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1 to 28 February 2006 |
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1 to 28 February 2006 |
FA Trophy Semi-Finals, two legs, 18/25 March:
are as follows: 1. Jeremy Illingworth, 2. Carl Furlong, 3. Danny Murphy, 4. Terry Bowker, 5. Ian Craney, 6. Adam Farley, 7. Rod Thornley, 8.Steve Finney, 9. Paul Edwards, 10. Ronnie Ellis, 11. Ryan Hevicon, 12. Jason Gallagher, 13. Jeff Johnson, 14. Leroy Chambers, 15. John King, 16. Graham Barrow, 17. Mark Sertori, 18. Paul Showler, 19. Nick Stephens, 20. Dave Swanick, 21. Brian Flynn (played for supporters' team!), 22. Andy Green, 23. Jeff Wealands, 24. Jack Swindells, 25. Albert Quixall, 26. Mike Farrelly, 27. Mattie Hughes, 28. Danny McGoona (no.11), 29. Ged Kielty, 30. Paul Reid.
The BBC reports that "Young midfielder Craig Watkins has been released from his Exeter City contract after becoming homesick... since his move from Sutton last August. 'He is homesick and wants to stay away', said City boss Alex Inglethorpe. 'I am disappointed, but the South West is not for everyone'" .
"Cambridge United manager Rob Newman is lining up a potential loan move for Lincoln City defender Matt Bloomer. Bloomer was due to play in a friendly for the U's on Monday... The 27-year-old has not featured for Lincoln since the end of December and recently completed a temporary spell with Grimsby Town. Newman was also planning to use the friendly game at Boston to take a look at Bolton goalkeeper Sam Ashton, 19", says the BBC.
Meanwhile, "On-loan Fulham defender Robert Watkins is to spend a further two months at Gravesend and Northfleet... but Liam Daish has allowed defender Danny Glozier to extend his loan spell with Tonbridge Angels for a further month".
Forest Green Rovers are appealing aginst the red card for Byron Anthony, a loan player from Cardiff City.
Ex-Cheltenham defender John Brough, 33, has left Aldershot by mutual consent, saying that manager "Terry (Brown) said that there was no deal available for next season which is understandable considering the amount of matches I've played. It was agreed to terminate the deal to help save the club a bit of money and for me to look ahead for my future".
Bullsnews reports that "Forest Green have become the first club to announce their pricing plans for next season - and they show a sharp increase on this year's prices for adult tickets. Matchday adult prices will rise £2 for the move to their new stadium, but Concession and Child rates drop on the terraces. An adult season ticket rises by £45, or £1 a game after the expansion to 24 clubs is taken into consideration. The most contentious price increase, amongst FGR fans, is the implementation of a £3 car park charge per match for their new 250 space car park".
Alty Youth are also in the semi-finals both of the Open Cup (away to Eagley) and of the Neil Thomason Memorial Trophy (home to Fleetwood Hesketh). Next Sunday (March 5th), they are away to Marine in the league.
Meanwhile, York City manager Billy McEwan said of his side's 5-1 win over Forest Green, "We could have even won by more... We were a bit fortunate when the lad (Anthony Byron) was sent off. It was harsh, but that happens in football".
Radio 5 Live reports that Stevenage Borough are facing a loss of potential supporters to nearby Watford, who are introducing a free coach service to Vicarage Road and reduced entry prices to residents of Stevenage.
Yesterday, Alex Hay scored for Leigh RMI, whose squad now includes two more recent ex-Alty men in George Melling (right) and Gary Williams. James Olsen netted for Barrow.
At Ashton, Terry Bowker scored in a win over Whitby Town.
The informative and entertaining Bullsnews questions "Did the Bulls get any LDV money? Hereford United were defeated by Macclesfield Town in the Northern Semi-final of the LDV four weeks ago and should have received some £12,000 for their efforts... Clubs only receive a pay-out when they are defeated... But there are fears that the Bulls have not received any money from the sponsors and probably never will... With LDV Vans going into administration the sponsorship deal for that competition with the Football League has collapsed. All prize money has now been cancelled, with those defeated in the Area Semi-Finals losing £15,000,(Hereford being a Conference side should have received £12,000)... Presumably it will get more embarrassing still, with the Final due to be be broadcast live on Sky Sports... One can't imagine the Football League or the broadcasters wishing to continue promoting and advertising a company that has gone down the pan and defaulted on its commitments, so what to call it? Answers on a postcard to : The Right Honourable the Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League".
FA Trophy 4
Prize money : £7,000 for winners
NW Counties 2
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Above: Former Alty Youth keeper Barrie George watches as FC United clear their lines. The Reds' no.10 is Steve Torpey- briefly at Altrincham last season. Also in the starting line-up was former Alty player Phil Power.
If we had put away the chance we got just before half time then we would have gone in 1-1 at half time and it might have been a completely different game. They were very physical though. At first I had thought the challenge on Ged was just a case of the two of them coming together at first but then I saw Ged's leg. If it had been me on the end of that tackle I know I would've wanted the guy to get a red card... We've already lost Ged and Chris Adams and the departure of Robbo won't help either. He rang me on Wednesday to tell me about his move to Richmond Eagles in Melbourne. It was a bit of a shock but I wished him luck - although I did want to throttle him for leaving!... It's Gonzo (Gary Scott) that we've got to get rid of - I didn't mind giving a lift to Robbo because he lived nearby but Gonzo's well out of the way so I would have rather seen him go to Australia. That said, I don't think they would even let him into the country with his reputation. I still can't believe Robbo wants to swap the sunny coast of Liverpool for Oz, what more do they have over there that he can't get in Liverpool?"
Halifax Town "striker Darren Mansaram has completed a permanent move away from the Shay". He has joined Sligo Rovers.
Woking "announce the signing of 22 year-old Malik Buari from Fulham on non-contract terms until the end of the season"> He is a winger who "made his Premiership debut in a 3-1 defeat to Everton in August 2003".
Grays v Exeter City has been moved from Saturday 8th April to the following Monday 10th as it is to be televised by Sky Sports
NL Daily reports that "Aldershot Town have announced that 31-year-old defender Tarkan Mustafa has left the club by mutual consent... after losing his place in the side to Matt Somner".
This is York says that "City boss Billy McEwan has insisted that the club's off-field financial worries will not influence matters on the pitch... Said the City manager: 'There's nothing we can do. We have only got to concern ourselves with the football side of things... Obviously, the more games you win the better things are, but we have got to stay humble and, as I keep repeating, see where we are on April 29".
The Burton Mail reports that "Nigel Clough is ready to show his ruthless streak by axing one of Burton Albion's midweek goalscoring heroes".
