Altrincham Football Club News Archive
8 to 12 December, 2004
12 December 2004
QUINN LEAVES ASHTON
Former Altrincham boss, Gerry Quinn has left his current post at Ashton United today.Ashton United report that "At the Club’s A.G.M. on Sunday 12th December 04, it was announced that the Team Manager, Mr Gerry Quinn had left Ashton United by mutual agreement. With no win in the last eleven games and only three points from a possible twenty seven the manager's position always looked to be precarious but another defeat at Hucknall Town on Saturday 11th December finally sealed his fate with the board of Directors having to make what turned out to be a very difficult decision against a manager who has projected the club to its highest ever position within the football pyramid. Mr Quinn accepted the challenge at Hurst Cross in 1999. Since then, he has won promotion into the Unibond Premier League, landed three successive Manchester Premier Cup victories and taken the club to two other final appearances and into the newly formed Nationwide Conference North. The board of Directors have thanked Mr Quinn for his contribution over the past five years and wished him well for the future. Andy Johnston has taken temporary control of the team".
RESERVES
There is a match report, courtesy of manager Neil Brown, of Alty Reserves' recent win at Burscough in the Reserves' section. This Wednesday, Neil's Reserves host Northwich Victoria at Abbey Hey FC (7.45pm, admission free). Alty have now gone seven games unbeaten and won their last four games.GREATEST MOMENTS
STAR, the Alty supporters' trust, is producing an Altrincham FC Greatest Moments DVD but needs pre-orders before distribution can begin. So, if you would like to have a record of Altrincham's finest hours, which includes footage of Jackie Swindells, highlights of games including the FA Cup ties against Everton, Chester, Birmingham and Tottenham, the 3-0 win over Macc. Town and the 4-1 win at Lancaster City, order your copy now. The price is £18; please e-mail STAR Marketing Director Jon Stack or telephone the club to place your order - please do NOT send any money or cheques at this stage.Also still on sale is the much publicised STAR Calendar 2005 which is reportedly selling so well that a reprint has been ordered. See the STAR website for more details of STAR activities, including the "e-mailing Santa" and "Shop4Alty" schemes.
OLD BOYS
The Pink says that Graham Heathcote was "'devastated and astonished' by skipper Peter Band's defection to Northwich". Graham said, "I know he didn't take this decision lighty and he goes with our best wishes. But apart from the fact that Northwich are in Conference National, I can't see any advantage in Peter joining them... I'm not knocking Bandy because I understanbd any player wating to better himself but I'm not sure whether he has. I pride myself that,over the last two and a half years, the club has been built on loyalty, trust and honesty. But obviously that wasn't enough in this instance and the lure of Conference National foootball proved too much". Graham explained that club finances dictate that his players are non-contract and that the club is therefore vulnerable to swoops by other clubs which bring Altrincham no transfer fee.
Ged Kielty (right) has joined Hyde United. Anthony Hargreaves scored a hat-trick for Flixton yesterday and Ian Craney (two for Accrington), Chris Timons (Hucknall), Lee Thompson (Skem), Jamie Bauguley (Rossendale) and Tony Sullivan (Lancaster) also netted in their games. Kevin Ellison (Chester) was sent off. Mark Drew (Leigh), Steve Porter (Vauxhall), Peter Band & Mark Quayle (Northwich), Terry Bowker (Stalybridge Celtic) and Steve Tobin (Flixton) all played on Saturday.
Both Saturday's M/cr Evening News and today's Pink have substantial pieces on former Alty Youth keeper Barrie George (now at Radcliffe) as he prepares to keep goal again for the England team in the Partially-Sighted World Championships in Manchester's Velodrome this week. Barrie is the sighted goalkeeper allowed to play under competition rules. Barrie said, "With crowds of up to 3,000 anticipated for every game, I just can't wait to play in front of all those people". The final is next Saturday and tickets are obtainable free by ringing Manchester FA on 881-0299.
In Wales, Richard Acton played (Bangor) whilst Stuart Terry and former youth-teamer Stuart Cook were unused subs for Connah's Quay. Marc Lloyd-Williams (TNS) remains the leading scorer in the Welsh premier.
NATIONWIDE NORTH
The Pink says that Ashton United and former Altrincham boss, Gerry Quinn, will be relieved of his duties today and that the target to succeed him is Lancaster City boss Phil Wilson. Wilson, a former Altrincham player has previously managed Ashton's Tameside neighbours Stalybridge Celtic. Ashton are in the relegation places and their league attendances are the lowest in the division. United recently jettisoned plans to join Curzon Ashton at a new purpose-built ground in Tameside. Also today, the Ashton board debates whether to change the club name to Ashton Tameside United. Quinn took over at Ashton after another ex-Alty manager John King departed in 1999.The NL Daily says that "Stalybridge Celtic have announced the signing of experienced midfielder Paul Weller. Weller, 29, made 287 appearances for Burnley over an eleven-year period, scoring 13 goals. He has featured in Rochdale's side this season, making five appearances... and only joined Leek Town a week or so ago".
