30 June 2024

MAX HAYGARTH INTERVIEW

He spoke about his career which started with Manchester United before he joined Brentford and played in the Championship. However, when they were promoted to the Premiership, opportunities for young players became more restricted.

Max moved to Linfield in Northern Ireland but that did not work out well.

Admitting that he does "not have blistering pace" Max explained that, although he can play on the wing, he prefers the more central role of a "number ten" and he hopes to emulate Chris Conn-Clarke in that position.

He lives in Lower Peover so is handily placed for Alty's training facilities at Egerton Sports Club near Knutsford.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 25-year-old moves to The Memorial Stadium on an two-year deal, with the option of a further year, from the Sky Bet League Two side...

The right-back has signed for Rovers after spending the 2023/24 campaign with the Shrimps, a season in which Senior made 50 appearances in all competitions...

Senior said 'When I first heard about the chance of coming to Rovers, I wanted to jump at the opportunity... Since I’ve come in and been around the training ground, you can see what a top facility this is... As a footballer, you honestly can’t ask for anything more...

Manager Matt Taylor said... 'Joel has showcased his energy, fitness and talent at full-back in recent seasons... Having just turned 25, Joel still has the best years of his career ahead of him and I am confident he will get even better with us'...

The defender’s form earned the attention of then-Premier League side Burnley, who signed Senior on a 12-month deal for the 2019/20 campaign. Featuring extensively for the Claret’s U21s side, Senior would depart a year later and join Altrincham.

The youngster would become a regular in the Robins’ side, playing 64 times in all competitions and earning a transfer to Carlisle United 18 months later. He would play 21 times for Carlisle, including 17 appearances in League Two and three in the League Two play-offs...

Senior would join Morecambe for the 2023/24 campaign, featuring 43 times in League Two, providing four assists".

J. DAVIDSON SCRAP METAL IN EVIDENCE

Having stumbled on the parade by chance, and therefore missed the first half-dozen floats, it was unclear whether Altrincham FC Community Sports had their customary place in the procession.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

As regards Altrincham, the departures are summarised as follows:

• Joey Jones (to Walton & Hersham)
• Mitch Hancox (Chester)
• Dior Angus (AFC Telford United)
• George Burroughs (unattached)
• Dan Mooney (Boston United)
• Liam Brockbank (unattached)
• Sam Roscoe (Linfield)
• Chris Conn-Clarke (Peterborough United)

29 June 2024

MAX IS ALTY'S THIRD SIGNING

He writes that "Max Haygarth (right) has signed a new contract at Altrincham and immediately set himself a daunting target; filling the number 10 role vacated by Chris Conn-Clarke's club record move to Peterborough United.

The former Manchester United youngster joined Alty on a short-term deal towards the end of last season but made just one appearance for the Robins, as a substitute in the 6-1 win over York City at The J.Davidson Stadium just over three months ago....

Underlining the unshakable self-belief that helped keep him on the books at United up to the age of 19, the Manchester-born 22-year old said, in an interview with AltyTV 'I can play on the wing, but I'm better in the central positions, and I would like to play in the number 10 role; I think that is my main position.

'I know there are big boots to fill there. I saw plenty of Chris when I was here last season, and some of the things he can do are just unbelievable. He fully deserves to be playing at a higher level, but I believe in myself, and I would always back myself to do a job there, picking passes and making things happen'...

Max, who lives just a five-minute drive away from Alty's Egerton training ground in Lower Peover, feels the Robins' passing game under Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel will suit him down to the ground.

'I saw a game before I signed last season and was so impressed with the way we got the ball down and knocked it around,' he said".

Footnote: Max's arrival at the JDS, on a short-term contract, was announced on 12 March 2024.

In his earlier career, youthful spells at Manchester United and Brentford were followed by his 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.

Before joining Linfield he had had trials at Luton Town, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City.

He was invited back for pre-season this summer and has now signed a contract with the Robins.

SPONSORS RENEW ALTY AGREEMENT

According to press and media officer John Edwards, "In town-centre based law firm McHale and Co, they have like-minded partners who devote similar energy and enthusiasm to ensuring the needs of the local community are met...

Alty Chief Executive Sam Mackenzie said... 'We are delighted they want to carry on having their name on our shirt sleeves [as shown, left]. It forms an important part of our sponsorship income, which, as a whole, plays such a vital role in the club's ongoing success, and it is particularly gratifying that they share so many of the values we hold dear'...

Long established as one of the region's leading law firms, the start of McHale and Co's backing as shirt sleeve sponsors coincided with Alty turning professional...

Said Partner Adam Horner 'This will be our third season on the sleeve, and it fills everyone here with immense pride to be able to support our local club'"

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY TICKETS

Our opening home game of the summer sees Salford City visit on Tuesday, July 23rd for a 7:45pm kick-off...

We then round off our summer home schedule on Saturday, August 3rd with a game against Bradford City - kick-off 3pm...

General admission for the friendlies has been set at £12 over-18s and £5 under-18s.

• Tickets for the Salford City game are available here.
• Tickets for the Bradford City game are available here.

*A gentle reminder that season ticket holders no longer receive free entry to friendly games at the J.Davidson Stadium.

We are also offering a hospitality option in the John King Lounge (formerly the Sponsors' Lounge) priced at £30 - including a match ticket, delicious pre-match food, a private cash bar, reserved seating and exclusive post-match player reaction".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Gardner... began his second spell with the club in the summer of 2022... The 34-year-old has continued to bring guile and craft to the Latics midfield, making 33 starts and 11 substitute appearances since rejoining, scoring five goals.

Gardner said 'The aim on a personal level is to kick on from where I finished last season. I had a good run of games and was able to chip in with a few goals... We should have made the play-offs last season, but with the players who are here and those coming in, I don’t see why we shouldn’t be ahead of where we were last season'...

It was in the summer of 2017 that Gardner first joined Latics, making a big impression at Boundary Park, only to sustain a serious injury. He joined Wigan in 2020, featuring 40 times, before spending the last season with Doncaster.

Manager Micky Mellon said... 'It was a no-brainer to offer him a new deal@">

A year ago today [Friday], Solihull Moors "appointed Andy Whing as Head Coach, initiating a new chapter in the Vanarama National League after parting ways with Neal Ardley.

Fast forward to 28th June 2024, and the transformation has been remarkable... By the opening day, Whing had a clear vision...

Adapting to a new Head Coach, the team had to swiftly embrace a new playing style... [There was] an impressive 14-game unbeaten run... Despite this success, scepticism lingered...

In the FA Trophy semi-final, Solihull faced eventual promotion winners Bromley...

The play-off battle was intense... With only three days' notice, Whing’s side transitioned from a bye into the play-off semi-finals to a midweek knockout against FC Halifax Town.

A classic Whing performance ensued, with a thrilling 4-2 victory securing a semi-final clash with Barnet that weekend.

Against the league runners-up, the odds were heavily against Solihull, but they thrived under pressure. Defender James Clarke’s early goal and Jack Stevens’ sharp finish secured a two-goal lead at halftime. Further goals from Tahvon Campbell and Joe Sbarra sealed their place at Wembley for the Promotion Final against Bromley.

Although they did not achieve promotion or lift the trophy, the young Head Coach has laid a strong foundation for the future of Solihull Moors. Whing’s achievements in his first year of full-time coaching are exceptional. Leading Solihull to two Wembley finals and narrowly missing out on silverware via penalties, the future looks bright at B92".

Woking have an interview with owner Drew Volpe.

He started by saying "There will not be any noticeable changes which is what I want Woking supporters to know. I’ve been open about my intention to bring in new investors, who will buy into the club. My goal is to have a seamless transition to a new investment group, and this means making careful decisions.

"I’m going to be in this club until the day that I die. My stake will dilute down but I won’t be leaving the club... We want to find the right people to help this club grow, and not just the first people. And that is one of the reasons for bringing in Emanuele Palladino as CEO with his football industry connections... He has a depth of experience in football which will help the club grow...

We’ve just signed Max Dyche, we’ve made some amazing signings that are ready to go and everyone’s ready to kick on">

According to The Deck "League One side Exeter City have reportedly agreed a fee to sign Gateshead midfielder Ed Francis, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The 24-year-old had played a crucial role for Gateshead last season, helping the club to secure a play-off place as well as being apart of their FA Trophy journey...

However, his future at the National League side looks set to come to an end as he closes in on a switch to League One side Exeter City, currently managed by Gary Caldwell.

The midfielder has been a regular feature for the National League side since his arrival from Notts County last summer... Francis made 40 league appearances for Gateshead last season".

Aldershot Town "confirm that Lorent Tolaj has joined Sky Bet League Two side Port Vale for an undisclosed fee which activated the striker’s release clause.

The 23-year-old departs the Shots after a brilliant season in front of goal where he scored 25 goals in 49 games.

Tolaj joined the Shots last summer on a free transfer from Brighton & Hove Albion...

Tolaj said, 'It was an unforgettable season for me. I will now be an Aldershot fan'...

Tommy Widdrington said on Lorent’s departure 'We as a club should be proud that we’ve been a part of the journey for Lorent'".

28 June 2024

LEVI MOVES ON

A former Barrow Director and CEO, Levi has now been appointed to a post in Scotland as Partick Thistle announce that the club is "delighted to announce the appointment of Levi Gill as the club’s new General Manager.

This newly created role will be responsible for the off-the-pitch growth of the football club and assume accountability for the day-to-day running of the organisation.

Levi brings considerable experience of managing organisational change and preparing football clubs for the demands of competing at a higher level, having previously worked as Chief Executive Officer at Barrow AFC...

More recently he has formed part of the senior management team at Altrincham FC in the role of Operations Manager...

Club director Richard Beastall said...'We were impressed by his ideas and ambition to build a leading fan-owned football club'...

Levi Gill said... 'In previous roles I have been tasked with creating the tools needed for success. Here I believe that so much of what we need is already in place and I am looking forward to working with a talented staff and passionate board to help them to unlock the potential of this fantastic club...

'When I look at those fan-owned clubs around and above us, I believe that we have every right to aspire to enjoying the same level of success as our peers'.

Levi will formally assume his new role on Monday 15th July".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'Obviously it’s been a disrupted off-season with a lot going on outside and around the Club, but we’re looking forward to getting all the players back in for the start of pre-season and getting started.

'The pre-season has all been planned out to a tee and it’s going to be a lot of hard work. There will be testing tomorrow [Friday] and Saturday to see how everyone is when they come back, because it’s been quite a long off-season this time, and then we’ll be straight on the footballs on Monday'...

'There’s been a slight delay... but hopefully we’ll be on the pitches at the new training ground soon' [said Maher]. .. 'The work that the Consortium and everyone is doing to get the Club up and running fully again is brilliant and we’ve got to make sure we’re ready as a team.'"

Meanwhile the York Press reports that "York City has announced their financial figures for the 2022/23 season - showing an major increase in their club turnover.

The financial figures for the year ending June 30, 2023... show improvements in the club's financial state. York have reported their club turnover as £3,846,725, an improvement on the previous £2,415,765 from the 2022/23 campaign.

The club has reported a gross profit of £1,121,159 from the previous year, which itself had seen a gross profit of £535,622. The club has pointed out that it refers to the tenure of former owner Glen Henderson as majority shareholder, and therefore does not involve the current ownership of Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla, or the new, unnamed silent partner of the club, who was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

This figure demonstrates the revenue figures received by the club, which is on the higher ends of the Vanarama National League scale.

However, York has reported a loss of approximately £2,701 a week... In 2022, there had been a reported profit of £6,224,606, which was mostly aided by the club's promotion back into the National League.

York's wage bill for the 2022/23 season has also been revealed, with the club paying £32,758 weekly".

Sutton United "welcome midfielder Lewis Simper as the latest addition to the playing squad... after his signing from Cambridge United for an undisclosed fee.

22-year-old Lewis has been at Cambridge United throughout his career... and making thirteen League One appearances over the past three seasons. He has had various loan spells with St Neots Town, Concord Rangers, Yeovil Town, Woking and Wealdstone...

Head Coach Steve Morison said: ''Like all our recent signings Lewis is a prime example of the work we are doing in the recruitment department. He's an excellent purchase who has many top attributes and brings excellent balance to our midfield and also excellent set piece delivery".

Chester FC "announce the signing of Jordan Hunter from National League side Gateshead!

The 24-year-old has penned a one-year deal at the Deva Stadium to become our sixth new face of the summer...

Hunter joined Gateshead after a four-year stint with neighbours South Shields... His performances earned him a National League move and in 25 appearances last campaign he scored three goals and contributed one assist.

The full-back also has experience in the National League North as he re-joined the Mariners on loan for the second half of last season...

Despite predominantly being a right-sided full-back, Hunter is equally adept as a defensive midfielder. This versatility makes him an invaluable addition'".

Calum McIntyre, "the Chester boss said... 'A change in his circumstances has meant a move back home to the North West, which allows us to secure his services for the season ahead'".

Wealdstone "announce the signing of defender Adrian Mariappa from Salford City.

Mariappa, a former Watford star, brings a wealth of experience to The Stones. His arrival marks a significant boost to the club's defensive line-up...

Adrian Mariappa, 37, began his professional career at Watford, where he graduated from the club's academy... Over the course of seven years, Mariappa made nearly 250 appearances for the Hornets...

In 2012, Mariappa signed with Premier League side Reading,... His performances caught the eye of Crystal Palace, leading to a move to Selhurst Park in 2013. At Palace... Mariappa has made 167 appearances in the Premier League across his career.

A brief return to Watford in 2016... added another 97 appearances to his name, underscoring his importance to the team. Following his time at Watford, Mariappa joined Bristol City and Burton Albion, before moving to Salford City".

FC Halifax Town "confirm the signing of centre back Will Smith following his release from League Two side Harrogate Town.

Coming through the youth setup at Barnsley... the defender made his senior debut for Barnsley in the EFL Trophy and a month later was loaned to National League North side Darlington... which was then extended through to the end of the season.

In 2019, Smith was offered a new deal to stay at Oakwell, however turned it down and signed for Harrogate, then in the National League... After two and half seasons in League Two with Harrogate, the defender was sent out on loan to then National League side Scunthorpe United... Last season, Smith made just one appearance for Harrogate, before he was sent out on loan to National League side York City in the September. <> Smith made 31 appearances for the Minstermen in all competitions last campaign".

DAVIDSONS RENEW SPONSORSHIP

Altrincham FC in the words of press officer John Edwards "are the most steadfast supporters any club could wish for, and J.Davidson are continuing to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Altrincham after extending their stadium naming rights agreement at Moss Lane.

The club's iconic ground has been known as The J.Davidson Stadium since 2013, and it will carry on being for the next couple of years at least after a new, improved deal was ratified by both parties.

It is a significant and warmly welcomed development in Alty's long-running close relationship with the hugely-successful Broadheath-based scrap metal experts...

The club's chief executive Sam Mackenzie said... 'It says everything about J.Davidson that they have delivered another financial deal for the stadium naming rights that yet again shows their continued commitment to Altrincham FC...

"The values both organisations hold are aligned, which is why the relationship has continued for so long... J.Davidson have played an integral role in the rise of the Robins in recent times".

NEW MANAGER FOR ALTY WOMEN

Alex brings with him a wealth of experience in women’s football having held positions at AFC Fylde Women, Blackpool FC Women & Chorley Women FC.

The experience and contacts that Alex brings will provide the team with the motivation and renewed vigour to take next season by storm".

The new manager said, "This is a very exciting opportunity for me to work with an ambitious club and a talented squad of players".

The club continues, saying "Alex... has already met with Head Coach Duncan Jones to continue the pre season plans that Duncan had already put in place...

Alex brings with him Ryan Terrey who will provide both coaching and analysis support for the team".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At the High Court on Wednesday, legal firm Stewarts Law LLP, who represented the club at previous hearings, and the petition’s supporting creditor - a former club sponsor - both said they supported the dismissal...

The club’s chairman, Ron Martin, who was at the court, also said he supported the move. It is understood a deal with the former sponsor was agreed this morning."

So, courtesy of the club's owner, yet more public expenditure has been wasted on yet another High Court case which has come to nothing.

Back in the world of properly run football, Barnet have announced three more signings.

"Left back Myles Kenlock has agreed to join the Club. Kenlock will join The Bees on a 3 year contract, having spent the previous two seasons at National League sides Ebbsfleet as well as a brief spell at Aldershot in the 2022/23 campaign.

Having previously played in the Championship and League one with Ipswich for 7 years following a youth career there and also Crystal Palace, the 27 year old played more recently for Colchester United and Barrow in League Two...

Barnet FC Manager Dean Brennan added, 'Myles is a player we have tracked for the last 12 months. He has an excellent football brain, can defend 1v1 whilst also having the athleticism to take his opponent the other way. Myles is a great age and a player that I know will upgrade our squad.'”

And "https://www.barnetfc.com/billy-clifford-becomes-dean-brennans-eleventh-signing-of-the-summer">Barnet also "announce that midfielder Billy Clifford has agreed to join the Club... on a 2 year contract, having spent the previous two seasons at National League side Ebbsfleet.

A product of the Chelsea Academy, the 31 year old played in the Championship and Leagues One and Two, for the likes of Colchester United, Crawley Town and Walsall...

Dean Brennan added, 'We have been monitoring Bill for the past 6 months and the fact that I have worked with him before and trust his personality and ability, I feel he is a great fit for our squad.

'Bill is one of the bravest players I have ever worked with. He is prepared to receive the ball in all scenarios and he knows what I expect from him.'"

And The Bees' twelfth signing of the summer is also reported by Barnet as "midfielder Anthony Hartigan has agreed to join the Club.

Hartigan is back with the Bees, having put pen to paper and signing a 2 year contract with the Club. After a hugely impactful and successful season with us in the 2023/24 campaign, Hartigan cleaned up at the end of season awards winning Barnet’s Players’ Player, Manager’s Player and Young Player of the Season for the campaign.

He also received the Club’s Goal of the Season award and was named in the Vanarama National League Team of the Season...

