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1 to 31 March 2006 |
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1 to 31 March 2006 |
For their part, Stanley claim they did not know Robinson had previously played in Iceland when they signed him and they do not expect to be docked Conference points as Robinson only ever played for their Reserves' side.
For their part, Alty who travel down to Taunton to stay before Saturday's game, will give fitness tests to defenders Mark Maddox, Chris Adams and Gary Scott.
Meanwhile, This is Exeter adds that "Alex Inglethorpe has vowed to solve the weaknesses in his squad after Exeter City's play-off hopes suffered another setback at Tamworth. The Grecians were forced to settle for a draw, even though they dominated the game and created so many chances they could have racked up a cricket score... Inglethorpe admitted Tuesday night's game highlighted the problems in his squad". The manager said, "I genuinely believe when you are playing against a team who have got 10 men behind the ball that is the time you need that piece of individual skill, that moment of brilliance that perhaps the squad doesn't have at the moment. We probably don't have that wide-man who is going to ghost past two or three players, or the centre forward who is going to drop his shoulder and be that fox in the box that we need. We don't have that central midfielder who is going to split a defence open with a pass. So you are asking players who are trying their hardest at the minute to do the best they can. But it is something will be addressed in the summer". But he has not given up on the play-offs, saying "I still believe we can do it and the players still believe they can do it. But if we weren't to do it then it would mean we weren't good enough this season... There are seven or eight contracts we are obligated to at the minute... If you look at the players who are on contracts next year - the likes of Danny Woodards, Lee Phillips, Billy Jones - that gives me a tremendous amount of hope. If we can add around that nucleaus I think there are some exciting times ahead. I have already been given permission to speak to three or four players who I have targeted for next year".
The Conference says that "Cambridge United and Cambridge City will bring their respective youth academies together at the end of the season as they seek to form a united youth front for the Cambridge area. Essentially the City youth set-up will be integrated within the United set-up - the new structure will thus operate under Cambridge United FC. City's academy director Jez George will move across to the Abbey Stadium and will become Head of Youth Development within the new system. United Director Nick Pomery couldn't contain his delight... 'We are delighted to welcome Jez, his team of coaches, and so many local youngsters to Cambridge United. Our recent difficulties are well known, but the club's commitment to youth remains unshaken, and we are very pleased to be able to form such a strong scheme', he told the club's official website. 'This agreement allows us to rebuild our youth set-up far faster than we had previously hoped, and that is great news for the future of United'".
Meanwhile, "Cambridge United have released Paul Atkins, Dave Daniels and Nick Robbins as well as young frontman Mbiyeye Medine... Atkins, Daniels and Robbins are products of the Cambridge United youth system and turned pro last year". Manager Rob Newman said, "They've been in the building with us this season and they're not what I want for next season. It's not a good time to be a manager because you're letting good kids go and taking their living away from them... It's never pleasant to tell someone they won't be kept on but to get to where we want to be next year we need to get new faces in and there could be more going at the end of the season".
The Conference's Player of the Month nominations for March seem to be based largely on goalscoring achievements throughout the season as they include Paul Mullin (Stanley), Clayton Donaldson (York) and "Altrincham's Colin Little [who] has been a consistent performer for the Nationwide strugglers and the striker also happens to be on even terms with both Mullin and Donaldson, bagging 13 goals". Also nominated is "Stevenage Borough frontman John Nurse... [and] Woking's Justin Richards is the league's second top scorer with 18 goals to his name".
Colin Little speaking to SAM Sport said "The lads have been gutted about the results recently. We knew which games were winnable but we haven't been able to deliver. But we aren't going to panic, we are still in a good position and Graham and Dalton have done really well to even get us into this position. Knowing this club, we will probably leave it to the 90th minute of our game against Woking to finally secure safety. It's just like when we got promotion last year, we blew several chances to secure our play off spot and took it right to the wire. Exeter have been a bit up and down recently but they need a win to get themselves back on the play off track. They will be going for it massively and we just need to make sure we match them in that way, it will be a difficult place to get something from but you never know with us. With the York game being rescheduled it could actually help us because they've cooled off a bit recently. We could have a better chance of getting a result now although we need to remember that all the games are going to be tough. Without a doubt, injuries have hurt us because we've not got a very big squad and have only about 11 players with real experience at this level. We need players to step up and I've been impressed with young lads like Pat McFadden (right) - he's been really impressive in training recently and did well when he came on against Southport. He looks like he's ready to come through the ranks and do really well".
Next Tuesday, York City visit Moss Lane. From This is York we learn that "Two trialists will get their chance to impress Billy McEwan on Wednesday night as York City reserves take on Grimsby... Former Coventry City goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey, thwarted from a Monday debut because of a waterlogged pitch at Scarborough, will get his chance... Midfielder Martin Butterworth will also be out to show what he can do. James Dudgeon returned to training yesterday following a virus and stiffness, but both Mark Convery and Nathan Peat were sidelined by injury. Convery has a hip muscle problem and Peat a knee strain".
Right: Rod Thornley in action against Burton Albion last Saturday in a photo kindly supplied bY the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, via Gavin Rathbone.
Radcliffe Borough have signed former Manchester United striker Callum Flanagan. Flanagan was signed from Worksop Town" but was with Alty Reserves earlier this season.
Halifax Today says that "Steve Bushell fired Halifax Town a step closer to the play-offs with a stunning winner against Woking at the Shay... 'The keeper was lining his wall up for what seemed like ages', said Bushell. 'One of their players came back and tried to stand on the ball so I turned to the referee and told him I was going to take the free kick. He said 'fine' and luckily it went in. I hit it well, sometimes they go in, sometimes they don't. The way the pitch is at the moment, set pieces will be a big part of our game', said Bushell, whose form since returning to the side has been so good Martin Foster cannot get a start. 'Last season I would have been guaranteed playing if I was available because we simply didn't have the squad. Now we have a bit of strength in depth'". Manager Chris Wilder told BBC Sport. 'It was a great bit of thinking from Steve and a nice bit of glory for him and he has been our best player in the four years that I have been here'"
"Crawley boss John Hollins is delighted with the fighting spirit that is lifting his side clear of relegation. Town secured a fourth straight victory on Tuesday evening with a 3-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge. 'Just as we were going in for half-time a couple of the boys had a real set-to', Hollins revealed. 'I sat the players down and said that is the exact spirit I want to see and told them to show it on the pitch - they then came out and were terrific'", states the BBC.
"Kidderminster Harriers have confirmed that midfielder Laurie Wilson has left... after being told he did not figure in manager Mark Yates's plans. The former Sheffield Wednesday youngster joined Kidderminster from Burton Albion last summer...Yates says his side appears frightened of playing at home after being beaten 5-0 by Grays. The result followed on from a 4-1 home defeat by Aldershot, with a surprise 1-0 victory at Hereford in between. 'It's like we're scared to play at home, I can't understand the performance', Yates said. 'These players don't seem capable of playing at home and if you can't perform in from of 1,200 people then you have serious problems'" reports the BBC. But Grays Athletic boss Mark Stimson told BBC Sport, "We have had patches in games when we have played that well but for the whole 90 minutes that was one of our best performances".