The official Southport website states that "Regarding articles posted on the Portchat website, Director Barry Hedley says there is absolutely no truth in the reports that Liam Watson is leaving Southport Football Club to be replaced by Shaun Teale or anybody else. Liam is very upset with these rumours as the Chairman and Board of Directors are still backing Liam to rescue the club from our predicament. It is also unfair to Shaun Teale and Chorley Football Club with whom we have a very good relationship with their club officials". As previously reported here, Portchat quotes Liam Watson confirming that he had "decided to release Nick Rogan as I could not guarantee him a start up front. Nick has gone to Barrow and I wish him well. I have made enquiries to Chester about Marcus Richardson. I have talked to their chairman Stephen Vaughan and was in contact with Keith Curle. Steven Vaughan has passed on the information to new manager Mark Wright. Hopefully for us Mark Wright will agree to the loan. We will have to wait and see. Marcus Richardson is an imposing forward with a good work rate who will add to our squad. I have also made enquiries elsewhere in the Conference concerning a striker. At this stage of the season and in our position I have to try all angles and await to see who becomes available. Mark Roberts is happy to return to us and that is very good news once his 30 day loan to Chester technically expires. Mark will add defensive strength to us and Crewe have been very helpful in overseeing this. So we have 14 matches to achieve our objective of getting out of the bottom two. I believe we can do it".
It is perhaps as well that Alty have no game on Saturday, as the departure of James Robinson and the injuries to Ged Murphy, Chris Adams, Colin Potts, Karl Munroe and continuing absence of Richard Norris (left) and Eddie Hussin (right) leave the Robins with just 15 fit outfield players. There was also doubt about one of those 15 this week as Pat McFadden, though fit enough to sit on the Alty bench last Tuesday, was injured last Saturday. Trafford, for whom Pat turned out that day, report that "Trafford were forced to introduce substitute Mark Fitton for the injured McFadden at the interval". The other 14 fit outfield players are Coburn, Aspinall, Band, Maddox, Talbot, Chalmers, Owen, Peyton, Rose , Scott, Hendley, Little, Lugsden and Thornley. And, stand-in goalkeeper Richard Acton has played just once for Alty since he broke a foot-bone in 2005.
At least Hussin, Norris and Peyton were able to take part in the warm-up last Tuesday. Both Hussin and Norris have yet to start a game this season. Alty have so far used 30 players in Conference matches this season, 11 of whom have since left the club. Colin Little and Stuart Coburn are the only Conference ever-presents for Alty this season.
Gavin Rathbone writes: The photo of 4 Rod's celebrating in his usual way (right) is running out of bidding time. The auction will end of the 28th February so these are your final few days to place a bid! ALL money raised from the auction will go direct to Altrincham FC so it is a great way to do a little something for the clubs finances, whilst getting yourself a unique quality photo which is framed and signed! Total size of the photo is 22" in length and it will look excellent on your living room wall!!!! The top current bid stands at £60, so place your bids now by calling me (Gavin) on 01457 861122 or email me, or post your bid on the forum or speak to Grahame Rowley! A larger version of the photo is here
Crawley Town report that "Striker Dorryl Proffitt has left the club by mutual consent. ...following his release from Premiership side Manchester City last season. Manager John Hollins... said 'Dorryl is a nice young man but unfortunately it hasn't worked out for him with us... It's been hard for him with the club struggling near the bottom of the table but he has ability'".
The BBC reports that "Hereford striker Adam Stansfield will be sidelined for up to six weeks, after suffering a fracture of the cheekbone. Stansfield sustained the injury during last Saturday's Conference match at Canvey Island and now requires surgery. Manager, Graham Turner, told BBC Hereford and Worcester: 'The swelling has got to go down before the surgery can be carried out. But it looks as though he will have to have a plate inserted in the depressed fracture of the cheek'".
From This is York we learn of "City's cash crisis". The reports says that "York City's Supporters' Trust board is set to discuss whether to offer JM Packaging a shareholding in the football club... considering significant cash problems that could see the Minstermen record a six-figure loss this season. Football Foundation officials have already requested a March 1 meeting with club officials... regarding the non-payment of the first £100,000 installation [?instalment] due on the KitKat Crescent's £2million loan. To satisfy their obligations as a limited company, JM Packaging has also been required to ask what provisions the club and Trust have in place to repay a £300,000 loan, facilitated by the Malton-based company last year. That loan is due to be settled by January 2007 but, having received a letter from City's financial director Terry Doyle stating it was unlikely the commitment could be met in time, Trust business sub-committee officials have met with representatives of JM Packaging to discuss a way forward... It is understood the Trust is considering whether to offer JM[cGill] Packaging a shareholding in the club... Club board member and managing director Jason McGill currently has a 15 per cent stake in the club with the remaining 85 per cent of shares owned by the Trust... If JM Packaging's £300,000 loan to the club is converted into shares then Rob McGill, a City season-ticket holder and supporter since 1955, has indicated that the company would underwrite the considerable losses expected this season".
The Tamworth Herald "can exclusively reveal that Tamworth FC are set to pull off their greatest ever signing when former England star Paul Merson puts pen to paper today (Thursday)". Lambs' manager Mark Cooper added, "He is also a naturally fit man and he will be training with us this week and will feature against Halifax. I am hoping that Tamworth fans will turn out in force on Saturday to welcome Paul to the club and show him he has joined the right club. I could use him in attack or midfield but I won't make that decision until I have seen him in training, but his sheer presence will also give all the players a big boost". And "Tamworth are also hoping they can finally bring former Villa striker Tommy Johnson to The Lamb ahead of Saturday's big game". The website solicited fans' comments, one of whom wrote, "God help you. Neil, Walsall"!
This is KHFC quotes Mark Yates, manager of Kidderminster Harriers: "We've not got a game this weekend which will give us a bit of time to get a few injuries back, but I'd rather have a game. After a win you want to get on with the next game and get a bit of momentum going".
Bullsnews reports that "Exeter will copy the Bulls' youth side setup next season, in a partnership with Exeter College. The Bulls link up with Pershore College on the PASE scheme has already reaped rewards with Andy Williams coming through... Exeter, who are due to lose a £62,000 grant at the end of the season if they fail to return to the Football League, decided to end their youth policy due to the cost despite the number of graduates currently plying their trade in the Grecians' senior squad."
Bullsnews also says that "Cambridge Utd have added Lincoln defender Matt Bloomer on loan for the rest of the season. Bloomer has played just seven times for Lincoln this season, and has just returned from a loan spell from Grimsby"... whilst "Darren Blewitt, who was with Hereford United for much of the first half of this season, is having a trial at Oxford United".
The Lancaster City v Workington game was abandoned at half-time due to floodlight failure with the Reds 4-0 up. The City keeper was sent off after 6 minutes and an outfield player took over, only to concede a goal. Then ex-Alty man Tony Sullivan went in goal and let in three more goals before the interval. Seemingly a Workington player with eletcrical knowledge reportedly offered to help repair the lights but was unable to do so because of an absence of spare fuses! reports the News & Star.
Weston-s-Mare "Manager Frank Gregan has insisted the door was still open for veteran Brian Tinnion to join the Nationwide South club... Tinnion s still considering an offer... But the 37-year-old Geordie, who turned out eight times for Aldershot Town in the Conference National after leaving City earlier this season, is keeping his options open" says This is Bristol.
Aldershot Town manager Terry Brown tells The Shots "We've never been able to name a settled back four this season... but if you look at Accrington, Barnet and Chester City over recent campaigns they have been able to start the season well and keep their main players fit... You need your best players fit and your side settled and we have been the exact opposite this season... I want to produce an exciting end to this season because it has been anything but exciting so far. We are already having one eye on next season and we know that new blood is desperately needed".