Dean Brennan added, 'We all saw the impact and upgrade Harts gave to our team last season. He is always available for the ball, he plays forward and makes our team tick.

The fact Harts bought into what we are looking to do at Barnet and turned down EFL clubs to come and join us on a permanent shows you what direction we are looking to go in'".

At Wealdstone "Matt Taylor and his assistant, Paul Hughes, watched new strength and conditioning coach Wayne Andrews put the players through a series of tests in the gym on day one at Brunel University so he has a base and a benchmark to measure their progress.

The squad of retained players, new signings, Academy players and trialists then went outside to be put through a series of runs and passing drills. The dreaded bleep test was on day one and then the second day consisted of 4x800m runs, with each 800m to be achieved in under two minutes and 30 seconds.

'They worked extremely hard, probably the hardest some of them have worked in a long time,' said the manager...

'I've been impressed with their effort but more so, the camaraderie in the group. We've had new players come in but the one thing that stands out is everyone is together...

'This is what pre-season is about and the players are coping brilliantly,' said Hughes, the former Chelsea player and Hayes & Yeading manager...

'The fitter ones are pushing those that are flagging at the back and that's nice to see'".

From the Hartlepool Mail we learn that "Former Hartlepool United loanee Chay Cooper signs for newly-promoted National League side Braintree

The 22-year-old endured a difficult spell in the North East while on loan from Colchester and made just nine appearances, six of which came from the bench.

He was on the end of some stinging criticism after attempting a backheel in the 95th minute of April's clash with Rochdale, giving the ball away and allowing Devante Rodney to score a last gasp leveller.

Cooper, who endured a difficult loan spell at Pools, has... opted to become the latest in a long line of Colchester players, including former Premier League star Freddie Sears, to sign for Angelo Harrop, himself a product of the U's academy, at Braintree".

On the other side of the country Yeovil Town announce that Ollie Wright has joined from Southampton on a season-long loan.

The 21-year-old keeper arrives at Huish Park after the Glovers successfully fended off interest from several other National League sides...

For the 2023/24 season, Ollie secured his first senior loan at Bath City in the National League South before moving to Worthing FC for the second half of the season where he pushed them... within touching distance of promotion to the National League."

On the South Coast the Daily Echo says that "Eastleigh have announced the signing of Deji Sotona from Doncaster Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The Irish winger spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Boston United... Sotona scored twice and provided one assist across his 22 appearances at The Pilgrims.

The 21 year old began his career in Ireland... In 2016, Sotona earned a move to England where, he joined Manchester United's academy. He would go on to spend four years there before signing a pro-deal at Ligue 1 club, Nice.

Sotona returned to England in 2023, joining Burnley's academy after loan spells at Brentford B and Kilmarnock.

He moved to Doncaster Rovers later that year, where he made six appearances in League Two".

26 June 2024

SAM BECOMES ALTY'S PERMANENT CEO

Sam's involvement with the Robins began in 2021 as Director of Partnerships & Sponsorships, before initially taking on the extra responsibilities of CEO, in an interim capacity, from December of last year....

'I am honoured and proud to be entrusted with this senior position at Altrincham Football Club,' Sam said... 'My goal is to continue to build on our already strong presence in the local community.

'To represent women in the football industry. To work with our Community Trust to deliver outstanding initiatives that reflect our community needs. To help the transition of the women's team from AFC Community Sports to the Football Club; they are heading for great things. To support our juniors as they build a strong and sustainable football pathway for our local children and young adults.

'I will respect the history of the club whilst looking to tomorrow as we modernise the way we work and push boundaries...

'The future is bright, the future is red and white'...

Co-Chairman Bill Waterson is delighted... 'In Sam's three years on the board of Altrincham FC as Partnership and Sponsorship Director, she has taken the club's relationships with our strategic partners to an entirely new level, developing new, strong commercial relationships and deepening existing ones, and in addition strived to do the same for Altrincham FC Community Sports, where she also sits on the board'"

Background: On 7 June 2023 the club announced the appointment of its first CEO in the form of John Williams, who had previously been Commercial Director at FC Halifax Town.

However, his departure was announced on 5 December 2023 and director Sam McKenzie assumed his CEO role in an "acting" capacity which has now been made permenent.

OSSIE SMITH R.I.P.

Ossie was 67. He had been an Alty player in his youth and made his debut in a Cheshire Senior Cup Second Round tie against Runcorn in February 1980 but left soon afterwards for Runcorn.

Indeed, the bulk of his career was at Runcorn under future Alty manager JOHN WILLIAMS. However, Ossie later joined Altrincham under Williams in 1987 and went on to make 55(+2) further appearances for the Robins, and netted eight goals.

STAN RILEY R.I.P.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Custodians of Southend United (COSU) consortium were responding to Tuesday's move by the non-league competition organiser ordering Southend to provide a £1m bond because of uncertainty over their financial situation...

'At a time when the wider football world is voicing concerns surrounding the future of Southend United Football Club, it's remarkable that our league is only making the situation more difficult to resolve,' COSU said in a statement.

The Shrimpers Trust, Southend's supporters' group, also called on the National League to 'show compassion' after they made the £1m demand of the club....

The group, headed by Australian businessman Justin Rees, have kept the club afloat in recent months with funding, and admit... 'The only option available to save the club is to complete the takeover now, and allow the housing negotiations and due diligence at Fossetts to continue subsequently.

'This adds significant risk to COSU as our plans to remain at Roots Hall and regenerate the site are fully dependent on the council and Citizen Housing amending their current housing contract.'...

The supporters' group [Shrimpers' Trust] responded by saying that, like many in Southend-on-Sea, they 'are tired' of the 'false dawns' surrounding Martin's sale of the club".

Southend Echo reports that "Stewarts Law has confirmed they have reached a settlement with Southend United ahead of Wednesday's winding up petition in the High Court".

In the Hartlepool Mail we read that "Hartlepool United manager Darren Sarll described his first week in the job as 'crazy'...

The pressure is on the new boss to assemble a squad capable of closing the gap between his side and the top seven...

The new boss has secured four new faces, including League One promotion winner Adam Campbell... It does at least feel as though he's starting to make his mark on the squad after being thrown in at the deep end - he was forced to publish his retained list less than 72 hours after his official appointment.

'It's a crazy time when you join a club, a really crazy time,' he told the official website. 'Especially in the time that we came in, when there's no grass work, no coaching to be done or no teams to be picked, so it is really about getting to know everyone and trying to get off on the right foot...

'The key thing for me coming in was always to speak to the players as quickly as possible so they had clarity on their future... You have to make some tough decisions along the way.'"

At Gander Green Lane, Sutton United "welcome striker Will Davies to Sutton United after his contract with York City was cancelled by mutual consent last week.

Will, who was 25 earlier this month, came to prominence with Southern League Premier Division Central team Leiston, where he scored over fifty goals in two seasons...

That form earned him a move to Braintree at the start of last season, and after continuing to impress at the higher level he was signed by York City in November... and went on to score five times in the National League before spending the last month of the season on loan at Bromley.

Steve Morison said of the signing...'He had a tough year, as did the club, at York but he still managed to score goals as he has always seemed to do and that, along with his other attributes, is what we want to see from him this season'".

Maidenhead United "confirm their fourth summer signing putting pen to paper with experienced midfielder Nathan Ferguson.

Ferguson, who has enjoyed periods with EFL sides Burton Albion and Port Vale, started his career at Dagenham & Redbridge and is a Guyanese international. The 28-year-old brings an end to his two-and-a-half year spell at divisional rivals Wealdstone...

Our brand new signing, who describes himself as 'a box-to-box midfielder', is available like a number of his fellow Magpies for player sponsorship".

25 June 2024

ALTY'S FRIENDLY OPPONENTS: COLNE

The club in its present form was established in 1996, finishing bottom that season in the NW Counties Division Two. No relegation was implemented and by 2004 the Club had won the league title and joined the NWCFL Division One. 2016 brought promotion to the NPL Division One but relegation in 2023 sent them back to the NWCFL Premier.

A forerunner of the present club was Colne Dynamoes Football Club whose chairman and manager, Graham White, invested heavily and saw the club saw the club rise up the pyramid until winning the NPL title in 1990. However, they were refused promotion to the Football Conference because of ground grading issues and the millionaire White dissolved the club that summer.

Colne winger Paul Showler then joined Alty for the memorable 1990-91 season in which the Robins came close to reaching the Football League.

The current Colne club has also experienced a degree of turmoil in the last couple of years.

On 6 March, 2023, Colne announced that "Following months of discussions, the board met yesterday to sign off one of the biggest changes in the club's history.

After a turbulent few months off the field following the change of chair person, the club identified that any type of individual ownership is detrimental to the football clubs longevity and in order to be sustainable going forward, the club needed a solution.

Following multiple meetings with the FSA (Football Supporters' Association) the club has opted to become a Society for Community Benefit.

This means the club will never be owned by one individual, but by you, the fans.

The board is elected from a membership scheme, which is wholly democratic, eradicating any one individual from any detrimental behaviour within our club... Each member will get a share in the club, and more importantly will have the option to voice their opinion in a democratic vote.

Currently there are 46 fan owned clubs in the England and Wales, and subject to approval the club will become number 47".

On the pitch there was further upheaval as on 24 May 2024 a Club Statement stated that "The club are disappointed to announce the departure of Paul Weller from the club.

Paul took over at the end of the 22/23 season with an attempt to keep the reds in the Northern Premier League, which was a big ask for the former Burnley midfielder, and sadly the reds were relegated on the final day of the season.

This season, Paul has worked tirelessly both on and off the pitch, resulting in a top 10 finish and a first ever Lancashire Cup win for the Reds.

Unfortunately, Paul has decided to leave the club".

Colne finished tenth last season in the NW Counties Premier but then suffered another managerial change..

On 31 May Colne reported that management duo Stuart Mellish and [former Alty player] Peter Band have agreed to become the clubs new managers... [Band has subsequently joined Macclesfield as Robbie Savage's assistant].

The two spoke passionately about their beliefs, philosophy and expertise, which aligned with the club's vision for the future...

Mellish said 'Both Myself and Pete are delighted to accept the offer given by Colne FC to form a joint Management team...

We have both won leagues and cups in our managerial careers and we will strive to get this club successful again!".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Jones made just 4(+5) appearances for Altrincham before injury ended his season in late September 2023.

ALEX FROST has resigned as manager of Avro but another former Robin DAVID FITZPATRICK remains a player at the club.

PETER RIPLEY R.I.P.

Our condolences are extended to his family and friends.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Keane, a National League promotion winner with Stockport, joined Halifax in the summer of 2022 but experienced a disappointing first season at the club.

The last campaign was a better one for the 30-year-old, and was enough to persuade Town to offer him a new deal.

But he will follow Luke Summerfield, Rob Harker, Tom Scott, Tylor Golden, Jamie Stott, Tom Wilson and Jack Hunter in leaving The Shay since the end of the season".

The National League "continues to be concerned about Southend United Football Club’s ability to fulfil its financial obligations for the forthcoming National League Season.

The Club has for several months been the subject of a winding up petition (a further hearing of which is scheduled for this week) and, on 20 June 2024, filed its accounts for the year to 31 July 2023 which underscore and amplify the concerns expressed previously by the League.

Accordingly, the National League has today advised Southend United Football Club that as a result of the Club’s failure to provide the League with detailed, objective and independent evidence that the Club has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations for the forthcoming National League season and, in light of previously-expressed concerns (underscored by the most recently-filed accounts), the Club will be required to post a bond of £1 million, which will be held in escrow to the order of the League.

The bond shall remain in place until the sooner of (i) an ownership agreement with the consortium currently in talks with the Club being successfully concluded, to the satisfaction of the National League and the FA; or (ii) the Club demonstrating, to the satisfaction of the National League, that is [it] has sufficient financial resources within its own means to meet its financial obligations for the forthcoming Season.

In the event that the Club fails to post the Bond in accordance with the requirements that have been communicated to the Club, the National League Board will meet again to consider further sanctions against the Club".

In response, Southend United confirmed that "The Club was made aware of the National League’s bond request... We will consider appropriate steps over the forthcoming days to protect the Club’s position pending the sale to the COSU".

Earlier, The Southend Echo reported that "The Shrimpers' Trust insist they are planning for every eventuality for Southend United this week.

Blues face another crunch few days in their fight to survive... The Trust has revealed plans already in place including looking starting a phoenix club if needed and working on a submission to make Roots Hall an asset of community value".

In an email to members the Trust wrote, "Our priority, as it has always been, is to save the current club and its heritage status within the community. If the club is placed into administration, we will work with the appointed administrator and attempt to plot a path out with interested parties as a matter of urgency.

"We have also established contact with the relevant authorities should Southend United FC be wound-up on Wednesday and are cognisant of the relevant regulations if we need to establish a phoenix club," added the email...

"Finally, we have worked on a submission to list Roots Hall Stadium as an Asset of Community Value," said the Trust.

Wolverhampton's Molineux News reports that "Wolves captain Max Kilman has accumulated considerable interest this summer, which is encouraging news for his former club Maidenhead United...

Departures have been highly speculated, with Max Kilman’s future one of the most talked about narratives.

The Wolves captain could generate a significant profit for the Old Gold following his £40,000 transfer... Wolves have been inundated with interest for Kilman, with West Ham and Newcastle United leading the pack as those eager to capture the centre-back. Tottenham Hotspur are also rumoured to admire Kilman as they hunt a left-sided defender.

Wolves have already turned down offers for the Englishman... as they wait out to receive their £45m valuation of their captain.

As documented by the Times, the reason for the Old Gold’s high valuation of the 27-year-old is due to the fact that Maidenhead United will also profit from his sale.

Maidenhead will receive 15% of any transfer of the centre-back, meaning... the non-League side would earn around £6.75m".

24 June 2024

CONN-CLARKE'S SENSIBLE CHOICE

Whilst excited to join The Posh, Chris says "I'm also gutted to be leaving Altrincham if I'm totally honest. They've been massive for me. I wouldn't be here without them and I can't thank everyone at the club enough for what they've done for me... Anything I've asked... they've bent over backwards to help...

"The gaffer (Phil Parkinson) and (assistant) Neil Sorvel, they trusted me and believed in me.... Phil just said to me 'I'm going to play you and I'm going to keep playing you, so don't worry about it'. That sort of faith, it's exactly what I needed...

"I'm a bit different from other players, I'm always trying stuff and sometimes it doesn't come off. Managers can get very frustrated and next thing you know, I'm sitting on the sidelines... Phil didn't... He backed me'"

The NLP confirms that there was interest in signing Chris from Ipswich Town, Portsmouth, Oxford United and Derby County, as well as Peterborough. However, Chris told his agent "Listen, Peterborough isn't financially the best place for me to go but it's where I want to go, so make it happen!"

He believes that The Posh "is probably the best club in the whole of the EFL for development purposes" and he drew confidence from seeing how Peterborough had developed another non-league player, Ephron Mason-Clarke who has gone on to join Coventry City.

CCC concluded "No disrespect to Peterborough but I don't want to be here for the rest of my career; I'm aiming high.... But there's plenty more to do. The hard work starts now".

TOMMY UDA INTERVIEWED

Although to hear him you would not guess it, Tommy hails from Sardinia and only moved to the UK at the age of 12, with no knowledge of English. He first worked with Phil Parkinson at Nantwich Town, both men living in the Nantwich area.

Tommy is still in touch with his former physio colleague at Altrincham, Ryan Murray, who is now employed by Wrexham.

ALTY OLD BOYS

He batted at number 6 and in 77 minutes he faced only 54 balls. His boundaries comprised 7 fours and 8 sixes, with a strike rate of 187.04. Didsbury made 323-7 in 55 overs whilst Timperley were 238 all out in 39.2 overs. Byrne did not bowl. He has been playing regularly for Timperley this summer".

Ollie had less luck last Tuesday in a 20/20 game for Timperley Second XI against Didsbury 2A. "He was out first ball (clean bowled) having batted at number 5. Olie then took a wicket and his final figures were 2.4 overs, 0 maidens, 7 runs conceded, plus 1 wide, and 2 wickets taken.

In a low scoring game where Timperley made 91 all out, Didsbury were all out for 89. Byrne was involved in the run-out of the last wicket".

Ian was an umpire in the match and gave the run-out, but was he was at square leg when Ollie was bowled and the former Alty keeper did not bowl from Ian's end.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A youth player with Leyton Orient, 21-year-old Jeremy went on to play for Harlow Town before signing a professional deal with Middlesbrough in summer 2021 and... spent last season on loan at Harrogate Town...

He made over twenty appearances for Harrogate in all.

At Tamworth, "It’s been another busy week for Andy Peaks as he continues to pull together his squad for the new season.

'I am absolutely delighted to be honest with the players who have recommitted to the club, and those we have brought in. To be a part-time club in a full-time league is really difficult when you consider some of the wages that are being paid at this level...

We have to be realistic that we don't have the budget to go and pay for 3 or 4 top quality National League players...

It’s great that we have Miracle (Okafor), who lots of clubs in the National League wanted, but he chose us, and Dan (Creaney) is coming back, despite loads of clubs wanting him too. I am delighted that, despite higher offers from a number of clubs, a large proportion of players from last season have returned to Tamworth FC...

I am still on the look out for another striker who we can add to the squad.

'I am really pleased to get Haydn (Hollis) in. He is only 31 and has played at a good level and brings a lot of experience into the club..

'Alex (Fletcher)... won all the awards at Rushall and I know he had a lot of clubs after him...

'It is very difficult to get an experienced keeper at this level in the part time game that will come in as a number 2. I am really pleased that we will have Leon (Phillips) with us again next year'"

23 June 2024

TOMMY UDA RETURNS

Tommy had a memorable four seasons as sports therapist at Altrincham at the start of Phil's reign, working alongside Ryan Murray and helping provide the Robins' squad with a high calibre of medical care.