The Conference confirms that "Reading's promotion to the Premiership is set to earn Cambridge United another handy £100,000 windfall. Reading's elevation to the top flight is set to trigger a bonus clause in the deal which took striker Dave Kitson to the Madejski Stadium in December 2003 for an initial £150,000... The U's have already picked up £75,000 based on a clause linked to the striker's appearances. This latest bonus comes just a month after United received £100,000 as a result of former keeper John Ruddy's surprise debut for Everton. The U's are also keeping tabs on Southend's bid to win promotion to the Championship. If that happens a clause in the deal which took Luke Gutterridge to Roots Hall will also come into profitable effect".
Alty's final trip of the season in April is to Woking. Bullsnews says that "Woking recommend that, for personal safety reasons, women and young children do not walk unaccompanied to Kingfield Stadium. It would be advisable to take a taxi from Woking Station direct to the ground, costing approximately £4".
Altrincham manager and Club Secretary, Graham Heathcote (right) has not only had to plan for his team's Conference games but, for the last two weeks, he has also been occupied with the issue of James Robinson's registration. The former Crewe forward was signed by Alty from Accrington Stanley in November 2005, having previously played in several Lancashire League games for Stanley, including one match against Alty's Reserves. Before joining Stanley, James had played for an Icelandic club. When, in February 2006, James moved from Alty to play for Richmond Eagles in Australia, the FA contacted Altrincham about James's international clearance. However, Graham Heathcote said today, "I have been dealing with the FA over this matter for the last fortnight and I am comfortable with the outcome of those dealings. The matter is also being considered by The Football Conference, who have been made aware of the FA's findings".
If Saturday's game is played, that will be Alty Reserves' first game since 15 February, six weeks ago. Wythenshawe's Town ground is on Timpson Road, which runs behind Tesco's Baguley store.
A thousand and one goals have now been scored in the Conference this season.
On the Crawley Forum the man who ran the Crawley official site said, "It is with regret that I have to advise that the official site will be offline until the new one is launched. I received a reply from Ben Taylor just a short time ago telling me to pull it. Ben Taylor wrote: '....stick your site and will get the new one up and running. Your free ticket has also now been taken away'. I replied that it was a shame it had come to that as 'sorry' is such an easy thing to say. That was followed shortly after with: Ben Taylor wrote: It is a shame but why say sorry when you don't mean it? I have to agree with what Azwar said. If you want answers join the supporters' club". The new website is now up at the old URL.
Meanwhile, The Argus reports that Crawley "players have received the remaining half of February's money and are set to be paid in full for March this week. However, the Professional Football Association say the payment of bonuses and appearance fees have not been resolved. PFA spokesman Simon Barker said: "Bonus schemes are an integral part of the contract so if they are not being paid then the club is in breach of contract... We are taking it on a week by week basis. The players got another great win on Saturday in difficult circumstances, so they are fulfilling their side of things. We want the club to do the same". Captain Danny Brown said, "The way the boys are playing now has nothing to do with wages and the way we were playing before had nothing to do with wages. We are doing better now because we have found a team that is working. It has been swapped around so much in the past but now we have a steady base".
The Conference has launched "Conference Rewards... the new way to ensure that you never pay for the game that you love ever again. By gaining reward points from your every day shopping, you can redeem your points against anything from your replica shirt to money can't buy experiences... You sign up online at www.conferencerewards.co.uk and then make your purchases through one of over 200 retailers (many high street brands including Currys, Dixons, Ebay, Expedia, Halfords, HMV, JD Sports, Kitbag, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, Tesco and Thomas Cook), the reward points are added to your account and then you are free to redeem against a whole host of your club's products, you could get your season ticket, your shirt or many money can't buy items only available through Conference Rewards".
Southport's Tuesday match against Lancaster City in a local cup final at Leyland was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Meanwhile, the Reserves' fixture list, only issued recently, has already been changed. The May Bank Holiday clash between Altrincham and Bamber Bridge has now been brought forward to this Saturday (April 1st) at 3pm at Wythenshawe Town FC, Timpson Road, Baguley, next to Tesco.
Alty Reserves' striker Kwame Barnett has now joined two former team-mates, Kieran Kilackey and Adam Docker at Bangor City. It is hoped that Bangor City will host a pre-season game against Altrincham Reserves this summer.
"Martyn Rogers, manager of Southern League Premier Division club Tiverton Town, has paid tribute to Peter Conning after he was forced to part company with his assistant-manager last week. Conning, who was an FA Vase winner in his Tivvy playing days, was released as part of the club's drastic cost-cutting measures, which have been brought about by chronic over-spending this season". Rogers said, "Pete is a smashing fellow and it was a difficult thing to do. But the club has to come first and it was the right decision" reports This is Exeter.
"Southport's Kevin Leadbetter will miss the rest of the season because of a broken wrist. He will be able to play no further part in Port's battle to avoid relegation after sustaining the injury at work... Meanwhile, Southport will put their relegation fears to one side on Tuesday night when they face Lancaster City in the final of the Lancashire County Cup", says the BBC.
"Gravesend defender Lee Protheroe has joined Margate on loan until the end of the season. The 30-year-old, who also plays in midfield, has not been in Fleet's first-team since early January. Protheroe has started 43 Conference games for Gravesend since joining the Kent club from Canvey Island in May 2004... Meanwhile, Danny Glozier has returned to Gravesend after reaching the end of his loan spell at Tonbridge Angels" reports the BBC.
Hednesford Town have confirmed the signing of vastly experienced midfielder Martyn O’Connor", who was recently at "Kidderminster Harriers, where he enjoyed a spell as caretaker-manager after Stuart Watkiss was dismissed".
Right: Alty keeper Stuart Coburn receives his award from director Grahame Rowley to mark his 300th appearance last week. More on this below...
Match report here. More details in yesterday's news, below...
The Burton site has its match report here. It describes the match as a "solid if unspectacular victory against a hard working, industrious side who picked up six yellow cards in a physical battle".
The League table shows that the title remains in Alty Reserves' hands after some recent results involving rivals, including:
But BPA did hit six of their own against Clitheroe with ex-Alty man Lutel James scoring twice.
Several of Alty Youth's remaining fixtures have also been changed but a number remain to be fixed. Two midweek matches in the coming week have now been postponed, so the lads are next in action, as the Altrincham & District representative side in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup Final at Moss Lane next Sunday at 2pm. Entry is just £2 so why not come along and support the youth team which has produced four of Alty's current players who are on Conference forms?
Elsewhere, "Cambridge boss Rob Newman was unhappy with the discipline shown by his side in their 1-0 loss at Crawley. Newman said: 'We came here on the back of four decent results and expecting to get something out of the game. I don't think we showed enough responsibility and discipline out there to deal with Crawley's threat... This shows that there is a lot to be changed for next season'".
o "Kidderminster's assistant boss Neil Howarth felt his side delivered the 'perfect response' with a 1-0 win over rivals Hereford. Harriers suffered a 4-1 loss at home to Aldershot last Saturday, and Howarth said: 'Everyone at the club was hurt after the Aldershot game... It was the very least the players could have done for the fans'".