The Grays Athletic website has a statement from chairman Micky Woodward - "I would like to make my apologies for the team’s performance [0-4 against Dagenham]. It was a terrible performance. Also I must forward the apologies from all the players and playing staff. The feeling is they have let you all down... but I assure you that a different passion will be shown on the pitch on Saturday... I would like to remind you that this is our first season in the conference, and that it is a learning curve for all of us".
Bullsnews reports that "To be able to join the Football League, Hereford United must have two inspections according to Graham Turner.... The second is yet to take place. This time the inspection will be by the Football Licensing Authority which will also include the police, the environmental officer from the local authority, our safety officer and officials from the club. Turner told the Hereford Times about the first visit in which "A contingent from the Football League went out with tape measures to carry out a thorough inspection of the ground, including measuring dressing rooms, the pitch size and the distance between the touch-lines and the perimeter wall. We have to produce a structural engineer's report on the state of the ground and there is an electrical inspection of floodlighting and power, as well as all the other technical and legal aspects, including the leases... We are seeking an urgent resolution of the leases issue. While we believe we have plenty of time to sort it all out, nonetheless we cannot afford to waste that time. And that is one aspect that is out of our hands".
James Robinson (left) has played his last game for Altrincham as he has accepted an offer to play football for Richmond Eagles in Melbourne, Australia and is departing for there this weekend. Manager Graham Heathcote is very sorry to be losing a player who had performed well since arriving in November 2005 from Accrington Stanley, having previously been with Crewe Alexandra. Graham points out that such sudden departures are always a danger for clubs such as ours where players are generally on non-contract terms. All at Moss Lane wish him well in Australia.
In a loan spell with Alty from Crewe in late 2002, James made 2 starts and 1 sub appearance and this season he has added a further 8 starts and 6 sub appearances. He has also scored four goals this season, making him joint second-top scorer.
Halifax Today reports that "On Saturday John Grant struck with 60 seconds remaining to seal a comeback win over Grays. At Altrincham. Ryan Sugden, who had replaced Grant, struck with two minutes to go... This win should not be written off as a close win against one of the Conference also rans. Altrincham gave as good as they got for long periods, especially in the second half. And in the end the Moss Lane side provided tougher opposition than high-flying Grays had four days earlier... Altrincham are renowned for improved second half displays and they did not disappoint their supporters... Altrincham were not the easy beats that many might have expected them to be".
Warren Peyton is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring against Halifax Town in one of Gavin Rathbone's excellent photos; more are on his website and copies are available from the Robins' Shop.
Halifax manager Chris Wilder observed, "It was a massive result for us and it was a game that was more like a cup tie at times. Altrincham gave everything and it was a bit of a rocky ride at times. I just hope that there are teams at the top of the league who have to come here still because it is a really difficult place to come and get a result". As the article adds, "York, Hereford and Grays are the play-off hopefuls who still have to go to Moss Lane between now and the end of the season. And they will not find it easy against an Altrincham side containing the likes of renowned battlers Colin Little and Val Owen". Wilder continued, "At the back of my mind I knew they had players who could hurt us. We all know what Colin Little can do - he is a quality player in this league. We conceded and they had a five or 10 minute spell, but Justin came on and gave us a bit of a spark, then Ryan Sugden and Chris Senior took it on from there... In the last 10 or 15 minutes while Altrincham had a couple of breakaways we really put our foot down to the floor and went for the result".
Less happy is Cambridge boss Rob Newman who "was fuming after his side's 2-0 defeat at Burton. He said: 'From a positive first half we've lost another game away, which is disappointing to say the least. They're senior players, but if they're not good enough and they haven't got the fight for it then I'd rather put the young ones back on the pitch. They'll give you enthusiasm and honesty, and sometimes out there I think there was a lack of honesty and passing of responsibility'".
There is also turmoil at Crawley according to Bullsnews which headlines its article, "Crawley Soap Opera Continues: new faces, a stabbing, and an unfair dismissal claim...Crawley's squad list now totals 31 players after adding striker Gavin Gordon, released by Notts County last month, and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chris Banks on work experience to the squad this week. Crawley have used 33 players already this season. Striker Omari Coleman, the former Aldershot loanee who was reported to have flu at the weekend, has now been confirmed as the victim of a stabbing outside a Croydon nightclub. Meanwhile, former manager Francis Vines is claiming £109,000 compensation from the club after his dismissal. Crawley are no better off under the new management than before his sacking. Vines collected just 13 points in 14 games, but the club have gained just 12 points from 14 games since".
Bullsnews also laments the poor gates on Tuesday night in the Conference. "It wasn't just the Bulls that suffered at the turnstile. Kidderminster recorded their lowest gate of the season, 1302, as did York, 2153, while Forest Green recorded their second lowest gate at 582. Most home sides recorded a 300-400 lower gate than their last home match. Only Altrincham recorded an above-average attendance, but were still down on the previous attendance if only by a handful. The figures show that the blank Tuesday nights in September and October could have been better used for these fixtures rather than the cold nights and European knock-out stages on offer last night".
Terry Rowley's updated Conference attendances are here.
After conceding a goal two minutes from the end of normal time, disappointment shows in the expressions of Steve Aspinall, Gary Scott and James Robinson as they leave the pitch.
Match report here.
Crawley have signed striker Gavin Gordon from Notts County until the end of the season.
The BBC says that "Scunthorpe striker Tommy Johnson is set to sign for Tamworth, according to Lambs coach Richard Dryden... He was hoping to have a deal for the 35-year-old finalised in time for Tuesday's game at York City. 'We know Tommy will join us for the start of next season but we'd like him here this week if possible', Dryden told the Birmingham Mail. Dryden is also looking to extend Matty Williams's loan spell at the club.".
TheYorkshire Post quotes Halifax Town's full-back and assistant manager Wayne Jacobs, "To be challenging on our resources is just remarkable. What Chris Wilder has done is absolutely unbelievable - to get the club right to the brink of the Football League". In Saturday's win over Grays, Halifax "handed a second debut to former favourite Dean Howell, back... after spells at Colchester and Carlisle, and a debut to WBA loan winger Brian Smikle".
From Halifax Today we learn that "Town's Tyrone Thompson scored his first-ever goal for Halifax Town... on Saturday... and he admitted that after 33 previous appearances without a goal he had been becoming increasingly concerned that he would never score in a blue and white shirt... Town now have two away games in four days – at Altrincham tomorrow and Tamworth on Saturday. And Thompson said... 'People will look at the next two games and see that the teams we are playing are not that high up the league. Many will think that they are going to be easy for us, but there are no easy games and we have to approach them with the same application we would any other.'".
The Printworks will host the clash of the titans at 2.30pm Sunday 26 February. Eight of the fuzzy favourites will race around the Pump Yard, frying pan in hand, flipping all the way as they face off for the title of Pancake Race Champion of the Year, all the while hoping to raise as much cash for charity as possible.
