retained under contract, while Lewis Banks, George Wilson, Regan Linney and Justin Amaluzor are also all remaining with the club after options in their contracts were triggered.

In addition, new deals have been offered to Elliot Osborne, Matty Kosylo, Matt Gould and highly-promising young midfielder Owen German, and the club are awaiting an answer from them.

Central defender Joel Bailey from the Academy has also been offered terms, while James Jones, Justin Donawa, Max Haygarth, Amaar Hussain and Sean Lawton have been invited to join the pre-season build-up."

• Retained under contract (9 players): Ethan Ross, Eddy Jones, Lewis Baines, Jake Cooper, Sam Roscoe, Isaac Marriott, Alex Newby, Olly Crankshaw, Chris Conn-Clarke.
• Options to be triggered (4): Lewis Banks, George Wilson, Regan Linney, Justin Amaluzor
• Offered a new contract (4): Elliot Osborne, Matty Kosylo, Matt Gould, Owen German
• Academy player offered terms (1): Joel Bailey
• Released (6): Dan Mooney, Dior Angus, Joey Jones, Mitch Hancox, Liam Brockbank, George Burroughs
• Young players not being retained (3):- Loui Williams, Ewan McGeady, Tom Jones

SIX RELEASED BY ALTY

Above: Dan Mooney, Dior Angus, Joey Jones, Mitch Hancox, Liam Brockbank, George Burroughs

• Dan Mooney: When Dan Mooney (25 years-old in July) decamped to Southend United in May 2022, he left Altrincham as their top scorer. Sadly for him he never got going at Roots Hall and his return to Altrincham in 2024 was likewise not a great sucess either.

  Before he left for Essex he had made 55(+15) and scored 18 goals. On his return, in the 24 league games played from that date he made just 7(+8) appearances plus a further cup appearance, scoring just once.

• Dior Angus: 30 year-old Dior joined Alty in June 2023 and initially fitted in well netting three times for Alty in the first six matches of 2023-24 season but he only scored one more league goal all season.

  In all competitions he made 21(+5) appearances, netting five goals.

• Joey Jones Aged 30, Joey's season was curtailed at an early stage by injury.

  Having joined in June 2023, an injury cost him the latter part of pre-season before a foot injury further curtailed his appearances in late September 2023.

  Several months later on 19 February 2024, it was revealed than Joey had undergone an ankle operation that would see him miss the remainder of the campaign.

  So his appearances totalled just 4(+5) in all competitions.

• Mitch Hancox Mitch (31) was signed in mid-March 2024 as an emergency replacement for the injured Isaac Marriott. He made his debut as a late substitute at Boreham Wood in mid-March 2024 and went on to make 3(+5) appearances in midfield for the Robins last season.

• Liam Brockbank Defender Liam (23)'s spell at Alty was blighted by injury. Having signed in June 2022 he made his full debut in the opening game of 2022-23 but in mid-October 2022, it was announced that Liam had gone on loan to Gloucester City for the rest of the season.

  He made just 4(+2) appearances for Alty in 2022-23.

  He did not figure in Alty's 2023-24 pre-season nor the early league season having suffered an ACL injury.

  He remained sidelined till November 2023 when he started to appear in pre-match warm-ups and he made his first reappearance on the pitch in late December 2023 before heading off on loan to Warrington Ryalands in January 2024.

  In all, his Altrincham appearances totalled just 5(+5) games.

• George Burroughs 21 year-old George appeared in two pre-season games in 2023 comprising little more than half an hour on the pitch. His signing was revealed on 7 August, 2023.

  Despite proving dependable when he played, George was given little game time as of 2 February 2024 when it was announced he had joined Stafford Rangers on loan after only 3(+2) Alty appearances, with just one of those being in the National League, as a used substitute.

  In all competitions he made 3(+2) appearances for Altrincham in 2023-24.

MEETING OLD FRIENDS

All six clubs joining the National League for 2024-25 are former members of the top-flight of non-League and all have played Altrincham previously. Much has changed for many of them over the last twenty years or so.

For a start, one club has ripped up a 3G pitch and reverted to grass, whilst another has ripped up a grass surface and installed a 3G pitch since Alty last played them in the top flight of non-League.

Since their first meeting with Alty, and just like Alty, two clubs have dropped two levels below the National League but have risen back to that level whilst two have risen by two or more levels above the National level only to sink back again.

And one club returns to this level on the back of two successive promotions whilst another arrives at the same level following two successive relegations!

Coming down from the EFL are Sutton United, who only left the National League in 2021 and enjoyed just three seasons in the Football League. They had to rip up their "plastic" pitch on joining the EFL and it remains to be seen if they reinstate it or not; it will be a choice to be made between increasing their income through pitch-hire or aspiring to a quick return to the EFL.