He left in 2021 after deciding to enrol for a two-year masters course in physiotherapy at Keele University... and Phil had no hesitation in welcoming him back on board at Alty in a new position as head physiotherapist".

In an interview with Alty TV, Tommy said of manager Phil Parkinson ""We've always had a great relationship, going back to Nantwich days, and this club means so much to me. I've got lifelong memories that I'll cherish forever from my first spell here. It was amazing, and I'm hoping there will be more to come, moving forward...

"I'm a fan as well as anything else. There were options to go elsewhere, but this was the right one for me. It's the best place for me to be".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Back in Cheshire, Chester FC, who face Alty in pre-season, have signed "MITCH HANCOX (left) following his departure from Altrincham!

The versatile midfielder has penned a one-year-deal with the Blues and becomes the fifth new face at the Deva this summer...

Mitch made his professional debut for Birmingham City in the Championship and featured 40 times for the club before he departed in 2016...

He departed York in March before moving to the J. Davidson Stadium where he held a pivotal role towards the end of the campaign, starting in all-but-one of the Robins’ fixtures during his spell which saw Alty record an impressive fourth-placed finish...

Manager Calum McIntyre said: 'I’m really pleased to have added a player of Mitch’s experience to the group. He was one of our targets when he left Altrincham and I am really pleased we have got this done...

'He has a terrific engine and will add real legs and athletic qualities to our group. He is a left footer which ensures balance in the middle of the pitch for us... We set out to add athleticism and experience across the pitch and I think this is another signing that reflects that'".

22 June 2024

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY TICKETS

Our opening home game of the summer sees Salford City visit on Tuesday, July 23rd for a 7:45pm kick-off...

We then round off our summer home schedule on Saturday, August 3rd with a game against Bradford City - kick-off 3pm...

General admission for the friendlies has been set at £12 over-18s and £5 under-18s.

• Tickets for the Salford City game are available here.
• Tickets for the Bradford City game are available here.

*A gentle reminder that season ticket holders no longer receive free entry to friendly games at the J.Davidson Stadium.

We are also offering a hospitality option in the John King Lounge (formerly the Sponsors' Lounge) priced at £30 - including a match ticket, delicious pre-match food, a private cash bar, reserved seating and exclusive post-match player reaction".

TOMMY BANKS TRIBUTE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Lawless joined the Daggers last summer, and made 21 appearances in his debut season, scoring one goal.

Strizovic enters his 6th season at the Daggers, where he has served as a solid deputy to Skipper Elliot Justham, as well as enjoying numerous loan spells to the likes of, Romford, Harrow Borough and Hashtag United.

Both players have put pen to paper on one-year extensions at the club".

Ebbsfleet United "welcome Tyler Cordner to the Kuflink Stadium for a second spell at the club as he joins on a season-long loan from York City.

The 25-year-old centre-back made 24 appearances in all competitions in an earlier loan spell here from AFC Bournemouth during the first half of the 2019/20 season... Tyler Cordner becomes Fleet’s second central-defensive capture of the summer...

[He gained] a first taste of National League football with a season on loan at Havant & Waterlooville. The Fleet was his next port of call in September 2019 and he was virtually ever-present in the side until returning to his parent club in the New Year...

He played for both Scunthorpe United and Southend United on loan in the EFL before a permanent transfer to newly promoted Weymouth in 2021 returned him to the National League.

A standout season with Aldershot Town in 2022/23 saw Cordner captain the England C side... making way for a move north to York City who paid a fee for his services last summer...

Cordner said 'I’m still young, only 25, but I’ve had a lot of experience in this league and the EFL'".

York City add that "After signing in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed fee from Aldershot Town, the central defender went on to feature 28 times across all competitions for City. The 25-year-old scored three goals last campaign".

New arrivals are reported at Maidenhead United where "It has been a busy weekend for Alan Devonshire who has completed the signing of two exciting young and hungry prospects...

On Saturday afternoon we announced the capture of Ruben Carvalho, a 23 year-old winger most recently with Wingate & Finchley with whom he scored 17 goals in 2023/24, providing seven assists...

Chief Scout Lee Devonshire revealed 'Our awareness of Ruben first came from his days at Rising Ballers and after a stint at Charlton Athletic he found himself back in non-league. Over the past 12 months he has really blossomed at Wingate at Step 3. A talented attacking midfielder with quick feet, ability to go past a man and strong technique off both feet he has the potential to kick on at Step 1 and beyond.'

On Monday, United put pen-to-paper with another wide player, Joseph Ajose signing on after finishing his spell with Queens Park Rangers. Lee Devonshire said... 'Joseph has been at QPR for a few years and at Reading before that. A left footed, quick and direct winger who can play across the front line who will bring real pace to our attack'".

< Solihull Moors "have secured the services of an exciting young prospect in Fin Holmes ahead of the 2024/25 season as the 18-year-old signs terms with the Club.

The attacker has enjoyed an exhilarating season in the non-league pyramid with both Studley and Stourbridge’s U18s. Holmes would go on to make his debut for the Glassboys in their final league game of the season...

[In] Studley’s impressive season in the Midlands Football League... he scored seven goals in 12 starts...

Upon signing for Solihull, the youngster said... 'I bring energy, speed and I like to be direct. Studley was a great stepping stone for me'".

Closer to home, Oldham Athletic "confirm that Nathan Sheron has joined Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined Latics in the summer of 2022, and has been a near ever-present, making 89 league appearances across two seasons.

He scored nine goals from the centre of the field, including a number of long-range strikes amongst his six last campaign".

Sutton United "welcome striker Matt Rush... after the expiry of his contract at Maidstone United.

23-year-old Matt joined Southend United as a 14 year-old and went on to make over 20 senior appearances in the Football League and National League as well as having loan spells with Great Wakering Rovers, Harlow Town, Tonbridge Angels and Chelmsford City. He moved to Braintree at the start of the 2022-23 season, his goals helping them to the National League South play-offs, and at the beginning of last season joined Aveley, scoring six league and cup goals before being signed by Maidstone United in November, where he scored ten goals in nineteen games in the National League South.

Head Coach Steve Morison said... 'He's had a fantastic season at both Aveley and Maidstone, and since leaving Southend he's really grown as a player and I really think he can continue his form with us at the next level'".

There has been a further update from Tamworth who list their squad as at 6pm on Friday evening...

"All the players that have signed for the Lambs so far: Jas Sing[h], Matt Curley,Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Luke Fairlamb, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Jamie Willetts, Kenny Digie (From Alfreton Town), Haydn Hollis (From Dorking Wanderers), Ben Milnes, Tom McGlinchey (From Coalville Town), Alex Fletcher (From Rushall Olympic), Munashe Sundire, Nathan Tshikuna, Kai Lissimore (From Kidderminster Harriers), Tom Tonks, Bek-Ray Anoru (From Barwell), Kai Williams, Kyle Finn, Dan Creaney, Miracle Okafor (From Halesowen Town),Ty Deacon".

Wealdstone tell us that "Archie Matthews, the latest highly promising keeper to be lured to The Vale, had just two words when asked what was the attraction of joining Wealdstone.

'Matt Taylor!' he said. The new gaffer has only been in situ for just over a month and yet he has already delved into his bulging contacts book from a stellar playing career to sign someone he worked with at Swindon Town. 'The gaffer gave me a call the other day, said he wanted me and could give me the chance to play regular National League football and get a solid season under my belt,' said Matthews who has been handed a two-year deal.

'Straight away I wanted to do it. It wasn't a hard question to answer. He explained how he wanted to play and that he'd been impressed by my clips, which is always a nice feeling.'

Matthews was a teenager at Swindon when Taylor was in the twilight of his career at The County Ground. Taylor went onto become player/coach of the Robins...

'He's been massive for my career,' said Matthews. 'I worked with him for three-and-a-bit years and had a massive part to play in my development'...

Matthews turns 23 in August but he has already had ten clubs, seven of which have been loans".

Wealdstone also confirm that "Sought-after midfielder Elliot Simmons has become our fourth summer signing after penning an initial one-year deal.

The 26-year-old Luton-born technician was schooled in the academy of West Ham, Arsenal and MK Dons before pursuing a senior career in Sweden and Canada.

He played for Vancouver last season and has been on the radar of a number of English clubs, including Huddersfield Town where he spent a period on trial.

'Elliot is a midfielder with outstanding technical ability who can receive the ball deep, but also pose a threat in the final third,' said manager Matt Taylor...

He will join fellow new boys Deon Woodman, Enzio Boldewijn and Archie Matthews".

And there has been a third signing announced inside 24 hours at Wealdstone where "Well-travelled forward Sam Ashford[who] becomes the fifth permanent signing of the summer, and the third today, after putting pen to paper on an initial one-year deal.

Ashford helped Cliftonville qualify for this season's UEFA Conference League, scored in and won the Irish Cup and fired Ayr United to a second-place finish second in the Scottish Championship.

He played and scored for Crawley in League Two, has vast experience of playing in the National League South and spent time on loan at Woking with Max Kretzschmar and Jack Cook in 2021. Ashford arrives at The Vale in the prime of his career at 28".

At Woking Ben Wynter is "Michael Doyle's first signing of the close season.

The 26-year-old right sided defender joins the club following his departure from Barnet... Said Woking Manager Michael Doyle '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.'

A Crystal Palace academy graduate, 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.

He enjoyed four successful years with the Devon club... Wynter left Torquay in summer 2022 to move closer to home, joining Barnet, where he would make 50 appearances across two seasons".

22 June 2024

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY TICKETS

Our opening home game of the summer sees Salford City visit on Tuesday, July 23rd for a 7:45pm kick-off...

We then round off our summer home schedule on Saturday, August 3rd with a game against Bradford City - kick-off 3pm...

General admission for the friendlies has been set at £12 over-18s and £5 under-18s.

• Tickets for the Salford City game are available here.
• Tickets for the Bradford City game are available here.

*A gentle reminder that season ticket holders no longer receive free entry to friendly games at the J.Davidson Stadium.

We are also offering a hospitality option in the John King Lounge (formerly the Sponsors' Lounge) priced at £30 - including a match ticket, delicious pre-match food, a private cash bar, reserved seating and exclusive post-match player reaction".

TOMMY BANKS TRIBUTE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Lawless joined the Daggers last summer, and made 21 appearances in his debut season, scoring one goal.

Strizovic enters his 6th season at the Daggers, where he has served as a solid deputy to Skipper Elliot Justham, as well as enjoying numerous loan spells to the likes of, Romford, Harrow Borough and Hashtag United.

Both players have put pen to paper on one-year extensions at the club".

Ebbsfleet United "welcome Tyler Cordner to the Kuflink Stadium for a second spell at the club as he joins on a season-long loan from York City.

The 25-year-old centre-back made 24 appearances in all competitions in an earlier loan spell here from AFC Bournemouth during the first half of the 2019/20 season... Tyler Cordner becomes Fleet’s second central-defensive capture of the summer...

[He gained] a first taste of National League football with a season on loan at Havant & Waterlooville. The Fleet was his next port of call in September 2019 and he was virtually ever-present in the side until returning to his parent club in the New Year...

He played for both Scunthorpe United and Southend United on loan in the EFL before a permanent transfer to newly promoted Weymouth in 2021 returned him to the National League.

A standout season with Aldershot Town in 2022/23 saw Cordner captain the England C side... making way for a move north to York City who paid a fee for his services last summer...

Cordner said 'I’m still young, only 25, but I’ve had a lot of experience in this league and the EFL'".

York City add that "After signing in the summer of 2023 for an undisclosed fee from Aldershot Town, the central defender went on to feature 28 times across all competitions for City. The 25-year-old scored three goals last campaign".

New arrivals are reported at Maidenhead United where "It has been a busy weekend for Alan Devonshire who has completed the signing of two exciting young and hungry prospects...

On Saturday afternoon we announced the capture of Ruben Carvalho, a 23 year-old winger most recently with Wingate & Finchley with whom he scored 17 goals in 2023/24, providing seven assists...

Chief Scout Lee Devonshire revealed 'Our awareness of Ruben first came from his days at Rising Ballers and after a stint at Charlton Athletic he found himself back in non-league. Over the past 12 months he has really blossomed at Wingate at Step 3. A talented attacking midfielder with quick feet, ability to go past a man and strong technique off both feet he has the potential to kick on at Step 1 and beyond.'

On Monday, United put pen-to-paper with another wide player, Joseph Ajose signing on after finishing his spell with Queens Park Rangers. Lee Devonshire said... 'Joseph has been at QPR for a few years and at Reading before that. A left footed, quick and direct winger who can play across the front line who will bring real pace to our attack'".

< Solihull Moors "have secured the services of an exciting young prospect in Fin Holmes ahead of the 2024/25 season as the 18-year-old signs terms with the Club.

The attacker has enjoyed an exhilarating season in the non-league pyramid with both Studley and Stourbridge’s U18s. Holmes would go on to make his debut for the Glassboys in their final league game of the season...

[In] Studley’s impressive season in the Midlands Football League... he scored seven goals in 12 starts...

Upon signing for Solihull, the youngster said... 'I bring energy, speed and I like to be direct. Studley was a great stepping stone for me'".

Closer to home, Oldham Athletic "confirm that Nathan Sheron has joined Hartlepool United for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old midfielder joined Latics in the summer of 2022, and has been a near ever-present, making 89 league appearances across two seasons.

He scored nine goals from the centre of the field, including a number of long-range strikes amongst his six last campaign".

Sutton United "welcome striker Matt Rush... after the expiry of his contract at Maidstone United.

23-year-old Matt joined Southend United as a 14 year-old and went on to make over 20 senior appearances in the Football League and National League as well as having loan spells with Great Wakering Rovers, Harlow Town, Tonbridge Angels and Chelmsford City. He moved to Braintree at the start of the 2022-23 season, his goals helping them to the National League South play-offs, and at the beginning of last season joined Aveley, scoring six league and cup goals before being signed by Maidstone United in November, where he scored ten goals in nineteen games in the National League South.

Head Coach Steve Morison said... 'He's had a fantastic season at both Aveley and Maidstone, and since leaving Southend he's really grown as a player and I really think he can continue his form with us at the next level'".

There has been a further squad update from Tamworth who list their squa as at 6pm on Friday evening...

"All the players that have signed for the Lambs so far: Jas Sing[h], Matt Curley,Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Luke Fairlamb, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Jamie Willetts, Kenny Digie (From Alfreton Town), Haydn Hollis (From Dorking Wanderers), Ben Milnes, Tom McGlinchey (From Coalville Town), Alex Fletcher (From Rushall Olympic), Munashe Sundire, Nathan Tshikuna, Kai Lissimore (From Kidderminster Harriers), Tom Tonks, Bek-Ray Anoru (From Barwell), Kai Williams, Kyle Finn, Dan Creaney, Miracle Okafor (From Halesowen Town),Ty Deacon".

Wealdstone tell us that "Archie Matthews, the latest highly promising keeper to be lured to The Vale, had just two words when asked what was the attraction of joining Wealdstone.

'Matt Taylor!' he said. The new gaffer has only been in situ for just over a month and yet he has already delved into his bulging contacts book from a stellar playing career to sign someone he worked with at Swindon Town. 'The gaffer gave me a call the other day, said he wanted me and could give me the chance to play regular National League football and get a solid season under my belt,' said Matthews who has been handed a two-year deal.

'Straight away I wanted to do it. It wasn't a hard question to answer. He explained how he wanted to play and that he'd been impressed by my clips, which is always a nice feeling.'

Matthews was a teenager at Swindon when Taylor was in the twilight of his career at The County Ground. Taylor went onto become player/coach of the Robins...

'He's been massive for my career,' said Matthews. 'I worked with him for three-and-a-bit years and had a massive part to play in my development'...

Matthews turns 23 in August but he has already had ten clubs, seven of which have been loans".

Wealdstone also confirm that "Sought-after midfielder Elliot Simmons has become our fourth summer signing after penning an initial one-year deal.

The 26-year-old Luton-born technician was schooled in the academy of West Ham, Arsenal and MK Dons before pursuing a senior career in Sweden and Canada.

He played for Vancouver last season and has been on the radar of a number of English clubs, including Huddersfield Town where he spent a period on trial.

'Elliot is a midfielder with outstanding technical ability who can receive the ball deep, but also pose a threat in the final third,' said manager Matt Taylor...

He will join fellow new boys Deon Woodman, Enzio Boldewijn and Archie Matthews".

And there has been a third signing announced inside 24 hours at Wealdstone where "Well-travelled forward Sam Ashford[who] becomes the fifth permanent signing of the summer, and the third today, after putting pen to paper on an initial one-year deal.

Ashford helped Cliftonville qualify for this season's UEFA Conference League, scored in and won the Irish Cup and fired Ayr United to a second-place finish second in the Scottish Championship.

He played and scored for Crawley in League Two, has vast experience of playing in the National League South and spent time on loan at Woking with Max Kretzschmar and Jack Cook in 2021. Ashford arrives at The Vale in the prime of his career at 28".

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...

Said Woking Manager Michael Doyle, '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.'

A Crystal Palace academy graduate, Wynter joined National League side Bromley in summer 2017...s 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.

He enjoyed four successful years with the Devon club... Wynter left Torquay in summer 2022 to move closer to home, joining Barnet, where he would make 50 appearances across two seasons".

21 June 2024

JOE NUTTALL'S ROUTE TO ALTY

A six-footer, Joe (d.o.b. 27 January 1997) started out at Manchester City's academy before spending 2015-17 on Aberdeen's books. He had loan spells from Aberdeen at Stranraer and Dumbarton.

The next five years were split between spells at Blackburn Rovers and Blackpool, where he made 28 and 27 appearances respectively for the Lancashire EFL clubs.

Next, he joined Scunthorpe United in 2022, and following the Lincolnshire club's relegation from the EFL he played against Alty for The Iron in the National League, scoring a penalty in a 2-2 draw at Moss Lane.

He moved on to Oldham Athletic for whom he also scored against Alty in another 2-2 draw, on Good Friday 2023. He netted 8 times in 36 outings for the Latics.