The BBC also reports that "Scarborough player-boss Neil Redfearn was pleased to have played a large part in his side's 1-0 win at Aldershot. 'It's important that you get your better players out - and whichever way you look at it, I'm one of the better players at the club', he said. 'Even though I can't get about like I used to, I can do enough'".
Our next opponents, Exeter City lost their Trophy semi-final on Saturday. Boss Alex Inglethorpe said: 'There's nothing worse than losing a semi-final, and the penalty was probably pivotal'".
"Gravesend & Northfleet boss Liam Daish was left to rue defensive lapses as they were beaten 2-0 at Stevenage. Our strength lately has been our defence, but in the first half we were a little bit dozy" manager Liam Daish told the BBC.
Tamworth boss Mark Cooper said, ''It was a must not lose game today', after his side's goalless draw with fellow strugglers Southport... 'I think it will go all the way to the wire, we have got to stay in there with a shout and pick up points while we can. If it ends up us needing a point or three points at the final game then we will have to take that. I can't visualise a path to safety, we just have to keep going... There are some big games coming up for us starting with the visit of Exeter and we will see how they react to losing the FA Trophy Semi Final'".
Forest Green Rovers confirm that "Scott Rogers moves to Bath City. One of Rovers longest serving players has today moved from Forest Green Rovers to Bath City".
Aldershot Town "Defender Greg Heald left the club after Saturday's 1-0 home defeat against Scarborough at the Rec. The 34 year old... said afterwards, 'I have come to an agreement with the club that I leave now. I have got some studies to concentrate and some future work and I have to look to the future as I have a wife and family to look after'"..
Above, under the guidance of Andy Hilton, Football Development Officer from Trafford Sports Development, pupils of Blessed Thomas Holford School, Altrincham, demonstrate their skills as part of the Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow initiative between Trafford MBC and Altrincham FC at half-time in Saturday's game at Moss Lane. The girls' kit was donated by Altrincham FC.
To mark his 300th appearance for Altrincham, Stuart Coburn was presented with a magnificent framed photo (seen above), taken by Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography and put into presentation format by Bill Coop.
"[Altrincham and] Hucknall Town’s former skipper Chris Timons has been told by new boss Kevin Wilson that he is free to leave Watnall Road. The new manager has told the former Mansfield and Ilkeston Town defender that he does not feature in his plans for next season... But though we will remain with Hucknall for the moment, he can speak to other clubs about a move. Wilson has also let four other players leave the club as he continues his clearout ready for next season... 'Chris is a good, honest player and will continue to play for us while he gets himself another club', said Wilson. 'But he does not figure in my plans for next season and I thought it was only right that I told him that now'" reports This is Nottingham
Right: Chris Adams becomes one of six Alty men shown a card by Mr Cummins; three of the other four Altrincham players in the picture were also booked this afternoon - Peyton, Owen and Aspinall.
Whilst Alty came back well in the first half after conceding a fourth minute goal, headed home by Webster from a corner, they could not repeat the act after conceding an even quicker goal in the second half. After Webster's goal, Alty got level after just seven minutes of the first half when Little got on the end of Aspinall's long ball to steer the ball past Deeney who had been slow to come off his line. Indeed, Alty could have led at the break but for Deeney's superb save from Little's volley. But when Alty also conceded an early goal in the second half, as Harrad charged down Aspinall's clearance and carried on up the middle to score (48 mins), the Robins could find no way back. For most of the second half Alty rarely looked likely to score despite plenty of effort. Though Burton deserved their win, referee Stephen Cummins gave another of his bewildering displays, managing to book six Alty players and one Burton man in a game which was far from physical and he left the field to a chorus of booing.
Today's referee, Mr Cummins is no stranger to controversy in matches at or involving Altrincham. He was the man who reffed the Alty v Dagenham game earlier this season in which he allowed a goal to be scored into an empty net from a freekick where the ball was moving, with Alty keeper Coburn stranded. He was also the referee who achieved national notoriety when he sent off Witton Albion's Brian Pritchard at Moss Lane for tackling a streaker in the Cheshire Senior Cup two years ago, yesterday.
Match report here.
Results
The Burton Mail says that "Brewers' boss Nigel Cough hinted today that he may hold back his star signing's full debut... Clough believes the Moss Lane clash may have come too soon for Daryl Clare, 27, after a hectic two weeks of transfer talks rather than football. The Brewers' boss said: 'Daryl will have some part to play at Altrincham, but we have to be mindful of the fact that he hasn't played for two-and-a-half weeks and has only had one training session with us. Daryl hasn't done much football-wise since he left Crawley... So it might be better for him to get a full week's training under his belt and then make his first start against York'. Clough is expected to keep faith with Jon Shaw and Shaun Harrad up front, but looks set to make a change in midfield. Skipper Darren Stride is a doubt after straining a neck muscle in training — but in any event the Brewers' boss wants to find room for Andy Ducros. Clough said: 'Stridey has pulled a small muscle that's also affecting his shoulder... Andy is the obvious replacement if Stridey can't play, but I would like to find a place for him somewhere anyway... Altrincham are in a position similar to the one we were in a year ago. They're not quite safe, but two or three more wins should seal it and — like us last season — they'll want the points in the bag as quickly as possible. They have got a decent home record and, because we're a mid-table team, they'll see this game as a chance to take a step in the right direction. We've just played well against three of the top five in very good games of football, but Altrincham are likely to provide us with a different kind of challenge. We'll be looking for our strong and experienced players — Gary Rowett, Darren Tinson and the skipper if he plays — to play a leading role". The article lists the Burton squad as, Deeney, Corbett, Tinson, Rowett, Webster, Hall, Stride, K Taylor, Gilroy, Shaw, Harrad, Clare, Ducros, Austin, Moore, Henshaw, M Taylor.
Bullsnews tells us that "Youngster Harry Donaghy has joined Hereford United from Portsmouth... Harry is a left sided player that can play at left back and left midfield".
"Sammy McIlroy, caretaker-manager of Morecambe, has signed midfielder Fraser McLachlan on loan from Mansfield Town until the end of the season. McLachlan signed for Mansfield in January 2005 after a period on loan from Stockport County where he began his career as a trainee in 2001. The Manchester-born player also had a period on loan at Northwich Victoria in 2004", says the club's website
Lewes Today reports that "The prospect of Lewes appearing in the Nationwide South play-off finals is still clouded in uncertainty... The Conference cut-off point for ground improvements is April 1st... but there is a slight possibility that the date might be extended given that so many clubs are struggling to meet the requirements... The play-offs threaten to become a farce with question marks hanging over the participation of Lewes, Cambridge City and Farnborough Town, and the authorities could end up by not having a southern competition. Lewes managing director Martin Elliott said: "We're waiting to see what the Conference are going to do if anything and whether they choose to come down and see the work we are planning to undertake. The main work starts on April 23rd but we aim to begin some before that... Progress into the Conference National would undoubtedly increase the gates, but trips to places like York, Morecambe, Exeter and Altrincham do not come cheap and the cost of players in the higher standard would rise". As for Conference North, there is also some apparent doubt about play-off contenders, such as Moor Green, who play at Solihull Borough's ground, meeting the criteria. Nearer to home Northwich Vics' ground is to be inspected next week.