In contrast, the other relegated EFL club is unlikely to have an artificial pitch under its current owner and that is eco-conscious Forest Green Rovers, who have spent the last seven seasons in the EFL. In 2022 they reached EFL 1 as champions of EFL 2 but they have now suffered two successive relegations back into non-League football.

Coming up to the National League as North champions are Tamworth. They replaced their sloping grass pitch with a 3G level pitch in the summer of 2016, which was when they last played Altrincham when both were in the National North division.

Since relegation from the top-flight in 2014 they spent four seasons in the North division before a further relegation to the Southern League Premier (Central) division. They were champions of that league in 2023 before a second successive promotion has brought them back up to the National League.

Controversially promoted to Division 3 (now EFL2) of the Football League in 2002, Boston United were relegated and also demoted for financial reasons to Conference North in 2007. A further demotion took them down to the Northern Premier League in 2008.

They returned to the Conference North through the play-offs in 2010 and, after several failed play-off campaigns over the next few years, they have finally regained national status for 2024-25 by the play-off route, having onle finished sixth last season.

Promoted from National South are Yeovil Town, briefly a Championship club who have rebounded back to the National League after being relegated from the National League in 2023. Joining them from the South division are Braintree Town for a third spell at this level.

HOW BROMLEY WON

"Defensive discipline is one of the key ingredients in Woodman’s tactics at Bromley, which is why they had the division’s best defensive record, conceding 49 goals pre-play-offs. His side registered an average possession of 41.9% this season – the second lowest in the National League. On top of that, they recorded the division’s lowest challenge intensity (5.2)... all indications of a team that likes to invite pressure deeper than the front line. Despite the data suggesting a lack of aggression, Bromley don’t like to sit deep and instead, utilise a well-structured mid-block which protects the backline nicely...

Bromley aren’t the type to park the bus. But... they aren’t a high-pressing team either. Bromley show good tactical cohesion within their mid-block approach....

You won’t often see Bromley execute a high-pressing system, but that is not to say they are docile out-of-possession... counterpressing is where Bromley shows the highest level of competency...

They will certainly have to find more attacking impetus next season in a higher division...

Bromley have achieved a historic promotion with refreshing tactics – tactics that aren’t possession-reliant in the National League".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

First-half goals from Nicke Kabamba and Callum Stead helped Paul Fairclough's team cruise to victory in this friendly against the Blue Tigers, with FA Chair Debbie Hewitt among an impressive crowd of over 5500 fans in attendance...

Said the FA Chair, 'There has been a great deal of excitement and interest from the local Nepalese community in the lead up to today’s match, the first time that a fixture has taken place between our two countries at any level...

'It has been fantastic to see the engagement with the large Nepalese community that live in the area, as well as the Gurkha Regiments based at the Aldershot Garrison'...

England C will be happy with their ability to bounce back after a tough 1-0 loss to Wales C in March. Whilst Nepal will now turn their attention to upcoming World Cup qualifiers against the U.A.E and Yemen.

England: 1 Nathan Ashmore (GK) (Boreham Wood), 2 Ben Chapman (Ebbsfleet United), 3 Ollie Harfield (Aldershot Town), 4 Danny Collinge (Barnet), 5 Dan Ellison (Chippenham Town), 6 Ollie Kensdale (Southend United), 7 Jack Payne (Boreham Wood), 8 Toby Edser (Ebbsfleet United), 9 Nicke Kabamba (Barnet), 10 Callum Stead (Barnet) 11 Johnny Goddard (Slough Town)

Substitutes: 13 Elliot Justham (Dagenham & Redbridge) for Ashmore 45’, 16 Tyler Frost (Aldershot Town) for Goddard 58’, 15 Scott (Aldershot Town) for Chapman 58’, 12 Jack Barnham (Aldershot Town) for Ellison 58’, 14 Zico Asare (Maidenhead United) for Stead 58’".

At relegated Kidderminster Harriers "Manager Phil Brown has held discussions with players and the status of the squad is currently as follows:

The club have offered new terms to the following players: Christian Dibble, Alex Penny, Ashley Hemmings, Tom Palmer, Shane Byrne, Amari Morgan-Smith

Krystian Pearce has also been offered terms to join the backroom staff in a coaching capacity.

We are delighted to confirm that the following players have signed new contracts for the 2024-25 season: Josh Bishop, Samson Hewett, Seb Thompson, Noah Rubio

The following players have existing contracts for the 2024-25 season: Zak Brown, Jack Lambert, Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kieran Phillips, Kobe Hall, Gold Omotayo, Caleb Richards, Reiss McNally

The following players will leave the club following the end of their existing deals and leave with our best wishes for the future, and with thanks for their efforts during their time at Aggborough: Regan Griffiths, Kai Lissimore, Matt Preston, Sammy Robinson, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Ethan Freemantle, Gerry McDonagh, Nat Knight-Percival

Phil Brown commented... 'We managed to raise everybody’s expectations for eight or nine games, but got what we deserved in the end, and because of that, you find out more about the players you want at the football club for next season and those you don’t'....