At the start of February 2024 he went on loan from Oldham to Darrell Clarke's Cheltenham Town, for whom he made 16 appearances in the EFL1, scoring twice.

MICK GANNON R.I.P.

For Alty he operated as a wing-half (midfielder) after joining the Robins in 1970 and he remained at the club in 1971-72 season.

His League career included three appearances for the Toffees between 1960 and 1962, followed by 15 for Scunthorpe United then a second-tier club.

But he went on to play 208 times for Crewe Alexandra from 1964-70 before moving on to Moss Lane.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Over the season’s last 12 games our form put us in 6th place in the Form Table, but alas it was not enough to stay up. Steve [Morison] has said that he has never known a set of fans so supportive of a team that has been battling relegation all season...

After a poor end to the previous season, we knew we needed to invest in new players and indeed committed to the biggest player budget in our 125+ year history. Unfortunately, the standard of play and the results did not reflect our monetary spend.

The introduction of data analysis and a focus on youth under Steve has allowed us to define and improve our style of play and improve our recruitment policies, and with a steadfast commitment to these philosophies, we will continue to move forward under Steve’s guidance...

Off the pitch, we are working to professionalise all areas of the club to ensure we can compete as an EFL Club when we return to the League (and we will!)...

It will take the support of the entire Sutton family including fans, sponsors, players, staff and the wider Sutton community to help us get back to where we know we belong...

We are optimistic and excited for this season".

Boston United "have clinched the signature of winger Sam Osborne.

The 25-year-old Notts County academy graduate has enjoyed a successful non-league career to date – appearing for Leamington, AFC Fylde and Buxton... with Fylde and Buxton both paying undisclosed sums for his services.

He won the National League North title with Fylde in 2022...

Osborne becomes Ian Culverhouse's fifth signing of the summer following Frankie Maguire, Kieran Coates, Dan Mooney and Adam Marriott".

Play-off losers Solihull Moors confirm that "Callum Maycock has left the Club following the expiry of his contract. The popular figure made over 175 appearances for Solihull during his time with the Club.

This season he scored eight league goals, helping us reach Wembley twice in what was an unforgettable season".

At Eastleigh "Tommy Scott has signed a new contract with the Spitfires.

This deal will see the shot-stopper stay with Eastleigh for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign as we begin our new era under Kelvin Davis.

Last season, Scott made appearances against Aldershot Town in the FA Trophy and Maidenhead United in the Vanarama National League".

Woking FC "is pleased to announce the loan signing of Max Dyche.

The 21-year-old central defender rejoins the Cards on loan from Northampton Town until the end of the season.

Dyche came through the Cobblers’ academy, making his debut in December 2020 against Crewe Alexandra as a substitute. His first start for the club came at the Kassam Stadium just three days after his debut in a League One fixture against Oxford United.

Max would join National League North sides Kettering Town and Brackley Town on loan in 2021-22... He would return to Northampton and play a part in their promotion campaign of 2022/23, making 18 appearances in League Two...

This earned Dyche a new two-year contract at Northampton, which he signed in the summer. A short loan spell at Aldershot Town from September to October 2023 followed before he returned to Northampton.

His initial loan spell with the Cards was quite successful... Max would start all nine games he was available for and played every minute... He was recalled in early March following an injury crisis at Northampton Town.

Said Woking Manager Michael Doyle 'Max can play right, central or left in the back three, making him even more valuable to the Club. He has the character of an experienced player at just 21'".

Gateshead "confirm the permanent appointments of Rob Elliot and Louis Storey as the club's manager and assistant manager...

Elliot and Storey oversaw 21 wins from 38 games in all competitions during their interim tenure, with a free-flowing Gateshead scoring 73 goals across the last seven months of the 2023/24 season."

STAN RILEY R.I.P.

He and Isabel had moved from their home in Timperley to Halecroft Lodge in Hale Barns several years ago and Stan had continued to live there following Isabel's death on Boxing Day 2018.

Stan suffered a minor heart attack earlier this week and was admitted to Wythenshawe Hospital, only to suffer a subsequent major heart attack from which, sadly, he did not recover.

Away from football Stan and Isabel built a successful printing business before retirement afforded them more freedom for their support of Altrincham FC. As well as attending matches the couple were regular attendees at club social events and contributed generously to fundraising and sponsorship initiatives.

Their children, Alison and Malcolm, also became keen Altrincham supporters and continue to support the club despite being based away from Altrincham, in London and Nottingham respectively. Our condolences are extended to them both.

When details of the funeral are known, they will be published here.

ALTY'S SECOND SIGNING

The Robins have landed a proven frontrunner who has been on Phil's radar since leaving Aberdeen to join Blackburn Rovers in 2017.

At a height of six foot and as an out-and-out centre-forward, the 27-year old may not be a like-for-like replacement for attacking midfielder Chris, but his arrival adds significantly to the Robins' firepower...

'Joe is a player I’ve chased since I first came to Altrincham,' said Phil. 'I met him seven years ago, but I’ve never been able to get him over the line for one reason or another... but now it’s perfect timing for us and him to work together.

'I think it was there for everyone to see that we lacked a little bit of height and physicality at times. He certainly will give us that, but I don’t want people to think he is just a big target man. That would be a misrepresentation of his fantastic attributes on the ball...

'He will give us a completely different dimension in certain games when we haven’t had that in the past'".

FINAL PRE-SEASON GAME ARRANGED

The Northern Premier League Dolly Blues will host the Robins on Saturday, July 13th at Giant Axe - kick-off confirmed for NB 2pm.

Admission prices will be £7 Adults; £5 Concessions; £3 Students/Under-18s - with tickets going on sale very shortly via our hosts.

Managed by Chris Willcock, City came up just short of the playoffs last season in the ultra-competitive NPL Premier Division, finishing in ninth position.

Our last visit to Giant Axe came during pre-season in 2023, when Alty fell to a 1-0 defeat following a goal by Aaron Bennett".

The full schedule comprises:

1. Sat.6.7.24 3pm A Colne
2. Sat.13.7.24 NB 2pm A Lancaster City
3. Tue.16.7.24 7.45pm A Cheadle Heath Nomads
4. Sat.20.7.24 3pm A Warrington Town
5. Tue.23.7.24 7.45pm H SALFORD CITY
6. Sat.27.7.24 3pm A Chester FC
7. Tue.30.7.24 7.45pm A Curzon Ashton
8. Sat.3.8.24 3pm H BRADFORD CITY

BARRY BUTLER R.I.P.

"The passing of Barry Butler, at just 62, has shocked and saddened Altrincham fans who watched him play for the Robins in the mid-1990s.

Barry succumbed to Alzheimer’s dementia... and spent the final years of his life in a nursing home...

He played the majority of his appearances for John King and Graham Heathcote at centre-half but was also an effective holding midfielder and played the destroyer role, alongside skipper, Mick Carmody, in the FA Cup 3rd Round defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane in 1995.

Barry was a hugely dependable footballer, rarely grabbing the headlines, but performing with a remarkably high consistency level.

He was a tough, uncompromising, but very fair player...

A window cleaner, by trade, Barry was an uncomplicated man and footballer....

Details of Barry’s funeral will be advised, once known and everyone at Altrincham Football Club wishes to offer sincere condolences to Barry’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Left: Dior Angus

AFC Telford United "confirm the signing of our second new face of the summer, with striker DIOR ANGUS putting pen to paper on a deal for the 2024/25 season.

Coventry-born Dior spent last season in the National League with Altrincham and admitted that Telford’s reputation, the lure of playing for Kevin Wilkin, and the prospect of helping the club regain a position at Step 2 were all factors in his opting to come aboard, taking a drop of two divisions...

Right: Montel Gibson

His father, Terry, played as a defender in the EFL with Northampton Town and Fulham and was a teammate of Bucks manager Kevin Wilkin during his time with the Cobblers in the early 1990s.

But Dior will not be playing alongside MONTEL GIBSON as AFC Telford United inform us that "After discussions with manager Kevin Wilkin, we can confirm that Montel Gibson, last season’s top scorer, will leave the club.

Montel has received an offer to play at Step 2, and although Kevin was interested in retaining Montel, the striker’s desire to play at a higher level meant that keeping him at the SEAH Stadium ultimately proved unworkable.

Kevin emphasised that 'I don’t feel any bridges have been burnt, which leaves the door open for us to work together in the future'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Last season, the shot-stopper recorded ten clean sheets in 29 appearances in National League action alone.

The 6ft 5ins goalkeeper rose through the ranks of MK Dons’ academy before earning a move to Cambridge United in 2009.

The 34-year-old recorded notable spells with the likes of Kettering Town, Hemel Hempstead Town, Oxford City and Brackley Town.

Walker arrives at Solihull with a wealth of EFL experiences after representing the likes of Stevenage and Oldham Athletic...

Walker said 'I’m made up, it’s a great Club... who are looking to be on the up!'"

Tamworth "welcome experienced central defender Haydn Hollis, who joins from Dorking Wanderers. Haydn has spent most of his footballing career playing at League 1, League 2 and National League level...

31-year-old Haydn began his football career with Notts County... Following a loan spell with Barrow, he made his full debut for County in January of 2012. After loans at Hinkley United and Darlington FC, Haydn became a regular feature for Notts County and went on to make 117 appearances...

He joined Forest Green Rovers, before moving to Chesterfield on loan, which subsequently became permanent... He joined Ebbsfleet at the start of the 2022/23 season... Haydn moved to Dorking Wanderers in November."

The unofficial Gloverscast tells us that "Signing number five of the window is through the Huish Park doors, as Yeovil Town sign former Hampton & Richmond fullback, Jordan Thomas (23) on a 2-year deal... after playing for a couple clubs after leaving Norwich City.

In his short career, Thomas has had a stint of football in the National League Premier, with Barnet, where the right back made 27 appearances for the Bees’ in 2 seasons, joining the club following his release from Norwich...

So far this season, we have signed young, hungry players who have a desire to improve and help the team. At 23, Jordan Thomas has played a good amount of senior football, including an appearance in the Premier League, against Man City but is of an age where he has plenty of room to develop and grown....

Mark Cooper asks a lot of his fullbacks to get forward and be involved in our offensive style, especially the right sided full back. This is certainly one of the strongest parts to Thomas’ game... I think the strongest part to his game is probably his dribbling".

Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of energetic midfielder Cameron Hargreaves!

Hargreaves recently left King's Lynn Town and has signed a one-year deal with the Shots. The midfielder came through the youth ranks at Exeter City before joining Bristol Rovers where he made 20 Football League appearances.

He gained loan experience with Hungerford and Chippenham before joining Kings Lynn towards the end of the 21/22 season" where Shots' boss Tommy Widdrington previously worked with him.

Widdrington said, “I know one or two people will say ‘another one he knows from previous club(s)’ but to be honest it goes straight over my head! Cameron, primarily a central midfielder, brings qualities to this group we simply didn’t show enough of last season; his energy and fitness levels will be second to none whilst his hunger and desire are exactly the ingredients we feel we need to add to some of the genuine technical ability we already have at our disposal.”

The Bristol Post adds that "Former Bristol Rovers director of football and interim manager Tommy Widdrington has reunited with ex-Gas midfielder Cameron Hargreaves at Aldershot Town with the duo also working together at King's Lynn Town.

Hargreaves, son of former Rovers under-21s manager and Yeovil Town boss Chris, made 36 appearances for the Gas first team... The now-25-year-old featured briefly for Rovers in two of the three matches Widdrington took caretaker charge of during the 2020/21 season... before going out on loan to... King's Lynn... and then joining... on a free transfer two summers ago.

Both the loan deal and permanent transfer to King's Lynn saw Hargreaves work with Widdrington who became manager at the Walks Stadium in December 2021 following his departure from the Gas. The 52-year-old resigned in April 2023 to become Aldershot manager".

CONN-CLARKE REMAINS AN ALTY FAN

Right: A damp Chris Conn-Clarke on his Altrincham debut, on loan, in February 2022.

Peterborough club chairman Darragh MacAnthony later confirmed on X that Conn-Clarke had been sold for a 'high six figure sum'...

Peterborough will be hoping that Conn-Clarke will help them push on to promotion to the Championship next season, having fallen at the play-off stage in the season just gone...

Conn-Clarke himself penned a heartfelt goodbye letter to Robins fans, saying 'It’ll be the first result I look for after my games".

He said 'I want to say thank you to everyone involved at this brilliant club from the top to the bottom. Everyone has been a pleasure to work with, from the board all the way to the fans. Thanks to the Gaffer for believing, trusting and giving me the platform and guidance to perform each week.

'A big thanks to Sorvs and the rest of the staff for giving me all the support I’ve needed to keep improving day in day out...

'To the fans you have been amazing this season and it’s been a joy to play in front of you all, I will always be an Alty fan. Now it’ll be the first result I look for after my games.

'Me and my family have been made to feel part of the Altrincham family and I can only thank everyone involved who helps support me on and off the pitch. It really is a special place, Up the Robins!'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 18-year-old who made his debut at the age of 17 as a substitute in our final home game of the 22/23 season against Sutton Utd went on to make 34 appearances for us in the National League last season.

George signs a 4-year contract at Peterborough and we all look forward to watching his career develop at the heart of their defence in League One.

Manager Jim McNulty commented... 'From the moment we started working with George, he has been a pleasure to coach, with a brilliant desire to improve and learn, and a belief in our relationship to provide him with that platform to display his abilities'".

At Tamworth "With Kai William and Munashe Sundire committing to the Lambs for the new season, it is time to update the squad list for the 2024/25 season:

• Jas Sing[h], Matt Curley, Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Jamie Willetts, Kenny Digie, Ben Milnes, Tom McGlinchey, Alex Fletcher, Munashe Sundire, Kai Lissimore, Tom Tonks, Bek-Ray Anoru, Kai Williams, Kyle Finn, Dan Creaney, Miracle Okafor

A few minutes later, Tamworth added that "Dempsey Arlott-John has decided to move on from the Lambs after spending last season at the club. He joined after a successful trial period in July, having previously been at Leicester City, Shepshed, Ilkeston and Harborough Town. Dempsey played 29 times for the club scoring 1 goal...

Andy Peaks commented, 'Dempsey has been great for the club but he has had limited opportunities and wants to move on and develop his career. He fitted in really well at the club and was well liked by the team. He made some good contributions but was limited by injuries towards the back end of the season. I have looked at the situation and his opportunities were probably going to be limited with new players coming in, so he has decided to move on to pastures new where he can get more minutes and build his career'...

There is lots of work going on at the Lamb at the moment with Andy still in discussions with current and new players he wants to bring in. Hopefully we will be able to update fans later in the week with more signings for the new season".

The Chronicle Live claims that "Gateshead FC chairman Neil Pinkerton wrote in an open letter to fans that... Gateshead FC is considering a move away from the International Stadium to avoid a repeat of the situation that saw the club denied a shot at promotion to the English Football League (EFL)...

In an open letter to fans, chairman Neil Pinkerton has now said that the club is 'working tirelessly' to ensure that fans, players, and staff are not left disappointed again by a promotion bid derailed by the stadium questions – and revealed that a “plan B” is being developed for a move to another ground...

He wrote that the... League was working with the EFL to change its entry qualifications 'in the very near future'.

Mr Pinkerton added 'The Board are working tirelessly to ensure that we will never be in that situation again, and we are working with Gateshead Council to ensure that any new criteria would be acceptable to them. We are also working on a plan B, which could see a move away from Gateshead International Stadium, but would ensure that our club, players, supporters and fans alike would be able to be part of a club that should we reach promotion in the future, we would be eligible.'”

18 June 2024

THE INEVITABLE HAPPENS: CCC DEPARTS

In the words of press and media officer, John Edwards, "Chris Conn-Clarke has landed the chance to relaunch his career in the Football League after Peterborough United won the race to sign him by agreeing to pay Altrincham an undisclosed club record fee....

The 22-year old was given permission to visit London Road, and after talks over personal terms were successfully concluded, he put pen to paper to become a Peterborough player.

'Thanks to the gaffer for believing in me, trusting and giving me the platform and guidance to perform each week,' Chris said. 'A big thanks to Sorvs and the rest of the staff for giving me all the support. To my team-mates for sticking by me and giving me the best chance to help the team and to the amazing fans, you've been a joy to play in front of.'...

'It's a very proud moment for myself, the outgoing Rob Esteva, Neil and all the staff who are all involved with the development of a player, to see them move on to bigger and better things,' said manager Phil Parkinson. 'The club will get a decent fee and be recognised as a place that helps people develop, get back on track and progress. Everyone wins, exactly how it should be. Good luck CCC, another one off the conveyor belt'...

Co-Chairman Lawrence Looney admitted it was always likely to be a losing battle, as he said... 'We would loved to have kept him, but the downside of having a player who lights up the stadium to the extent that Chris did last season is that it tends to get noticed. The list of clubs showing an interest in him as the season wore on grew longer and longer, and it soon became clear there was likely to be only one outcome.

'We were adamant he would not be allowed to leave on the cheap. We set a valuation that was fair and reasonable, and I think clubs began to realise we meant what we said. To be fair to Chris, he fully understood our stance, which spoke volumes for him and gave an indication of how much he enjoyed and valued his time with us'".

CCC AT ALTY

He first joined Altrincham on a one-month loan from Fleetwood Town on 3 February 2022. However, after he had made a promising Altrincham debut, in a no.10 role, on 5 February 2022 against Woking, early in his second game, at King's Lynn, a foul tackle led to his being stretchered off. The extent of the injury meant that his loan was curtailed, as was announced on 15 February 2022.

Chris's return to Alty, on a second loan from Fleetwood Town, was announced on 21 July 2022. His skill as a number ten was again demonstrated in 2022-23 season. He became an ever-present and was the club's leading scorer with ten goals (9 in the league) when his loan was terminated after the match against Boreham Wood on 28 January 2023.

Rather than give Chris a chance to compete for a first-team place at Fleetwood, he was loaned out to Waterford, the now gaoled owner's club in Ireland, where he had a relatively undistinguished, and certainly unhappy, time.