"Former Bury hotshot Jon Newby has joined Kidderminster Harriers on a one-month loan deal, along with the former Peterborough United defender Simon Rea... Bury hope that by coming to Aggborough he can get some more competitive games under his belt in readiness for next season. Simon Rea, a defender, has also arrived following injury and is also hoping to get himself fit enough to return to his parent club, Nuneaton Borough, in time for next season", reports Harriers Online.
Terry Surridge is a longstanding supporter and historian of Altrincham FC who, over the years, has sponsored many an Alty match or matchball and is also to be seen at most matches at Moss Lane, selling matchday programmes. Terry, who works at Wright Robinson College in Manchester is also a qualified weightlifting coach for the GB team and has put the Altrincham FC squad through their weight-training on more than one occasion. Terry is seen in the photo (right) presenting the "Best Lifter Award (Under-14)" to James Burley of Scotland at the British U-16 Weightlifting Championships a week last Saturday. This award was sponsored, through Terry, by Altrincham FC. Though unable to attend the Alty v Canvey match because of the above event, Terry had not forgotten Alty - he was sponsoring the match ball at Moss Lane for that game.
You can sponsor horses for the Race Night for just £5 with winning owners receiving a bottle of bubbly! Races can be sponsored for just £25 with all race sponsors entered in a free draw for a case of wine! You can make your sponsorship pledge at the STAR desk at half time on matchdays or by post to Mark Murray, at 65 Fulmar Drive, Sale, Cheshire M33 4WH, not forgetting to include your horse/race name and payment.
Presentations for the Altrincham FC Player of The Year will take place after the 4th race. As Mark says, "This is a vital event for the club to raise funds to take us through the close season....it's always a great night so if you've never been to a race night give it a go this year."
"Reading have allowed 19-year-olds Ryan Crockford and Scott Rendell [who scored against Alty for Forest Green] to join non-league sides on work experience. Midfielder Crockford will join Conference side Aldershot for the rest of the season, while striker Rendell has joined Hayes". Also Alty's Mark Eckersall, who was confronted by all sorts of outlandish names whilst acting as matchday announcer at Moss Lane will be interested to know that "Reading have decided not to offer a contract to DR Congo international Lord-Kangana N'Diwa" who graced Moss Lane whilst playing for Bolton Wanderers Reserves against Man. United Reserves.
"Gravesend & Northfleet have signed former Rushden & Diamonds defender Peter Hawkins... after leaving Nene Park by mutual consent earlier this month... Fleet manager Liam Daish told his club's website, 'It has been an absolute nightmare trying to bring players to the club, and this whole transfer window scenario is killing clubs at our level'. Meanwhile, Daish has learned that midfielder Jimmy Jackson's leg was badly bruised rather than broken in Tuesday's Kent Senior Cup win against Margate".
"Forest Green Rovers have completed the loan signing of midfielder Liam Coleman from Torquay on a one-month deal. The 20-year-old has not played for the Gulls since December and boss John Cornforth said he wanted to give the youngster first-team football". Meanwhile "Kidderminster have signed Bury striker Jon Newby on a month's loan. The 27-year-old striker has had a frustrating time with injuries this season but hopes first-team action at Aggborough will improve his fitness" says the BBC.
This is York says that "City boss Billy McEwan is hoping to add to what he believes could be the smallest squad in the Conference this week. The recent loan departures of first-year professionals David Stockdale, Ashley Winn and Stephen Baynes mean 13 players have left KitKat Crescent since Christmas with only Stephen Thomas travelling in the opposite direction and staying with the Minstermen. Other players to leave the club during the last three months include Ryan Mallon, David Pounder, Lev Yalcin, Graeme Law, Leo Bertos, Tcham N'Toya, Darren Craddock, Terry Barwick, Evan Horwood and Lee Andrews. The squad trimming means McEwan now has a squad of 16 professionals, including right-back Jamie Price who is currently returning from a hernia injury after being on the sidelines since November... But City boss McEwan is still hoping to recruit two more loan signings before tomorrow's transfer deadline. He said: 'We have been lucky to keep a winning, settled side and that's not undermining the efforts of Joe O'Neill, Dave Merris and Mark Hotte who have been superb when they have come in and Bryan Stewart who has also done all right but we have got a very bare bones squad now. I think it could be the smallest in the Conference. With just a couple of injuries, we will be down to 14 professionals so I've got to bring a couple of bodies in before the deadline in case something happens'".
From Morecambe Today says that "After seeing a giveaway goal set his side on the way to another away defeat at Dagenham on Saturday, Sammy McIlroy's frustration was evident this week. Previous defensive errors have seen opposition teams gifted the lead at Stevenage, Accrington and Aldershot in recent weeks – all games the Shrimps have gone on to lose. McIlroy told The Visitor: 'We came out after the break and in no time we're a goal down and chasing the game because of a real schoolboy defensive mix-up'... .McIlroy said the poor displays on their travels were now putting pressure on the home fixtures as the dash for a play-off place hots up in coming weeks. 'Apart from the silly mistake there was also a lack of fight and work rate on Saturday that meant we couldn't get back into the game and that was really disappointing... There are not many natural leaders out there - and that's what you need when things get tough, particularly away from home. Jim Bentley leads well on the park and there is Ged Brannan and Dave Perkins who lead by example but it needs more. The team needs to battle and do the ugly things of football - from the front players right back... I had considered bringing in Garry Hunter who has come back nearly to full fitness... But both he and Rigoglioso may well come into the reckoning in coming games as we look to make things happen'. McIlroy also said he might ask about having an overnight stay prior to forthcoming games at Cambridge and Grays. 'Asking players to get out of bed at 6.30am and travel across country for a 3pm kick off is not the best way to prepare. No-one is putting it forward as an excuse - but it's not ideal'".
"Kidderminster Harriers have admitted that the 'substantial funds' they trumpeted upon Mark Yates's arrival as manager do not exist" reports This is KHFC. "Chairman Barry Norgrove pledged that there would be a lump sum of money set aside for team strengthening when the new boss was unveiled in January. But Yates told 150 supporters in the sell-out fans' forum at the Aggborough Suite on Friday night [17th] that there is no such sum and he never expected to receive 'subtantial funds'... 'I just think the chairman saying `substantial funds' just got a little bit... not misquoted... we just got carried away if you like'". However, Norgrove "has predicted that the current board will soon out-invest former sugar daddy Lionel Newton. '"Lionel Newton was here for eight years," said the chairman. 'He put £1.3 million to £1.4 million into this club with other people. We've been here seven months and we've put a third of that money already into this club. At that rate we'll overtake him next year'... Meanwhile, it was also revealed that supporters will be able to join the board, providing they can stump up enough money. Norgrove admitted that £50,000 was the going rate to become a Harriers' director and... The chairman has extended the offer of a place on the board to wealthy individuals or supporters groups including KHIST and the 250-group. There was also talk about selling affordable £100 shares to supporters to make them feel part of the club". Manager "Yates is hoping to add 'two, possibly three' new faces to his beleaguered Kidderminster Harriers squad before the Nationwide Conference transfer window closed. Defender Junior Osborne, the pacy youngster who was at Aggborough on a work experienced loan deal, has returned to his parent club Watford and Paul Smith is unlikely to feature in the near future as he is absent with personal problems... He said: 'I am looking for anything that will improve my squad.. until the end of the season. Our last few performances have made me change my thinking and hopefully two, possibly three, new players will be coming on board'".