The boss was hopeful of having more good news to follow over the coming days and weeks in terms of players signing or resigning...

'We need to need to get six or seven new faces through the door who understand what it means to play for Kidderminster Harriers and to be successful at this level'".

7 May 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

His side had led 2-1 but a goal seven minutes after Cashman's withdrawal meant that Braintree Town won 4-3.

OLLIE BYRNE kept goal for Macclesfield FC as they lost their play-off final at home to NEIL YOUNG'S Marine 1-2, with the Crosby side earning a place in the National North for the first time in their history.

BRAINTREE RETURN TO NATIONAL LEAGUE

Braintree were last at the National League in 2018-19 but were relegated after that season. They had a let-off the folowing season which was curtailed by Covid, with the Essex side lying 21st in the 22-club South Division. Earlier they had spent 2011-17 at national level, during which they crossed the path of Altrincham.

Alty last met Braintree in 2016 and it was they who hammered the final nail in Altrincham's relegation coffin in a televised final match of the season in Essex in 2016. In that match, a point was needed by The Iron to secure a place in the play-offs whilst nothing less than a win could help Altrincham survive, against the odds, in the National League. Braintree won 3-0 and Alty went down, after what was their last match at National League level before the Robins' promotion back to that level in 2020.

PLAY-OFF UPS AND DOWNS

With the play-offs now completed at this level, below is a summary of the ups and downs.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

• Promoted: Chesterfield (1st), Bromley (3rd)
• Relegated: Boreham Wood, Kidderminster Harriers, Dorking Wanderers, Oxford City
• Relegated from EFL2: Forest Green Rovers, Sutton United

NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH

• Promoted: Tamworth (1st), Boston United (6th)
• Relegated: Blyth Spartans, Banbury United, Gloucester City, Bishop's Stortford

NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

• Promoted: Yeovil Town (1st), Braintree Town (5th)
• Relegated: Dartford, Taunton Town, Havant & Waterlooville, Dover Athletic

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE (PREMIER)

• Promoted: Radcliffe (1st), Marine (3rd)
• Relegated: Bradford Park Avenue, Stafford Rangers, Atherton Collieries, Marske United

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE ONE (WEST)

• Promoted: Leek Town (1st), Prescot Cables (3rd)
• Relegated: Hednesford Town, 1874 Northwich

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE ONE (EAST)

• Promoted: Hebburn Town (1st), Stockton Town (2nd)
• Relegated: Brighouse Town, Winterton Rangers

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE ONE (MIDLANDS)

• Promoted: Spalding United (1st), Harborough Town (3rd)
• Relegated: AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Gresley Rovers

6 May 2024

CCC IN TEAM OF THE SEASON

The eleven comprise Grant Smith (Bromley) in goal, a back-four of Gus Scott-Morriss (Southend United), Danny Collinge (Barnet), Jamie Grimes (Chesterfield) and Ollie Harfield (Aldershot Town).

In midfield are Tom Naylor (Chesterfield), Anthony Hartigan (Barnet) and Liam Mandeville (Chesterfield)'

Chris is the number 10 with Eastleigh's Paul McCallum and Chesterfield's Will Grigg up front.

BROMLEY REACH EFL

Bromley will now have to rip up their artificial pitch and plant a grass surface in its place. Ironically, one of the clubs that they will replace in the EFL is Sutton United who, likewise, had to replace their artficial surface with a grass pitch.

ALTY'S SEASON IN STATISTICS, 2023-24: PART ONE

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

1. 1979/80: 80 points from just 38 games (W24 D8) PPG= 2.11, league position 1st
2. 1980/81: 77 points from just 38 games (W23 D8) PPG= 2.03, league position 1st
3. 1990/91: 82 points from 42 games (W23 D13) PPG= 1.95, league position 3rd
4. 1983/84: 78 points from 42 games (W23 D9) PPG= 1.86, league position 3rd
5. 1985/86: 77 points from 42 games (W22 D11) PPG= 1.83, league position 4th
6. 2023/24: 77 points from 46 games (W22 D11) PPG= 1.67, league position 4th

The 2022-23 season had been the first season since Altrincham had become a full-time club, and during the campaign they had had to deal with the loss to other clubs of important players (Mooney, Colclough and Mullarkey), as well as the premature recall of loanees.

In that contect the Robins had done well to finish seventeenth in the National League in 2023.