His third arrival at Altrincham was announced on 16 June 2023, for what was a club record, but undisclosed, transfer fee, on the termination of his contract at Fleetwood.

His career had started out at Linfield and then Glentoran in his native Northern Ireland before he joined Burnley in 2018. He played twice during a loan spell with Chorley from October 2020 before joining Fleetwood Town in February 2021.

He made his EFL debut for Fleetwood in September 2021 and has played for Northern Ireland's under 17s, 19s and 21s.

2023-24 saw him score 23 league goals, provide 12 assists and sweep the board at the Player of the Season awards.

In total his appearances for Altrincham comprised 79(+5) in which he scored 33 goals

POSH DELIGHTED TO CAPTURE CHRIS

Following confirmation of the signing, Posh boss Darren Ferguson was delighted to get the deal over the line and is excited to have the player on board for the new campaign. 'Chris is a player we have liked for a while and, despite having to fight off a lot of interest from elsewhere, we are pleased to have secured his services for the new campaign. He has all the attributes to step up to League One level after a fantastic season in the National League and I’m sure he will be a brilliant acquisition for the Club. I’m looking forward to working with him'...

Conn-Clarke added, “I spoke to the manager; he gave me a fantastic presentation on how he sees me fitting into the team and why he wanted to bring me to the Club. Once I’ve completed pre-season, I’ll set my targets for goals & assists and try to hit them but really I want to stamp my authority on the team and hope the fans enjoy watching what I do.

“You can see what this football club does with young players, they make them better, and that’s what I want. The manager loves working with young players and being here gives me the best chance to improve myself and kick on further.

“I had an amazing time at Altrincham but unfortunately, we didn’t quite get over the line losing in the National League play-off semi-finals. But I’m fully focused on doing all I can to achieve my goals here at Peterborough United and can’t wait to get going.”

PP SALUTES CCC

It’s a very proud moment for myself, the outgoing Rob Esteva, Neil and all the staff who are all involved with the recruitment and development of a player...

All Chris has needed is a manager who was willing to build a team around him. Once he had the structure and the belief was back, his ability was there for everyone to see...

He secured his move to the perfect team who have a track record of developing young non-league players and moving them on again.

The club will get a decent fee and be recognised as a place that helps people develop, get back on track and progress. Everyone wins, exactly how it should be".

ALTY OLD BOYS

We would like to thank Michael for all his efforts whilst at the Club and wish him well in the future.

A further statement will be issued regarding our First Team management in due course".

Footnote: Although not an Alty player, Clegg did work for Phil Parkinson as a scout between managing Atherton Collieries and Warrington Rylands.

CHESHIRE NEWS: SAVAGE BECOMES MACC BOSS

As a result of achieving two promotions as well as reaching a play-off final and Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final within the Club’s first three years, it came as no surprise when Robbie was offered a senior role elsewhere recently.

Robbie subsequently agonised over this on numerous levels as it would have meant him relinquishing his role at Macclesfield FC – in addition to his shareholding.

This was something which the Board was not prepared to let happen and it was unanimously decided that Robbie should be given the chance to prove himself here at Macclesfield FC as he launches his coaching career with us.

Ahead of a campaign where we simply cannot fail, Robbie will now be accountable for all First Team affairs and judged solely on results.

To support him, Robbie has brought [ex-Alty man] PETER BAND back to the Club as Assistant Manager.

Peter boasts over 1000 games worth of experience at these levels and this will be invaluable to us going forward.

In addition, Emile Heskey has been given a position-specific role as and when required.

A First Team Coach will be appointed in due course...

We would also like to reiterate our thanks to Michael Clegg in assembling what he himself has termed 'a fantastic group' within which he played a such a vital part".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The talented midfielder, similar in style to the departing Ashley Nathaniel-George, dazzled for Wingate & Finchley at step three last season, scoring 17 goals and laying on seven assists in 30 games as the side finished fourth in the table.

Having finished in the play-offs, they were beaten at the semi-final stage... However, Carvalho had a splendid season for the team... His performances last season saw him collect the supporters’ player of the year award and also finish joint top scorer for Wingate & Finchley.

Nicknamed 'The Non-League Neymar' on social media by UrFreshTVSport, this is an exciting signing by the Magpies, who've already bolstered their defence with the addition of Tyrese Dyce from Slough Town.

However, several key players from last season are set to move on including Ashley Nathaniel-George, Zico Asare, Sam Beckwith and Charlee Adams...

Carvalho said... 'The pitch (York Road) looks pretty big and I’m excited to bring some entertainment to the club and some success. I can’t wait to get going'...

With Dyce and Carvalho having agreed terms the club will likely be looking to add two or three more names to the squad before the campaign gets under way on August 10".

Dagenham & Redbridge report that "Work on the pitch has continued over the past few weeks, with the surface starting to take shape as the start of our pre-season campaign approaches!

Since the last update... the pitch has been seeded.

The ground staff will then be re-seeding any areas requiring extra attention.

Once the seeding has finished, a few cuts will be required before the pitch is lined, and then the Chigwell Construction Stadium will be ready for the start of pre-season".

Southend's Echo News confirms that "Callum Powell has joined Braintree Town from Southend United.

Powell, who has been with Blues since January 2022, had been expected to join Barnet upon leaving Roots Hall.

But the striker has now completed a switch to the Iron who were promoted from National League South last season.

Writing on social media, Powell said 'To all you Shrimpers. First of all I want to thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support through a rollercoaster two and a half years....

'However, it is now the right time for me to move on.

'I wish you all nothing but the best and I am really excited for the next chapter in my career.'

Powell scored 12 goals in 74 appearances for Blues".

17 June 2024

CCC: WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES

Roll forward a year to 17 June 2024 and respected north-west sports journalist Stephen Killen reports that "Altrincham striker Chris Conn-Clarke will have a medical this afternoon ahead of a move to League One side Peterborough United." And it would seem likely that this time CCC will be setting another club record, for an incoming transfer fee on this occasion.

19 DAYS TO GO

That match was arranged as part of the deal which brought forward Luke Weaver to the J. Davidson Stadium.

The full schedule comprises...

• Sat. 6 July: Colne (A) 3pm
• Tue.16.7.24 Cheadle Heath Nomads (A) 7.45pm
• Sat. 20 July: Warrington Town (A) 3pm
• Tue. 23 July: Salford City (H) 7:45pm
• Sat. 27 July: Chester FC (A) 3pm
• Tue. 30 July: Curzon Ashton (A) 7.45pm
• Sat. 3 Aug: Bradford City (H) 3pm

Tickets for the two home friendlies are available for purchase here.

Supporters are reminded that this year the pre-season games are not free to season-ticket holders.

CONN-CLARKE "TO JOIN POSH FOR £350,000"

A fee in the region of £350,000 has been agreed between the Non-League side and Peterborough United...

The playmaker scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists for the football club, finishing the 2023/24 season as the highest goal provider within the National League.

In terms of his in-depth statistics, Conn-Clarke averaged 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes for Altrincham as well as 3.8 shots on goal and 4.5 successful dribbles within each match for Phil Parkinson’s side, proving to be a dangerous player in the final third for his side as they secured a top seven finish.

Peterborough have lost Ephron Mason-Clark to Championship side Coventry City...

Conn-Clarke can operate as a left winger or as a number ten, which adds further versatility to the League One side’s attacking options next season".

OLD BOYS

The hugely popular striker, 32, scored 98 goals in 203 appearances for The Blues...

Clitheroe triggered a one-year extension to Gonzales's contract but the fprmer Stockport County, Altrincham, FC United and South Shields front man has requested its termination to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

A club statement read, 'Sefton felt a new beginning and opportunity is his preferred option as he looks to continue his career in pastures new'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Louis has been a key contributor to the club's success in recent years but actually made his senior debut for us back in the 2013-14 season and before that came through our youth system...

He was a member of the 2015-16 National League South championship squad, and played for us for two years at National League level...

In summer 2018 he earned his chance in the Football League with Cambridge United, and spent just over a season at the Abbey Stadium before returning to Sutton on loan in November 2019... The move was subsequently made permanent, and he became a key member of the side that won promotion to the Football League in 2021...

Craig joined us at the start of last season after making over 200 appearances for Leyton Orient, and made 35 league and cup appearances for us during the season, scoring his only goal in the 5-3 defeat at Swindon".

16 June 2024

ALTY'S MATURING SQUAD

However, that is where the similarity ends as the 17 players on the books this time last year (listed below) collectively had made 563 starts for the club. Their numbers included four players who had yet to make their Altrincham debut. Of that quartet, only Lewis Banks established himself, the other three (Dior Angus, Joey Jones, and Sam Roscoe) having now been released or chosen to leave this summer.

Right: Lewis Baines ended 2023-24 season captaining Altrincham.

In mid-June 2023 the squad comprised...

1. Dior ANGUS 0
2. Lewis BAINES 38(+1)
3. Lewis BANKS 0
4. Liam BROCKBANK 4(+2)
5. Oliver BYRNE 44
6. Chris CONN-CLARKE 33(+1)
7. Jake COOPER 23(+4)
8. Owen GERMAN 1(+1)
9. Matthew GOULD 18
10. Eddy JONES [right] 61(+1)
11. James JONES 154(+8)
12. Joey JONES 0
13. Matty KOSYLO 62(+8)
14. Regan LINNEY 15(+5)
15. Isaac MARRIOTT 52(+3)
16. Elliot OSBORNE 58(+12)
17. Sam ROSCOE 0

Eleven of the above seventeen players remain contracted for 2024-25.

This summer's seventeen squad members, to date, have 849 Altrincham starts to their names, some 50% more than in mid-June 2023, indicating a squad which is both more experienced in playing under the Alty management team, and with each other, than was the case last year.

And with several experienced players returning in pre-season to stake their claims to new contracts, that difference could be accentuated further.

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

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, 0 appearances

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In a public letter, Southend-on-Sea City Council leader, Daniel Cowan, said plans for hundreds of new homes at Fossetts Farm, to the east of the city, were not in the authority's or taxpayers' interest and should not proceed.

The Labour leader gave developer Citizen Housing until 21 June to respond to new proposals that the council believed were financially viable and did not put public money at risk.

Tony Cox, leader of the Conservative group and previous council leader, said... 'The statement appears to be in direct contradiction to the leader's statement last week and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with officers on Monday'...

The Custodians of Southend United (COSU), the consortium that planned to take over the football club... led by Australian businessman Justin Rees exchanged contracts with long-time owner Ron Martin in December, but the takeover has still not been completed.

Mr Martin had planned on moving the club to a new stadium, to be built at Fossetts Farm, while the prospective buyers wanted to renovate its existing home at Roots Hall.

It was proposed that up to 1,300 homes could be built on the land at Fossetts Farm, which could see £20m in funds released for the stadium improvements.

COSU warned recently it 'cannot see a path forward without' the property deal. In the letter, Mr Cowan wrote 'We have also made it clear our involvement is contingent on COSU acquiring the club. In short, if COSU walk, so will we and we will not return for future negotiations'...

The councillor added 'The terms we have set out are workable, achievable and deliver on the aims and demands of COSU and the council. This may feel like a negative update but I believe this is the most positive to date. No more time will be spent on unworkable schemes and a scheme that can work is now on the table to be considered by the current owners of the football club.'"

Boston United "have swooped to sign experienced striker Adam Marriott from EFL new boys Bromley. The 33-year-old will officially link up with the Pilgrims on July 1...

Marriott, who played for the Pilgrims in 2018, subsequently returned on loan last season and made six appearances in February and March...

He is now back in amber and black for a third time to spearhead the Pilgrims' assault on the National League.

Also at Boston United "striker Jimmy Knowles is poised to move into the EFL with Accrington Stanley.

The 22-year-old, who scored 20 goals for the Pilgrims as the club won promotion from National League North in May, will link up with the northwest outfit, subject to final compensation being agreed.

Knowles arrived at the Jakemans Community Stadium in the summer of 2023... He will join forces with fellow former Pilgrim Kelsey Mooney, who completed his own move to the Wham Stadium earlier in the summer".

Meanwhile, Barnet "and London Bees are pleased to announce initial details about our upcoming ‘Community Fun Day’ which will take place on Saturday 13th July...

You will have the chance to get photos and signatures from your favourite Barnet FC and London Bees players, as well as see a live street dance performance from Kidology and live music from DJ Ronnie.

World football freestyler, Leon Vizan will also be in attendance, giving a live freestyle performance....

Bees members, gym members, and season ticket holders will all be entitled to a FREE burger and soft drink. There will also be candy floss available by Crazy Cotton.

The Affiliates Cup football tournament will also be taking place again this year as U9’s and U10’s football clubs battle it out to be crowned this year’s champions.

Be the first to see our brand new stadium renovations, as The Hive Stadium tours will also be available throughout the day".

15 June 2024

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY TICKETS

Our opening home game of the summer sees Salford City visit on Tuesday, July 23rd for a 7:45pm kick-off...

We then round off our summer home schedule on Saturday, August 3rd with a game against Bradford City - kick-off 3pm...

General admission for the friendlies has been set at £12 over-18s and £5 under-18s.

• Tickets for the Salford City game are available here.
• Tickets for the Bradford City game are available here.

*A gentle reminder that season ticket holders no longer receive free entry to friendly games at the J.Davidson Stadium.

We are also offering a hospitality option in the John King Lounge (formerly the Sponsors' Lounge) priced at £30 - including a match ticket, delicious pre-match food, a private cash bar, reserved seating and exclusive post-match player reaction...

We've also received full ticket info from Chester regarding our friendly at the Deva Stadium on Saturday, July 27th - kick-off 3pm...

For this friendly we've been given the whole West Stand.

Online tickets [are] available here priced £10 adults, £8 concessions, £5 18-21s, £3 12-17s & FREE under-12s with a paying adult.

Admission will also be available on the day - contactless payments at the turnstiles and cash purchases at the Deva Stadium ticket office".

ALTY SEEK FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

"We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to take on the pivotal role of Finance Administrator. This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the heart of our club's financial operations, contributing significantly to our success both on and off the field.

As Finance Administrator, you will oversee the day-to-day management of our finance department, ensuring that our financial operations run smoothly and efficiently. Your role will cover a broad spectrum of responsibilities, from managing financial transactions and overseeing payroll, to budgeting, cost control, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations".

For full details, please follow the above link.

FA CUP AND TROPHY DATES

• FA Cup Fourth qualifying Round: Saturday, November 2.
• FA Trophy Third Round: Saturday, December 7.

Other date of interest are:

• National League Fixtures release date: Wednesday, 10th July
• National League opening games of 2024-25: Saturday, 10th August

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

PK joins the Daggers with a wealth of experience in the EFL for Wimbledon, making 117 appearances for The Dons... Kalambayi joined the academy at League Two club AFC Wimbledon in 2015. Despite being age 16... he was rewarded his first professional contract in February 2016.

Paul received his first minutes of senior football in an EFL Trophy group stage match... during the 17-18 season and spent a month on loan at Isthmian League Premier Division club Tonbridge Angels... and his EFL debut came with a start in a 2–1 defeat to Portsmouth on New Year's Day 2019. Kalambayi made 19 appearances during the 2018–19 season...

PK made 32 appearances and scored two goals during the 2022–23 season, before suffering an injury in March. He... and ended the 2023–24 season with seven appearances".

MK Dons announce the appointment of [Gateshead's] Carl Magnay as First Team Coach.

The 35-year-old joins Ian Watson, Chris Bell and Erbil Bozkurt as part of [former Heed manager] Mike Williamson's staff, having previously worked as First Team Coach at Gateshead.

While in West London the defender would enjoy his first loan spell away from Stamford Bridge at Stadium MK, playing for Roberto Di Matteo's MK Dons side in 2009.

Magnay would spend five years at Chelsea, enjoying another loan with Northampton, before spells at Gateshead, Grimsby Town, Hartlepool and Spennymoor.

The defender would eventually return to Gateshead, taking up the position of First Team Coach in 2023 after an ACL ended his playing career.

Magnay spent much of last season working with Gateshead boss Rob Elliot, overseeing more than 30 games as his assistant...

Magnay said... 'It's a fantastic opportunity for me after finishing playing in October. With Mike and Ian leaving Gateshead I stepped in to the First Team Coach role there and worked with a great group of lads. It was a great learning curve and I really grew into confidence in the role...

'I'm working with people that I know really well and that's that's hugely important, to have an environment that you're happy working in. Me, Mike and Ian are very much aligned'".

Sutton United "Centre-back Tyler French is the latest addition to Steve Morison's squad for the 2024-25 season... following the expiry of his contract at Scottish Premiership club Dundee.

Originally from Suffolk, 25-year-old Tyler spent his youth career with local clubs and played at senior level for AFC Sudbury before signing a professional contract with Bradford City in May 2019. He spent nearly two years at Valley Parade, making sixteen senior appearances as well as having a loan spell with AFC Fylde during the 2019-20 season.

After leaving Bradford in January 2021 he joined Wrexham and was a regular in their team until moving north to Dundee in the summer of 2022... He spent last season on loan with Championship side Greenock Morton where he was a first team regular...

Steve Morison said... 'He is everything we've been looking for in a centre-back, fast, mobile and a good size to compete. He has great versatility as well as he has also played a number of games at right back so can cover that position if needed'".

Aaron Jarvis has joined Yeovil Town on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old forward arrives at Huish Park after departing Torquay United at the end of last season.

Born in Basingstoke, Jarvis came through the academy at his hometown club... He moved to League Two side Luton Town for an undisclosed fee. During his two seasons at Kenilworth Road, Jarvis made 14 appearances and scored twice as Luton earned promotion from League Two to League One. He also had loan spells at Boreham Wood and Falkirk.

Following the conclusion of his contract with Luton Town, Jarvis signed with National League club Sutton United. He made 27 appearances for the Us and also spent time on loan at Hemel Hempstead Town...

