Altrincham Football Club News Archive
14 to 17 April, 2005
17 April 2005
YOUTH TEAM WIN
Alty Youth beat Barrow 2-0 today with goals by Deegan and Hendley. They have now gone 11 games in the league unbeaten. Report to follow.HUCKNALL UP FIVE PLACES
JOIN THE ALTRINCHAM FC PATRONS
Details of the Altrincham FC Patrons' scheme, which aims to help the club through the summer months, when there is no matchday income, are to be found here as well as lower down this page. Please do consider joining. To date, director Graham Rowley advises me that the Patrons number 28, each of whom is donating £5 a week for 10 weeks. To join the scheme please contact the club on 928-1045 or e-mail Grahame Rowley.
The club wishes to thank the following who have signed up, so far: Peter Hughes, Grahame Rowley, Andrew Shaw, Geoff Goodwin, Derek Wilshaw, George Heslop, Barry Pond, Neil Faulkner, Jeremy Pollitt, Bob Green, Brian Flynn, Peter Foster, Steve Foster, Terry Surridge, Bob Allen, Claire Allen, Jon Stack, Winnie Stack, Bill Coop, Jack Crompton, Graham Heathcote, Paul Brady, John Norbury, Scotchem Ltd, www.altrinchamfc.com, Nigel Wright/Ashley Mowers, Ian Callow/KallKwik, Paul Daine.
ALTY LINK TO PRIORY COUNTY
Altrincham FC Youth team will be linking up with local junior club, Priory County, for 2005-06. This should be of mutual benefit to both clubs and for Alty can only strengthen the already successful youth team set-up. The following press release is reproduced courtesy of Les Dyson of Priory County. On Sunday, 1 May, Alty Youth play a friendly at Priory County, who play near Manchester Airport, - details to follow. Spectators will be very welcome.Priory County set up progression link with Altrincham
One of Macclesfield's prominent junior football clubs, Priory County have set up a link with a local non-league club, Altrincham, in order to provide a progression path for their junior players.
The progression path provides an immediate opportunity for players from the under 16 & under 17 squads whilst acting as a beacon for those from the younger age groups who are keen to aspire to the next level of football.
Dave Lea, Secretary of Priory County JFC, commenting on the link between the two clubs, points out the importance to Priory County. Dave says, "this just adds to our development as a club. For many years we have had players moving into academies whilst others are overlooked, now this gives those players who develop at a later age access to the next level of football. It also means that the Priory sides can develop together for a longer period of time up to under 16/17 level, knowing that there is an outlet into non-league if players have ability, belief in themselves and want to progress. It will also give the more junior players something further to look up to".
The first set of players from the under 16 & under 17 squads are now attending Altrincham's training sessions on a Tuesday evening, enjoying the experience and benefiting from working with other quality players around them. At the end of this current season a combined under 16/17 Priory side will play the Altrincham youth team in a friendly. This will benefit both clubs in terms of comparing standards and players.
George Heslop, manager of the Altrincham youth team is a man of immense local football knowledge. Over the years he has been very aware of the footballing reputation that Priory County have gained. In working on setting up this link with the management team at Priory he was at pains to state just what Altrincham's approach would be; "No players would be poached, they must be recommended by Priory officials". George has run the youth set up at Altrincham for the last 7 years and in that time has gained many honours for the club, picking up trophies in 6 out of 7 seasons. George states, "nothing would please me more than to see Priory lads emerging into the Altrincham first team in years to come". At the same time it offers Altrincham FC the opportunity to recommend players to Priory County who would maybe be on the fringes of the Altrincham set up in the short term, and allows us to closely monitor their progress within a good football environment with a view to possibly signing them in the future.
Priory County meanwhile continue to develop teams at all junior age groups where possible, with sides playing from under 9's up to under 17's. The picture here shows the Priory County under 16's team, parading one of the trophies gained at the beginning of the season. All teams play locally in the Stockport Metro League and run regular evening training sessions at Henbury High School. Priory are always looking to strengthen their squads so for anyone who wishes to join the club or know more about what is on offer for different age groups then please call Dave Lea on 01625 424746.
