CURRENT SEASON'S ARCHIVE page |
7 to 13 July, 2004
|
7 to 13 July, 2004 |
"The Board of Altrincham FC have now made agreements with both the Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue with regards to the outstanding debts. The Customs and Excise have agreed to accept a payment of £750 per month and the Inland Revenue a payment of £500 per month. It is essential that we maintain these payments and do not renege on the agreements. Thus we ask everybody to support any fund raising events that the club or STAR run this season. Every penny counts and with your support these debts will soon be eradicated. The Board would like to thank everyone for the support which they have received over the last two years and now look to build on the firm foundations which have been laid".
In this connection, don't forget that you can get more STAR Grand Draw raffle tickets via the STAR website.
Harrogate Town report that "centre-backs Michael McNaughton and Chris Hudson, both at Harrogate Town last season, are training with Pickering Town with a view to playing this season. Another player with Town last season, Craig Mitchell, is reported to have signed for Leigh RMI. The striker had an unhappy spell at Wetherby Road, on loan from Mansfield Town".
This is Worcester says that "Worcester City's latest signing Nick Colley has set his sights on reviving his old championship-winning double act with Rob Warner. The pair played an integral part in Tamworth's 2002/03 Dr Martens Premier Division triumph, proving a potent attacking threat down the right side". Colley said, "It's going to be hard though. When you play northern teams they tend to be more physical but we've got to get the ball down and use our strengths".
NL Daily says that "Nuneaton Borough are checking out highly-rated defender Steve Farmer from Sutton Coldfield Town. Nuneaton boss Roger Ashby has been frustrated in moves for former Telford United’s Neil Howarth, Kettering Town’s Craig Norman and Tamworth’s Dave Robinson to fill the gap left by Terry Angus... Nuneaton’s pre-season squad... will also include former Coventry City midfielder Mark Noon, who had a loan spell in the Conference with Tamworth last season, and former Torquay United defender David Cairns, who is on the comeback trail after injury".
ABBEY HEY, Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, Manchester.
From the M60 at J24 take A57 towards Manchester. After a mile, turn left into Woodland Avenue and right again into Ryder Brow Road. Immediately under railway bridge, turn first left into Goredale Avenue. The ground has a modern club house and a small covered seating area on the opposite side of the ground. Car parking within the ground is available.
BAMBER BRIDGE, The Irongate, Bamber Bridge.
From M6 J29 follow by-pass onto London Way. At first roundabout take third exit into Brownedge Road East then take first right. Ground is on left at bottom of road. There is a small car park behind the excellent, modern club house. The ground also boasts a new stand opened two seasons ago in front of the railway line.
CHEADLE TOWN, Park Road Stadium, Cheadle, Cheshire.
At M60 J2, take A560 towards Cheadle. After first main set of traffic lights take first left after shops into Park Road. Ground at end of road.
CHORLEY, Victory Park, Chorley.
From M61 J6 follow A6 to Chorley. Pass Yarrow Bridge Hotel on Bolton Road and turn left at first lights into Pilling Lane, then first right into Ashley Street. Ground is second on left. It has a large stand and at the turnstile end of the ground is a clubhouse.
HYDE UNITED, Ewen Fields, Walker Lane, Hyde.
From M60 J3, follow signs to Tameside Leisure Park. Ewen Fields is behind the Leisure Pool. There is a bar and refreshment bar in the ground.
OLD ALTRINCHAMIANS, Crossford Bridge, nr Dane Road, Sale
Exit M60 at J7 and follow signposts for Altrincham (A56). At first lights, turn left into Dane Road. Entrance is through Danefield Road, which is the fourth left. Dane Road Metrolink station is 5-10 minutes away.
TRAFFORD, Shawe View, Pennybridge Lane, Flixton.
From A6144 Carrington Lane, follow the "Flixton Mile" (B5158). Carry on past Flixton Station until the forked junction (with traffic lights and Bird in Hand pub on right) where you bear right into Flixton Road. Turn immediately right into Pennybridge Lane and car park is 100 yards on left. Ground has a snack bar and bar.
A number of supporters turned out yesterday for the first Working Weekend of the summer at Moss Lane. Their tasks included washing down all the barriers at the 20/20 End, clearing away tarpaulins, cleaning the disabled spectators' shelter and sweeping the terraces and turnstiles. Plenty of work remains to be done, including painting the crush barriers on the terraces and cleaning the main stand so, if you can, please come down to Moss Lane from 10am onwards tomorrow and/or, next weekend on both Saturday and Sunday.
Above, a picture taken yesterday shows how well the grass is now growing at Moss Lane after the levelling of the pitch and its complete re-seeding. Groundsman Peter Barry is pleased with progress and is continuing to cut the grass at regular intervals to help build up its strength.