The Barking & Dagenham Post reports that "John Still has insisted he is ready to plunge more untried, unproven, raw youngsters into action before the end of the season... The Dagenham & Redbridge manager is keen to use the remaining 10 matches to continue building up match sharpness and fitness of his established players but also to give youngsters on the periphery of the squad a taste of first team action. Midfielder Bai Mas Lettejallow, 20, was handed his first-ever Conference start against York City at Victoria Road at the start of March... and with the likes of Shaun Batt, Seb Schoburgh, Liam Francis and Kenny Clark all itching to mix it in the senior team, Still is prepared to throw a few more young players the chance they have been waiting for. Still said: 'Our season is not over yet, far from it. Our form has been quite decent but I have one or two other young ones, apart from Bai Mas, who I might have a look at as well along the way. Not just yet but I'll give it a couple of games'" (Alty travel to D&R on 11 April.) Still added, "I will be renewing the contracts of some of these promising young players but I won't have any money to spend on new players".
The bbc also confirms that "Preston striker Mark Jackson has joined Southport on loan for the rest of the season... Jackson, 20, has made a handful of first-team appearances for Preston but has not figured this season... Port boss Liam Watson has also signed former York City midfielder Kyle Armstrong on Conference forms for the end-of-season run-in". And Confguide says that Grays Athletic have signed striker Mark De Bolla (23) on a short-term contract and Charlie Henry (19), a wide player. "He has had trials with Wycombe Wanderers and has featured in the reserve side, although he has agreed to come to Grays on a non-contract basis until the end of the season. Charlie was previously with Arsley Town". Burton's Dale Anderson has gone on loan to Moor Green. Morecambe have signed Fraser McLauchlan on loan from Mansfield, whilst Tamworth's Scott Stamps has joined Chester City on loan.
Altrincham will be without Mark Maddox and Gary Scott on Saturday due to injuries but it is hoped they may be fit again for the Exeter trip next week. Also carrying knocks are Colin Little, Val Owen and Steve Aspinall but Graham Heathcote is hopeful that they will be fit for the Burton game this weekend.
Because of the postponement of recent Reserves' games, Graham has been unable to look at some potential additions to the first team squad but has now signed two players on Conference forms, even though in one case he has yet to see the player play for us. That player is Mark Smyth, a former Liverpool Academy striker, who is with Vauxhall Motors. Mark (d.o.b. 9 January 1985) made one first-team appearance for Liverpool, as a used substitute in a Carling Cup match at Tottenham in December 2004 but he was released at the end of last season. After a brief spell with Accrington Stanley, he joined Vauxhall Motors. Smyth is expected to play in the next Reserves' fixture for Altrincham.
Also now signed on Conference forms is prolific Alty Youth striker Ben Deegan, who has recently been training with Lincoln City. Ben joins Kieran Lugsden, Lewis Chalmers, Pat McFadden and Lee Hendley as products of Alty's youth or /and reserve sides who are currently on Conference playing forms. Otherwise manager Heathcote has confidence in the players who have done so well for Altrincham during the last three seasons to complete the job of keeping the club in the Conference over the next month.
Long term injured players Eddie Hussin (left) and Richard Norris (right) are both back in full training and will also take part in the next Reserves' game as part of their rehabilitation. Neither has played this season at all.
If he plays this Saturday, Alty centre-back Gary Talbot (right) will be making his 250th appearance for the club - he has made 245 starts and 4 substitute appearances to date and has scored 18 goals.
On the BBC site Southport manager Liam Watson says “It's nice to get out of the bottom two. We seem to have been there forever and it's a killer. That gives us a great chance”. Meanwhile Southport "will take on full-time status next season if they stay up". Watson added, "If we could go in two-and-a-half years' time from spiralling out of control in the UniBond Premier Division to getting into Conference North and winning it, consolidating in the Conference on a part-time basis and then going full-time, that's the stuff dreams are made of... The hardest thing for us was that having won the league last year to go up we then found ourselves down at the bottom. I had a massive amount of loyalty in the players and maybe I was too loyal. But if I had my time again I would so the same, because that's the person I am. And looking at it now most of the squad numbers are the same and they have come through. We are getting the same mentality and spirit as last year...Since the turn of the year our form is probably top-half... and if we do something similar over the run-in we will be safe. But we have to get another three wins. I think that will do it".
The BBC says that "Former Crawley Town striker Daryl Clare has rejected the chance to join League One side Yeovil Town.... [as] he wanted to stay closer to his Lincolnshire home for family reasons... Lincoln City boss Keith Alexander held talks with him, but told the Lincolnshire Echo: 'I was certainly interested in bringing him to Sincil Bank, but only for the right price'".
"Grays Athletic striker Tony Battersby has left to join Ryman Premier side AFC Wimbledon. The 30-year-old has agreed a deal until the end of the season at Kingsmeadow after being released from the rest of his Grays contract by mutual consent", whilst at nearby Gravesend & Northfleet. "midfielder Jimmy Jackson suffered a suspected broken leg in their 1-0 win in Tuesday's Kent Senior Cup semi-final against Margate".
"Title talk is off limits around Conference leaders Accrington Stanley after their 20-game unbeaten run was ended by struggling Southport... 'Maybe this will shut up some people who say we have won the league', said Accrington boss John Coleman. 'We just have to knuckle down and hope Hereford drop a couple of points to give us a lift. I am confident in my squad and confident in my ability to motivate the players'", he told the BBC
The 2006/7 Conference season is expected to start on August 12th, earlier than usual, to accommodate the extra fixtures needed in what will be a 24-team league.
Stuart Coburn became the second Alty player in the current squad to reach 300 games when he played at Southport last Saturday. An award will be made to him at Saturday's game against Burton Albion. Only Mark Maddox with 322(+22) appearances is ahead of him. But Alty's ball-playing centre-back and captain will no doubt point out to his goalkeeping colleague that he has also scored 11 goals to Stuart's one! The next appearances landmark is likely to be Colin Little's 100th start for Alty; so far he has made 93 and scored 50 times. Rod Thornley remains the club's leading current scorer with 75 career goals in 163+22 appearances for Alty.
The Conference reports that "Southport have managed to bring former captain Chris Price back to Haig Avenue on a loan deal until the end of the season. The 30-year-old midfielder has previously played for Everton, Marine and Morecambe but has fallen out with management at Stalybridge. Southport boss Liam Watson told the official website. "Chris has great presence on and off the pitch. He has the ability to change a match from the bench and is capable of notching us a couple of goals in the final ten matches. Chris wanted to come back as soon as I contacted him... We will decide on the role he plays match to match."
"Exeter City have confirmed that League Two side Chester City are interested in striker Jake Edwards". Grecians's manager Alex Inglethorpe admitted: "There have been enquiries but I'm sure Chester are looking at a number of targets. Jake is available to the right club and we'd be happy if he had the opportunity to go to a league club". Meanwhile, "Exeter City have announced that manager Alex Inglethorpe has signed a new contract with the Club. Inglethorpe has penned a one year rolling contract... 'In the short period of time that he has been here Alex has built a young team that has achieved more than any other we have had for well over ten years', Sporting Director Julian Tagg told the club's website.