At the end of the 2019/20 season, Jarvis stepped back up to the Football League by signing a two-year deal with Scunthorpe United. Over two seasons, he made 38 appearances for the Iron before moving to Torquay United... on 1 July 2022."

At Ebbsfleet United, "Experienced defender Louis John is the latest addition to Danny Searle’s Fleet squad as the centre-back arrives at the Kuflink Stadium after spending several seasons in League Two with Sutton United.

The 30-year-old ends a long association with Sutton... and helped the Surrey side to the National League South title in 2015/16... In a standout season in 2017/18, John helped steer Sutton to third place and a National League play-off berth before his form earned him a move into League Two with Cambridge United.

The Croydon-born defender played more than 20 times for the U’s before rejoining Sutton... scoring a goal on the day his side clinched the league.

In all, John has turned out more than 250 times for Sutton, scoring 13 times in a career that has seen him win two league titles...

And it won’t be the 6ft 2in defender’s first taste of the Fleet either as he had a short loan spell at the club back in November 2016, making two appearances in that promotion season... He has also featured on loan for the likes of Hemel Hempstead Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough in his younger days.

The Fleet’s latest signing told FleetTV... 'I like to think I’m a leader and can set an example from the back, dominant in the air too, but most of all I like to keep that ball out of the back of the net.'”

14 June 2024

TOMMY BANKS R.I.P.

Banks made 61 appearances for Altrincham between 1961 and 1963.

Terry Rowley's profile of Tommy in the Alty Legends series adds that "He was one of only a handful of players to have played for Altrincham who was a full England International.

Tommy, by all accounts was a fine all-round footballer and unlike many 'rugged' defenders of his day, he could control the ball accurately with either foot. He was quick and would have probably played as a wing-back in the modern game. His reputation, though, was as a 'hard man' and as the scourge of wingers throughout the League. Jimmy Greaves described the Bolton Wanderers team of the Fifties like this:

'When I first came into the game at Chelsea, Bolton were the team everybody feared for their sheer brute force. Their England full-back Tommy Banks used to say to our winger Peter Brabrook "If thou tries to get past me today, lad, thou will get gravel rash".

His career reached its peak in 1958, when he won the first of six full England caps in the run-up to the World Cup Finals in Sweden. In that same year Banks was also the subject of an inquiry from Manchester United, who were rebuilding in the aftermath of the Munich air disaster...

In 1961 he joined Altrincham at the same time as another ex-England International (Ernie Taylor) and continued displaying the same whole-hearted commitment in the Cheshire League that had made him an England international with Bolton. After two seasons at Moss Lane Tommy Banks moved on to Bangor City".

"THE BATTLE OF ALTRINCHAM"

The episode, which is entitled the "Battle of Altrincham" is available on You Tube.

SUPPORT JOSEPH'S CHALLENGE"

Joseph explains on his GoFundMe page that "I am 21 years old and I have decided to take on a challenge to run 100k to try to raise £100K for a Disability Sports and Youth Club programme. I am going to try and run 10x10Ks in 10 European countries across 5 days (maximum 7)...

I don't know if I can do it but I am going to try my best. My family are going to run with me (if they can keep up!!) and I am going to finish on 1 September 2024 in the Altrincham 10K race when I hope some of my friends will also join in. Then I am going to celebrate with a beer!!"

Phil Adams, Joseph's Dad explains that "We came up with Joseph's Challenge "No Limits" because we want to raise money for a disability sports programme but we also want to break down preconceptions about what people with Special Needs can achieve.

When Joseph was born he spent three weeks in special care with breathing difficulties and didn't walk until he was nearly three. We were told and read about all the things a person with Down Syndrome couldn't do but with the help of Joseph's three sisters, we decided to have no limits and see what he could do and Joseph has gone on to surprise us ever since.

He is an accomplished sportsman across swimming, tennis, football, cricket and rugby so we figured none of those would make a great challenge!! He hates running so, instead, with Joseph we came up with this challenge because we want to break down boundaries and also raise a lot of money to fund a sports programme across the local area including some of the most economically disadvantaged parts of Manchester".

To add to Joseph's fundraising, which already tops £60,000, with more than £40,000 in additional funds also pledged, please visit his GoFundMe page here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Rowe made 27 appearances for the Shots last season and scored once to complete a brilliant comeback in the 14th minute of added time in a 3-2 win over Bromley.

We’d like to wish Coby all the best for the future and thank him for his efforts with the Shots".

The Deck reports that "Braintree Town have confirmed a plethora of new signings as their preparations for the 2024/25 National League season continue under manager Angelo Harrop...

Dagenham’s Inih Effiong, Colchester’s Marley Marshall-Miranda, Eastleigh’s George Langston and York’s Finlay Barnes have all joined the National League side ahead of their returning season in the English fifth tier...

{Effiong], the 33-year-old, signed for the club on Wednesday off the back of an impressive season for Dagenham & Redbridge last season. Effiong bagged a total of 16 goals for the East London club last season but with talks breaking down between the player and club on a new deal, it is Braintree Town where the striker will be plying his trade next season...

Effiong will be looking to form a strong partnership with the impressive young striker Kyrell Lisbie who signed for Braintree earlier this month...

Earlier [The Iron] confirmed the signings of George Langston and Marley Marshall-Miranda from Eastleigh and Colchester respectively and have also landed York’s Finlay Barnes on a free transfer.

Langston... made 43 appearances at centre half for Eastleigh last season... a real leader despite his youthful twenty-one years of age...

Midfielder Marley Marshall-Miranda [has also joined] following his release from Colchester United. Miranda started his youth career in the Spanish leagues having been born in Madrid but joined Colchester United in 2016...

The midfielder found game-time hard to come by, having made twenty league appearances during his five years at Colchester... The midfielder described himself as a 'front-foot midfielder' who likes to win the ball back and 'make big tackles'.

Barnes joined York from Leiston last summer and spent the majority of the 2023/24 campaign with sixth-tier sides Darlington and Scarborough Athletic".

Barnet "announce that midfielder Mark Shelton has agreed to join the Club.

Shelton will join The Bees having spent the previous two seasons at National League side Oldham Athletic. The 27-year-old made 35 appearances for The Latics, scoring twice.

The midfielder came through the ranks at Burton Albion before having spells at Ilkeston and Alfreton Town. Shelton then played a crucial role in helping Salford achieve back-to-back promotions from the National League North to the Football League.

A move to Hartlepool United followed where Shelton would spend the next four seasons... After making over 100 appearances for Hartlepool, Shelton made the move to Oldham Athletic...

Barnet FC Manager Dean Brennan added... 'We tried to sign Shelts several times last season. He’s a player that I have admired for a long time. He’s a great character, hugely experienced and his mentality & attributes will help upgrade our midfield.'”

ROSCOE'S RETURN TO LINFIELD CONFIRMED

Altrincham FC has confirmed the defender's "return to NIFL Premiership side Linfield...

The 25-year-old previously enjoyed two years at Linfield between 2021 and 2023, with this summer's move on undisclosed terms coming ahead of the club's UEFA Conference League campaign".

Manager Phil Parkinson said that "Sam's been a true professional and he's been extremely unlucky with the form of Lewis Baines. It's come to a crossroads where Sam needs to play and we can't offer him that week in, week out.

We've all taken the choice that best suits Sam's career at this point and it was important when Linfield showed interest that we didn't put any barriers in place for Sam. He leaves with our best wishes".

The Belfast Telegraph reports that "The 25-year-old was one of several departures from the Blues in the summer of 2023 after David Healy’s side were denied a fifth consecutive title by Larne.

Healy stated 'We're delighted to once again welcome Sam back to Belfast and Windsor Park. Sam is going to bring more good experience into the dressing room and is a player a lot of our fans and players are familiar with already.

'He knows what it takes to play for a club like Linfield having won trophies with the club before. A strong defence is critical in the pursuit of trophies and I look forward to seeing Sam back out on the Windsor Park pitch.'"

"MOONS" JOINS PILGRIMS

The creative player will officially link up with the Pilgrims on July 1 following the expiry of his contract at National League rivals Altrincham.

Mooney holds the distinction of scoring the last-ever goal at York Street, with Altrincham winning the National League North promotion final, behind-closed-doors, in August 2020.

The 24 year-old has since split his playing time between Altrincham and Southend United...

Mooney becomes the third arrival of the summer following in the footsteps of midfielder Frankie Maguire and defender Kieran Coates".

Footnote: Mooney first arrived at Altrincham from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee, a signing unveiled on 4 February 2020.

His 2020-21 season was disrupted by injury and made just 13 starts and ten Altrincham appearances from the bench. 2021-22 promised to be better as he completed seven of the first ten fixtures but after that he failed to play for 90 minutes in any of the next 19 league fixtures.

Mooney surprisingly decided to move sideways to another National League club, Southend United, a move announced on 26 May 2022. However, he did not settle at the troubled club and was announced as a permanent re-signing on 22 December 2023.

On his return he played mainly as a substitute, coming off the bench. Dan was released in summer 2024.

His appearances totalled 63(+23) and he scored 19 goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'Tyler will be leaving in the next couple of days to go out on loan,' Uggla confirmed... 'He is probably far too good for this level. He should be playing much higher. For whatever reason it hasn’t worked out. For us we don’t want to cut ties completely because he is still a fantastic player.

'He has to go out and prove it for a season that he can do it for a season. If you look at the season he had before he came to us at Aldershot, he was absolutely fantastic... For a variety of different reasons, he hasn’t really kicked on here...

'For Callum [Harriott], he has been injured but he has had a very good career if you look back on it... If you can get him fit and firing, he is probably the best winger in this whole league. It’s just a big if of - can he?...

'It’s a make or break season for him....He would be like a brand new signing, it’s just a question of can he keep himself fit'.

Uggla also confirmed that in order for new faces to join the club, that players will also have to leave, with 33 players contracted to the first-team as of right now. ..

'I think you will get quite a few outgoings from now to when the season starts. There are a few that are pretty imminent... On incomings, there’s one that’s already agreed to come in [Alex Hunt] then there are probably two, maybe three, depending on how many we can get out so they can come in, but there’s only one who is certain at this time'

Uggla would go on to discuss the recent addition of striker Ollie Pearce, who previously worked with Hinshelwood and netted an incredible 43 goals in 46 matches for Worthing last season...

Uggla enthused 'The jump from that league to this league is a big one... You’ve got Dipo [Akinyemi] up there, you’ve got him up there, it’s a really exciting attack'".

From the Grimsby Telegraph we ;learn more about Alex Hunt whose "move follows his time spent on loan with the Ministermen in the second half of last season, making nine appearances for York...

The 24-year-old joined Town on a three-year deal in the summer of 2022 after enjoying a successful loan spell... The permanent switch from Sheffield Wednesday did not pan out as either party would have hoped, with Hunt making just 19 league starts across two years."

Wealdstone report that "Following the pitch incursion and flares that were thrown at the end of the away fixture at Barnet on the 3rd February 2024, the FA charged Wealdstone FC with 'failing to ensure that spectators and/or supporters (and anyone purporting to be its supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion whilst attending the match and do not behave in a way which is improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, indecent or provocative and/or throw missiles or other potentially harmful or dangerous objects and/or encroach on the pitch.'”

The charge was accepted by the club and an Independent regulatory commission convened to decide the punishment. They subsequently decided the following penalties and orders.

• A fine of £3,000.
• Warning as to future conduct.
• Publish within 14 days of the publication the finding of misconduct and the sanctions imposed.
• An announcement on its public address system 5 minutes before the scheduled start of the next home competitive league match [stating] the findings of misconduct and the sanctions.

Woking "confirm that after 3 years of dedicated service to the Club, John Katz has taken the decision to step down from his post as Chief Executive Officer to return to his family in the United States. He will remain active on the Board of Directors and will continue his non-matchday duties as Football Secretary.

In March, John informed the Club of his desire to return to the US to focus on and prioritise his family...

Said Katz... 'This Club is my passion, and I will be involved with the Club for the future'...

The Club is also pleased to announce that Emanuele Palladino has been named Interim CEO and will oversee Club operations for the next several months as the Club restructures its management team... Dave Curtis, the Club’s long-time General Manager, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer".

Ebbsfleet United "wish Darren McQueen all the very best following confirmation of his move to Vanarama National League South newcomers Hornchurch.

McQueen completed a second spell at the Kuflink Stadium this summer having earned two promotions with the club, the first in 2017/18 followed by the South title in 2022/23.

The 29-year-old played 149 games in total for the Fleet across his two stays, scoring 37 times.

His final appearance for the club came in the DFDS Kent Senior Cup Final in April."

BARRY BUTLER R.I.P.

His time at Altrincham was curtailed by a double leg-fracture sustained in a 1-1 home fixture against Woking in September 1996. During and after his time at Altrincham Barry ran a window-cleaning business.

Barry was one of the guests at Moss Lane in 2016 at a reunion of the Alty squad which had faced Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup twenty years earlier and he is pictured below at that event (far right)

Left to right: Jeff Johnson, Graham Heathcote, Tony Sanders, Noel White, Steve Cross, Ricky Harris, Andy Reid and Barry Butler.

From Chester FC we read that "Barry Butler, a stalwart in Harry McNally’s side of the 1980s and early 1990s has sadly passed away at the age of 62 after a long struggle with dementia.

The ultimate utility player, Barry played 268 league games for Chester...

Farnworth-born Barry joined Chester from Atherton LR in December 1985... Over eight seasons Barry featured in nearly every shirt for the club playing as a central defender, full back, midfielder and striker and even took over in goal for 75 minutes at Bradford City in October 1990...

Following his release from Chester, at the end of the 1992/93 relegation campaign, Barry signed for Barrow before joining Altrincham in 1994."

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boldewijn, 31, arrives with a rich pedigree having excited the fans at Crawley Town, Notts County, Sutton United and Eastleigh in a career that began at Dutch giants Utrecht.

He once cost Notts County a six-figure sum and has scored more than 40 career goals in 277 league appearances.

The Dutchman joins on a one-year deal, with the option of a further year, and becomes the second signing of the summer, following on from the capture of defender Deon Woodman.

Said new manager Matt Taylor... 'I know our fans will love watching him play, he’s a player that has a huge appetite to score goals and we fought off tough competition to get him.'"

Rochdale "announce that Ian Henderson has signed a new contract.

Our all-time leading goal scorer has penned a new one-year deal which will take him into his tenth full season at the Crown Oil Arena.

To mark Ian’s many achievements, as well as his contribution and dedication to the club, a number of testimonial events will take place during the upcoming campaign...

Henderson had the following message for supporters... 'Over the years, I’ve experienced both the highs and lows with the club, and I’ve always strived to support and uplift it on and off the pitch.

'The recent news of the Ogden Family's takeover has breathed new life into Rochdale, marking the beginning of an exciting New Era... We have a talented group of players that are aligned and led by a forward-thinking Head Coach and dedicated staff. Being part of this squad and contributing to the new season is something I am genuinely excited about. My passion and drive remain as strong as ever, and I am committed to mentoring the next generation'...

Henderson first joined the club in 2013, becoming a firm favourite amongst the Dale fans, with his goals helping the club earn promotion to League One in his first full season... He made 343 appearances in his seven-year stay, scoring 126 goals, just four short of breaking the goalscoring record.

After two years away from the club, he returned in the summer of 2022, breaking the record with his 130th Dale goal in November of that year... In total, he has made 434 appearances in all competitions, scoring 147 goals. As well as holding the club goalscoring record, he is also second on our all-time appearance list".

In two very short statements, FC Halifax Town confirm the departures of two players.

Firstly, The Shaymen "confirm that Jamie Stott will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Jamie made 85 appearances for Town and was a crucial player in our FA Trophy victory in 2023 and played every minute of the 2023/24 campaign as we reached the playoffs".

And FC Halifax Town also "confirm that Tylor Golden will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract.

Tylor made 87 appearances across two seasons and was a key player in both our 2023 FA Trophy win and our playoff campaign last season".

And another veteran is also signed up for another season at Solihull Moors where "Jamey Osborne has signed a new long-term contract ahead of the 2024/25 National League season!

Arriving at Damson Park back in 2018 for his second permanent stint with the Club, the midfield maestro became an integral member of the team...

The midfielder is a personified version of the Club, embodying everything it means to represent our team week in week out.

After being appointed captain soon after the arrival of Director of Football Stephen Ward and Head Coach Andy Whing, Osborne led the side out at the home of football for the first time in the Club’s history, even scoring at Wembley Stadium in the Promotion Final.

The 31-year-old has enjoyed his most successful campaign to date with Solihull...

Head Coach Andy Whing said... 'On the pitch everybody can see what a top player he is and what he gives us but also off the pitch he is absolutely brilliant whether that’s at the training ground or visits with the Solihull Moors Foundation'".

11 June 2024

ROSCOE MOVING ON

Nevertheless, the tall centre-back is reportedly now leaving Altrincham to rejoin Northern Irish club Linfield.

The Belfast Telegraph explains that "Sam Roscoe is set to rejoin Linfield after a spell with National League side Altrincham.

The 25-year-old was one of several departures from the Blues in the summer of 2023... The former Ayr United centre-back was a key performer for Linfield...

The Manchester-born defender, who came through the Aberdeen youth ranks and had a loan spell at Alloa Athletic, won a Premiership title in 2022 and a BetMcLean Cup winner’s medal during his 84 appearances for the Blues.

He made his Linfield... in the Europa Conference League in July 2021".

Footnote: The 6 ft 5 inch, left-footed defender made 17(+10) appearances for the Robins but did not find the back of the net.

Sam is a cousin and former school-mate of former Alty keeper Ollie Byrne.

His departure reduces the defensive ranks to four players currently; three of whom (Lewis BAINES, Lewis BANKS and Jake COOPER) are centre-backs, alongside left-back Eddy JONES

However, centre-back James JONES and Justin DONAWA (who can play at right-back) have both been invited back for pre-season to prove themselves after injury-hit seasons in 2023-24.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Stephenson joined the Newcastle United academy at fourteen years old. He signed his first professional contract with Newcastle in July 2021... Dylan then joined Hamilton Academical on a six-month loan deal in January 2023...