Alty's players had another training session yesterday. Two players who did not take part in the main squad training were new signing Eddie Hussin (right), from Marine, and striker Rod Thornley, recently returned from Portugal where he acted as masseur to Sven-Goran Eriksson's England team. However, neither Eddie nor Rod escaped lightly as they each attempt to recover their fitness after knee operations over the summer. Eddie went through a gruelling solitary exercise regime in the Moss Lane training area whilst Rod completed a run. Eddie hopes to be back in full training in the next fortnight but Rod was a little less optimistic of his chances of being fit for the start of the season. Alty's first pre-season friendly is next Saturday (17th) at Abbey Hey (Goredale Avenue, Gorton), kick-off is at 3pm.
The NL Paper today reveals that during Euro 2004 "Masseur Rod Thornley came out on top of the England squad's Portuguese Play Station league. Altrincham fans will be hoping that the man who doubles up as their star striker proves as prolific among the less exalted company of Conference North footballers next term".
"Salford City hope to put a rocky twelve months behind them with the appointment of new manager Darren Lyons. Former Bury [and Alty] player Lyons, 37, will take charge of the [NW Counties] Division One side following the resignation of Mark Molyneaux... Salford will hope Lyons, who joins from Manchester League’s East Manchester, can bring some stability to the club" reports the Salford Advertiser.
Runcorn FC Halton have confirmed the "signing of striker Nicky Young from Marine... Last November, after nine seasons at Vauxhall, he moved to Northwich Victoria to team up again with his former manager and father-in-law Alvin McDonald... In February, Young moved on to Marine after finding first team chances limited. Runcorn manager Chris Lightfoot said, "Nicky is now out of contract at Marine, and although they don’t want him to leave, Nicky has told me he wants a chance to play in Conference North and I am delighted to give him that chance". The club also confirms that "Lee Parle... has re-signed for the Linnets after doctors gave him the all clear to resume playing. The 20-year old attacking midfielder was forced to retire from football in October 2003 following medical advice about a neck problem".
Kettering Town held two friendlies yesterday. Manager Kevin Wilson said, "The two games are ideal as they will give me a chance to run the rule over the whole squad". Their website adds that "Steve Corry and Darren Lynch are still struggling with niggling injuries".
The NLP reveals that the fee which Harrogate paid last week to Frickley for the services of striker Lee Morris was £10,000. In Harrogate's friendly on Friday against Bradford City "At the start of the second half, Town introduced 5 trialists. Ex-Halifax Town striker Andy Farrell came on for Marc Smith. The 20-year old County Durham born forward made 16 appearances in the Conference last season for the Shaymen. In midfield Andy Wright, making a return to Wetherby Road after playing for Bradford Park Avenue and Wakefield & Emley, replaced Colin Hunter. Former Leeds United reserve player Dominique Krief, who last season had a spell at Frickley, came on for Mark Atkins. In defence, Shaun Garnett was replaced by Craig Morley, who made 2 appearances for Town last season on loan from Scunthorpe United. The final change was the introduction of Scott Brough for Michael Ord. Brough has previously played for Scunthorpe, Barrow and Frickley".
The NW Evening Mail says that "Barrow AFC manager Lee Turnbull is refusing to panic-buy... The Bluebirds boss has had a frustrating time in the transfer market so far this summer, securing a deal for just one new player, Brigg Town skipper Phil Rowland. Ashton United midfielder Dean Johnson... pulled out of a verbal deal... and this week there was further disappointment for the AFC boss as he missed out on centre-half Jamie Murphy... but instead Murphy opted to drop down several divisions and join Fleetwood". But "chairman Brian Keen has admitted the club are in for a rough ride as they attempt to pay off mammoth legal costs. The club may need to find close to £25,000 to pay off the costs of going to court with sponsor Colin Moore... One place the money will not be taken from, according to Keen, is from manager Lee Turnbull’s budget for the coming season".
NL Daily reports that "The NW Counties League have announced that Moore & Co Construction Solicitors, based in Chester Road, Manchester, have agreed to sponsor the league competition for the next two seasons, commencing 2004/05... The league will be known as ‘The Moore & Co Solicitors North West Counties League’". Mr Moore was involved in the recent court case with Barrow AFC.
Harrogate Today states that "Town boss John Reed believes... club-record signing Lee Morris is the 'last piece in the jigsaw' for an assault upon Conference North". He said, "We're delighted to have got Lee because we've chased him for two to three years". Morris added, "I spoke to many clubs but I was attracted by the club's ambition". Manager Reed said, "We have the two best wingers in the league who will provide the ammunition for Lee... The club is going place... and to sign players of the calibre of Lee Morris shows we're doing our part, now it's the turn of the Harrogate public to do theirs".
IC Cheshire reports that Hucknall Town's "Jon McCarthy...has also joined the squad" of Northwich Vics. "But Vics' hopes of landing Mark Quayle have faded, with [his] opting to try his luck at Chester".
Worksop Today claims that "Tigers' boss Ronnie Glavin is set to make a double transfer swoop. Paul Dempsey and Mark Wilson are currently on trial at Worksop Town and have been training with the team. Both players have impressed Glavin who is is confident of tying up the deal by the end of this week. Wilson, 32, has followed the Tigers boss from former club Wakefield and Emley where he had two spells either side of a short period at Harrogate. Utility player Dempsey, 22, can play in either midfield or defence. He has spent the last year playing in Holland and his previous clubs include Sheffield United and Northampton Town... Should deals for the two go through, it would follow the signing of midfielder Miles Thorpe from Wakefield and Emley late last week. That move allowed for Tigers' striker Adam Muller to go the other way".