Aiming for the top of the pancake league will be mascots from Manchester City, Oldham Athletic, Blackpool FC, Rochdale FC, Altrincham FC, Stockport County FC, Preston FC and Bury FC, ensuring the event will be a knock-down, drag-out slobberknocker that’s not to be missed.
Fred Booth, Centre Director for The Printworks comments: “The Pancake Race has become an institution over the last few years. It’s great to see all the different club mascots coming together to swap their football boots for running shoes to raise money for Disabled Living.”
The event is always a definite hit with all ages and an afternoon of fun and laughter is guaranteed.
For more information on the event contact James Adam or Sarah Tarmaster on 0161 923 4994 or email james@brazenpr.com.
The Confguide Forum confirms that Hereford United have signed "Matthew Halliday, a centre half from Norwich City. Matthew is a product of the Norwich Youth Academy. and Robbie King, a 19 year old centre midfielder from Colchester United. Robbie has featured briefly in the Colchester first team this season and also was on loan to Cambridge United earlier this year, both on work experience".
Southport are away to Accrington Stanley in the Semi-Final of the United Co-operatives Challenge Trophy on Tuesday 28th February.
The Yorkshire Post quotes the Huddersfield Town captain as saying that "Danny Adams is one of our most consistent players of the season but he was not even in the 16 today [Saturday] so that is a testament to how strong the squad is".
FC United of Manchester play Holker Old Boys at Moss Lane this Saturday and their squad includes numerous ex-Robins including:
On Saturday Alty's current players Pat McFadden and Lee Hendley both started for Trafford at Maine Road. McFadden was subbed at half-time. Also in the Trafford side were David Holt, a former Alty first-teamer and Paul Robinson, a former Alty Youth defender,
This website's match report is here.
Left: Colin Heathcote and right, Sven's Love Child.
Alty captain Mark Maddox has a column on the SAM site, written before the Crawley game. "When you look at the table over the past few seasons, the points total for survival has been around 40 and we are almost there now. But some years it will change and you can't rely on that... There has never been a problem with our home form but we've just got to be a bit more tight and compact away from home". Ironically he adds, "Crawley have got the money to do well so if they're going to click at some point this season I hope it will happen after we've been there. These long trips can sometimes be a bit testing ... I actually quite enjoy the overnights because you get to spend some time with the lads and we all have a good laugh. I think Graham Heathcote was delighted that the Dagenham game was moved to a Tuesday night though because it means we don't have to stop over any more and he's tight like that!". He added, "When I don't play to the best of my ability I get a real cob on but at least I know Bandy's there to sort things out if I do make any mistakes! It's good to see both Talbs and Munroe are both on their way back now as well because we need all our squad playing and we've been a bit thin on the ground recently... It's good to see Rod Thornley back on form too. It's important people don't forget what Rod has done for this club both on and off the pitch... He's got real quality and is good to have in the dressing room when he's in a good mood - he's not quite the same when he's sulking. There have been a few comments in the dressing room about my player profiles for the last programme but all of the lads took it in good humour... A few people have also asked me why Robbo's nickname is 'Snake' but that's not something I could mention in a family newspaper, that's why I put 'don't ask' in my programme notes, I think it's best for everyone that I don't say!".
And here are a few more of Mark's profiles...
Morecambe confirm that "A Football League ground grading inspection took place at Christie Park [recently, involving]... representatives of the Coca-Cola Football League, Nationwide Conference, Football Licensing Authority and Lancashire County Council". A club spokesman said, "We look forward to receiving the report from the Football League in due course and will have a plan in place to complete any works identified". Meanwhile, "For the third time in eight days the Reserves have fallen foul of the weather".
Kidderminster Harriers say that "The club are delighted to announce that midfielder Russ Penn has put pen to paper on a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2008".
Above: The aftermath of the brawl which occurred at the start of the second half at Crawley.
Match report here
In the NL Paper, Graham Heathcote said "We needed a good ref and did not get one. Crawley came out to bully and the ref did not stop them. When you see players in a mass brawl, that shows how bad he was, He was poor and inconsistent. Our player, Ged Murphy, had to have stitches for a gashed thigh and the ref didn't even give a booking. That set the stall out for the first half hour". But Crawley boss John Hollins claimed that "Altrincham couldn't handle the tempo we played at.... We played at 200% all the way through the team".
Right: Gary Talbot, back in action after a three-month lay-off.
Saturday 18 Feb.
Right: Alty's Man of the Match in last Saturday's game was James Robinson, who held tight to his bottle of champagne.
Altrincham's young strikers Lee Hendley and Pat McFadden are both set to play for Trafford today (Saturday) in their NW Counties match at Maine Road, so neither were in the first-team squad which travelled down on Friday evening for the match at Crawley. However, Gary Talbot was in the travelling party after coming through almost an hour of his comeback match for Altrincham Reserves last Wednesday. Colin Potts is Altrincham's only injury doubt for the game in Sussex.
Crawley, meanwhile, have taken Exeter City midfielder Danny Clay on loan after a loan spell at Tiverton Town, whose website confirms that "Danny Clay has returned to Exeter City following his second month on loan. Exeter City midfielder Danny Clay has returned to the club after Tiverton Town boss Martyn Rogers admitted he couldn't afford to keep him at Ladysmead. The Grecians' youth product has spent the last two months on loan at Tivvy and has impressed during his 11 appearances... 'He's the type of player I like and I would certainly be interested if he was available on a full-time basis in the future'", the manager said.
A spokesman for the SAG-Group which owen Crawley Town confirmed that the player has been signed "on loan till the summer. Clay goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's game". The BBC adds that "Crawley midfielder Danny Brown has a foot injury but is hopeful of playing".
Meanwhile The Argus reports that "Crawley manager John Hollins insists defender Ben Judge is going nowhere. Judge, who is Reds' longest serving player, was reported to have spoken to Gravesend and Northfleet about a move this week. ..: 'As far as I'm concerned he is here and not going anywhere. If he has spoken to them, then no one has asked me'", said Hollins. But "Judge is doubtful for tomorrow's crucial home tussle against Altrincham after missing training this week with flu. Daryl Clare, Omari Coleman and Leo Mendy were also struck by the virus but should be fit. Midfielder Simon Wormull has been ruled out with a toe injury". Hollins added: "We have been trying to get people in for the Altrincham game. You always need extra personnel". The article adds that "Relegation-threatened Crawley could not be meeting Altrincham at a worse time. The Cheshire club, who were promoted last season after beating Eastbourne Borough in the north-south play-off final, are in the midst of their best run of the campaign. They have lost just once in eight league games and are on the back of a three game winning streak, which included a 5-1 demolition of Aldershot. Hollins has told his players to let him take the pressure as they go into what is a must-win game. Reds are four points adrift of safety at the foot of the table after four straight league defeats. Hollins said: 'Altrincham are no mugs, they are not going to be pushed over easily. We need to be big, strong and not be afraid to make mistakes... I will take all the pressure and the stick, I don't mind that as long as we get results'".