OLD BOYS
Yesterday's games saw Leroy Chambers (Frickley) pitted against Peter Wright (Bamber Bridge). Niell Hardy (Chorley) scored before going off injured, whilst Anthony Hargreaves (Flixton), Alex Frost (Ramsbottom), Richard Acton & Jamie Baguley (both Woodley), Peter Band & Matt Bailey (both Vics), Jamie Phoenix (Stafford) all played yesterday. Ian Craney (Accrington) was an unused sub and Mike Garrity scored for Vauxhall.SAGA CONTINUES
The team(s) likely to gain promotion to Nationwide North from the UniBond League remain far from clear. The UniBond League announced yesterday that "Following their failure to fulfil the scheduled midweek fixtures against Prescot Cables and Leek Town, Spennymoor United have now informed the League that they will not be completing their fixtures for the remainder of the season. This leaves nine games unplayed... The League's Board of Directors are to meet on Sunday, 24th April to consider how these games will be treated in the fairest possible manner to all Premier Division member clubs. The Board will also consider what further action may be taken against Spennymoor United FC". Hyde United, Workington, Whitby Town and Farsley Celtic are the main team affected by this chaotic situation. It is interesting that the League is talking in terms of how to deal with Spennymoor's unplayed games rather than the games they have already played, giving credence to the rumours that something other than simply wiping out the Moors' results may be being considered.16 April 2005
HARROGATE WITHIN REACH
Harrogate's defeat today means that both they and Kettering can now be caught by Altrincham. Nuneaton are now definitely in the play-offs and confirmed in the top three. Also, by not playing today, Altrincham now have the tightest defence in the division. We can now finish no higher than 4th and no lower than 7th.
BETTER SIDE LOST
In today's crucial UniBond Premier match, to help decide who will join us in Nationwide North, Hyde beat Workington 1-0 thanks to a sliced own goal, from a corner, in the 89th minute. For the last 30 minutes Workington played with 10 men after their keeper was sent off for handling outside the box- a very marginal decision taken by the referee when the linesman who was in line did not flag. An outfield player had to go in goal. Overall, the Cumbrians were the better side.MATCH OFF
Today's match against Stalybridge Celtic has been postponed. There is standing water, especially round the fringes of the pitch following torrential rain overnight. Pictures of the pitch are below. The game will be rescheduled for this Tuesday (19th) at 7.45pm - on Monday (18th), Man. Utd Reserves are due to play at Moss Lane. If Tuesday's date is also postponed, the game will be re-re-scheduled for Thursday (21st) at 7.45pm. Alternative games locally today include Hyde Utd v Workington and Droylsden v Stafford - but check before travelling!
| Right: The view towards the 20/20 End |  |
| Right: The view towards the Golf Road End |  |
| Right: Welcome to Altrincham! Through the window, tarpaulins cover parts of the pitch. |  |
RESERVES OFF TOO
Today's Reserves game against Burscough at Abbey Hey has also been postponed.
Right: At the end of the Worcester game, Alty's Lewis Chalmers predicts a 2-0 scoreline in Alty's next match to his team-mates from Altrincham Reserves.
CELTIC GAME
Phil Taylor, Alty's Security Officer says that "Following discussion and taking into account the number of Stalybridge supporters who MAY attend it has been decided that today's fixture [against Stalybridge Celtic] WILL be segregated. Home Supporters, wishing to stand are requested to enter via turnstiles at the Golf Road End and away supporters via turnstiles at the 20-20 End. Please be sure to enter by the correct turnstile as no guarantee can be given that you will be able to be transferred to the correct area".MARCUS SINGING AGAIN
Injured Altrincham striker, Marcus Hallows, was interviewed today on Talksport radio about his bad leg fracture which happened at Moss Lane last month - and he even sang a song on air! As Alty fans will know, Marcus has another career with an Elvis Presley stage act.LEGEND
Edward Bullen becomes the 57th "Alty Legend" profile, by Terry Rowley, to be added to the website, hereOLD BOYS
Lee Thompson hit 4 of Skem's 9 goals against Colne on Wednesday whilst Peter Wright scored a late equaliser against Witton.15 April 2005
PATRONS' CLUB
Club press release:Patrons' Club 2005
With the impending close season and the recent news of the loss of Manchester United revenue, the club have been investigating other sources of income. It has been decided that this year we will start a Patrons' Club.