In contrast, in 2023-24 the personnel problems were less ones of players being poached by other clubs and more down to serious injuries to five players, leading to four of them suffering season-ending injuries:

Five Altrincham players suffered lengthy spells of injury. L to R: Ollie Crankshaw, Joey Jones, James Jones, Isaac Marriott and Regan Linney

• Ollie Crankshaw (started just two league games before suffering an ACL injury)
• Joey Jones (missed 34 league games of the regular season through injury)
• James Jones (injury cost him 25 games of the regular season)
• Isaac Marriott (missed the last 9 league games through injury)
• Regan Linney (missed 11 succesive games through injury and 3 more through suspension)

In addition Justin Donawa missed musch of the season with injuries and absence on international duties.

RECENT SEASONS COMPARED

In the four seasons since Alty returned to the top-flight of non-League football, they have gained more points in each successive campaign, however to varying degrees this was aided by a larger number of fixtures per season...

• 2023-24: National League P46 W22 D11 L13 F68 A82 PTS77 POSN 4th
• 2022-23: National League P46 W16 D14 L18 F68 A82 PTS56 POSN 17th
• 2021-22: National League P44 W15 D10 L19 F62 A69 PTS55 POSN 14th
• 2020-21: National League P42 W12 D11 L19 F46 A60 PTS47 POSN 17th

Altrincham's loss of just 13 games in 2023-24 was their least at national level since 1990-91.

GOALS

In 2023-24 season, 84 league goals were netted in 46 matches (1.83 goals per game) compared with just 68 (1.48 per game) in 2022-23, an improvement of 0.35 goals per game.

As well as the attack improving, so too did the defence as just 59 goals were conceded in 2023-24 (1.28 per game) compared with 82 in 2022-23 (1.78 per game)

In 2022-23, 68 league goals were netted in 46 matches (1.48 per game) compared with six fewer goals from two fewer fixtures in the previous season (1.41 per game), so there was a marginal improvement. However, the 82 goals conceded (1.78 per game) were 13 more than the previous season's total, when the rate was 1.57 per game.

The 2021-22 season had seen Altrincham net far more goals than in the previous season, with 62 in the league, an average of 1.41 per match but they also conceded more often, 69 times, at an average of 1.57 per game.

In 2020-21, excluding the expunged game at Dover, Altrincham netted 46 goals, an average of 1.09 per match and they conceded 60 times, an average of 1.43 per game.

SCORERS

In 2023-24 Chris Conn-Clarke topped the goalscoring with 23* goals (all in the NL) and two other players reached double figures; Regan Linney with 15 (of which 14 were in the NL) and Alex Newby 13 (all in the NL). *Some sources attribute 22 goals to CCC, recording a goal against Barnet as an own goal)

Above: Chris Conn-Clarke

Chris Conn-Clarke holds a strange double record. His 23 league goals was the highest number ever scored in a season at national level by an Alty player. Remarkably when Chris topped the charts last year his tally of nine league goals was the lowest by an Alty top scorer in the top flight since 1994 when Ricky Harris was the leading scorer with just seven goals.

In 2022-23, all three of the previous season's top scorers either left the club (Mooney, Colclough) or were sidelined by injury (Kosylo) for all, or major portions, of the 2022-23 season. The top scorers in all competitions in 2022-23 were:

• 10 Chris CONN-CLARKE (9 in league, 1 in cups) in 31 (+1) appearances in all competitions
• 10 Jordan HULME (5 in league, 5 in cups) in 31 (+10) appearances in all competitions
• 8 Regan LINNEY (6 in league, 2 in cups) in 15 (+5) appearances in all competitions

2022-23 was also the first time that a loanee had headed the goalscorer's table.

In league games alone the top scorers in 2022-23 comprised a loanee and two players who were transferred during the season to other clubs.

• 9 Chris CONN-CLARKE (loanee)
• 7 Ryan COLCLOUGH (transferred)
• 6 Marcus DINANGA (transferred)

The top scorer in all competitions in 2021-22 was Dan Mooney who replaced Josh Hancock. Dan was also top scorer in the league games, a title held for the previous three campaigns by Hancock.

In 2021-22 three scorers reached double figures:

• 13 Dan MOONEY (12 in league, 1 in cups) in 33(+5) appearances in all competitions
• 11 Ryan COLCLOUGH (all in league) in 39 (+3) appearances in all competitions
• 10 Matty KOSYLO (9 in league, 1 in cup) in 31 (+5) appearances in all competitions

In 2020-21 the leaders were:

• 12 Josh HANCOCK (all in league and incl. 5 penalties) in 35(+3) appearances in all competitions
• 8 Ryan COLCLOUGH (all in league) in 23 (+5) appearances in all competitions
• 6 Tom PEERS (3 in league, 3 in cup) in 15 (+21) appearances in all competitions

GOAL AGGREGATES (LEAGUE)

Since returning to the National League for the fourth time in 2020, Altrincham fans had witnessed an increasing number of goals per match each season. But that trend halted in 2023-24 when seven fewer goals were witnessed owing to a much tighter defence.