In January 2024, it was announced that Stephenson had moved on loan to National League North side South Shields until the end of the season".

The player said, “You can expect me to work hard, which I’d say is my biggest trait, and I’ll hopefully get a few goals as well”.

Sutton United "confirm the signing of Nana Boateng on a two-year deal following his release from Championship side Millwall.

The promising forward joins following successful loan spells in the National League last season with Woking and Solihull Moors, and is the second player Steve Morison has brought in from his former club after the loan of Nino Adom-Malaki last season.

A Millwall academy product, 21-year-old Nana first arrived at The Den in 2010 aged seven and worked his way up the ranks...

In search of regular football, the Lions opted to send him out on loan in order to gain experience, with a six-month deal being agreed with National League side Woking ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The 21-year old appeared eight times for the Cardinals... with manager Darren Sarll opting to deploy him as both a striker and a winger.

After the expiry of his deal at the Laithwaite Community Stadium in January, he soon found himself back in the National League on another temporary basis, with promotion hopefuls Solihull Moors adding the forward to their ranks in March 2024. He would add a further six appearances to his season tally...

Steve Morison said 'We've had our eye on Nana for a while and we're delighted to gve him the platform to push on in his career after a great time at Solihull last season. He's a tricky winger who likes to get the ball in to the box and we are looking forward to seeing his pace and seeing him torment opposition defences.'"

10 June 2024

SEASON TICKETS

Altrincham FC 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

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

Promoted Braintree Town report that forward Kyrell Lisbie has joined the club after "a great season at Cray Valley Paper Mills. We’re excited to welcome him to the club and can’t wait to see what he’s got out on the pitch".

After time with West Ham and Watford, he joined Welling United in January 2023 from where joined Cray Valley in August 2023 where he scored 29 goals last season.

Also joining The Iron is James Vennings who was recently released by promoted Bromley. Midfielder Vennings spent time at Charlton Athletic before spells at Bromley, initially on loan, and then as a permanent signing.

Wealdstone have confirmed that "Tarryn Allarakhia has left the club after rejecting a very competitive new deal.

Allarakhia, 26, made 64 league starts in two seasons after signing from Woking in the summer of 2022, scoring 11 times in the league.

His form with the Stones led to an international call-up with Tanzania, including a debut against an Egypt side featuring Mohamed Salah. He went onto to play in the African Cup of Nations for his country".

The Deck observes that "The 26-year-old has opted against signing an improved contract at the Stones and will now seek pastures new for the 2024/25 campaign, much to the frustration of Matt Taylor and his side...

In total, Allarakhia made 38 league appearances for the Stones last season, scoring six goals...

Wealdstone have already lost the likes of Marcus Dewhurst, Dillon De Silva and Nathan Ferguson following the conclusion of the 2023/24 campaign... Fellow playmaker Max Kretszachmar has signed a new deal whilst Micah Obiero has had his one-year option triggered which does boost Wealdstone’s attacking options".

9 June 2024

CCC IS VNL PLAYER OF THE SEASON

The 22-year old... was declared the winner of an award that is voted for by all the clubs.

What an honour for him, one of no fewer than seven that have come his way at the end of a campaign that was frequently lit up by his spellbinding ability on the ball and unerring eye for goal".

Chris picked up the Players' Player of the season, The Young Player of the season and the Goal of the Season awards.

John Edwards reminds us that "In addition, he won a place in both the National League team of the year and the one selected by their title sponsors Vanarama, and it became six of the best when he was then named Sports Beat young player of the year at the Non-League Paper's annual end-of-season National Game Awards...

The club were represented by Co-Chairman Bill Waterson and his partner Mary and director John Coyne and his wife Emma, while Chris's partner Daisy proudly looked on", writes John Edwards.

ALTY'S SENIOR CITIZENS

In terms of time at Altrincham FC, seniority can be measured by length of service, first-team appearances, or by age.

Above: The three players who top the various categories are, left to right, Matt Gould, Matty Kosylo and Elliot Osborne.

By length of service

1. Matt Gould and Matty Kosylo: both players' arrival at the club was announced on 16 August 2020
2. Isaac Marriott: announced on 24 December 2021

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League also announced that "Some key dates have been confirmed for the 2024/25 Vanarama National League season...

The new season gets underway on Saturday 10 August.

Fixtures will be released a month before that... when schedules are released on Wednesday 10 July.

The North and South divisions finish on Saturday 26 April – with the National division ending nine days later on Monday 5 May.

Festive fixtures will be on Saturday 21 December, with Boxing Day fixtures taking place as normal – fixtures will be scheduled on New Year’s Day (Wednesday 1 January) with clubs able to switch to New Year’s Eve (Tuesday 31 December) if both clubs reach an agreement to do so.

Historically, the Christmas and New Year schedules are reversed, in that the Boxing Day Fixtures are reversed with New Year Day fixture, therefore playing the same team in a close timeframe.

After surveying all clubs, the National League Board agreed that the League will reverse next season’s Boxing Day fixtures with Good Friday and New Year with Easter Monday".

Also confirmed by the National League was "The National League line-up...

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".

Forest Green Rovers "announce that Tom Knowles has agreed to join the club and... join up with his new team mates on July 1st.

Knowles most recently played for League Two Walsall, and made over 70 appearances, Knowles can play in both midfield and attack.

25-year-old Tom Knowles... [said] 'I was playing at Walsall, and I really enjoyed my time there... and it was a shame we didn’t get promoted. I've learned a lot and found a new position throughout the year as well, so overall it was a good challenge...

'The ambition & views of the Club caught my eye straight away. As a player I want to achieve and win things during my career and FGR feels a perfect place to do that... It’s a club with ambition and that aligns with me as a player.'"

At the division's other newly relegated club, Sutton United the club "welcome goalkeeper Jack Sims, who has signed for the club having been in goal for Braintree Town last season as they won promotion from Vanarama National League South through the play-offs.

With his home town club Southend United as a schoolboy, Jack joined Blackpool as a 16-year-old and made one Football League appearance, while having loan spells with Skelmersdale United and Lancaster City...

After being released by Blackpool, Jack, who is now 25, was with Welling United for the 2021-22 season... before moving to Braintree, where he was the regular goalkeeper for two seasons... earning selection in the National League South team of the season.

Head Coach Steve Morison said '[He is] a quality addition to the goalkeeping department. He is at a great age and comes to us off the back of an excellent season at Braintree. He'll add great competition, and with the chance to learn from Steve Arnold's years of experience as a top goalkeeper'".

The Southend Echo reports a statement by COSU (Custodians of Southend United).

"Before COSU agreed terms to purchase Southend United in October 2023, we sought and received assurances from the Council that they were supportive of our proposal to remain at Roots Hall.

This required an amendment of the prior agreement between the Martins and the Council over Fossetts Farm and Roots Hall.

By removing the new stadium requirement and releasing the associated land for additional property units, it was agreed that funds from development profits could be paid back to the Club for the sole use of refurbishing Roots Hall and the new training ground..

Last Friday, it became apparent that the Council did not wish to progress with the property deal along the terms previously agreed with the Martins.

As a result, there has been a round of renegotiation this week... Even if a compromise is reached, it seems certain that the revised property contract will not be signed prior to the 26th of June winding up hearing for the Club in the High Court.

Signing the amended property contract remains the last condition for the completion of the Club’s sale and COSU cannot see a path forward without it.

For COSU to continue funding the Club and complete the takeover, including reaching payment agreements with the creditors on the winding up petition, we have communicated to the Council and the Martins that we require the following three things:

• 1. A revised set of terms for the property contract that all parties are committed to closing.
• 2. An updated scope and realistic timeline for the remaining council due diligence work.
• 3. An agreement with the Martins to provide security for the further funds COSU will need to inject prior to the takeover.

We see no reason why these criteria cannot be met next week if all parties act reasonably and with focus.

If we reach an agreement, COSU will work with creditors and the league to lift the embargo and release season tickets".

8 June 2024

"KINGY" HONOURED AT THE J. DAVIDSON STADIUM

As a firebrand captain of Tony Sanders' all-conquering side of the late-70s and early-80s, he took the Robins to the pinnacle of non-League football, and, as manager, he kept them up there, challenging for honours on all fronts...

"The club are delighted to announce that our hospitality venue at the ground will now be known as The John King Lounge...

The black beard and blazing eyes as he drove his side on is an image that endures to this day in the minds of many an Alty fan, and it will continue to after the latest honour to be bestowed on him.

The renaming is part of a relaunch of the club's matchday hospitality offering for the new campaign, with a more premium service planned in a stylish lounge that will be adorned with iconic nostalgia-filled John King photography and quotes.

It is hoped the King family will officially open the new-look lounge at the start of next season, after an invitation was issued to them...

Alty director John Coyne said 'As a club steeped in history, it felt only fitting that, when we were looking to rebrand our main matchday hospitality space, we named it in honour of a club icon. The sponsors' lounge has been a real success story over the past three seasons and, as we enhance that hospitality experience, the John King Lounge will prove to be an even more fantastic space for us on a matchday.'

In all, John King clocked up over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals... It was with great sadness that we learned of his passing in February last year...

For more information on our Seasonal Hospitality package for 2024/25, please e-mail here.

CONN-CLARKE WATCH

And that continues as Wigan Today reports that Conn-Clarke "has attracted the interest of a host of clubs in the EFL, reportedly including Latics...

Wigan Today understands any interest from Latics is very much at a low level for now, and they certainly aren't among the clubs to have tested the waters so far.

But it's certainly a market boss Shaun Maloney is monitoring...

Conn-Clarke... moved over to Burnley as a scholar in 2018 but, after spells at Chorley (loan) and Fleetwood Town, he joined Altrincham last summer in a club-record transfer".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Cllr Cowan has been in talks with Southend United chairman Ron Martin over the property side of the project which must go ahead if the consortium are to take charge of the Shrimpers..

He [Cowan] told the Echo ... 'An update can go out, but it would have to go from [council] officers, and they would massively sanitise it. I’m not saying I won’t give an update; I will give an update but via my social media, I won’t have officers drafting it for me based on the relevant information and checking it over to make sure we aren’t on dodgy grounds.

'I need to take time to draw up a statement to make sure it is safe. I am not happy but with this, the law itself states that you cannot during a pre-election period publish anything considered to be giving benefit to one party,' said Cowan.

'We had a whole meeting about this and the meeting that would have been broadcast and all the paperwork went in under the name of the former leader... I am looking at ways I can work within the law, I just need time...

Said Cowan.... 'The work doesn’t stop we are actively trying to progress a solution for a desired outcome... This is an incredibly complicated project... The only update we can give is talks are ongoing between all the parties,' said Cowan."

7 June 2024

THE CONN-CLARKE RUMOUR MILL

Now the Sale & Alrincham Messenger reports that "Altrincham have fired a warning to the long list of clubs chasing Chris Conn-Clarke (right) and insisted they will not waver on their valuation of the in-demand attacking midfielder... Conn-Clarke consistently stood out [last season] with a number of dazzling displays and a combined tally of goals (23) and assists (12) that outshone everyone in the National League."

Rob Esteva stated, "“Everyone knows it’s going to be difficult for us to keep Chris, but it has to be right for the club as well as for him... The reality is we won’t let him go if teams don’t meet our valuation, and the offers we have had so far don’t come close.

"It’s not crazy money we’re asking, it’s a realistic assessment of his worth, based on the benchmark of other players and the realisation that Chris has out-performed so many of them.

“It will be incredibly sad if he does go, but we always back ourselves, and I’m confident we will once more have one of the best attacks in the division next season, with or without Chris,” quotes John Edwards.

The Portsmouth News adds that 'Pompey have been linked with the Northern Ireland under-21 international... The Blues have reportedly been joined by Ipswich, Wigan, Peterborough and Mansfield in keeping tabs on the 22-year-old...

Peterborough are reported to have had a bid for the former Fleetwood man turned down as they looked to steal a march on the competition...

Alty won’t budge on their valuation of a player who still has two years remaining on his contract...

Pompey are on the lookout for attacking talent this summer as they prepare for a return to the Championship... The Blues are yet to announce any signings this summer, with the transfer window due to open officially on June 14".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The forward has agreed to join Pools upon the expiration of his contract at Fylde at the end of this month...

Born in Durham, Charman has spent the last three years of his career in the North West, playing in League Two with Rochdale before becoming a mainstay for Fylde...

The Newcastle United Academy graduate also enjoyed a successful spell with Darlington earlier in his career, racking up 19 goals in 33 appearances.

The 26-year-old, who can be deployed centrally and out wide, becomes Sarll’s first addition ahead of the 2024/25 campaign".

And later, Hartlepool United added that "Experienced midfielder Jack Hunter has arrived at the Suit Direct Stadium as Darren Sarll's second signing...

The 26-year-old has agreed to join Pools upon the expiration of his contract at Halifax at the end of this month... Hunter has played over 100 games in the National League, successfully registering a play-off finish with Halifax last campaign.

The midfielder, who is also adept at centre-back....

Hunter stated... 'It’s been in the works for quite a while... I’m excited to contribute with that experience from my time at Gateshead and Halifax...

Manager Darren Sarll added 'We met Jack sometime ago - right way you could feel his humility and the real energy to want to play for Hartlepool United. His profile fitted into how I want this new midfield to look...

'His unassuming performances are key to creating winning environments, and it reflects his personality in the sacrificial way he plays for his teams'".

Aldershot Town are "very excited to have secured the signing of exciting young defender Luke Jenkins!

The Shots have beaten a number of clubs, including Football League interest, to Jenkins’s signature and the defender has signed a two-year deal.

Jenkins was pivotal to a Chelmsford side that finished second in the Vanarama National League South...

Jenkins progressed through the academy sides at AFC Wimbledon and in between a number of loans, made a handful of senior appearances...before joining Chelmsford last summer.

{Manager Tommy] Widdrington said...'Those of us who saw him play, felt he was a stand out performer at National League South level. His aerial strength and willingness to put his body on the line in both boxes is something I feel is a feature we possibly missed on occasions last season'".

More news from The Shots concerns "the signing of promising goalkeeper Marcus Dewhurst! The ‘keeper has put pen to paper to sign a two-year deal with the Shots.

Dewhurst is a former England youth international and represented his country up until Under 20 level whilst progressing through the youth ranks at Sheffield United.

The 23-year-old has already amassed well over 100 senior appearances in the National League North and National League during loan spells and most recently with Wealdstone last season...

Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges added... 'We wanted to add strength to our goalkeeping department and Marcus was our number one target... We now feel with Marcus, Jordi (van Stappershoef) and Pat (Nash), we have great strength in this department.'”

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

May 2024

• £500 cash | #105 |Andy Howe
• £75 cash | #188 | D Clarke
• £25 cash | #241 | T Howe
• Hospitality for Two | #15 | Geoff Morris
• Bottle of Alty Gin | #24 | Mick Taylor
• Scarf & Pin Badge | #506 | Eric Callaghan

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The club has exercised contract options on four players: Marcus Dinanga, Aidan Rutledge, Oli Thompson and Ben Worman.

Joe Grayson, Kenton Richardson and Robbie Tinkler rewmain in negotiations... while Tom Allan has accwepted revised terms. Harrison Bond and Will Contantin have been invited back for pre-season.

Five players are out of contract and have been released; Joe Cook, Lirak Hasani, Lewis Knight, Connor McBride and James Montgomery".

At the other end of the country Yeovil Town "announce that Brett McGavin has joined Yeovil Town on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old midfielder arrives at Huish Park after leaving Torquay United at the end of his contract... McGavin began his career with Ipswich Town at the age of 9...

Following the end of the 2021/22 season, McGavin left Ipswich upon the expiry of his contract and headed west to join Torquay United on 4th July 2022. During his time at Plainmoor, McGavin became a fan favourite, scoring 12 goals in 65 appearances".

Meanwhile, AFC Fylde "announce the signing of Joe Riley.

Riley played under AFC Fylde Head Coach Chris Beech at Carlisle United and he has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with an option of a second-year at the club.

Local lad Riley, who grew up in Lytham, can play as a full-back or a midfielder...

Coming through the famed youth system at Manchester United... Riley represented the Red Devils first-team in the UEFA Europa League and Emirates FA Cup.

After spending time on loan at Sheffield United in 2016/17... Riley made the permanent move across the Pennines, linking up with Bradford City in the summer of 2018... Two-years later, he signed for Carlisle United...

His most recent spell has been at Sky Bet League Two outfit Walsall, where he has spent the last two seasons... And the 27-year-old has moved back to the North-West to become Beech’s latest recruit...

Riley said... 'I trusted Beechy and he trusted me as we’ve worked together in the past, so it was an easy decision... I’m a tenacious player, a box-to-box midfielder and I like to get forward and create things and be a leader on the pitch. I think I’m an exciting player and can be a good driving point for the team'".

Forest Green Rovers "announce that free agent Ben Tozer has signed.

Experienced defender Tozer who most recently won back-to-back promotions with Wrexham...

Tozer has made over 100 appearances for League clubs Northampton, Cheltenham and Wrexham.

34-year-old Tozer further strengthens the FGR back line as he becomes the second defensive signing of the summer alongside Sean Long".

From Sutton United comes news of "the signing of Jayden Harris following his departure from Carlisle United.

The Croydon-born midfielder becomes Steve Morison’s fourth signing of the summer, and will add physicality, mobility and versatility to the heart of the U’s team.

[He] departed in 2021 in search of first team football, joining Aldershot Town featuring 33 times during the 2021/22 campaign...

Harris impressed, and found himself in League Two the following season when Carlisle United announced his move to Cumbria... before returning to the National League on loan with Eastleigh... and returned to his parent club when the move expired in January 2024, departing by mutual consent in June".

Rochdale "announce the signing of Tobi Adebayo-Rowling. The defender will join on a one-year deal following the expiration of his contract at Notts County.

Adebayo-Rowling won promotion from the National League with County in 22/23, before making 19 appearances for them in League Two last season.