"Tamworth manager Mark Cooper is planning a playing return to help his side avoid relegation. Cooper, 37, has been out of action since January but is closing in on a return to full fitness. 'I am training every day and hopefully I can bring a bit of experience to the midfield', he said. Cooper hopes that on-loan striker Tommy Johnson may be a week away from fitness but expects to be without Matthew Williams for a further fortnight". However, "Cooper has defended his recent transfer policy and believes he can still lead the Lambs to safety. Cooper's move to sign former England star Paul Merson, 38, did not pay off when he retired after one league game. Former Manchester City winger Nicky Summerbee, 34, was also released after a handful of appearances. 'I've been criticised for bringing in Paul and Nicky, but before that I was criticised for a lack of quality in our play', Cooper told The BBC. Cooper added: "It was a case of damned if I do and damned if I don't. Nicky Summerbee has gone on to Notts County so he can't be that bad. And Paul Merson had so much quality to win games but injured an Achilles in training and had to pack in, which was a blow". Last Saturday, "Cooper's squad was down to the bare bones for a game which stretched their winless run to seven matches. Despite that, Tamworth are far from marooned in the bottom-two and with games to come against relegation rivals Southport and Scarborough, their fate remains in their own hands. ''We have got the right games to play if we get the right results', Cooper added. 'It's going to be tight but I think if we can get our best players available for two weeks in a row we will be okay... We want to stay in the league. That was the remit at the start of the season and if we do that with a small squad it will be a successful season'".
"Aldershot midfielder David Lee is on course to return from his long-term injury before the end of the season. Lee, 25, has not played since badly breaking a leg in the second game of the campaign last August".
Before last night's game, IC Sefton quoted Liam Watson, "We have got nothing to lose. We have got to work hard and try and take our chances when they come along, but in a way, the pressure is off us".
Alty's next away game is at Exeter on April 1st. This is Exeter confirms that the Grecians' skipper Glenn Cronin "suffered a broken foot and could be out for the rest of the season following a innocuous challenge during City's 2-1 first leg FAT victory over Grays Athletic"- in which, incidentally, away goals do not count double in the event of tied scores. Team-mate Chris Todd added, "He had a fracture before the game and all credit to him for playing. That's the type of lad he is - full of heart and he wants to play for the club". Manager Alex Inglehorpe said of Cronin's injury, "It seemed innocuous but he signalled straight away that he had heard a crack. It is a big blow to lose your captain".
SAM reports from Southport where "Graham Heathcote gambled and won at the Lancashire resort, yet it was not a cuddly toy the proud Alty manager took home with him, it was another vital point in the fight for Conference survival. His bold decision to play three up front towards the end of the second half ensured his side enjoyed the lion's share of the chances. And just as it seemed the Robins' would fail to capitalise on any of them, up popped Gary Talbot (right) of all people - the man with the head of steel nodding home a Steve Aspinall free kick in the fourth minute of injury time to send the travelling support into raptures". Southport GC.net also has a match report and good pictures from Saturday's game.
Bullsnews remarks that "If you're an ex-Premiership star, the best advice is to steer clear of Tamworth. Following on from the exits of Paul Merson and Nicky Summerbee, Tommy Johnson has now been ruled out for most of the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury". And after Hereford had beaten Burton "Nigel Clough, the Burton manager, praised his goalkeeper Saul Deeney whose error allowed Andy Williams to score...He said it was only the second time the 'keeper has cost his side a goal in 29 games".
NL Daily reports that "Mark Cartwright, manager of UniBond League Premier Division strugglers Leek Town, is looking to extend the loan signing of Morecambe’s Jamie Davies for a third and final month this week... Cartwright was in discussions with Shrimps’ boss Sammy McIlroy over the weekend in a deal that could see the young defender playing in all but the last game of the season".
AtCrawley Town "boss John Hollins said his players had again proved their professionalism with their battling 1-0 home win over Forest Green. 'That's the first time we have won two league games in a row this season and we also have two clean sheets in a row. The players have problems of their own but they have put it behind them again and got us the points. I can sense a change in the atmosphere now we have won a couple of games. We are starting to do things properly and this is a tough league... I don't think there will be any more incoming players. I am happy with the squad we have now and they are doing their job. They are a good team but they have taken a long time to prove it. We have eliminated a little bit of the cavalier attitude and if we lose games now it will probably be by 1-0. That will help us with regard to gaol difference, too, which could still prove very important'” .
The Walker Stadium at Leicester is to host the Nationwide Conference Play-Off Final on Saturday, May 20.
Shaymen on Line ask the question, "Did you know that the Halifax Town Supporters' Trust has only 184 members? Almost 70 - seventy - fewer than just a month after it was launched back in April 2002... Twelve of the current 184 are Pub Pals. Eleven are children. Thirteen are members of the Society Board. That means only 148 Halifax Town supporters have been persuaded to sign up and keep their membership alive... It seems the supporters, through the Trust alone, have raised over £50,000 to help secure the club's future. But is the future of the club more secure now than when the Trust was launched over four years ago? Have we, the supporters, had value for money? In a word, no. The latest club accounts reveal that the club is once again sliding head-long into debt, and this is despite having an elected Halifax Town supporter on the board of the club, paid for by the Trust, paid for by everyone who has ever been a member".
Match report here - picture below, in yesterday's news...
A little belatedly, the Through the Years data for last Saturday is here, courtesy of Howard Watts. Howard's statistics for next Saturday will appear later this week.
Midfielder Nehru McKenzie (right), with Alty at the start of this season, has joined Abbey Hey.
Sunday's NL Paper has an article in which the England National Game XI manager Paul Fairclough "tips Accrington midfielder Ian Craney to be the next one to folow Birminghan's D.J. Campbell". Fairclough explained, "I have watched him develop into a class act. He could easily jump up a couple of leagues at least".
As for the Vics, they were founder members of:
The NL Paper reports that the pay for Conference referees is £70 per game.
Aldershot boss Terry Brown has spoken to the club website about "Lewis Hamilton who has now had an extended run in the side... [playing most recently] in the right back role". Brown said "Lewis has height, pace and is a good athlete. He also has a reasonable touch on the ball for a defender and he possesses blistering pace too. He can also be misleading because he is also capable of an exceptional leap. I know that Lewis could become a first class defender at a much higher level. He needs to stop beating himself up about things and needs to work a touch harder but the opportunity is there for him".
Cambridge United boss Rob Newman spoke after his side's draw with Halifax Town. "The result keeps the unbeaten momentum going and we can look forward to Crawley next... I made a couple of changes to the team that played last week and it's answering questions all the time, so if we can come off the pitch with a few positives then it stands us in good stead. Heeroo has come in and completed 90 minutes, I wasn't planning on using Buncey for the next couple of games but he's come on and given us 70 minutes today so that's answering questions. Obviously the results are important to us but we need to be answering questions about the players between now and the end of the season... Hopefully the supporters can understand what I'm trying to do between now and the end of the season", he told the club website.
Crawley's former chairman Jo Gomm describes Chris Majeed, the current chairman as "not fit to run the club" according to the NL Paper. She added, Majeed is "not listed as a director... However, he is acting as a director... This kind of thing has got to be rooted out of football".