• 2023-24 Played 46 Goals For 84 (1.83 goals per game) Against 59 (1.28) Total 143 (3.10) GD+25
• 2022-23 Played 46 Goals For 68 (1.48 per game) Against 82 (1.78) Total 150 (3.26) GD-14
• 2021-22 Played 44 Goals For 62 (1.41) Against 69 (1.57) Total 131 (2.98) GD-7
• 2020-21 Played 42 Goals For 46 (1.09) Against 60 (1.43) Total 106 (2.52) GD-14

GOAL TIMES (LEAGUE exc play-offs)

For the first time since returning to the top-flight of non-League Alty scored more first-half goals than goals after the interval.

• First half: 45 (53.6%)
• Second half: 39 (46.4%)

2022-23:

Despite it taking till game twelve of the season for Altrincham to score a goal earlier than in the 36th minute, overall the season saw broadly the same ratio of first-half and second-half goals scored as in previous seasons.

• First half: 29 (42.6%)
• Second half: 39 (57.3%)

2021-22

League goals in the first or second half in 2021-22 arrived at almost exactly the same ratio as in 2020-21, with 41.9% first-half goals and 58.1% occurring after the interval.

• First half: 26 (41.9%)
• Second half: 36 (58.1%)

2020-21

The 2020-21 season saw a higher proportion of first-half goals scored by Altrincham than in recent seasons...

• First half: 19 (41.3%)
• Second half: 27 (58.7%)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Bees were unbeaten in the league throughout April, with wins against Oxford City, FC Halifax Town and Kidderminster Harriers as well as picking up points against Maidenhead United and Bromley. The Bees finished the league campaign 2nd in the National League with 86 points".

"Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Barnet FC can confirm the retained list for the First Team Squad.

• Remain under contract: Callum Stead,Connor Stevens, Harry Pritchard, Jack Blower, Jordan Cropper, Jordan Gillmore, Nicke Kabamba, Reece Hall-Johnson, Zak Brunt
• Options to be exercised: Adebola Oluwo, Daniele Collinge, Idris Kanu
• Returned to parent club: Adam Thompson, Anthony Hartigan, Gatlin O’Donkor, Jordan Maguire-Drew, Josh Keeley
• Talks ongoing: Ben Coker, Dale Gorman, Jerome Okimo, Luke Freeman
• Released: Ben Wynter, Courtney Senior, Gary Hooper, Laurie Walker, Moussa Diarra, Sam Granville

5 May 2024

COMING UP

The Northamptonshire club took the lead before the Lincolnshire visitors earned their promotion. The defeat condemned Brackley to a seventh play-off failure whilst Boston's own poor sequence of five failures in the play-offs came to an end with this win.

It will be the first time that Boston United have been at National League level since 2002, though they did enjoy five seasons in the Football League from 2002-07.

Boston United report that it was "a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brackley Town on Saturday afternoon. United trailed to Morgan Roberts’s 34th minute opener but equalised in first-half stoppage time through birthday boy Keaton Ward.

Jimmy Knowles ultimately won it for the Pilgrims [from the penalty spot] as United embraced jubilant scenes at the end in front of 900 travelling supporters".

Today (Sunday) resolves who will gain the final place in the National League for 2024-25 when Worthing take on Braintree Town in the National League South promotion final.

ALTY OLD BOYS

As Boston United regained their place in the National League with a 2-1 play-off final win at Brackley Town, MICHAEL GYASI (above, right) was an 83rd minute substitute for The Pilgrims.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FINALS

Vanarama National League Promotion Play-Off Final

• Bromley v Solihull Moors (k.o. 3pm, at Wembley, live on TNT Sports)

Monday, 6 May

Vanarama National League South Promotion Play-Off Final

• Worthing v Braintree Town (k.o. 3pm)

LOCAL NEWS

Wythenshawe Town won the game 3-2 after a penalty shoot-out and so joined their neighbours in the NPL First Division. Bury meanwhile, may rue their three points' deduction during the season, which cost them second place in the end of season table, and what would have been a tie with home advantage in the play-off.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Summerfield joined the Shaymen in the Summer of 2020 and went on to make 121 appearances for Town, scoring 12 in all competitions across his four seasons with the club...

This last season, Summerfield made 20 starts in all competitions, netting on four occasions as he once again helped the Shaymen to a playoff finish...

A conversation between the Gaffer and Luke led to them reluctantly deciding both parties would benefit more from a fresh start".

Earlier, in a two-sentence statement, FC Halifax Town confirmed "that Rob Harker, Tom Wilson, and Tom Scott will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts.

Thank you and good luck for the future guys!"

Elsewhere Ebbsfleet United announce that "Gravesham Borough Council has resolved to grant planning permission for Northfleet Harbourside, an exciting new waterfront development set to transform a currently under-utilised area in Northfleet.