The 27-year-old commented 'Jimmy [McNulty] rang me two days after I was let go by Notts County. Rochdale are a massive club so I thought it’d be silly not to join...

'I’m a wing-back who likes to get up and down, contribute with assists and to the defensive side. When I was speaking to Jimmy, he was talking about wanting to play out from the back, and I feel like it suited me right down to the ground'...

Adebayo-Rowling was part of the Brighton & Hove Albion Academy as a youngster, before spells at Eastbourne Borough and Peterborough United... Two-and-a-half years in Ireland with top-flight clubs Sligo Rovers and Cork City followed, before returning to England with Bromley in the summer of 2018.

A loan spell and subsequent permanent transfer to former club Eastbourne was followed by two seasons with Ebbsfleet... and [he] was signed by Notts County in 2022".

BRYAN FORD HONOURED

For more years than he probably cares to remember, Bryan Ford (right) has been out there in all weathers, doing his utmost to help ensure Alty players have a platform befitting the free-flowing style of football they have always favoured...

As assistant to a succession of groundsmen over the years, the latest being the recently-appointed David Jones, his duties extend way beyond that priceless contribution on matchdays...

Alty through and through and a Moss Lane stalwart of many years' standing... he wins a £30 voucher to be spent at Blanchflower".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Mitchell enjoyed a successful loan spell at Mill Farm from Wigan Athletic during the second half of the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season, making 18 appearances and scoring two vital goals...

The 21-year-old Liverpudlian became a fan favourite... Mitchell has now agreed a permanent deal to remain on the Fylde Coast until at least the summer of 2026.

A player with experience in the English Football League with the likes of Wigan and Plymouth Argyle... Mitchell brings added depth to the squad...

Mitchell said... 'When I came here last season, I felt good, I really enjoyed my football... A few clubs were interested in me, but it was never a hard decision when Fylde showed their interest!'

Head Coach Chris Beech commented 'It’s a statement signing, supported and backed by everyone at the club... I think that he has a lot of room to improve, he excelled out of position last season and was always a standout player. When I first signed Ethan, it was mainly to cover the centre backs... The player showed his class and adaptability to help the team out, he just loves to win the ball back'".

Woking "confirm that centre-forward Reece Grego-Cox has completed a full-season loan move to National League side Dagenham & Redbridge...

The former Ireland U21 international played in 34 matches in all competitions for the Cards since rejoining ahead of the 2022/23 season – finding the back of the net 15 times.

Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, Grego-Cox will not play against Woking in any competitive fixture during his loan."

And another player is joining Dagenham & Redbridge on loan as "Dion Pereira has returned to the Daggers, becoming our fifth summer signing after the winger agreed a season-long loan.

The 25-year-old right-winger is the fifth addition to Ben Strevens’ squad, agreeing a loan deal until the end of the 2024/25 season.

Pereira rejoins the Daggers after a successful loan spell last season, where he registered three goals and three assists in 12 starts.

Dion was also awarded the Inner London Cleaning Goal of the Month for April last season, for his superb solo effort away to Hartlepool.

Footnote: Pereira is on loan from Luton Town.

4 June 2024

ROB REVIEWS HIS SEVEN YEARS AT ALTY

Rob explained his reasons for leaving the J. Davison Stadium which were, basically, that his company TSZ Data Services has contracts to provide statistical services to UEFA and FIFA and this sinvolves a lot of work and much overseas travel.

He is also a father to two young children and there simply are not enough hours in the day to dedicate as much time as he feels is necessary to carry out his role effectively at Altrincham.

On the player front at Altrincham, Rob revealed that the Club has recently secured the signature of a new central midfielder whose identity has yet to be revealed. In addition he expects upto four more signings over the close season; presumably some or all of these are from those players invited to return for the summer but not yet re-contracted. Currently the squad comprises 18 players.

Asked about the rumours surrounding the future of Chris Conn-Clarke, Rob confirmed that the Club had turned down two offers for the number ten, which did not match the valuation that the Club placed on the Northern Irishman.

As for revealing the fees paid for players, he pointed out that the Club does not publicise such details as to do so risks other clubs citing these to inflate their own demands as sellers.

Rob pointed out that in the seven years that he has spent at Altrincham, the Club has received 25 transfer fees.

Asked about low points and highlights of his tenure, he cited the Covid era and playing behind closed doors as a low point, as was the enforced restriction on spectators at Moss Lane which was imposed for Health and Safety reasons by the local Council.

As for high points, being on the panel which appointed the management duo of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel was certainly one of them. He confirmed tha co-chairman Laurence Looney and acting CEO Sam Mackenzie were leading the search for his replacement as Head of Football Administration.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

First up, Hartlepool United announce a news "Hartlepool United Supporters Panel (HUSP) is proposed as a consultative group of club supporters that will meet on a quarterly basis with a designated club Board member.

The panels primary purpose is to engage in positive dialogue, sharing ideas, and conveying feedback on behalf of supporters that in turns assists the club to improve and progress, including with supporter engagement and experiences. In summary HUSP will have the following key objectives

• A cross section of supporters and stakeholders providing regular feedback directly to a designated club Board member
• A designated club Board member engaging with supporter feedback and providing club updates with consultation where feasible
• Improved two-way communication between the club and supporters
• Collaboration to identify and deliver projects that improve matchday experiences and supporter engagement

It is anticipated that HUSP will be composed of a cross section of club supporters and stakeholders including from established supporter groups and entities. Representatives on the panel will collect and summarise feedback from their respective networks...

On field performance and highly commercially sensitive information will not be discussed at these meetings. Items for discussion will cover non-playing areas including matchday operations, supporter experiences, facilities and community led considerations..

The minutes of the meetings will be reviewed by the club’s senior management and full Board and where appropriate senior club staff may attend certain meetings to assist agenda items.

All HUSP members will be required to comply with a code of conduct to ensure behaviour is respectful at all meetings. The Chair/panel may suspend or expel any member whose conduct renders them unfit for membership."

Meanwhile, at Rochdale "A Meet The Board event will take place on Monday 3rd June... The new members of the Board of Directors would like to take the opportunity to meet with supporters for the first time...

During the meeting, plans will be outlined on the vision of the club moving forward and there will be an opportunity to ask questions from the floor.

This will be the first opportunity for new Co-Chairman Cameron Ogden, as well as Directors Jamie Willoughby and Adam Saul, to meet supporters. Simon Gauge, Co-Chairman, and other members of the Board will also be in attendance.

A Fans' Forum will be scheduled ahead of the new season featuring Head Coach Jimmy McNulty, alongside members of the Board...

The event will be streamed live on the club's official YouTube channel.

And the third club engaging with its supporters is Wealdstone, where "Matt Taylor was announced as our new manager earlier this month – and you already have the chance to hear his thoughts and put a question to the gaffer before a ball has even been kicked.

On Tuesday evening.. there is a great chance to meet and hear from our new management team of Taylor and his assistant, Paul Hughes, as they set out their ambitions and plans for the season ahead.

Taylor has already impressed with his vision, knowledge of the club and philosophy in a wide-ranging club interview, but you now have the chance to hear from the former Luton, Burnley, Portsmouth and Bolton star in person.

This will be a question and answer session giving supporters the opportunity to deep dive into a range of topics as we prepare for the new campaign and a new era at the club".

Rochdale "announce the signing of Connor McBride.

The winger will join on a two-year-deal following the expiration of his contract at Gateshead...

The 23-year-old commented 'First and foremost, Rochdale is a massive club... Most importantly, the manager is the reason I joined.

'The way he sees the game is similar to how I see it. The style of play suits me and I can’t wait to work for him... He wants to get the ball down and play, which suits me'...

Born in Falkirk, Scotland, McBride spent a period with his hometown club before joining giants Celtic...

He joined Blackburn Rovers on a permanent deal in the summer of 2020... He signed for Gateshead last summer, making 31 appearances in all competitions".

3 June 2024

INTRODUCING LUKE

In a sixteen-minute chat with the Altrincham FC press and media officer, Luke points out that, despite his remarkable haul of 40+ goals last season at Colne, he has been playing as a winger and not a striker.

He is about to undertake his third and final year of a degree course at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk and is grateful both to the University and to Alty for allowing him to complete his course on a part-time basis.

He explained that a major reason why he joined Altrincham was that he had seen what the "gaffer", Phil Parkinson, had done in developing young players, citing Chris Conn-Clarke in that respect.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Tyrese was most recently with our local rivals Slough Town having come through the Academy programme at West Bromwich Albion... He was released in the summer of 2021 and signed for Sunderland, joining their U23 side. He made his senior professional debut for the Black Cats in an EFL Trophy game against Manchester United U23s, scoring a debut goal in a 2-1 win.

Tyrese has also featured for Spennymoor Town on loan from Sunderland... Operating predominantly at left back, Dyce scored four goals in 31 appearances for a Slough side which enjoyed an excellent season.

Magpies Chief Scout Lee Devonshire... said, 'Tyrese has been on our radar since last summer...

He can play anywhere down the left-hand side and has really strong physical attributes and at 23 is a great age to step back up to the National League'".

At Woking "Manager Michael Doyle has confirmed his retained and released list.

The following players will leave the club this summer upon the expiry of their contracts: Greg Taylor, Luke Wilkinson, Manny Oyeleke, Sam Habergham, Jim Kellermann, Alan Judge, Paul Osew, Charlie Wakefield, Robbie Willmott

The following playe's contract was mutually terminated on 15 April: Alexis Andre Jr.

The Club has taken up the options on the following players in advance of the expiry of their current contracts: Tunji Akinola, Dennon Lewis

The following players have been offered new deals in advance of the expiry of their current contracts: Josh Casey, Scott Cuthbert, Dion Kelly-Evans, Curtis Edwards, Rhys Browne, Will Jaaskeleinen, Ricky Korboa, Jermaine Anderson

The following players remain under contract with the Club: Dan Moss, Charley Kendall, Josh Smith, Lewis Walker, Alfie Pavey, Reece Grego-Cox, Rohan Ince, Matt Robinson

The following contracted players will be transfer-listed: Reece Grego-Cox, Rohan Ince, Alfie Pavey, Matt Robinson

The following players have returned to their parent clubs following the conclusion of their loans: Timi Odusina, Kevin Berkoe, Finn Delap, Jayden Luker, Sonny Singh, Lee Angol".

2 June 2024

STU'S TESTIMONIAL

Altrincham FC "announce that arrangements have now been finalised for Stuart Coburn's iconic Robins career to be honoured with a testimonial.

Stuey... set a club record that will surely never be surpassed by clocking up a staggering total of 689 first-team appearances during two spectacularly successful spells at Moss Lane....

Who could forget the catalogue of saves capped by a brilliant penalty stop at Telford or the heroics that helped shape a 3-0 FA Cup fourth qualifying round home win over a Nuneaton side who were top of the National League at the time at the start of the millennium?".

The testimonial will take place at The J.Davidson Stadium on Sunday, July 28th at 3.30pm "as Alty's play-off final winners from 2005 take on their 2014 counterparts...

Rod Thornley, Gary Scott, Gary Talbot, Val Owen and Eddie Hussin are among a cast of luminaries from the side who beat Eastbourne Borough 2-1 at Stoke City's Britannina Stadium, while James Lawrie, Kyle Perry, Scott Leather, Nicky Clee and Damian Reeves will be joined by others from the 2014 team that pipped Guiseley...

Admission will be just £5 for over-18s, £2 for under-18s and FREE for under-5s".

Alty director Neil Faulkner reports that "when we first sat down with him [Stuart] to discuss it, he asked if 50 per cent of the proceeds could be donated to a charity... and it was decided that we would support the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, in memory of Mark Maddox and George Melling, two of our 2005 promotion-winning team who we have sadly lost to this terrible disease. Both players' families will be attending the game to share Stuart's special day".

Footnote: Stuart first joined the Club from neighbours Trafford in 1997/98 season, having been at Shawe View since 1994/95, after earlier spells at Irlam Town and Maine Road. Injury meant that Stuart played only nine games in his first Conference season (99/00) which saw the Robins relegated.

In May 2002, the lure of Conference football took him from Alty (then in the Northern Premier League) to Leigh RMI on a two-year contract. However, Leigh surprisingly released him in October 2003 after he had been voted their player of the season. He rejoined Alty on 17 October 2003 and made his (second) Alty debut at Hyde United on 21 October 2003.

Stuart can also make several claims unmatched by other keepers; he has scored twice whilst playing in goal, (once for Alty, at Runcorn, and once previously in his career), has an outfield league-match substitution to his name, (in April 1998 versus Emley)... and was once suspended in mid-season for picking up five yellow cards!

In his private life, Stuart managed a hire shop business in Altrincham for a number of years. Stuart was injured at Dover in the fifth match of 2015-16 and was sidelined with a groin tear. After a gruelling recovery schedule, Stuart sadly announced his retirement on 23 April 2016. His appearances for the club totalled 687(+2).

ALTY OLD BOYS

They went above Avondale, who were surprisingly held 1-1 at home by Melbourne Knights, who played over an hour with 10 men. Oakleigh remain four points behind leaders South Melbourne, who snatched victory in the last minute at Hume City".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Players Currently Under Contract for the 2024/25 Season:

• Deji Elerewe, Ashley Charles, Michael Cheek, Corey Whitely, Levi Amantchi, Olufela Olomola, Idris Odutayo. Myles Weston

The following players have had their contract options triggered and will also remain at Hayes Lane:

• Grant Smith, Sam Woods, Josh Passley, Jude Arthurs, David Aziaya, Callum Corbin, Sam German

The following players have been offered new terms and remain in discussions with the club:

• Callum Reynolds, Louis Dennis, Byron Webster, Besart Topalloj, Soul Kader

The following players have departed Hayes Lane at the expiration of their contracts:

• Cole Kpekawa, Adam Marriott, Mitchel Bergkamp, James Vennings, Marcus Sablier, Todd Miller, Rhys Wyborn, Rashid Kamara, Noah Joyce, Shyam Taank".

1 June 2024

SUMMER OPPONENTS APPOINT EX-ALTY DUO

Having been relegated fom the NPL on the last day of last season, Colne's manager left the Lancashire club.

Now Colne FC "announce that management duo Stuart Mellish and Peter Band have agreed to become the clubs new managers".

Both players were Altrincham players during their careers.

Colne add that "Following a haul of CVs, the club held interviews throughout the week, with Mellish and Band becoming stand out candidates for the position...

Mellish said "Both myself and Pete are delighted to accept the offer given by Colne FC to form a joint management team... We have both won leagues and cups in our managerial careers and we will strive to get this club successful again!".

Background:

In 2021 Mellish actually succeeded Band as manager of Glossop North End. Mellish started his playing career at Altrincham in 1985 and went on to play for Blackpool, Rochdale, Witton Albion and Southport before scouting for Altrincham and going into management.

From 2013 he spent four years at Warrington Town, initially as assitant manager before taking over as manager at that club.

In 2018 he became manager of Clitheroe.

Mellish played six games for Altrincham in 1989/90 comprising 3(+2) appearances in the League and one sub appearance in the FA Cup and he played one further game in the league during 1993/94. (Information courtesy of Terry Rowley).

Band joined Alty from Hyde United for a small fee in July 2002. He had joined Hyde United, where he became captain, from Bollington Athletic in July 1998 and was used there as a striker.

Peter soon established himself in the first team at Moss Lane and played well in various positions, occupying every outfield role except left-back.

Peter became captain when Mark Maddox was suspended in August 2004 and retained this role even after Mark's return, when he moved into midfield.

He left Moss Lane for Northwich Victoria on 3 December 2004 but returned in 2005 close season. In 2005-06 he generally played at centre-back with occasional appearances in central midfield...

Following Alty's relegation, in 2007 Peter opted to leave Altrincham again and he rejoined Hyde United in May of that year before undertaking a management career, notably at Mossley and Macclesfield.

He made 206(+3) appearances for Alty and scored 19 times.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The former Altrincham, Telford United and Colwyn Bay man made over 200 appearances for Warrington Town, over numerous spells".

Macclesfield FC "announce the signing of midfielder DANNT WHITEHEAD (below, left) following his departure from AFC Fylde...

A name that will forever be etched in the memories of many Silkmen fans following promotion from the National League in 2017/18.

Whitehead was also a part of the squad that made it to the FA Trophy Final in 2017 and secured League Two survival in 2019/20.

The 30 year old has made a significant number of appearances in the Football League and National League and provides great experience to MICHAEL CLEGG’s squad".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 22-year-old centre-back is the third addition to Ben Strevens’s squad...

Rendall began his career at Arsenal’s academy before joining QPR’s academy in 2014, where he enjoyed several loan moves to, Eastbourne, Gloucester, Eastleigh, and most recently Braintree Town.

The defender has made 18 appearances across the National League and National League South...

Trent spoke on the qualities he brings to the side, he said 'Most definitely leadership, you will hear a lot of communication from me, a solid defender, quite a physical player'".

At Aldershot Town "We’re delighted to confirm the signing of dominant midfielder Emmanuel Maja!

Maja has signed a one-year deal with the Shots after leaving Banbury United this summer. The central midfielder made his way into men’s football at just 17, joining Croydon FC...and his impressive displays earned a trial for Manchester City.

The 23-year-old joined Welling United from Croydon, before spells with Enfield Town, Tonbridge Angels and Cheshunt.

Tommy Widdrington said... 'His performances last season were both impressive and consistent in a central midfield role. He’s a big, strong fella but has excellent technical ability too'".

Tamworth report that "With Kai William and Munashe Sundire committing to the Lambs for the new seaosn, it is time to update the squad list for the 2024/25 season

• Jas Sing, Matt Curley, Callum Cockerill-Mollett, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Jamie Willetts, Kenny Digie, Ben Milnes, Tom McGlinchey, Munashe Sundire, Kai Lissimore, Tom Tonks, Bek-Ray Anoru, Kai Williams, Kyle Finn, Dan Creaney, Miracle Okafor"