At the Alty end, local paper SAM says "Victory over Crawley would leave Alty needing only a further two wins to achieve their preseason points target of 45. A major factor in the Robins' recent revival has been Heathcote's ability to select a settled team. Since the last spate of signings in November they have suffered no major new injury worries and an unchanged line-up is expected to take to the field tomorrow for the fourth game running. An added bonus is the return of Warren Peyton after serving a three-match ban... but Karl Munroe's comeback has been delayed and he is expected to play in the reserves' next outing... Crawley have not won in the Conference since beating Tamworth 3-0 on December 10, drawing two and losing four of their last six games". As well as Daryl Clare, a man to watch is Tony Scully. "Signed on loan from Notts County in November, Scully is a dangerous wideman with plenty of experience, having played for the likes of Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Peterborough United. Caused Alty no end of problems while playing for Exeter earlier in the season".
Tamworth confirm the signing of former Manchester City, Sunderland and Leicester forward Nicky Summerbee. "Summerbee, who trained with Lambs on Thursday has also played for Forest... was a free agent, not having had a club for the previous 30 days, and he is keen to play in order to stay fit for a planned move to the USA this summer. With injuries and suspensions hitting the Lambs, boss Mark Cooper had to move to bring in three new faces ahead of the game against Kidderminster Harriers... Two players have joined the squad from Shefffield United; Dominic Roma (loan), an England under 19 defender... and Ben Starosta (work experience) - a Blades' Academy player.. And they are joined by Coalville Town's 22 year old 'keeper Sean Bowles... Talks with former Aston Villa and Celtic star Tommy Johnson are still ongoing. Squad members definitely out for the Kiddy game are Matt Redmile, Jimmy Turner, Dave Bampton and Alan Neilson (all suspended) plus long term injury victims Mick Touhy and Bob Taylor.... There has been much press speculation about the possibility of an impending move to a new home for The Lambs but at the moment there is nothing concrete to report... The club are very hopeful that Ocean Finance will be continuing their sponsorship of TFC for the forseeable future".
Also signing new players are Forest Green Rovers who "have completed the registrations of: Barry McConnell, the 29 year old left sided midfielder joins on non contract terms. He originally joined Exeter City in 1995... and only left the club in December 2005... He briefly joined Tamworth for a month but things didn't work out and [he will] take over from Jonny Hayes, who has returned to Reading... In on a month's loan from Cardiff City... comes 21 year old Byron Anthony, a central defender".
The Cambridge Evening News says that "Rob Newman believes four more victories will see Cambridge United safe from the threat of relegation.... That sounds like a fairly straightforward proposition for United to contend with. But... Newman's side have the joint worst current form of any side in the Nationwide Conference, along with basement boys Crawley... only two points taken from six matches". Newman said , "I still believe in my players and they've beaten teams who are better than Southport here... We need to show the right attitude and commitment and if we do that I can only see one result. We should fear no-one on our own pitch... If United are searching for omens, they could do worse than take a look at their similar poor run at the start of the season... It came to an end with an emphatic 4-0 victory at home to Altrincham in September to spark a four-match unbeaten run. What price a similar win over Southport?" Meanwhile, "Cambridge United's young defender Adam Davies has been called up to the Wales under-21 squad to play Northern Ireland on February 28th" reports NL Daily
Bullsnews says that "Brian Smikle of WBA has joined Halifax on a month's loan... Last season he had a spell at Hereford United. The 20-year-old [is] a product of Albion's youth system".
Halifax Today reports that "Town boss Chris Wilder has swooped for wingers Brian Smikle and Dean Howell... Smikle, 20, will join on an initial month's loan from West Brom while Howell, a free agent after being released by Colchester before Christmas, will sign to the end of the season... 'Brian is an attacking winger', said the Town manager who has used Brenton Leister and Steve Bushell on the right in the last two matches. 'We have got a bit bogged down in recent games with players operating out of position on the right. We need something a bit different and I think that Brian and Dean will provide that for us'". Smikle... played three games for his hometown club Hereford a couple of seasons ago... By waiting until today to sign, he will be available for the play-offs should he extend his stay to the maximum three months... Howell, 25, scored six goals in 26 Conference starts for the Shaymen last season before rejecting a contract offer and leaving... to join Colchester".
Although beaten by Accrington this Friday night, The BBC reports that "Gravesend & Northfleet chairman Brian Kilcullen says their experiment to move some home games to Friday evenings may become more regular in the future... Kilcullen told BBC Radio Kent, "Over the course of a season it's worth it for three or four games... just to get a few new people along".
Also in the NLP, Crawley striker Steve Burton says "We've got to knuckle down and get a win... Altrincham work hard. They must be getting goals from somewhere because of their recent results but when we played there in October, I missed a couple of chances and they didn't look much of an attacking threat. In the end we gave away a penalty and it ended up being 1-1. Looking back, we should have definitely got three points... We're improving but just one little piece of the jigsaw is missing. We have to find it to win games.. We are not panicking". John Hollins adds, "Altrincham have [had] some good results lately, and we haven't, so they have to start as favourites". However, his squad has been hit by flu this week, which has affected Ben Judge, Lee Mendy, Daryl Clare and Jamie Cade, whilst Steve Wormull has a bruised toe and Danny Brown a sore shin.
Graham Heathcote is "expecting to name an unchanged side for the third succesive week... Heathcote said, 'We have done very well at home and our away form is improving. Our budget is the lowest in the league by a mile, just £150,000. Our success has been achieved by good spirit and team-work".
Right: Lee Hendley's back: the young striker hit two goals for the Reserves as he continues his comeback after injury. Here he is seen (no.9) entering the pitch with Colin Potts (7) and Pat McFadden (11) for the second half against Burscough. Already on the pitch is Graham Heathcote who spent the interval replacing divots - an Altrincham manager's lot is a varied one!
Match report here.
Elsewhere, "Gravesend & Northfleet boss Liam Daish would like to sign on-loan Charlton striker Onome Sodje permanently. Sodje, 18, has just started a second loan spell with Fleet, having scored three times in nine Conference games" reports The Medway Messenger.
However, "Scarborough have curtailed the loan spell of Barnsley midfielder Richard Kell after just two Conference appearances for the Seasiders [one was against Alty]. The 26-year-old is looking to regain full match fitness following a lengthy spell out with a broken leg. Seasiders' boss Neil Redfearn says his side faces '12 cup finals' as they look to secure their Conference status. They are one point above the relegation zone, but all three teams below them have several games in hand over Boro", states the BBC.
The England's National Game XI beat Italy on Wednesday with goals from York's Andy Bishop and Morecambe defender Chris Blackburn. Ex-Alty captain Ian Craney played.
NL Daily states that "Aldershot Town have made three players available for loan or transfer, both centre half Tobi Jinadu and right back Tarkan Mustafa are available for loan or free transfer... Right back Hassan Sulaiman is also available for loan".
"Canvey Island have been boosted by the news that striker Lee Boylan is closing in on a comeback after two months on the sidelines. Boylan.. suffered a nasty facial injury colliding with a post in Canvey's defeat to Halifax Town in early December. 'He has been given the all-clear to drive and trained on Tuesday night for the first time', said Canvey boss Jeff King. 'Hopefully he'll be back available in a week or so'".