The circa 50-acre site will deliver new parks and green spaces, alongside a new retail and leisure destination, community facilities and 3,500 much-needed new homes. The highly anticipated development will also secure the long-term future of Ebbsfleet United Football Club by providing a new 8,000-capacity stadium with improved facilities and function space...

Located by the River Thames and connected with Northfleet’s historic harbour, Northfleet Harbourside will offer 300,000 sq ft of new shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and experiential leisure spaces. There will be a new community retail centre and a circa 300-bed hotel, in addition to 150,000 sq ft of commercial office space. The 3,500 new homes will be a combination of both private and affordable housing."

4 May 2024

CCC'S CONTRASTING RECORDS

Less well-known is that the Northern Irishman now holds two contrasting goalscoring records for the club.

2023-24: Chris was the club's top scorer in the National League with 23* goals. This was the highest total in a season by any Altrincham player playing in the national level of non-League football. *Some sources record his goal against Barnet as an own goal, reducing his tally to 22; others credit him with 23 goals..

2022-23: Chris was the club's top scorer in the National League with 9 goals. This was the lowest total in a season by any Altrincham player topping the club's scoring charts at the national level of non-League football since 1994, when Ricky Harris earned that accolade with just seven league goals!

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FINAL

Promotion Play-Off Final

• Bromley v Solihull Moors (k.o. 3pm, at Wembley, live on TNT Sports)

The BBC reports that "They have never played at the national stadium, but Solihull Moors are preparing to visit Wembley twice in six days. With the prospect of silverware, promotion or potentially both on the horizon...

Against the odds Moors - founded in 2007 - produced two outstanding results in what were supposed to be tricky games just three days apart.

Eight goals against Halifax Town and Barnet saw the fifth-ranked National League club clinch a place in Sunday's play-off final...

The club was formed when Moor Green merged with Solihull Borough in July 2007 and has punched above its weight for a number of years... There was pride and heartbreak two years ago as Moors suffered a play-off final defeat to Grimsby Town at West Ham's London Stadium...

One resident, who lives near Moors' ARMCO Arena but didn't want to give his name, said the club's ascent was 'the worst thing that had happened', because his road becomes a car park on match days".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH AND SOUTH PLAY-OFF FINALS

They will be joined in promotion by the winners of this weekend's promotion play-off finals. In their eleven completed seasons in the North, Brackley have nine times finished in the top seven but have yet to get through the play offs in the five times they have participated

They beat Alty in the play-offs in 2013 but lost the final, and also failed to get through the play-offs in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

For their part, Boston United, who beat favourites Scunthorpe United in this year's play-offs, leading to the sacking of Iron boss Jimmy Dean, have seven top seven finishes in the North since 2010 and are also play-off losers on several occasions.

Saturday, 4 May

North Final

• Brackley Town v Boston United (k.o. 3.30pm)

Monday, 6 May

South Final

• Worthing v Braintree Town (k.o. 3pm)

Worthing have never played at national level whereas Braintree Town gained promotion to that level in 2011 under the Cowley brothers and the club remained there till 2017. They also spent 2018-19 season at national level.

Footnote: For the second successive Saturday the rule forbidding the transmission of live football on a Saturday when the Premier League is in action seems to have been relaxed as the NLN final is being shown live at 3.30pm on TNT Sports.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Planning for 2024-25 commenced immediately off the pitch following last weekend’s play-off semi-final defeat, with budgeting put in place and confirmed for a second year in Vanarama National League North. As the club look towards sustainability, and bringing expenditure in line with the level, and what the football club can afford, it became apparent that a reset was required moving forward into the new season...

Despite a positive season in 2023-24, United were unable to make an immediate return to the National League Premier Division, finishing second in the league and eventually falling short on penalties in the play-off semi-final last weekend...

In the background, the club has been battling significant inherited debts, with the new ownership working each month to fulfil the massive playing staff wage bill that had been inherited by the new Board...

Owner and chairperson Michelle Harness said... 'We inherited significant debt, along with a budget and payroll which by far exceeds the level that we are currently operating at, and we need to work hard this summer to bring that back to a level where we can both compete at, but also remain sustainable, and this must start at football management level, and then focusing on the playing staff".

Footnote: The Iron have subsequently appointed first-team coach Andy Butler as their new manager.

At York City "forward Lenell John-Lewis has signed a contract extension with the Minstermen.

The 34-year-old will stay at York City for the 2024/25 season, penning a deal to continue through to the summer of 2025".

After 45 appearances across all competitions last season, John-Lewis scored ten times for York last season in 45 appearances.

The BBC reports that "Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has accused Hartlepool of reneging on the offer of a new contract after he was dismissed as manager of the National League club.

Hartlepool said in a statement on Saturday that Phillips, who was appointed in January, had a contract until the end of the season and it had 'come to an end'.