Above: Blake Norton leads his team-mates off the pitch at half time. The other visible players for Alty are Warren Peyton, Gary Talbot and Chris Adams, followed by Peter Band. The Southport players shown are, left to right, Gary Brabin, Matty McGinn and Neil Robinson. Watching, back to camera, is Alty boss Graham Heathcote.
Match report here.
FA Trophy SF 1st leg
Below is a set of pictures sent to Altrincham FC by Andy Hilton, Football Development Officer from Trafford Sports Development showing him taking a coaching session with the girls' football team from Blessed Thomas Holford (BTH) School in Altrincham. Andy's coaching of the girls is on behalf of Altrincham FC and is part of the "Nationwide Supporters of Tomorrow" initiative, with which the Football Club is delighted to be associated. The scheme is concentrating on the rapidly growing area of women’s football in the United Kingdom. Indeed, football is already the top participation-sport amongst girls at schools and clubs around the country. The girls from BTH will be Altrincham Football Club's guests at the next home match (v. Burton Albion (on 25th March) and at half-time in that game, they will give a demonstration of their football skills on the pitch. Also at that game, Altrincham FC will present a set of football kit to the girls.
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In its match preview, SAM says, "Even if Southport were to win on Saturday, the Robins would still be seven points clear of their Lancashire rivals, so this game is not quite the desperate battle for survival it has frequently been portrayed as... Alty's destiny is still very much in their hands and a mere six points from their final ten games should see them safe... Southport are suffering something of a mini injury crisis themselves, with both Carl Baker (ankle) and Liam Blakeman (hamstring) injured and captain Steve Pickford suspended. Experienced defender Gary Brabin is also a doubt but on-loan Crewe centre half Mark Roberts returns after serving a one-match suspension".
The Cambridge News says that United manager Rob Newman "aims to persuade Colchester to let Jamie Guy come back to Cambridge United on loan in time for Saturday's home encounter with promotion hopefuls Halifax... The United manager said: "I spoke to the powers that be at Colchester on Thursday and... I spoke to Jamie and he's itching to play for us after only getting 16 minutes in the last two weeks for Colchester, but it's their decision". For Saturday "Paul Atkins will definitely be in the squad following his return from a loan spell at Norwich United as Newman wants to see if he worthy of another contract".
Dagenham report that "Midfielder, Lee Goodwin could be out for the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his leg".
And from Forest Green Rovers is confirmation that "22 year old left sided midfield player, Craig Dove joins Rovers until the end of the season... Craig joins us on loan from Chester City and has previous experience at Rushden & Diamonds and initially at Middlesbrough where he played twice for the 1st team... The club have also formally cancelled the registrations of Barry McConnell, Byron Anthony and Scott Rendell".
"Former Exeter City utility player Barry McConnell has signed on non-contract terms for Tiverton Town - and he will play for free against King's Lynn on Saturday" states This is Exeter.
Kent on Line states that "Grevesend chairman Brian Kilcullen has warned that the club cannot sustain full-time football on gates of 618... the lowest attendance of the season for the 2-1 defeat by second-placed Hereford United... Before the start of the season, the club’s board of directors budgeted for home crowds of 1,250. The three [?two] home games before Hereford attracted crowds of 930 (Scarborough) and 698 (Crawley)... Mr Kilcullen said: "The bottom line is that we cannot sustain full-time football on gates of just over 600. We have no divine right to expect people to come and watch us so we are going out into the local community and working hard on a number of projects to try and get more people through the turnstiles. We’re working overtime on developing our fan base and that work will continue. But when I left the ground after the Hereford game I felt very low and frankly wondered what more we had to do".
The Lambs website confirms that manager Mark Cooper "has brought in Coventry City striker Craig Reid on loan. Craig is a member of their first team squad and won the Sky Blues Trust 'Young Player of the Year Award' in 2005 and is nominated again this season".
From York City we learn that "Steven Baynes and Ashley Winn have joined Stalybridge Celtic on a months loan. Neither player has been able to break in to Billy McEwan's first team squad this season".
The Conference says that "Young striker Francino Francis who has been at Kidderminster Harriers on work experience has returned to Watford... [after] making six appearances".
Next visitors to Moss Lane are Burton Albion. The Burton Mail claims that "Nigel Clough is prepared to change a winning team as Burton Albion try to keep their Conference play-off hopes alive... Winger Keith Gilroy seems certain to return to the starting line-up after dropping to the substitutes' bench for the last two away games. And Clough could ask Andy Corbett to demonstrate his versatility on the right side of midfield". Clough said, "Andy Corbett also comes into the equation because we would like to see him have a run at outside right even though Chris (Hall) had a very good game at Stevenage."
Scarborough Today says that "Former Boro player Jason Blunt is set to return to the McCain Stadium tomorrow. Midfielder Blunt, 28, who made over 50 appearances for the Seasiders, could be among a number of trialists to play for the reserves... Blunt will play alongside fellow midfielders Lewis Dodds and Seb Anzevui, who were both recently released by Sunderland". Of Blunt, Redfearn added: "He has been with Alfreton but he knows this level of football very well and he will be up for the scrap".
"Forest Green Rovers are expected to strengthen their squad with the loan signing of Chester City midfielder Craig Dove. Dove, 22, was recently made available by the League Two strugglers. And the former Middlesbrough youngster looks set to move to the Lawn for the remainder of the season". Meanwhile, "Aldershot manager Terry Brown is looking to get next season's squad in place as quickly as possible... 'You have to learn by your mistakes and I'll be looking to get players in at an earlier stage', Brown told BBC Sport. 'Last year I was quite confident we would pick up some quality players in July and August but most of my targets joined Football League clubs. The recruiting process is starting now. I have a wish list as long as my arm. Last year I must have had about 200 on my list and eventually signed four... The main areas we are looking to improve are all down the middle. We are looking to rebuild so we might go a little younger and we have targeted a few experienced players to help the youngsters come through. It will be quite a substantial rebuild... This year we have always been too far off the pack".
Brown's recruitment is bearing fruit this week: "Crawley Town defender Ian Simpemba is set to become the latest player to leave by joining Aldershot Town. Shots boss Terry Brown has held talks with the 22-year-old and hopes to complete a loan deal ahead of Saturday's trip to Kidderminster... with a view to a permanent deal... Meanwhile, Brown hopes to sign Watford striker Kyle Matthews, 18, on work experience for the rest of the season".
"Cambridge United have allowed winger Dave Daniels to join AFC Sudbury on a month's loan. The 20-year-old has just returned from a similar spell at Southern Premier Division side Hitchin Town. Meanwhile, striker Paul Atkins, 19, and defender Nick Robbins, 20 have returned to the Abbey Stadium after spells on loan at Norwich United. The duo are now expected to challenge for a first-team place at Cambridge".
" Kidderminster Harriers have signed striker Luke Reynolds and midfielder Michael McGrath. McGrath, 20, joins on non-contract terms for the remainder of the season from Redditch. Reynolds, 26, has also signed on a non-contract basis following his departure from AFC Telford United last month".