ANOTHER REPRIEVE?
Farnborough Town are due in the High Court next Wednesday facing a winding up order". Although "It is understood that the winding up order is being dealt with and a resolution will be forthcoming next week before the Court date" it raises the question again of whether any of the National Conference's bottom teams will again be saved by another club's demise. One club which might benefit if it gets to that stage are our Cheshire neighbours Northwich Vics where "Steve Burr has raided former club Hucknall Town for the services of 25 year old winger Danny Mayman. Leaving the club is full back Dennis Pearce who has been released". Vics are also rumoured to be interested in signing Gary Ricketts from Hucknall.11 December 2004
RESULTS
HIGH ON CONFIDENCE
Alty travel to Wetherby Road today and Harrogate Today reports that "Harrogate Town are sitting pretty at the top of the Nationwide North going into the weekend’s matches, leading boss John Reed and chairman Bill Fotherby to renew their rallying cry to supporters... And another win over visiting Altrincham on Saturday would see Harrogate further consolidate their table-topping status. But while Harrogate continue to do the business on the pitch, off it, the stands remain frustratingly quiet. Manager John Reed this week urged fans to turn out en-masse and raised fears that chairman Bill Fotherby may be forced to consider his position if the Town faithful continue to stay away". Fotherby said "Think about it. Harrogate Town - top of the league. It's fantastic. But if we're going to continue bringing in the top players - which we need to do - we also need more people through the gates. Ideally, I'd like to see 700 to 800 fans every week." Reed added "But we can't get too carried away because we've got another tough game coming up against Altrincham. Last time we went to their place, we absolutely murdered them but still lost 3-0. They're a big, physical side [???] with a quality 'keeper and dangerous midfield player. But I can only look at my dressing room and these boys are ready for anything".Alty are again plagued by injury (see yesterday's news) but it is hoped that Marcus Hallows will have recovered to start on the bench after picking up an injury on Tuesday night. Young Reserves Paul Tilley, Adam Brindle and George Melling will be with the first-team squad once again tomorrow.
CALENDAR SALES
Alty's Nationwide Coordinator and STAR director Jo Ryan reports that sales of the STAR 2005 calendar are going very well, with the wide TV and newspaper publicity - including a large article in Friday's Manchester Metro News - producing orders from well outside the locality. To get your copy, visit the STAR website.RESERVES
As previously reported, Alty Reserves won their last game 2-1 at Burscough. The scorers were Danny Grimshaw and debutant striker Anthony Wealle. Report to follow.STAR BUCKETS
The last two STAR bucket collections have raised almost £175 in total which is very commendable, especially given the low gate against Vauxhall on Tuesday. Thanks are due to all concerned.OLD BOY
Peter Band was on the losing side again against Tamworth this week in his second game for new club Northwich Vics. Their website said, "To be honest the second half performance was every bit as poor as those of twelve months ago. Let's hope that Steve Burr can act quickly to ensure that we do not continue to slide toward last season's standards".LAST GAME
IC Cheshire reports on last Tuesday's game at Moss Lane, which says that "Despite being gifted an early goal... the Motormen produced a flat performance as next month's Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final opponents condemned them to their first league defeat since September. Vauxhall boss Owen Brown said: 'We never did ourselves justice and after our performance against Altrincham two weeks ago, we seemed to think we could just turn up and stroll to victory'".NATIONWIDE NORTH
The Ashton United Secretary has countered Mossley's claim to have signed Niell Hardy and two team-mates from Ashton United on the club Forum. He says that "The Mossley 3 as they are being referred to - were all at training last night (Thur.) and all will be in the squad for Saturday's game. Danny Trueman is going to help out Wakefield & Emley this weekend as they have a goalkeeping problem". Friday night's GMR correspondent Mike Pavasovic indicated that a statement would be made by Ashton in the near future folowing their recent run of poor form. The Ashton boss is former Alty manager Gerry Quinn.Alty are away at Stafford Rangers on Boxing Day. On the Conference North Forum a supporter writes, "We at Stafford Rangers have lost nearly 25% of our attendances this season and, apart from 9 draws, most of this is put down to the increase in admision from £8 to £9. To sit at the Rangers now is £11.50 and on some match days Stoke City, 13 miles away, are doing an offer if you come to a game with 4 mates it will cost £5 to get in".
Marine report that "Following his release from Runcorn, Chris Lightfoot has signed NPL papers with Marine". Lightfoot was player-manager at Runcorn.