Running throughout the 10 weeks of the close season, we are looking for people or companies to pledge £5 a week (£50 in total). In return, their name will appear throughout the 2005/06 season in the programme and there will also be a draw held in mid-July for all participating patrons.
If you are interested in becoming a patron of the club in this coming close season please speak to Grahame Rowley at Saturday’s game or contact him on 07720-606897 for further details.
Those already signed up include:- Geoff Goodwin, Grahame Rowley, Andrew Shaw, Derek Wilshaw, George Heslop, Barry Pond, Terry Surridge, Brian Flynn, Steve Foster, Jon Stack, the www.altrinchamfc.com website and Graham Heathcote.
Please add your name to this list the club needs your help.
NEXT GAME
Alty play Stalybridge on Saturday. The Tameside Advertiser quotes manager John Reed- "The players were poor on Saturday and the supporters were poor how can we allow 150 Droylsden fans to make more noise? When we’ve been bad this year, they have got us through games like that win at Ashton. It was 90 minutes of sheer hell because over the years, my teams have played with heart, passion, commitment and determination, but the team on Saturday never had that. I had seven players out of 11 who lost their own individual battles and that’s why we lost quite comprehensively. I have to be honest and say Droylsden were far superior... In the three games since we came out of the relegation zone, it’s been one point from nine... There’s no way I’m going to let that continue make no mistake".OLD BOYS
Thursday's MEN says that Jason van Blerk, briefly at Alty last season, is "about to publicly reveal the secret he kept quiet for most of his footballing career... [Asthma] is a condition he has suffered from since the age of two". Jason is preparing to 'out' himself" in the London Marathon on Sunday when he runs to raise funds for Asthma UK. He has prepared by running 12 to 20 miles three times a week. In the final of the Lancashire Marsden Trophy, Ian Craney scored for Accrington who beat Burscough.TROPHY
Admission to the FA Trophy Final at Villa Park will be £15 and £20 for adults and £7 for concessionaries.NATIONWIDE NORTH
Preston Today says that "Southport hot-shot Terry Fearns will rewrite the Haig Avenue history books if he hits the target against Hinckley United. Fearns will break the all-time league scoring record of 31 goals set by Steve Haw (1992-93) and Archie Waterston (1930-31). 'It is a quite phenomenal record and I'm amazed that a Nationwide Conference or a Football League club has not taken a chance on Terry', said Southport boss Liam Watson. 'He scored 111 goals in three seasons at Vauxhall Motors and he has just kept on scoring since he joined us last summer. To score 31 league goals is incredible and with three games left he could be close to 40 by the time we finish... Terry is not a striker with a lot of pace, and he is not too strong physically, but his awareness in the penalty box is as good as many strikers in the Football League'".The Kettering Townwebsite says that "Town's failure to pick up the points at Hucknall last night has put their play-off spot in jeopardy as they have now handed Altrincham the opportunity to move into the fifth-place spot if they can beat Stalybridge on Saturday".
NL Daily says that "Worcester City will launch their new home and away shirts for next season at their home game with Barrow on Saturday. Worcester-born glamour model and currently Playboy TV Playmate of the Year, Natalie Denning, will be modelling City’s new kit".
"FA Trophy finalists Hucknall Town have withdrawn from the Notts Senior Cup because of their fixture backlog. That means Eastwood Town... will get a walkover into the semi finals... 'It's a shame we can't play Eastwood but it's just a problem fitting everything in', said Hucknall boss Dean Barrick". He added, "We want to pick up as many points as we can between now and the end of the season - but we are also hoping to stay clear of injuries and suspensions before the final" reports This is Nottingham.