Following the departure of Paul Merson, "Tamworth have parted company with veteran winger Nicky Summerbee. Summerbee, 34, made four Conference appearances for the Lambs" confirms the BBC.
The BBC also confirms that loan deals for Conference National are allowed up till 5pm on 23rd March.
The NL Daily reports that "Speculation about Runcorn FC Halton’s financial situation has been rife in recent weeks, but despite the difficulties, the club still believes it has a future – a future that belongs in Runcorn. After spending ten years, almost to the day, as chairman of the club, Dr Dave Robertson looks to the future of the club... with Pavilions being the preferred location. Bringing the facilities up to the standards required for one of the top 32 non-league clubs in the country will have to become one of the highest priorities within its new three-year plan... As part of the three-year plan, the chairman is treating the monies he has personally put into the club as an interest-free loan, to be reviewed after three years. Dr Robertson concedes that there could be a perception that any potential investor in the club might feel that their contributions are simply going to pay back those Directors that have put money into the club, and that this can act as a deterrent to new people coming into the club... If any companies or individuals are in a position to help by sponsoring the team coach, or by providing team or player sponsorship, then the club would be more than happy to hear from them".
SAM quotes Graham Heathcote before Saturday's game at Southport. "Our game against Southport will be no more important than the next game or the game after that, we just have to go there to play the best we can with the team we have available... Survival is still very much in our own hands". The paper adds that "Alty's woes were compounded during the 1-0 loss against Canvey Island by the loss of Gary Scott (right), Chris Adams and captain Mark Maddox to injury. Graham added, "What I do know is that this will be no more tense than the play offs last year and the battle to get into the Conference North the year before that. Gary Scott will be out for three to four weeks and we will just have to wait and see on both Mark Maddox and Chris Adams. These things are always sent to hamper you but if you start panicking you won't sleep at night - and I have never lost any sleep over football".
SAM also reveals that "Alty have, however, received a major boost in the form of the recent share donation scheme, which raised £17,000 for the club. The scheme saw 98 supporters pick up shares donated by the Altrincham FC board and supporter's trust, STAR, in return for a donation to the club's funds. "On behalf of Altrincham Football Club I would like to thank everyone who participated in the recent share donation scheme and welcome them as shareholders in the club," said Robins' director Grahame Rowley. "This monetary input has allowed the club to overcome its temporary cash flow problem and should now allow it to see out the rest of the season without further monetary problems", he added.
Alty travel to Haig Avenue this Saturday. After Southport's 1-2 defeat to a weakened Hereford side on Tuesday, manager Liam Watson told The Visiter, "We did enough to get something out of this. We had chances and did not take them. Again, we did well to comeback from an early setback. It's no use people telling me we played well, I'd have preferred a scrappy match and a points return than accolades for a performance that brought us nothing". Meanwhile the FA confirms that the combative Steve (Sid) Pickford will be suspended against Altrincham after picking up a 2-game ban for 10 bookings this season. Carl Baker may also miss the game with injury, whilst Liam Blakeman and Gary Brabin are also possible doubts with knocks.
IC Sefton reports that "Looking at the current bottom four things appear favourable for Liam Watson's great escape plan, especially after last Saturday's 2-1 win at Forest Green Rovers. Cash-strapped Crawley are lurching off the pitch while Scarborough and Tamworth are both slumping". Their win at FGR last Saturday "set up the Sand-rounders' three successive home matches - last night's fixture with second-placed Hereford, this Saturday's massive match against Altrincham and then next Tuesday's match against Accrington Stanley"
Right: An excellent Sale & Altrincham Messenger's photo shows Alty debutant Blake Norton holding off a challenge from Canvey's Mario Noto..
Another manager with a target is Woking's Glenn Cockerill who hopes to reach the play-offs. "We need to win eight out of our remaining 11 league games. It's a tall order but it's not impossible. We've got 14 cup ties - including the Trophy Final if we get there and I want to win them all", he told the BBC.
Above: The Sale & Altrincham Messenger's picture shows Kieran Lugsden being foiled by Canvey Island keeper Potter last Saturday. .
"Aldershot will be without on-loan Wycombe striker Jonny Dixon for a month after he was injured in Saturday's win over Dagenham & Redbridge. 'Jonny went to Wycombe for tests and he has ruptured his hamstring', said Shots' boss Terry Brown. 'It is likely to be a month on the sidelines', he told his club's website.
As the clubs hovering over the drop zone into the Conference fight it out, "Manager Brian Talbot has been sacked by Oxford United after less than a year in charge of the League Two club... A poor run of results has seen them slip to 22nd in the league. They have not won a game since they beat Chester on 2 January".
NL Daily says that "Morell Maison, manager of Kettering Town, has been trimming the squad... Hugh McAuley has been released three months after his free transfer from Tamworth".
Bullsnews reports that "Crawley Police have warned fans that a repeat of the pitch invasion and other incidents that occured prior to last week's match may force Police to increase their presence at the Broadfield Stadium. Each individual officer costs the club a minimum of £200 plus VAT depending on rank, with the Police saying seven will be deployed at the stadium if fans repeat their protest of last week against the current owners. This bill, for six PCs, one Sergeant and control room staff, will come close to £2,000 per game. The Police have also warned that, with Crawley struggling to stay afloat, failure to pay the Police bill will see games being cancelled on safety grounds - a move "that will incur sanctions from the FA".
The Argus tells us that "Crawley manager John Hollins praised the professionalism of his players after seeing them win their most important game of the season... Victory followed another week of off--field turmoil. First, chairman Chas Majeed criticised the players and attempted to justify his decision to cut their wages in half at an open meeting with supporters. Then the players were hauled in for more one-on-one meetings about their futures and there has been plenty of speculation linking them with other clubs. Hollins was forced to sign three youngsters from Millwall on the eve of the game in case an exodus left him without enough players. The Argus revealed on Friday that Majeed had been declared bankrupt in the past and, to cap it all, top scorer Daryl Clare officially left Reds the day before the game after handing in a 14-day notice". Despite this Crawley "battered an appalling Scarborough side and gave everyone hope that avoiding relegation". Hollins said of his players "They have made their noises but they have been professional and played". However, "more players are expected to go. Club captain Ian Simpemba, who was not in the squad, is the latest. Hollins said: 'I don't know what will happen with him yet. There have been a couple of enquires and that is his business. He can do whatever he likes, as they all can unfortunately. I would not like to lose any of them'".
This is Exeter says that "Exeter City boss Alex Inglethorpe is backing his side to gatecrash the Conference play-offs despite a further setback to their promotion challenge at Halifax". He said, "We have a big couple of weeks coming up and we believe our destiny is still in our hands... You can't rule anything out at this stage of the season and we are still confident".
This is York reports that "York Minstermen have temporarily frozen cash donations to the football club and Supporters' Trust. The 100-strong York City fans' group, set up as a fundraising body last year, have decided to take the measure until a resolution to the club's on-going ownership discussions is found. City's Supporters' Trust are currently considering whether or not to offer JM Packaging, owned by Minstermen managing director Jason McGill, shares in the club in return for switching the Malton-based company's £300,000 loan to the club, due to be repaid in January, into an investment. It is unclear as yet whether such a move would lead to the Trust, who currently own 85 per cent of the shares, surrendering