But a statement issued by Phillips’ representatives on Monday claimed Phillips had been offered a new two-year contract on the basis of his 'agreed milestones having been achieved.'

The statement added 'Last week... Kevin was surprised to learn that the contract option had been withdrawn and that he was being relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect.;

Hartlepool won seven games from 16 during Phillips’ tenure but missed out on a place in the play-offs by 11 points".

3 May 2024

"WE HAVE TO REINVEST" SAYS PARKINSON

'The first half went exactly how we wanted it to, with us looking strong and comfortable,' said the Alty boss.. 'To concede three goals like that was really frustrating and a kick in the teeth. It just wasn’t good enough, and we certainly didn’t deserve to go through based on that.

'What pleased me most was that, for 45 minutes, the lads showed they could play their way and control a big game in front of a big crowd, but unfortunately it proved a bridge too far in the end... but the fact remains it has been a fantastic season for us and I am so proud of how far we have come...

'To keep moving forward, we are going to have to reinvest in the squad. We don’t have an embarrassment of riches, but if we lose one or two, the players coming in must be at least as good, if not better.'”

ALTY SEASON TICKETS ON SALE

"Early Bird season tickets, available until May 31st, cost £308 for adults, £253 concessions (65-and-over, NHS, students), £108 juniors (12-18) and £54 children (5-11)."

The club has also announced on its mobile site that there will be "categorised fixtures with a small surcharge to Category A pricing to cover the additional costs of GM Police and stewarding. Currently the only Category A fixtures are [those against] Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and FC Halifax Town".

Also, for this coming season, season tickets will NOT be valid "for FA Trophy, FA Cup, Cheshire Senior Cup or pre-season friendlies". Presumably they are also invalid for the new cup competition involving Premier League under-21 teams.

ALTY JOIN FA CUP REPLAY PROTEST

A letter written to the FA and to Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Lucy Frazer calls for the games to be reinstated and also claim[s] that the move has been driven by top Premier League clubs and risks widening football’s wealth gap.

OPEN LETTER (extracts):

'Dear Lucy Frazer,

We want to save the FA Cup.

The FA Cup is the oldest football competition in the world and the decision to remove FA Cup replays from the first-round proper further undermines its prestige and does nothing to help protect our cherished football pyramid.

The Premier League’s influence in this decision is yet another example of football’s growing divide that has seen the gaps between and within divisions grow at all levels.

Participating clubs in the FA Cup were not consulted. Our clubs as well as the fans have been let down.

We are determined to see this decision reversed and fully support amending the Football Governance Bill to make sure such a move can never happen again without the backing of a majority of eligible clubs. FA Cup replays create lasting memories for generations of football fans – and it is those memories that are priceless...

This decision has become totemic for how the game is being run. Decisions are being made behind closed doors. There is a lack of transparency, a lack of consistency, and a lack of fairness.

We, the undersigned, call for an immediate reinstatement of FA Cup replays and are encouraging all supporters to lobby their MPs to back the Fair Game amendment.

• Neil Hart, Chief Executive, Bolton Wanderers
• Nick Hawker, Chair, Exeter City
• Neil Peters, Head of Business Operations, Wycombe Wanderers
• Nigel Clibbens, Chief Executive, Carlisle United
• Clive Nates, Chair, Lincoln City
• Mick Buckley, Chair, AFC Wimbledon
• Andy Holt, Owner, Accrington Stanley
• Gareth Evans, Secretary, Newport County AFC
• Anthony Hall, Chief Executive, Swindon Town
• Mark Palios, Co-owner, Tranmere Rovers
• Jason Stockwood, Co-owner, Grimsby Town
• Bill Waterson, Co-Chairman, Altrincham FC
• Neil Pinkerton, Chair, Gateshead FC
• Damian Irvine, Chief Executive, Ebbsfleet United
• Simon Gauge, Chair, Rochdale AFC
• Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla, Co-owners, York City FC
• Marc White, Owner, Dorking Wanderers
• Geoff Thompson, Chair, South Shields FC
• Mike Vickers, Director, Chester FC
• David Johnston, Chief Executive, Darlington FC
• Stephen Cleeve, Co-owner, King’s Lynn Town FC
• Oliver Ash, Co-owner, Maidstone United
• David Netherstreet, Club President, Tonbridge Angels FC
• David Boggins, Chair, Hemel Hempstead Town FC
• Jack Miller, Chair, Basingstoke Town
• Paul Leary, Chair, Marine FC
• Jim Ayres, Business Manager, Salisbury FC
• Phil Young, Chair, Bury FC

ALTY OLD BOYS

This 19-year-old Central League striker was signed on loan from Manchester City (along with the 17-year-old goalkeeper Ron Healey) by Freddie Pye.

Both made their debuts at the Silverlands, with Mellor replacing the injured Johnny Worth.

