Altrincham Football Club News Archive
7 to 11 August, 2004

AWAY TRAVEL

KIT NEWS

FARMER MARK

ON THE ROAD

The next match at Moss Lane is tomorrow (Thursday at 7pm) when Manchester United Reserves play Nottingham Forest Reserves. Then, on Saturday (14th), Altrincham kick off the Nationwide Conference North season at home to Gainsborough Trinity (3pm).

Alty are away next Monday at Ashton United. If you only watch the home games you miss some fo Alty's best performances and the players and management very much appreciate their travelling support. As usual, STAR will be organising coach travel to every away game, using Geoff Goodwins' luxury vehicles. Amongst other customers, Geoff's coaches are the official supplier of transport to the English Cricket Board so you might find yourself sitting in the same seat used by Freddie Flintoff or Michael Vaughan! If you have not used the STAR coach services previously you should be aware that they provide excellent value and comfort for your away journeys, with no worries about car parking or finding away stadiums and the vehicles are driven by friendly, experienced drivers. There is no alcohol on the coaches, which are scheduled to arrive in good time for kick-off and which set off home immediately after the game ends. On longer journeys, a brief snack-break is made en route. Every age group is catered for - passengers range quite literally from 8 years of age (or even younger) to 80 (or even older!). To book your seat, (advanced booking is necessary if you don't want to be disappointed), ring the club on 928-1045 or visit the Robins' Shop at Moss Lane on matchdays. Coach pick-up/drop-off points are The Vine, Sale; The Hare & Hounds, Timperley; opposite Station House, Altrincham and the ground at Moss Lane. Times are here.

Once again the club is grateful to STAR and, in particular, to Mark Eckersall, for organising the coach trips. The trips are not aimed at making a profit but at breaking even; their main objective is to ensure strong away support for the team.

OLD BOYS

IN THE PICTURE

CONF. NORTH NEWS

Former Notts County defender Dennis Pearce has reportedly signed for Stafford Rangers from Peterborough United. Droylsden are believed to have signed goalkeeper Jon Worsnop, the Welsh Premier's goalkeeper of the year and Andy Lee- both formerly with Aberystwyth. Bradford PA have signed Dan Sheriffe from Frickley and hope to sign three more players by Saturday.

"The Evening Press reports that Harrogate Town manager John Reed is hoping to lure a striker from a Coca-Cola League Two club to Wetherby Road before ... Saturday". The Harrogate site says that manager John Reed "expects to pay more than the club record 4-figure transfer fee paid to Frickey Athletic for Lee Morris... He said: 'I'm trying to sign a lad from a Third Division club for a club record fee. He would get among the goals but there are other clubs after him'. Reed also states that he is delighted that Christian Fox, Leigh Wood and Paul Shepherd have signed for Town: 'Christian Fox is a wonderful footballer who Halifax were very interested in... Leigh Wood has also been an unbelievable signing along with Paul Shepherd... Our squad of 19 is giving me selection headaches with 2 or 3 places still up for grabs. They [Barrow] are the title favourites so we will probably know how close or far we are from where we want to be after that game'".

This is Worcs says that "After clinching the signing of left-back Les Hines", Worcester City manager John Barton...admitted: 'If I get my way there will be another new player in for Saturday and, if I pull it off, he will be a more than useful acquisition'". Hines scored for Hednesford in this year's Trophy Final. "It was from a free-kick, which enhanced his reputation for deadly set-pieces". Barton added: "It gives us more options. We have a young promising left-back in Shabir Khan and also Paul Carty who is just coming back from an operation". Hines is "the fifth summer signing following full-back Rob Warner, striker Christian Moore, winger Nick Colley and centre-half Colin Hoyle. Striker Mark Owen is due to see a specialist over his knee injury".

This is Worcestershire also reports that Redditch United manager Rod Brown "will be eager to put things right after Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Kidderminster Harriers but admits there is only so much he can do in friendly matches... Brown may even dip into the market again before the season kicks off proper as he looks for a left-sided defender".

The NW Evening Mail reports that Barrow's "Lee Turnbull said his shopping spree is over following the loan signings of Steve Flitcroft and Jonathan Smith... Turnbull said: 'That’s it now, but it may be with them coming on loan for a month that I still have an eye on one or two options. But I will give it another month and wait on Mark Salmon. He probably won’t be back for another two months, but you never know'".

UNIBOND NEWS

ALTY SIGN POTTS

After being at Rochdale, Colin's former non-league clubs included Chorley (1998), Morecambe, Bamber Bridge and Lancaster City, prior to his joining Stalybridge Celtic. Colin moved to Northwich Victoria from Celtic in November 2003 but in February 2004 he returned to Stalybridge for £3,000. He spent the early summer training with Southport before making his bow with Altrincham last Friday.