"Alfreton Town will be playing at a newly-named home venue from next season, following the announcement that the Town Ground (above) has been officially re-named the ‘Impact Arena’. The club are delighted to announce the new identity for a stadium which has been transformed magnificently over the past four years... The move sees main club sponsors, Sandiacre-based Impact Marketing Limited, extend and strengthen their already strong links both with the club... On-the-pitch, manager David Lloyd has been buoyed by the decisions of strikers Mick Godber, Mick Goddard and winger Chris Bettney agreeing to commit themselves to the club on extended contracts which ties them to the club until the end of the 2005/06 season... which, allied to securing the services of goalkeeper Lee Butler and club captain Grant Brown, gives him a sound platform on which to work".
IC Cheshire says that "Runcorn FC Halton will sign ex-Vauxhall and Northwich striker Nicky Young on Saturday. Young, a target last season before his move to Marine, has agreed terms. Player-boss Chris Lightfoot said: 'He must be almost six foot so it will give us that little bit of presence up front when I am not playing'. Meanwhile, Runcorn's prospects are further boosted by the return of midfielder Lee Parle, 20, who has had a positive second opinion on the back problem which forced him to quit playing. Lightfoot may yet have one more signing - a left-sided player - up his sleeve and could be in the market for a keeper as second choice Andy Murphy has not shown for training. Meanwhile, the Linnets have 'adopted' a youth team in the hope of developing future stars".
IC Cheshire also confirms that "Vauxhall have announced the departure of a third senior player this summer with central defender Craig Robinson joining Droylsden".
This is Worcester says that "City manager John Barton... is happy with his business to date. It has seen the arrival of Rob Warner, Christian Moore and Nick Colley. There have also been deals for academy youngsters Shabir Khan and James Smith, so Barton believes there is in no rush at this stage to enter the transfer market again. Nevertheless question marks persist over the left side of midfield following the departure of Adam Wilde to Weymouth".
"The attitude of Worksop's players in pre-season training has been excellent, according to manager Ronnie Glavin" on Worksop Today. "The team have trained on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Rockingham, Barnsley. And already Tigers boss Glavin has been impressed... He has also vowed to continue with training four times a week for the foreseeable future".
This is Nottingham says that at Ilkeston Town's "Richard Lucas, a midfielder, [is] joining from Gainsborough Trinity".
Transfer:
Also in full training now are long-term absentees Danny Murphy and Sean Smith. Dave Gardner has also indicated that he will participate in pre-season training, having had to give up playing for Alty last season due to work commitments. He will still have commitments next season so should not be expected to be available on a regular basis.
"Harrogate Town have signed striker Lee Morris from Frickley Athletic. Morris, who scored 24 goals last season, has agreed a two-year deal with Harrogate...Frickley will receive a substantial four-figure transfer fee" reports the Town website.
"Drew Roberts is sure he will be able to continue his prolific goalscoring form with Kettering Town next season. The 20-year-old striker ended speculation over his future by agreeing to join the Poppies for the forthcoming season. Roberts scored a total of 27 goals for Bedford Town last season" reports NL Daily.
Phil Wilson told the Lancaster City website that "Pre-season training started Tuesday with all last season’s players minus the departed Kilbane, Mercer & Welsby. Jamie Speare, along with a number of other players who were invited down with a view to signing, attended an enjoyable but hard working session. A number of under 18 and reserves also joined the first team and it is my intention for this to continue over pre-season. Lastly, after training I signed one of my summer targets, Joe McMahon, a 20 year old centre back 6ft 4ins. Joe was at Crewe as a YTS player, he was with Colwyn Bay last season and attending Liverpool University".
Altrincham FC invites supporters to help to tidy up the ground for the new season at two Working Weekends, on 10-11 and 17-18 July, starting at 10am. If you can come, please ring the club in advance so that they have some idea of numbers and can plan accordingly. If anyone wants to come along at any other time, from now onwards, Graham Heathcote says that he can always find some work for them to do around the ground! Alty Director, Grahame Rowley, adds that the working weekends "will continue until the work has been completed. Paint and pots are at the club but if anyone has any spare brushes they would be greatly appreciated".
The Gainsborough Forum reports that Trinity have "signed all last season's squad back on apart from Stuart Reddington who has gone to Grantham, they've also signed Matty Cauldwell from Worksop".
NW Evening Mail reports that "Barrow has netted £400,000 to create a state-of-the-art study centre in line with projects at Manchester United and other Premiership League clubs. The Bluebirds’ study support centre will work as an after- school facility for hundreds of schoolchildren. The environment and medium of football will be used to motivate youngsters in the areas of literacy, numeracy and Information, Communication and Technology... The facility for nine to 14 year-olds is due to be officially opened in April 2005".
Transfers:
Copyright: ©
Compiled by John Laidlar