Tamworth manager Mark Cooper told the BBC, that "The chairman spoke to us [Cooper and his assistant] and said that whatever happens he wants to keep us at the club. He said we had done well in difficult circumstances and would offer us two-year contracts...We are still three points clear (of the bottom-two) with games in hand. We have to... get to 44-45 points and then I think we will be okay". Meanwhile, "The Lambs' boss has turned to Sheffield United for reinforcements. Cooper has lined up a loan deal for 20-year-old defender Dominic Roma and a work experience move for teenage midfielder Ben Starosta".
The Burton Mail states that Nigel Clough "is to run the rule over 26-year-old striker Gavin Gordon, who was recently released by Notts County... and has also had spells with Oxford, Lincoln, Hull and Cardiff City, who signed him for £275,000 in December 2000. Clough said: 'Gavin is a mate of goalkeeper Saul Deeney's, so he is coming down for us to have a look at him, although he will probably end up back in the League'".
"Exeter City youth keeper Tom Buckler and midfielder Loris Ghiglia have been sent out on loan to give them experience of men's football. Buckler has gone to Dawlish Town, while Ghiglia has joined Taunton Town. Youth team manager Mike Radford told This is Exeter, 'The fact that we haven't got a reserve side does hinder our progress and it is good to get a taste of men's football'".
Stafford Rangers, top of Conference North are reportedly upgrading their floodlights and adding 80 more seats to meat Conference National criteria. Amongst the other challengers, Droylsden's ground already has met the ground grading criteria for promotion.
See yesterday's news (below) for more on the game..
On Skysports we read that "Speculation over Crawley Town defender Ben Judge's future continues this week with Gravesend and Northfleet known to be interested. The 27-year-old was reported to have had initial discussions with Fleet boss Liam Daish last week... Judge... is the Sussex outfit's longest-serving player having also served as club captain". On the Crawley Forum one fan says, "Ben Judge is the bedrock of CTFC. Without players like him, you might as well shut up shop. There are very few players in our squad at the moment that the supporters have complete confidence in. Ben is one of those".
Here are some more of Mark Maddox's alternative pen pictures of his team-mates as printed in last week's Robins' Review:
Pictured left is The Rooster and right Mr Angry. More of Mark's pen portraits are to follow...
"Southport boss Liam Watson has set his side a target of 43 points to ensure their survival in the Conference... Watson believes their current form will keep them up... Watson told BBC Sport, 'We need five or six wins... To beat Canvey Island at home is a big lift. I hope we can push on from here'. Watson was also delighted with the impact of new loan signing Jimmy Aggrey following the defender's arrival from Woking. 'Jimmy has made a big difference', said Watson after a run of three clean sheets in four games. 'He's an organiser and a big presence in terms of his stature... He could have sat at Woking and picked up his wages, but instead is travelling up and down the country to play for us'".
"Burton Albion boss Nigel Clough has tied winger Keith Gilroy to a new two-year deal... The 22-year-old, who joined last summer after a short spell at Darlington, will stay with the Brewers until June, 2008. Clough is hoping to retain most of his current squad on long-term deals, including loan midfielder Kris Taylor and ex-Charlton defender Gary Rowett. Rowett, 31, is currently winding down his coaching duties at Derby County to commit to playing at Burton full-time" claims the BBC.
Bullsnews reports that "Cambridge United have received a welcome cash boost following the unexpected debut of former U's keeper John Ruddy for new side Everton at the weekend. Ruddy, fourth choice at Everton, got a surprise debut after injuries to both Richard Wright and Nigel Martyn meant Iain Turner started Saturday's match at home to Blackburn but Turner, making his own debut in the Premiership, was dismissed after just eight minutes and Ruddy kept a clean sheet for ten man Everton... but the ones celebrating are Cambridge who, needing to find £250,000 to keep themselves alive over the summer, collect a sizeable bonus payment for Ruddy's shock debut just weeks after annoucing a £581,000 loss for last season".
"Chris Wilder, manager of Halifax Town, predicted a rollercoaster ride to the end of the season after watching his side slip out of the top five on Saturday... 'We have a lot to look forward to, we are in a fantastic position and it is still all to play for. An individual error has cost us', said Wilder. 'Firstly, the pitch was not the best and we possibly overplayed it at the back when we should have cleared the ball'", he told Halifax Today.
On NL Daily confirms that "Tamworth have offered player-manager Mark Cooper a new two-year contract following his successful start to club management".
The squad for the Altrincham Reserves' game against Burscough on Wednesday (Moss Lane, 7.45pm) includes seven players from the first-team squad plus two trialists and five Reserves' regulars. The players are: Craig Ellison (gk), Ashley Brown, Gary Talbot, Stephen Rose, Lewis Chalmers (right), Colin Potts, Pat McFadden, Lee Hendley, Kieran Lugsden, Laurence Ball, John Maloney, Danny Heffernan and trialists Mark Boyd and Paul Warhurst.
Defender Paul Warhurst (d.o.b 26 September 1969, Stockport) was recently released by Wrexham. He started out with Manchester City in 1988, before joining Oldham and then Sheffield Wednesday (1991) who paid £750,000 for him. In 1993 he joined Blackburn for £2.7 million, where he won a Premier League winner's medal in 1995. In summer 1997 he signed for Crystal Palace and was then loaned to Bolton Wanderers, late in 1998. The Trotters signed him for £800,000 in January 1999 but he left Bolton in summer 2003 and has had a number of clubs since then including Chesterfield, Barnsley, Carlisle, Grimsby, Blackpool, Stoke and Forest Green Rovers. In August 2005, he signed for Wrexham. Part of Paul's career was spent as a striker.
Mark Boyd (25) is a former Newcastle United trainee who moved to Port Vale as a midfielder in 2002, where he made 50 appearances. He was released to Carlisle United (his home club) before moving on to Gretna. In February 2005, he signed on loan at Macclesfield Town.
Some interesting news about our next opponents comes from the ever informative Bullsnews. "In a Q&A session on the Crawley Town forum, it has been reported that the side are operating on a lower budget than under previous manager Francis Vines. Ben Taylor, Crawley's assistant General Manager, stated: 'When we first took over, we heard from Steve Duly and Francis Vines that we needed to spend so much on the squad. But some of the players were on crazy money and had crazy deals. Francis Vines's budget was astronomical - we are talking in terms of approaching Stevenage's level - and Chas realised that we couldn't sustain that level of spending. The current budget is still plenty to get the job done". Also of interest is Crawley's bid earlier this season for Stevenage's Anthony Elding. "The offer was up front and Chas said he'd drive the money up to them himself if they wanted. We had discussions with Stevenage but they just didn't want to sell him to us. We were disappointed, but on the other hand he will be a free agent again in the summer".
On Saturday at Moss Lane, Cambridge United gave a debut to "former Oxford midfielder Rob Wolleaston. The 26-year-old has agreed non-contract terms at the Abbey Stadium following his departure from Oxford in October. Wolleaston, who started his career at Chelsea, signed in time to make his debut in Cambridge's defeat at Altrincham on Saturday. Meanwhile, U's boss Rob Newman has released defender David Chick, 25, following six Conference appearances earlier this season", says the BBC.