MATCH OFF

YOUTHS' GOOD START

OPPONENTS' INJURIES

CONF. NORTH NEWS

"John Reed, manager of Harrogate Town, is hoping to sign former York City midfielder Christian Fox before the start of the season... Reed is also confident that Gary Williams's 'signature is imminent'. The former Accrington Stanley and Doncaster Rovers striker has returned to Harrogate following a trial with Scunthorpe United" reports Harrogate Town.

At the weekend, "Despite leading with two goals from Ged Courtney, Runcorn were unable to keep the advantage against Rhyl, and succumbed to a 3-2 defeat in blistering heat" states the club website.

"Ilkeston Town have paid an undisclosed four figure sum for [Hinckley] striker Justin Jenkins... Phil Stant, now manager at Ilson, obviously liked the look of the 16 goals Justin scored last season to become the club's top scorer. The writing was always on the wall for one of our strikers having signed Nathan Lamey and Paul Barnes in the close season, and when the offer came in for Justin it realistically had to be accepted. Assistant Manager Charlie Palmer said: 'In fairness we were a bit overloaded with strikers'", according to the Hinckley site.

The Holker St Newsletter [HSN] reports that "The loan deal which brought Accrington Stanley pair Jonathan Smith and Steve Flitcroft has signalled the end of Barrow's signings for the time being. Smith and Flitcroft are only here on a month's loan and at the end of that period there's likely to be further signatures if their loan isn't extended. During the course of the pre-season, Barrow's new signings have been Ian Kilford (Scunthorpe), Phil Rowland (Brigg Town), Jamie Patterson (Doncaster Rovers)".

The HSN adds, "Currently Barrow Football Club is being pulled apart as the current board and The Barrow AFC Progress Group fight for the members' vote. This leaves supporters divided and confused as to where the true heart of the club lies, and where they should place their trust when deciding its future. It was under these circumstances that a group of supporters came together to try and find where the good of Barrow AFC lay in all of this, and they came to the conclusion it lay with the supporters, regardless of whom they support, if any, in the current debate. We believe that whatever the result of the vote of no confidence, it is vital the supporters are represented on any future board, and beyond that come together to pool their influence through meaningful representation. To this end an open and public meeting is to be arranged".

OLD BOYS

PROGRESS

Above, Stuart Coburn prepares to punch away a cross from Blackburn on Friday night.

Further picture below.

Match report

In The Pink Graham Heathcote says, "Having finished 14th and 12th in the UniBond in the last two seasons, our target now is to maintain that progress by climbing again. We know we're going to have to improve if we're to achieve that. Even though we'll find Ian Craney hard to replace, especially his goals, I feel that overall we might be stronger given the signings we've made".

OLD BOYS

CONF. NORTH NEWS

"Three more signings have been made as manager Ernie Moss puts the finishing touches to his preparations for Hucknall Town's new season. But another, striker Danny Holland, might be snatched from under their noses by Grimsby Town. Within days of Holland, 22, signing for Hucknall, Grimsby... offered him a two-week trial at Blundell Park... Meanwhile, midfielders Frazer McHugh and Steve Palmer and defender Chris Timons have signed... Nottingham-born McHugh, 23, was released by Notts County... Palmer (27) joins Town from... Telford... The three new signings could signal the release by Moss of centre-back Nathan Winder and young midfielder Chris Davies, who have failed to impress during pre-season. Former Notts County goalkeeper James Lindley could also be on his way out, with Stafford Rangers the likely destination, as Moss makes it plain that new boy Matt Taylor, snapped up from Matlock Town, will be his number one... The list of possible recruits includes ex-players Russell Cooke plus youngsters Michael Plummer, Jordan Hall, Mark Smith, Ian Ward and Matt Draper. Also in the Watnall Road frame is left-sided utility player Paul Riley, 21, who has also been released by Notts County" reports Hucknall Today.

The NLP confirms that the new fast-track suspension system for players, which would see them banned immediately, will NOT apply to Conference North and South.

Anthony Wright, the Vauxhall Motors' player shot outside his home a week ago, has been released from hospital but ordered to rest.

ALTRINCHAM 1 BLACKBURN ROVERS XI 3

Above: Alty make a triple swap after 55 minutes: (left to right), Colin Potts, Gary Talbot and Barry Shuttleworth come on for (front to back) Ged Kielty, Eddie Hussin and Chris Adams. In the white shirt, bottom left corner, is Graeme Souness.

Match report

The official Blackburn Rovers site says in its match report that "A strong Rovers reserve team defeated Altrincham at Moss Lane last night to remain unbeaten throughout their pre-season campaign, but it wasn't all one way traffic against the Nationwide Conference North side".

IRRESISTIBLE RESERVES

Above: Mattie Tooth (3) wins the ball in the area, watched by Danny Grimshaw (16), Wayne Leather and in the background, James Marsden. With back to camera (foreground) is the 'linesman', Alty's Paul Monaghan.

Altrincham Reserves beat Wythenshawe Town 7-0 yesterday; see the Reserves' Page for a match report.