IC Cheshire reports that "Runcorn FC old boys are launching a fundraising crusade to help take the club forward. Ian Brady and Neil Doherty, Linnets' team-mates in the 1990s... are getting their heads together on a new project... Brady said: 'Between now and the end of the season we will be holding a sportsman's dinner and golf day... We are also getting an initiative together to involve small businesses in the area'". Meanwhile "boss Alvin McDonald... has been stung by three non-scoring defeats in quick succession... He said: 'Fifty points should be enough to stay in this league'... There is also understood to have been an undercurrent of dressing-room discontent over a financial matter, which is hopefully sorted". The article explains that Ged Nolan has been released "to enable McDonald to bring in a second goalkeeper - [ex-Alty] Ashley Timms, 19, from Manchester City... Danny Byrne's loan spell is up after this weekend's game so the visit to Worcester could be his last appearance for the Linnets, who are waiting for Droylsden to decide on the striker's future".
10 December 2004
PRAISE FOR PLAYERS
In SAM Graham Heathcote is quoted after Tuesday's win over Vauxhall; "The players were absolutely magnificent. There were players out there who were physical wrecks. I can't praise them highly enough the fact they went out in that condition is a credit to them as individuals and shows their determination. The board, management and fans should be overjoyed, the commitment these players have shown has been total". The report adds that "Heathcote says the team are stretched due to injuries and admits he doesn't know who he will be able to field for Alty's away fixture at Harrogate on Saturday, players including Marcus Hallows, Mark Maddox and Gary Scott may be ruled out due to injury".SATURDAY
Alty meet Harrogate Town on Saturday; Town are unbeaten at home this season in the league but Alty beat the Yorkshiremen 3-0 earlier this season at Moss Lane. The full record is:Howard Watts's Through the Years data for 11 December is here.
RESERVES MEET VICS
Next Wednesday (15th, 7.45pm), Alty Reserves are at home (at Abbey Hey) to Northwich Vics' Reserves in the Lancashire League. Entry is free and there is a social club open for the game.OLD BOYS
Vics' boss Steve Burr "has signed two more players and may recruit two more... but Mark Foran is set to leave the club and there seems to be a question mark over full back Dennis Pearce". Referring to ex-Alty captain Peter Band, signed last week, Burr said "Peter is in our price range and can play in midfield as well". The other new face is Greg Young, a defender loaned from Grimsby Town". Foran "is set to leave, with Stalybridge Celtic favourites for his signature. Band, 29, who was previously with Hyde United, makes Foran's position in the squad untenable" says IC Cheshire.Stafford Rangers' unofficial site reports that they included Jamie Phoenix against Redditch last Tuesday, with him "coming off the bench for the last 20 minutes, and he went close on a couple of occasions".
Leigh RMI whom we meet next in the Trophy won "their first point for almost three months" this week, when ex-Alty youth players Mark Drew and Lee Shillito played, whilst Ben Ashmole and Graham Tench were subs, reports their website.
REPORT
The Gainsborough Trinity website has now put up a report on their Trophy defeat at Alty last week. It says that "In the post-match analysis, all parties agreed the goal came totally against the run of play".EVERYBODY WELCOME!
Altrincham FC are holding a Christmas Sale at Moss Lane on Sunday morning; everyone welcome. There will be Christmas goods on sale as well as a "chocolate tombola" and refreshments. Other clubs have similar ventures such as Kettering Town who had a stall at their local church's Christmas Fair selling their new leisurewear and other KTFC merchandise, signed footballs and with a "Bran Tub for the children".NATIONWIDE NORTH
This is Leics reports that "Hinckley United have put back the opening date of their new Marston's Stadium to the home clash with Ashton United on January 29 next year. The decision was made as a result of what chairman Kevin Downes called the "ludicrous" amount of off-field work required during the Knitters' tremendous FA Cup run... If Hinckley beat Brentford in Tuesday night's FA Cup 2nd Round replay, and then draw with Luton at Kenilworth Road in the Third Round, Downes said that Hinckley could be in their new ground for the scheduled replay date of January 18". The club's website says that "Matt Lewis was injured and had to go to hospital with suspected ankle ligament damage", against Nuneaton on Tuesday; he was the scorer of their disputed winner against Alty."Northwich Victoria are the latest side to express an interest in Gainsborough Trinity's striker Gareth Grant... Grant, 24, has been on the transfer list for more than a month as the Blues look to cut costs. The Leeds-born striker has another year left on his contract, prompting Trinity to ask for a fee for last season's top scorer. Only league rivals Harrogate Town have made serious attempts to sign Grant, but they withdrew their interest last month", states This is Lincs.
Lancaster boss Phil Wilson "saw his side battered around Giant Axe by Manchester bruisers Droylsden who rubbed salt into the wound with a winning goal 4 minutes into second-half stoppage time on Tuesday night... Wilson said: 'I thought the officials were the worst we have had here all season'... Midfielder Fraser McHugh, who had talks with Wilson last week, has joined league rivals Redditch United. Wilson said: 'We had ten fit players tonight... so we had to bring in a few lads from the reserves'" he told Preston Today.