The FA confirms two Alty Youth suspensions, though the player their website calls "Kichael Pisk" is actually Michael Risk! Perhaps, the referee's handwriting was not clear? Michael was harshly sent off against Bootle a week ago and, after the final whistle, Youth striker Ben Deegan (right) also received a second card and is therefore also banned. Both men receive a one-match ban.The bans are effective from 19 February.
NL Daily says that "Nationwide North club Moor Green managed to avoid a goalkeeping crisis last week when they snapped up 20-year-old Ashley Timms in time to face Nuneaton Borough. Timms became the sixth different keeper used by Moors this season, having recently been on trial with Shrewsbury Town. Timms, who had been on the Shrews' bench for their previous three League games, previously played for both Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup, [as well as Alty and most recently Salford City]. He wrote to Moors, amongst a number of clubs, after Shrewsbury confirmed they couldn't keep him".
The Romford Recorder says that "Dagenham & Redbridge are on the verge of signing Nigerian international Christopher Kanu - brother of former Arsenal and current West Brom star Nwankwo Kanu. The 26-year-old midfielder [and central defender] has a wealth of top level experience having played for his country at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, coupled with spells in the Dutch First Division for Ajax and Spain's La Liga with Alavés. He has been out of contract since leaving Peterborough United in May last year and is training with Daggers in a bid to regain his fitness... Daggers’ boss John Still is optimistic he can pull off an astonishing deal to bring the player to Victoria Road. Still said: 'He seems to be happy enough to play for us but he's not fit at the moment... He's a non-contract player... but it's much too early to say what might happen at the moment. Right now, he's weeks away from fitness... Kanu is a strong player and can play in midfield. If there is one area we need to strengthen, it's midfield, especially with Jake Leberl having been out for so long'".
From This is Exeter we read that "Alex Inglethorpe admitted Exeter City's recent poor run of results has sparked a slump in confidence... Inglethorpe's side have collected 13 points from their last ten games... 'Confidence is low at the moment, you can see that', said Inglethorpe. 'There are lots of reasons and it's not just results... At the end of it we are still on an upward curve, this is just the reality check that sometimes everyone needs... We'll come back from it, there are no two ways about that. We have come a long way in such a short space of time '".
For pictures and more on the game, see lower down this page...
Altrincham and District FA's youth team (all of whom are Alty Youth players) will play the Cheshire County FA District Cup Final against Stalybridge FA and the venue and date have now been fixed. The game will be at Moss Lane on 2 April.
As well as giving a run out to Gary Talbot and Karl Munroe after their injuries, the friendly against Trafford on Tuesday (7.45pm) will allow goalkeeper Richard Acton to regain his fitness. He last played for Alty in a Cheshire Senior Cup game back in November against Crewe, having been sidelined with a fractured bone in his foot in September.
The Trafford website confirms that admission will be just £2 for the friendly at Shawe View, and Trafford boss Danny Johnson says that "The morale in the squad is as good now as it's ever been in my time at the club. We got off to the worst possible start in 2006 with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Maine Road but since then we have maintained a high level of performance and produced some excellent results throughout a difficult time due to numerous injuries to key players". Also, Danny told the website, "I am putting Altrincham's Pat McFadden (left) and Lee Hendley (right) on a [NW Counties] form and will be looking to use them at every possible opportunity between now and the end of the season. Both players possess real pace and an eye for goal and will be a real asset to us between now and the end of this term. I need cover up front due to the absence of Phil Carratt, Dean Canning and Glyn Barker due to work commitments. Troy Hayder has made a great impact since I signed him from Chadderton and I expect him to get even better the more he plays. I have also signed Scott Holt from FC United, Scott can play either up front or on the right hand side of midfield and he too possesses real pace and ability".
Fresh from writing his "alternative" pen pictures of his team mates in last Saturday's programme, Alty captain Mark Maddox has further enhanced his literary reputation with another article on the SAM website. He says of the recent win at Scarborough, "That result has given us a bit of breathing space and we're sitting a bit more comfortably in the table now. .. A win makes a massive difference, morale is higher and you can go into training on the Tuesday with a smile on your face rather than having Graham shouting at you. The spirit at the club is great at the moment, I suppose it has been ever since I joined this club and we have a really good bunch of lads. Everyone takes the mickey out of everyone else and we have some great banter - it's really important that we keep that up. I suppose that's why this whole part time/full time thing is exaggerated. We have got bigger heart than most teams and more desire to win. If anyone comes here thinking 'it's only Alty we should win this' then we'll turn them over... You do get some big time Charlies in this division who think highly of themselves but once you get on the pitch with them and get amongst them they don't look any better than the lads we have here... Graham [Heathcote] and Dalton [Steele] (right) have got things organised right here, we're set up well and ready for any challenge".
Above: Kieran Lugsden leaves Cambridge defenders in his wake. Picture courtesy of Gavin Rathbone, whose website has more...
After defeat at Moss Lane, Cambridge boss "Rob Newman was pleased with some individual performances but disappointed with the opening half hour at Altrincham.Three new faces and a David Bridges goal contributed to a much-improved United performance, but after conceding twice in a poor opening half hour the U's left themselves too much to do", reports their website. The respectful Cambridge manager also said, "I'm not very happy because - no disrespect to Altrincham - we should come to places like Altrincham and get a result" and "When you're 2-0 down, like at Hereford, the fear factor goes. It's one thing feeling fear at Hereford but - again, no disrespect to Altrincham - if you're fearful at Altrincham then you've got problems. It's as simple as that".
Meanwhile, the Cambridge Evening News reports that "Rob Newman is ready to start putting together the squad he wants at Cambridge United next season... Following finance director Nick Pomery's recent statement that the club hopes to provide Newman with an extra £150,000 towards his playing budget for next term, he hopes to open contract talks with the players he wants to keep over the next few weeks... But it will also mean giving the bad news to players he does not feel will fit the bill. Players such as Paul Atkins and Nick Robbins, both on loan at Norwich United, and Dave Daniels, who is on a temporary deal at Hitchin, may not have many chances to seal an extension to their contracts at the Abbey. Newman said: 'We needed to get them out to give them games because decisions are going to have to be made on those players in the next four or five weeks'. He has also been looking at former Norway under-18 international keeper Bjorge Fedje as he attempts to provide extra competition for Scott Howie's No 1 jersey. Fedje has been playing for Norwegian Division One side Sogndal".
For more news and pictures from the Cambridge game see below, in Saturday's news...
Radcliffe Borough "have appointed Andy Johnston as the manager of the footballing and administrative side to oversee all those aspects of the job... The duties of [former manager] Kevin Glendon will change and he will have the responsibility of dealing and coaching with just the first-team only. Obviously with his new business commitments this will free a lot more of his time to concentrate on his new venture... Meanwhile, Boro have announced that they have signed defender Ian Kearney and forward Tony Evans. Both players have been on loan at First Division Clitheroe from Nationwide Conference National side Southport... Nineteen-year-old striker Evans was top goalscorer in Southport’s reserve team last season and so far this season he has notched fifteen goals
Above: From Gavin Rathbone's GR Photos site comes this shot of James Robinson celebrating his goal against Cambridge with Ged Murphy joining in.