OLD BOYS

CONF. NORTH NEWS

Bradford Park Avenue have signed forward Ben Jones and ex-York City midfielder Marc Thompson as well as New Zealand international striker Allan Pearce. Experienced midfielder Thompson... spent the first half of last season at Farnborough Town... A former trainee at Bradford City, Jones has played for Farsley Celtic and Gainsborough Trinity, and spent last season in the Welsh Premier with Aberystwyth Town". Pearce is a "21-year-old [who] was previously with Barnsley and Lincoln City, and has 12 caps for New Zealand at under-23 level, being joint highest scorer in his country's Olympic qualifying group competition".

"Phil Wilson, manager of Lancaster City, added another name to his squad for the new season... John Paul Stanhope signed for City... Stanhope, 23, spent most of last season with Colwyn Bay after joining from Marine in October. He has previous experience with the likes of Stalybridge Celtic, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Vauxhall Motors and Wrexham. Wilson is still on the lookout for perhaps one or maybe two players who would improve the squad he has at the moment". In thier win over Leigh RMI "Yet again the headlines were grabbed by Peter Thomson who scored his fourth and fifth goals of pre-season, but also missed a penalty... [but] Neil Uberschar... went to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder". After Morecambe withdrew from a friendly against City, a city spokesman said "We were disappointed that Morecambe pulled out... I would like to think clubs help one another in non-League but it is getting to appear that that does not appear to be the case" states Lancaster Today

OLD BOYS

Kevin Ellison has walked into trouble at Chester City; just after signing from Stockport, City boss Mark Wright resigned.

As well as Mossley's inclusion of ex-Alty player Chris Downey in their recent game against Stockport, County had ex-Alty loan player Matt Bailey in their side. Matt has since joined Scunthorpe United on loan. A Mossley sub was another ex-Robin, Jason van Blerk.

CONF. NORTH NEWS

"Alfreton Town will begin the Nationwide North campaign with one piece of silverware, the Derbyshire FA Beneficiaries Cup, already in the trophy room. Alfreton won 5-2 at local derby rivals Matlock Town on Thursday night... The home side finished the game with nine players for the last 19 minutes after goalkeeper Joel Armstrong was sent-off for on 68 minutes for hand-ball outside his area and Leroy Chambers [ex-Alty] exited through injury on 74 minutes" reports NL Daily.

Hednesford have "secured the services of [Hucknall's] Leon McSweeney". However the Pitmen's "Midfielder Steve Palmer has left the club... to join up with Hucknall".

This is Staffs says that "Stafford Rangers are reporting record season ticket sales, an indication that the fans are relishing the prospect of renewing hostilities with old foes up north such as Altrincham, Runcorn FC Halton and Barrow, along with the new powerhouses in the shape of Hucknall Town and Alfreton Town... Player-manager Phil Robinson... is having to work within strict budget guidelines set down by the board... [and] one of the smallest squads the club has operated with in recent times". Robinson said "Make no mistake, this division is going to be extremely competitive... It is likely Rangers will start the season at Lancaster City with more or less the same squad who finished in third place in May, but the glaring exception is leading scorer Danny Davidson, who has joined Crawley Town... Robinson has brought in experienced defender Dennis Pearce, who was formerly with Notts County and Peterborough, and is in need of a goalkeeper since youngster Will Smith is the only recognised custodian on the books... Rangers will be looking to Craig Wilding and veteran striker Neil Grayson for goals, even though the latter is fast approaching his 40th birthday. Grayson's experience and undoubted predatory instinct is what Robinson is hoping will rub off on the others, particularly the younger element of Gary Fife, Glyn Blackhurst and Paul Rutter, any of whom could make a big breakthrough into a first-team regular". Robinson added, "I know our high tempo style leaves us open to bookings, but that is the way we play". Meanwhile "Off-the-field, Rangers have put in for planning permission to increase the capacity of the Marston Road main stand to 500, to extend the stand at the Macbel end, to give additional cover for fans and install crush barriers. At the Social Club end, a stand of cantilever construction the full width of the pitch and terracing is proposed".

"Ex-York City midfielder Leigh Wood signed for Harrogate Town earlier this week... Another player to put pen to paper is centre half Chris Ellerker from Knaresborough Town."

Stalybridge Celtic's "trip to Bangor has been cancelled... The Celts are reeling from their first injury crisis of the season with no fewer then EIGHT players unavailable for Saturday with varying degrees of injury. Dean Calcutt and Chris Denham were already missing from Tuesday's win over Hyde, and Terry Bowker and Danny Caldecott... picked up knocks. After the game Gregg Pearce, Kevin Parr, Andy Hayward and Craig Dootson were all declared unavailable".

"Mossley manager Jason Beckford saw enough... on Tuesday night to offer left sided player John Hore terms for the coming season. 21 year old Liverpudlian born Hore was a regular in Kettering Town's team last season but has recently signed up for study at University in Manchester. He began his playing career with Carlisle United and then played for Gretna".