Mellor was then recalled to play in City's 'A' team.

The West Didsbury & Chorlton "board yesterday accepted CHRIS ROWLEY’s resignation.

Chris joined the club in 2019 at a time when we needed stability. He and his management team worked hard to build a squad during the pandemic and won us a league title and promotion back to the NWCFL Premier Division. The team also reached the final of the Lancashire FA Challenge Cup and took us on an amazing run to FA Vase Quarter-Finals last season.

We would like to thank Chris and his back room staff for all their hard work and wish them well in the future. They will always be welcome at West".

NEW CUP COMPETITION FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS

Over the past few weeks it has already been agreed that:

• There will be no replays in the Emirates FA Cup from Round One (proper) onwards.
• The pairing of National League clubs to play home and away league fixtures on Boxing Day and New Year against each other has been abolished. A club's Boxing Day opponents will now also be their opponents in the reverse fixture at Easter instead of at New Year (as explained below).
• Seven substitutes may now be named in National League fixtures, with up to five being available to use during each match. This replaces naming five substitutes and using three of them.

And now, a new cup competition, which was rumoured to be in the offing last week, and which will be between the top 16 NL clubs and 16 Premier League under-21 teams has, reportedly, been approved to start next season..

The new competition will comprise four regional groups of eight teams in its group stage. In each group will be four clubs from the National League and four from the Premier League clubs' U-21s. Those teams which qualify from the group stage will progress to a knock out phase.

It is understood that the NL sides cannot meet each other in the group stages and that the National League teams would play the Premier League Under 21 teams at home.

The National League clubs will receive all of the gate receipts and half of the (unspecified) prize money, with the remainder of the money being assigned to the 56 National League clubs, (i.e. the bottom eight of the NL plus the 48 clubs in National North and South) who are not playing in the new competition.

It is unclear when in the season the competition would start and end.

The participants comprise: Sutton United, Forest Green Rovers, Solihull Moors or Bromley, Barnet, ALTRINCHAM, Gateshead, FC Halifax Town, Aldershot Town, Southend United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Hartlepool United, Eastleigh, Maidenhead United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Wealdstone.

The under-21 teams would comprise Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham forest, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

MORE CHANGES FOR NATIONAL LEAGUE CLUBS AND SUPPORTERS

Dagenham & Redbridge have relayed these changes. The National League, in a poorly worded statement, says that "Following a recent Written Resolution and two surveys, The Vanarama National League have confirmed the following changes to the 2024/25 season.

Substitutions:

A Club at its discretion may use five substitute Players at any time in a match. Substitution can only be made when play is stopped for any reason and the Referee has given permission.

A maximum of (seven) substitutes may be nominated and they must be included on the official Team Sheet handed to the Referee before the match”.

Christmas and Easter fixture schedules:

Historically, the Christmas and New Year schedules are reversed, in that the Boxing Day Fixtures are reversed with New Year Day fixture[s], therefore [each club is] playing the same team in a close timeframe.

After surveying all clubs, the Board agreed that the League will reverse next seasons [sic] Boxing Day fixtures with Good Friday and New Year with Easter Monday".

Footnote: As regards substitutions, one implication is that there will be a longer break or breaks, in action, even if the substitutions for each side are limited to three separate episodes. The fourth official will now have to verify more personnel changes, get up to ten players off the pitch in a timely fashion, and set up the illuminated board ten times rather than six.

And, having seven players on the bench, implies that clubs will have larger squads and therefore additional salary, travel and accommodation costs for away games to allow for a larger matchday squad than is currently the case.

As for the new Christmas/New Year fixture arrangements, the result is that either the Christmas or New Year game will involve a trip to an opposing club which may not be relatively local. This will be a particular issue for clubs that are geographical outliers nect season, such as Yeovil Town or Gateshead. For supporters, this change compounds the already fraught situation resulting from the absence or severe limitation in public transport services at that time of year.

On a practical level, accommodating fourteen subs at pitchside also may be an issue at some grounds!

ALTY OLD BOYS

He had a second goal disallowed before being substituted after 79 minutes. ANDY DALES was left on the bench by the visitors.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

April 2024

• £500 cash | #8 | B P James
• £75 cash | #194 | V J Hodgson
• Hospitality for Two | #73 | Julie Brady
• £25 cash | #107 | Mark Pearson
• Bottle of Alty Gin | #87 | Alex Raynal
• Scarf & Pin Badge | #394 | Karen Allen

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Wembley Stadium is split into 5 levels. Our allocation of tickets will initially be situated in Level 1 – known as Public Seating (PS).

Bromley have been given the EAST section of Wembley Stadium...

TICKET PRICES

Category 1: £40 Adult
• Category 2: £35 Adult / £18 Concessions

1 May 2024

ALTY JUNIORS BOOMING