UNIBOND NEWS
NL Daily reports that "Phil Brumwell, skipper of troubled Spennymoor United, doesn’t expect to play again for Moors this season. The former Darlington player turned out last week for Moors against Blyth Spartans, but after the game all the players shook hands and said their farewells. Brumwell said: 'As far as the players are concerned, there’s been no contact from the club whatsoever. We didn’t know, for example, that there was supposed to be a game at Leek Town on Thursday night. The players are assuming there’ll be no more games this season'... Moors will probably have to join the Wearside League if they resign or are expelled from the UniBond. Fans were hoping the club would be able to rejoin the Northern League after a fifteen-year absence but the final decision will be down to the FA".NEW BOSS FOR SUPPORTERS DIRECT
Jacqui Forster of Supporters Direct and STAR has sent me the following item, concerning STAR patron and Altrincham supporter Brian Lomax. "The Board of Directors of Supporters Direct is pleased to announce the appointment of Phil French as its new Chief Executive... Speaking about the appointment, the Chair of Supporters Direct, Andy Burnham said, 'With such a high-profile figure taking the reins, this appointment puts the seal on the advances made in the game by Supporters Direct since its inception in 2000. Phil’s reputation across football - in particular through his work in the Premier League and in the wider game through his involvement in helping to set up the Football Foundation is well known... Paying tribute to his predecessor, Brian Lomax, Burnham said, 'Brian was and remains an inspirational figure in the Supporters’ Trust Movement. It was his vision that gave fans across the country the confidence to speak out and become directly involved in running their own football clubs. I know that Brian will be as elated with this appointment as I am, and I know that Phil will take his vision and build on it'".NATIONWIDE NORTH
"Steve Soley is considering his future as Linnets boss over the welter of 'unfair' criticism hurled at him", says IC Cheshire. The website adds, "Even if Runcorn hang on to their Nationwide North status... there has been no confirmation as to whether they will be around next season. If they are, no-one knows where the team will be playing". Soley said: "I have done things above the call of duty and I have been getting stick off everyone which I feel is unfair. I could take stick if we had a massive wage bill, I would take it on the chin. I am just sick of things going on in the background. I am not going to be the fall guy for everybody. I have done this because no-one else would do it. I have been hung out to dry. I haven't been paid for a few months. I wash the kit, we have no matchballs and I have paid lads who haven't been paid out of my own money. If I walk out now, I don't think they have much chance. No matter what people think of me, the players respect me"."Pat Cremin, chairman of Redditch United, is calling on residents who have opposed the clubs' £300,000 plans to extend its training facilities and changing rooms... to make their way to the ground for a Fans' Forum on Thursday... Manager Rod Brown is keeping his cards very close to his chest on the plans for next season" reports This is Redditch. Brown said "Put it this way there will be four players that will dramatically change this club, I can't mention any names because they are all contracted players. We're also lining up a top goalkeeping coach as well for next season... We're looking for the top two and that means promotion
NL Daily says that "Alfreton Town have announced a profit of £73,557 for the financial year ended June 2004... There was a small operating loss of £1,443 but a share issue conversion added £75,000 onto the balance sheet that converted the minor trading loss into a healthy profit... Chairman Wayne Bradley commented: 'With prudent house keeping we have avoided a situation in which some of the other organisations have landed in from chasing progression through the Pyramid... The Alfreton Town Gold Bond Lottery makes its debut on Friday... Top prize per week is £2000 except the last Friday in each month when this rises to a massive £5000. It doesn’t stop there, on the last Friday in May and November the top prize is a cash bonanza of £10,000".
"Sidelined skipper Gary Bauress is backing Lancaster City to beat the drop... 'I expected us to be in the top 10 this season... But apart from the Vauxhall Motors game away we have not played that badly'" reports This is The Lake District.