9 December 2004
APOLOGY!
The Vauxhall match report was correctly loaded on Wednesday evening but minus the attendance. On Thursday morning I added the crowd and inadvertently over-wrote the corrected text with an error-ridden draft that should not have appeared. Apologies for that- the corrected version is here.
HARDY MOVES
Former Alty striker Niell Hardy (right) has moved, with Josh Mitten and Simon Carden, from Ashton United to Mossley reports Mossleyweb.GATE
Tuesday's home gate against Vauxhall Motors, at 478, was our lowest of the season; the game clashed with live Champions' League football on TV. Nevertheless, it was larger than Northwich's gate in the Conference and much larger than the 204 at Stalybridge's N. North game that night.RESERVES WIN AGAIN
Alty Reserves extended their run to seven games without defeat and four straight victories with a 2-1 win at Burscough last night.There is now a brief report of the Reserves' 5-1 win against Bradford PA on 24 November, courtesy of manager Neil Brown, in the Reserves' section. (Apologies that this report had not been loaded earlier this morning).
BBC AT MOSS LANE
Courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography come these pictures of the BBC's visit to Moss Lane this week to film a story about the STAR 2005 Calendar. Seen above are Peter Band (now with Northwich Vics), Chris Adams and Steve Lunt (currently taking time out from football) performing, fully clothed, for the cameras. As Gavin reports, after their calendar exploits, "they certainly weren't camera shy!". Gavin also advises that this Friday's Daily Star may have a feature on the lads and their "assets"! Below, the BBC camera catches Chris and Steve putting ON their kit in the dressing room.
NEXT
Our next opponents "Harrogate Town sit proudly on top of the Nationwide North table after a 3-1 win at Stalybridge Celtic's Bower Fold on Tuesday night" reports NL DailyNATIONWIDE NORTH
Alfreton Town have signed two players- "former England youth player Richard Cooper and former Manchester United first team squad player Paul Teather... Cooper can play either right back or midfield and has been training with Nottingham Forest while Teather is a centre back who was in Manchester United's first team squad in 1999/2000".8 December 2004
FIXTURES
Wednesday 8thALTRINCHAM 3 VAUXHALL MOTORS 1
Match report here.
Chris Adams was named Man of the Match and is seen (right) receiving his award from Alty director, Grahame Rowley of Tintagel Consultancy Ltd, the match sponsors.
LEIGH SIGN THREE
Leigh, whom we meet in the Trophy on 15 January "have signed young defenders Alex Lord and Ryan Clarke plus forward Steve Skinner. 19-year-old defender Lord came through the youth-team ranks at Stockport County... Last month he joined Northwich Victoria but was released... Clarke, 20, has joined on a month's loan from Boston United... Skinner is the most experienced of the trio, having played in both English and Scottish League football. He started his career with home-town club Carlisle United... before joining Queen of the South... A two-year spell with Gretna followed, during which time he returned to Brunton Park on-loan, before going on to have brief spells with Albion Rovers, Workington and Cowdenbeath" reports NL Daily.OLD BOYS
Kevin Ellison scored last night for Chester City- they lost 4-1 at Bristol Rovers. The RMI website reports that former Alty Youth and Reserves keeper Dale Newbrook is now playing for the Leigh Reserves.NATIONWIDE NORTH
Stalybridge Celtic have "placed wideman Dean Calcutt on the transfer list. Dean has failed to settle at Bower Fold since his move from Accrington Stanley, and could not command a regular place in the side".Kettering Today reports that Kettering Town manager "Kevin Wilson is facing an FA misconduct charge after confronting match official Matt McGrath at Harrogate Town on Saturday. Wilson said: 'The fact is the referee has cost us the game ... the decision to send Gary Hateley off was wrong... I feel sorry for the supporters who travelled a very long way' ... Harrogate Town manager John Reed, who is also facing an FA charge for misconduct after confronting the referee after the match at Redditch United last month, had sympathy for his counterpart... 'I do genuinely feel very sorry for Kevin... We have had a couple of slices of luck really. We have had our fair share of bad luck but today it came back to give us three amazing points'. Reed also confirmed Wilson has already agreed to pay for damage to the visitors' changing room door at Wetherby Road: 'Their goalkeeper smashed in the door after getting sent off and you have to report these incidents to the referee who, in turn, notifies the FA. A new door will definitely have to be put on because there's a 12-inch hole in it'". Next users of the door will be Altrincham on Saturday.
TUNE IN
There is likely to be a feature on the STAR 2005 calendar (see below) on BBC1's NW Tonight tonight (6.30-7pm) and an article should appear in this week's Metro News, too.FOR EARLIER NEWS, CLICK HERE