Right: Alty's current run of success owes a lot to people who don't always get onto to the pitch; three of them are pictured here after the game with Cambridge. In the foreground is unused sub Pat McFadden, whose 27 goals for the Reserves have forced him into contention for the first team, whilst in the background is Ray Armstrong, with one of his team of the best ballboys and girls in the Conference.
Results: Saturday 11th
On Sunday 26th February, Rocky Robin will once again be taking part in the Great Annual Mascot Pancake Race at the Printworks, Manchester. After a successful debut last year, when he didn't finish last, Rocky will be looking to improve and make the final three and, who knows, he could win it!!!!
I am looking for people to sponsor Rocky to help spur him on to victory. All sponsorship money will go to Altrincham Football Club. If you would like to be a sponsor, a sponsorship form will be at the STAR area of the club shop and I will have the form at Crawley, next week.
This event can help raise money for the club while also raising the club's profile, so please sponsor and if you've nothing to do on the 26th, get down and support Rocky. Thanks.
Andrew Nash
SAM previews the Cambridge game, saying thet "while Cambridge have faltered since the start of the new year, Alty have hit a rich vein of form... United are without the suspended duo of Fola Onibuje, who scored twice in his side's 4-0 victory at the Abbey Stadium, and Dan Gleeson. Ritchie Hanlon is also out injured but new arrivals Stacy Coldicott and Jamie Guy, both signed on loan this week, are expected to be named in the matchday squad... Away from home they have managed only one win in 13 matches". Facing Alty again will be former Stevenage and Hereford striker Jon Brady, signed from Hereford recently. Also playing will be Courtney Pitt, who "is usually deployed on the left of midfield but can also play up front and has scored four goals this season, including one against Alty".
"Tamworth have signed teenage goalkeeper Tony Breedon - a player former Lambs' star Dale Belford calls the best young prospect in non-League football he has ever worked with. Breedon, who is the Birmingham County under-18s goalkeeper and has had several trials at clubs like Stoke City and Notts County, joins the Lambs from Southern League Division One West neighbours Sutton Coldfield Town". Following the bad injury to first-team goalkeeper Scott Bevan, Belford "believes Mark Gayle will be a worthy replacement for Bevan and that his former club have enough quality to climb away from the Conference relegation zone. 'Mark will never let Tamworth down. He is an unsung hero. He will not be intimidated by playing in the Conference - he believes he should be playing for Trinidad in the World Cup! '", reports The Tamworth Herald.
IC Sefton reports that when Burscough were meant to play Burton Albion in the FA Cup, "the scheduled match at the Pirelli Stadium was postponed at the last minute due to a waterlogged pitch [and] the Linnets' Supporters Club was left with a £250 bill for four coaches which they had booked. Supporters' secretary Eric Berry said: 'At the suggestion of the Supporters' Club members, I wrote to Burton chairman Ben Robinson, to see whether he would consider making a donation, not knowing whether it would be £50, or even if he would ignore it. But within a few days I received a cheque for the full £250 which I think is a marvellous gesture, one which shows what can happen when non-League clubs form a bond and help each other like this'".
Ceefax reports that Halifax's Peter Atherton and Chris Senior are both out for two weeks which could mean their missing their game at Altrincham on 21 February.
10 January 2006
The MEN says that Graham "is considering signing former Bolton star, Paul Warhurst, following his release by Wrexham but first plans to watch him in action in a friendly at Trafford on Tuesday. In the same game, Altrincham hope to include Karl Munroe and Gary Talbot, to give them the chance to test their fitness after their long injury lay-offs.
In today's Non-League Paper Graham Heathcote "has warned fans thinking of a top-half finish that they can still get sucked into a relegation dog-fight... [He] said 'We look at things here on a week-to-week basis. We never think too far ahead and we take every game that comes at us with a fresh and positive attitude. If we lose we forget about it and start again. If we win we forget about it and start again - it's that simple. We don't dwell and we don't get over-excited... We certainly won't be celebrating staying up yet. There are still plenty more matches still to be played and we face Crawley next weekend. But first we are looking forward to the Cambridge match - our home form has kept us where we are. There's no secret to it. Hard work is the key'. One downside to Altrincham's season has been the large number of away defeats...The last time they met Cambridge opponents was a case in point. Heathcote explained: 'We lost 4-0 at their place and that, last Saturday at Scarborough aside, sums up our form away from Moss Lane. My team will want to set the record straight'".
Pictured right, Gary "Gonzo" Scott.
Alty captain Mark Maddox has produced a set of "alternative pen pictures" for this Saturday's Robins' Review programme, which will be on sale as usual at a bargain £2. Joint editor Grahame Rowley has kindly sanctioned the advance publication of a couple of the pen pics to whet your appetite...
Scotty’s the fittest lad at the club, he’s always at the front of the running (which is not hard considering the size of his hooter). A very consistent player, also very consistent in blagging me he's having driving lessons!
Colin’s got great ability and his crosses have created a lot of goals for us this season, is quite quick on the pitch but even quicker in getting to the bar after games for his food; never seen anyone eat as much in his "pre-match" as him.
On behalf of the Football Club may I say a big thank-you to all those supporters who have made a pledge in our “Own a piece of your club” fundraising/share scheme. The offer period is now up and I would thus like to ask everyone who has made a pledge to please send their money in to the club by February 14th so that share certificates can be drawn up and dispatched by the end of the month.
Please make cheques payable to ‘Altrincham FC’ and mark the envelope for the attention of Grahame Rowley. If all the pledges made come to fruition we should have raised in excess of £10,000 for the club – a great help in this difficult period of the season. We look forward to welcoming all our new shareholders and hope they enjoy owning their ‘Piece of the Club’.
Grahame Rowley, on behalf of the Board, Altrincham FC.
We are looking for all ages and abilities to join the team, this is the perfect opportunity for any dancers, gymnasts or performers who want to receive professional training and have the chance to perform on a regular basis.
If you think you've got what it takes to make the team get down to the open auditions on Thursday 2nd March 2006 at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale (studio A) from 4.30pm.
Please wear clothes suitable to move in and trainers.
Altrincham Aces are trained by Spikes Management and will be a funky blend of street dance/hip hop, combined with lifts, tricks and stunts to make it the most update cheerleading around. For further details contact Hannah on 01925 413255 or by e-mail.
And NL Daily confirms that "Rob Newman, manager of Cambridge United, is adding two new players to the squad before the trip to Altrincham on Saturday. Experienced midfielder Stacy Coldicott and young striker Jamie Guy will join up with the U's squad on Thursday and sign on loan. Thirty-one-year-old Coldicott is a tough-tackling character ...and will boost the midfield in the absence of the injured Ritchie Hanlon". Newman told the club website, 'Stacy Coldicott has bags of experience in the lower leagues and also played for West Brom... He's just coming back to fitness after a long layoff and while Ritchie Hanlon is out injured he will be a like-for-like presence in there. He likes to get stuck into a tackle and he'll bring some experience... Hopefully he'll come in and help us get over this sticky period we're having at the moment. We need some positive results and it's a month's loan so it will help him get fit and help us out as well, and hopefully by the time that month is up then Ritchie will be available for selection'"