The Nationwide Conference has moved the national play-off semi-finals to May 6 to avoid clashing with the General Election on 5 May.
Worksop Town report that "The proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement was approved by a large majority, in monetary terms, of the club’s creditors... An agreement has been signed which allows a new company, 1861 Leisure Ltd., exclusive rights to negotiate with the club’s advisers to purchase the business and assets of the existing club. The Board of the new company comprises the three existing directors of the club, together with the Tigers' manager Mr. Ronnie Glavin and Mr. John Hepworth, a local chartered accountant, who has been a supporter of the club... The Board believes that whilst placing the club into a CVA is regrettable, the course of action taken means that it is now in a financial position from which it can move forward on a more secure footing". Worksop Today confirms that "Howard Raymond will step down as chairman of the club... while manager Ronnie Glavin will join as director of football".
The Tameside Advertiser reports that Droylsden boss Dave Pace was "surprised at Celtic’s decision to switch from their regular 4-4-2 to 4-3-3" when his side beat their Tameside rivals last week. "For them to play that way against us when they aren’t used to it isn’t as easy as just saying it... and was a little strange to be honest".
14 April 2005
BACK IN THE HUNT
Alty got back into contention for a play-off place when Kettering lost tonight to a late winner from Hucknall's Ricketts. But it will take three straight wins to guarantee Altrincham a place in the play-offs.THREE MOMENTS
Below, right, are three decisive moments from the Worcester game, captured by Gavin Rathbone (GR Photos), whose images are available by e-mail or from the club shop.
| Stuart Coburn's magnificent penalty save: |  |
| Kirk Hilton scores the first goal: |  |
| Colin Little taps in the second: |  |
This is WCFC says that "Worcester City's hearts were broken last night as Altrincham ended their distant play-off hopes with a bad-tempered 2-0 victory at Moss Lane". Manager Andy Preece said: "We didn't defend well enough at times... It's the first time we have conceded two goals for about 12 games... I don't think we can say we deserved to win". The manager added, "To go to Moss Lane with four games left with a little chance of the play-offs was a fantastic achievement. We could not have even thought about that two months ago... Tuesday was a bad day all round, beginning with the coach journey... The referee then gave us about five minutes to prepare... which was nice of him! There was no reason why he couldn't have given us longer. But then, he refereed like he didn't want to do anything for us either. We won a penalty but it was a deliberate hand-ball by the lad and there should have been at least a booking or sending-off... but the goalkeeper has pulled off a decent save. However, we should have got a second penalty straight after... It had to be a penalty. There could be no other decision, but I think the referee bottled it because he'd already given one penalty. There was another strange decision for Altrincham's second goal when Paul Carty got fouled in the corner and yet nothing was given".
The STAR buckets raised £93.27 on Tuesday; thanks go, as ever, to the volunteer collectors and donors.
NEXT GAME
Alty play Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday. Howard Watts's Through the Years statistics for 16th April are here.AT MOSS LANE
Man. United Res. are at Moss Lane tonight (Thursday, 7pm) playing Bolton Wanderers' Reserves.YOUTH UPDATE
Thanks to George Heslop, the Youth team's league table and fixture grid have been updated and can be viewed via the Youth Page.OLD BOYS
Peter Band scored for Vics in midweek as did Chris Downey (Mossley) and Jamie Baguley (Woodley Sports).NATIONWIDE NORTH
The following is from a press release from the NL Paper:The Non-League Paper National Game Awards 2005 sponsored by Carlberg...gives YOUR chosen stars the chance to shine on a nationwide stage.
Once again we want followers of the Conference to vote for the winners of several key awards, including:
Over the coming weeks the NLP will be highlighting each of the categories every Friday and Sunday offering suggestions about the various candidates. But, of course, you can vote for whoever you like.
Voting for the Performance Awards will close on Monday May 23 and the results will be announced in a special edition of The Non-League Paper on Sunday May 29. To vote, fill in the voting form in the NLP that appears every week or go to the website by clicking here.
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